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HISTORY 



OF 



St. Clair County, 



MiGHlGAKI, 



CONTAINING 



AN ACCOUNT OF ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH, DRVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES; AN EXTENSIVK 

SKETGH OF ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES— THEIR IMPROVEMENTS, INDUSTRIES. 

MANUFACTORIES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES; ITS WAR RECORD. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT MEN AND 

EARLY SETTLERS; THE WHOLE PRECEDED liY A 

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN, AND STATISTICS 

OF THE STATE. 



\ 



\\iKam?\mm. 



CHICAGO: 
A. T. ANDREAS & CO 

1883 



-^^^ooS^ 







V 



1 . 



(o'/' 



PREFACE. 



IN these pages an effort has been made to treat the histoi-y of the county in a full and im- 
partial manner. With the exception of the tir.st chapters — a concise history of Michigan — 
the work is distinctively local. The story of the French and American pioneers is very fully 
treated: bo also is that of the old and new settlers of the county. 

The biographical history has been compiled from the most certain sources. 

A large sum of money, much labor and time have been expended on this section of the 
work. Even after the notes were made by the township historians, they were rewritten, sub- 
mitted in many instances, again placed on the tyi)e-writer, and mailed for revision and appro- 
val to the parties interested. 

The plan adopted in the an-angemicnt of subjects and the minuteness of description pu> 
sued render the work a most valuable record book. All things relating to the State are dealt 
with in the chapters of Michigan history, which form, as it were, an introduction to the gen- 
eral history of the county. The latter is carried down from the earliest times, treating fully 
and impartially every item of interest connected with the county. In searching old documents 
and French pamphlets, tin; writer arrived at new facts Vi'hich, on account of their connection 
with the St. Clair region, are introduced into the history of the county, rcather than into that 
of the State. 

The reminiscences of early settlement were copipiled from vrritings in possession of the 
Pioneer Society, or from facts related by old settlers. The papers liy Mi-s. B. C. Farrand, 
Rev. O. C. Thompson, Moses F. Oarleton, Samuel CarlefcDn, William Grace.Judge \V. T. Mitchell, 
Dr. Taylor.U. S. A., and Aora P. Stewai-t were of material assistance; while the offices of the 
County Clerk and the Register of Deeds yielded up a mine of facts of gi-eat value. The introduc- 
tion of anecdotes is to the personal history of the county just as important as' that of legends 
is to the general history, and on that account they find a place in this work. , 

To the members of the Historical Committee of the Pioneer Society, and also to the edit'! 
of the Times. Commercial and St. Clair Rejnihlican, all of whom placed the tiles of their jou 
nals at owe disposal, we desire to extend our sincere thanks for the material aid rendered us in t 
Compilation of this work. The manuscript copy of the general history was submitted to tli 
Committee early in September, 1882, and on the 2Pth of that month the work of correcting i 
rors in dates, names and events was completed. 

Throughout the pages of the general history, a desire to deal fully and fairly with thesui 
ject cannot fail to be evident. Regarding township and city history, much has been done !• 
ward rendering it a plain story of men and events. While the general history of the con: 
ty contains almost every important item of township history, there are many facts and nami 
so identified with the townships, as to necessitate a sketch of each division of the county. J 
the compilation of such sketches, official records were solely relied upon, for the reason that 
the accompanying biographies, the most interesting facts are brought to light, founded on the an 
thoritv of the persons concerned. 

WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY. 

Chicago, June, 1883. 



CONTENTS. 



11I;<T(HCV tiV MUIIIiiAN. 



Tlie Aborijiiiies 

The First Iiiiiui^ration 

The Second IiniiiJgraltoii 

The Tartars 

I'reuch E!xploration nnd Settlement.... 
The Recent [>iscoverie3 of St. Iguace.. 

l.i»Saile's Travels 

Uetn.il. 



The French and Indian War 38 

National I'olicie:) 42 

Hritish I'olicy 44 

American Policy 44 

Ordinance of 17*87 45 

I'onliac's Sieye of Detroit 48 

Kxpeditions of Hanuar, Seott and Wilkiuson 50 

ICxpedilions of St. Clair and Wayne 5.1 

>.eu. Wayne's llreat Victory .">4 

Itevolutionary War .' -yG 

Hull's Surrender 58 

I'erry's Vietory 59 

("lose of the War 61 

I'be Tecuinseh War fi2 

The Itlack Hawk War 66 

The Toledo War 66 

The Patriot War 74 

The Mexican War 78 

The Warof 1^61-6."; , 78 

Prdilical History 79 

.\dministralion of tien.Ca.'*? 82 

<;en. (Icorge H. Porter's Administration $9 

Ailniinistration of Gov. Horner 91 

State otlicen* 97 

I'olitical Statistics 1 01 

Fur Traders and Slave Owners 10:t 

Slavery in Mi<'lujian K)3 

Sale ol Negro Man Pompey UX> 

Puhlic School System '. I<H> 

State I'niversitv 107 

State Normal School 103 

Aktii tiliurat College lOS 

niher Col leges I(>9 

< haritahle Insli tut Ions Ul 

The Slate PuMic School Ill 

lu>tilntinn lor I tea f, iMiinband Blind 112 

A sy 111 IDS lor the Insane 113 

Penal Institutions ll;{ 

The Slate Prison of 1880 114 

State Iteform School Hn 

The Land otfiee— 8tate Llltrary *, 116 

State Fisheries * 118 

Pioneer Society of Mieliigan 118 

First State Historieal .S>clety 126 

Slate Agricultural Society...* „ 126 

State Pomnlugieal Soiiety 126 

Stale Firemen's Ass<K:iation - 126 

state Hoanl .if Puhlic Health 127 

Iron and Steel Imlustnes 127 

The Copper PriKluct. 128 

The Prodiiels of a Year 128 

The Vessel Interest 131 

tirowih of Forty Years 131 

lA'ading the Van 131 

HISTORY or ST. (LAIR COL'NTY. 

KaRI-V Hl!*Tt»RV 133 

Origin of ihe Name St. Clalr 139 

Top<K*RAriiv AM> rii:oux)Y- 142 

Lost Names of Wetiiem Stales „ 144 

Superficial Mat«-rial<4 146 

Subterranean Channels 150 

Waler Koervnirs \^ 



I'AUK. 

Marshes 152 

Magnetic Wells l.i;; 

Mineral Waters 153 

The Salt Spring of 1797 153 

vSoil i.-|i 

Archieolo^ieal 155 

Mounds ot St, Clair County 15H 

Climatology and Metcorologf 161 

IMsease 162 

The Hig Snows I6:t 

The HIack Days 163 

Inundation of 1S27 164 

Tornado of IS'-i-'t 164 

The .Meteor PVl 

The ( omet 164 

Eclipse of the .Moon, 1881 HV4 

The Siorin of July 6, 187!) 165 

Rotany and Zoidogy 167 

The Indians. 

The Oichipwe Inviusiun 177 

The Miamis and Potlawatomies ...179 

The llurons 179 

The( hippewas I8I 

Death of the Indian Megish 181 

r>rowning of Indian Refugees 18| 

Cuui-e-kum-e-uon 1h2 

Chief Wing 18:1 

John Kilev \M 

O-Ce-Ma-ke-iia-to tS4 

Itlaek Duck Murders a Rritlsb Indian 187 

Okenion 188 

Indians in 1812 18'.) 

Farly Traders and Interpreters. 189 

Joscidi Peveur 192 

Dislinguished Karly Visitors 193 

Manners and Customs 194 

The (iauie of La Crosse 195 

An Indian Village 196 

The Small-Pox 197 

t;en. St. Clair's Letter 200 

Treaties with the Otchipwes « 2O0 

Treaty at Detroit 201 

Treaty at Wa.<ihington 201 

Cession of Lands 201 

Otchipwe Kaganion 202 

Indian Oralorv 203 

Reign of the r'holcra 203 

PlONKKK >L\NNI:KS AND CUSTOMS 204 

Pioneer Mothers 207 

The(Hd Whipping-Post 207 

Seasons of Siekness 208 

Kventng Visile 209 

Nuptial Feasts 209 

The Pioneer Funeral 210 

The old PoMt Office 210 

Retrospect 211 

FRENCU PlONKERS. 

La .'^alle ;iud Hennepin 212 

Priviite Claims 215 

Michigan in 1805 216 

Pioneer Land Buyers of St. ClaJr. - 219 

■Sjuntlers' Claims 220 

Land Boiitd, Detroit District— 1807 '220 

Privaie Claims in St. Clair 221 

Claims .\long St. t lair Itiver to Milk River - 225 

Northern i lainis , 233 

!>a Riviere du Vases and Maconce Reeervos 235 

Tin-; PioM:i;it S4k ir.TV 237 

Assossinent Roll in IM21 2.'W 

.St. (lair Pioneer .Society 2^*9 

Summer Meeting of 1882 244 

Retro^pcci 245 

Moravians, Mormuns and tlKRMAXs 2-W 







[IfSf 






3fI<'FI. 

I8»3 



'a.na. 



■/ 



^ 9 ^ 



History of Michigan. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE ABORIGINES. 



Scientists have ascribed to the Mound^'Builders varied origins, and though 
their divergence of opinion may, for a time, seem incompatible with a thorough 
investigation of the subject, and tend to a confusion of ideas, no doubt whatever 
may exist as to the comparative accuracy of conclusions arrived at bj' a few of the 
investigatoi-s. Like the vexed questions of the Pillar Towers and Garden Beds, 
it has caused much speculation, and elicited opinions from so man}' antiquarians, 
ethnologists, and travelers, tliat little remains to be known of the prehistoric peo- 
ples of America. That this continent is co-existent with the world of the ancients 
can not be questioned. Every investigation, made under tiie auspices of modern 
civilization confirms the fact and leaves no channel open througli which the skeptic 
can escape the thorough refutation of iiis opinions. China, with its numerous living 
testimonials of antiquit}', with its ancient, thougli limited, literature and its Babelish 
superstitions, claims a continuous histor}' from antediluvian times ; but although its 
continuity may be denied with every just reason, there is nothing to prevent the 
transmission of a hieroglyphic record of its history prior to 1656 Anno Mundi, since 
many traces of its early settlement survived the Deluge, and became sacred objects 
of the first liistorical epoch. This very survival of a record, such as that of which 
the Chinese boast, is not at variance with the designs of a God who made and ruled 
the universe ; but that an antediluvian people iidiabited this continent, will not be 
claimed ; because it is not probiible, though it may be possible, that a settlement in 
a land which may be considered a portion of the Asiatic continent, was effected liy 
the immediate followers of the first progenitors of the human race. Therefore, on 
entering the studj' of the ancient people who raised these tumulus monuments over 
large tracts of the country, it will be just sufficient to wander back to that time 
when the flood-gates of heaven were swung open to hurl destruction on a wicked 
world ; and in doing so the inquirj- must be based on legendary, or rather upon many 
circumstantial evidences ; for, so far as written narrative extends, there is nothing 
to show that a movement of people too far east resulted in a western settlement. 



4^—^ 



18 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



THE FIRST IMMIGRATION. 

The first and most probable sources in which the origin of the Builders must 
be sought, are those countries lying along the eastern coast of Asia, which doubtless 
at that time stretched far beyond its present limits, and presented a continuous shore 
from Lapatka to Point Cambodia, holding a population comparatively civilized, and 
all professing some elementary form of Boodhism of later days. Those peoples, 
like the Chinese of tlie present, were bound to live at home, and probably observed 
that law until after the confusion of languages and the dispersion of the builders of 
Babel, in 1757, A. M.; but subsequently, within the following century, the old Mon- 
golians, like the new, crossed the great ocean in the very paths taken by the present 
representatives of the race, arrived on the same shores, which now extend a very 
questioniible hospitality to them, and entered at once upon the colonization of the 
country south and east, while the Caucasian race engaged in a similar movement 
of exploration and colonization over what may be justly termed the western ex- 
tension of Asia, and both peoples growing stalwart under the change, attained a 
moral and physical eminence to which they never could lay claim under the tropical 
sun which shed its beams upon the cradle of the human race. 

That mysterious people who, like the Brahmins of to-day, worshipped some 
transitory deity, and in after years, evidently embraced the idealization of Bood- 
hism, as preached in Mongolia early in the thirty-fifth century of the world, together 
with acquiring the learning of the Confucian and Pythagorean schools of the same 
period, spread all over the land, and in their numerous settlements erected tliese 
raths, or mounds, and sacrificial altai's whereon thej' received their peroidical visiting 
gods, surrendered their bodies to natural absorption or annihilation, and watched 
for the return of some transmigrated soul, the while adoring the universe, which 
with beings they believed would be eternally existent. They possessed religious 
orders corresponding, in external show at least, with the Essenes or Theraputce of 
the pre-Christian and Christian epochs, and to the reformed Theraputaj or monks 
of the present. Every memento of their coming and their stay which has descended 
to us is an evidence of their civilized condition. The free copper found within tlie 
tumuli; the open veins of the Superior and Iron Mountain copper mines, with all 
the modus operandi of ancient mining, such as ladders, levers, chisels and hammer- 
heads, discovered by the French explorers of the Northwest and Mississippi, are 
conclusive proofs that those prehistoric people were highly civilised, and that many 
flourisliing colonies were spread throughout the Mississippi Valley, while j'ct the 
mammoth, the mastodon, and a hundred other animals, now only known by their 
gigantic fossil remains, guarded the eastern shore of the continent, as it were, against 
supposed invasions of the Tower Builders who went west from Babel ; while yet the 
beautiful isles of the Antilles formed an integral portion of this continent, long years 



> "V 



1>^-V 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 19 



before tlie Euiopeiin Northmen dreamed of setting fortii to the discovery of Green- 
land ;ind tlio nortliern i.sles, and certainly at a time when all that jiortion of America 
north of 4o deg. was an ice-incumbered waste. 

Williin tiie last few years great advances have been made toward the dis- 
covery of anti<iuities whether pertaining to remains of organic or inorganic nature. 
Together willi many small but telling relics of tlie early inhabitants of the country, 
the fossils of prehistoric animals have been unearthed from end to end of the land, 
and in districts, too, long pronounced b}- geologists of some repute to be without 
even a vestige of vertebrate fossils. Among the collected souvenirs of an age 
about which so very little is known, are twenty-five vertebrje averaging thir- 
teen inclies in diameter, and thiee vertabife, ossified together measuring nine 
cubical feet; a thigh-bone five feet long by twenty-eight in diameter, and 
the shaft fourteen by eight inches thick, tlie entire lot weighing 600 pounds. 
These fossils are presumed to belong to the cretaceous period when the Dino- 
saur roamed over the country from east to west, desolating the villages of the 
people. This animal is said to be sixty feet long, and when feeding in cypress 
and palm forests, to extend himself eighty-five feet, so that he may devour the bud- 
ding tops of those great trees. Other efforts in this direction may lead to great 
results, and culminate probably in the discovery of a tablet engraven by some 
learned Mound Builder, describing, in the ancient hieroglyphics of China, all those 
men and beasts whose history excites so much speculation. The identity of the 
Mound Builders with the Mongolians might lead us to hope for such a consum- 
mation ; nor is it beyond the range of probability, particularly in this practical age, 
to find the future of some industrious antiquarian requited by the upheaval of a 
tablet written in the Tartar characters of 1700 years ago, bearing on a subject which 
can now be treated only on a purely circumstantial basis. 

THE SECOND IMMtGRATION 

may have begun a few centuries prior to the Christian era, and unlike the former 
expedition or expedtions, to have traversed northeastern Asia, to its Arctic confines, 
and then east to the narrow channel now known as Behring's Straits, which they 
crossed, and sailing up the unchanging Yukon, settled under the shadow of Mount 
St. Elias for many years, and pushing south commingled with their countrymen, 
soon acquiring the characteristics of the descendants of the first colonists. Chinese 
chronicles tell of such a people, who went north, and were never heard of more. 
Circumstances conspire to render that particular colony the carrier of a new religious 
faith and of an alphabetic system of lepresentative character to the old colonists, 
and they, doubtless, exercised a most beneficial influence in other respects ; because 
the influx of immigrants of such culture as were the Chinese, even of that remote 
period, must necessarily bear ver}- favorable results, not only in bringing in reports 



•v 



^- 



20 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



of their travels, but also accounts from the fatherland bearing on the latest 
events. 

With the idea of a second and important exodus there are many theorists united, 
one of whom saj's : " It is now the generally received opinion that the first inhabi- 
tants of America passed over from Asia through these straits." 

The Esquimaux of North America, the Samoieds of Asia, and the Laplanders 
of Europe, are supposed 'to be of the same family ; and this supposition is strength- 
ened by the affinity which exists in their languages. The researches of Humboldt 
have traced the Mexicans to the vicinity of Behring's Straits ; whence it is con- 
jectured, that they, as well as the Peruvians and other tribes, came originally from 
Asia, and were the Hurignoos, who are, in tlie Chinese annals, said to have 
emigrated under Puno, and to have been lost in the north of Siberia." 

Since this theory is accepted by most antiquarians, thei'e is every reason to be- 
lieve that from the discovery of what may be called an overland route to what was 
then considered an eastern extension of that eountr}^ which is now known as tlie 
" Celestial Empire," many caravans of emigrants passed to their new homes in the 
land of illimitable possibilities until the way became a well-mai-ked trail over which 
the Asiatic might travel forward, and having once entered the Elj'sian fields never 
entertained an idea of returning. Thus from generation to generation t]:e tide of 
immigration poured in until the slopes of the Pacific and the banks of the great in- 
land rivers became hives of busy industry. Magnificent cities and monuments were 
raised at the bidding of the tribal leaders, and populous settlements centered with 
happy villages, sprung up everywhere in manifestation of the power and wealth 
and knowledge of tlie people. The colonizing Caucasian of the historic period 
walked over this great country on the very ruins of a civilization which a thousand 
years before eclipsed all that of which he could boast. He walked through the 
wildei'ness of the West over buried treasures hidden under the accumulated growth 
of nature, nor rested until he saw, with great surprise, the remains of ancient p3'ra- 
mids and teujplesand cities, larger and evidently more beautiful than ancient Egypt 
could bring forth after its long years of uninterrupted history. Tlie pyramids re- 
semble those of Egypt in exterior form, and in some instances are of larger dimen- 
sions. The pyramid of Cholula is square, having each side of its base 1,335 feet in 
length, and its height about 172 feec. Another pyramid, situated in the north of 
Vera Cruz, is formed of large blocks of highly polished porphyry, and bears upon its 
front hieroglyphic inscriptions and curious sculpture. Each side of its square base 
is eighty-two feet in length, and a flight of fifty-seven steps conducts to its summit, 
which is sixty-five feet in height. The ruins of Palenque are said to extend twenty 
miles along the ridge of a mountain, and the remains of an Aztec city near the 
banks of the river Gila, are spread over more than a square league. Their literature 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 21 



consisted of hieroglyphics ; but their arithmetical knowledge did not extend fiirtiicr 
than their calculations by the aid of grains of corn. Yet, notwithstanding all their 
varied accomplishments, and they were evidently many, their notions of religious 
duty led to a most demoniac zeal, at once barbarously savage and ferocious!}' cruel. 
Each visiting god, instead of bringing new life to the people, brought death to thou- 
sands ; and their grotesque idols, exposed to drown the senses of the beholders in 
fear, wrought wretchedness rather than spiritual happiness, until, as some learned 
and humane Monteziimian said, the people never approached these idols without 
fear, and this fear was the great animating principle, the s^'reat religious motive power 
which sustained the terrible religion. Their altars were sprinkled with blood drawn 
from their own bodies in large quantities, and on them thousands of hunu\n victims 
were sacrificed in honor of the demons whom they worshipped. The head and heart 
of every captive taken in war were offered up as a bloody sacrifice to the god of 
battles, while the victorious legions feasted on the remaining portions of the dead 
bodies. It has been ascertained that, during the ceremonies attendant on the con- 
secration of two of their temples, the number of prisoners offered up in sacrifice was 
12,210 ; while their own legions contributed voluntary victims to the terrible belief 
in large numbers. Nor did this horrible custom cease immediately after 1.521, when 
Cortez entered the imperial city of the Montezumas ; for, on being driven from it, 
all his troops who fell into the hands of the native soldiers were subjected to the 
most terrible and prolonged suffering that could be experienced in this world, and 
when aI)out to yield up that spirit which is indestructible, were offered in sacrifice, 
their hearts and heads consecrated, and the victors allowed to feast on the yet warm 
flesh. 

A reference is made here to the period when the Montezumas ruled over Mex- 
ico, simply to gain a better idea of tiie hideous idolatry which took the place of the 
old Boodhism of the Mound Builders, and doubtless helped in a great measure to 
give victory to the new-comers, even as the tenets of Mahommetanism urged the 
ignorant followers of the prophet to the conquest of great nations. It was not the 
faith of the people who built the mounds and the pyramids and the temples, and 
who, two hundred years before the Christian era, built the great wall of jealous 
China. No ; rather was it that terrible faith born of the Tartar victor}-, which 
carried the great defences of China at the point of the javelin and liatchet, who 
afterwards marched to the very walls oT Rome, under Ahiric, and spread over the 
islands of Polynesia to the Pacific slopes of South America. 

THR TARTARS 

came there, and, like the pure Mongols of Mexico and the Mississippi valley, rose 
to a state of civilization bordering on that attained by them. Here for centuries 
the sons of the fierce Tartar race continued to dwell in comparative peace, until the 



HISTORY OF- MICHIGAN. 



all-ruling empire took in the whole country from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and 
peopled the vast territory watered by the Amazon, with a race that was destined 
to conquer all the peoples of the Orient, and only to fall before the march of the 
arch-civilizing Caucasian. In course of time these fierce Tartars pushed their set- 
tlements nortliward, and ultimately entered the territories of the Mound Builders, 
putting to death all who fell within their reach, and causing the survivors of the 
death-dealiu" invasion to seek a refuge from the hordes of this semi-barbarous 
people in the wilds and fastnesses of the North and Northwest. The 
beautiful country of the INIound Builders was now in the hands of savage invaders, 
the quiet, industrious people, who raised the temples and jiyramids were gone ; 
and the wealth of intelligence and industry accumulating for ages, passed into the 
possession of a rapacious horde, who could admire it only so far as it offered objects 
for i^lunder. 

Even in tliis the invaders were satisfied, and then, having arrived at the height 
of their ambition, rested on their swords and entered upon the luxury and ease, in 
the enjoyment of which they were found when the vanguard of European civiliza- 
tion appeared upon the scene. Meantime the southern countries which these 
adventurers abandoned after having completed their conquests in the North, were 
soon peopled by hundreds of people, always moving from island to island and ulti- 
mately halting amid the ruins of villages deserted by those who, as legends tell, 
had passed eastward but never returned ; and it would scarcely be a matter for sur- 
prise if those emigrants were found to be the progenitors of that race found by the 
Spaniards in 1532, and identical with the Araucanians, Quenches aud Huiltiches 
of to-day. 



CHAPTER II. 

FRENCH EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT. 

The fame of Marquette continues to gain strength as days advance. Notwith- 
standing all his countrymen had written of him, the new Americans continue to 
inquire into his magnificent career, and to add to the store of information regarding 
him, already garnered. Rev. Geo. Duflfield, of Detroit, is one of his latest biogra- 
phers, and from his writings on the life of the missionary, we make the following 
extracts : 

Jacques Marquette came late to his fame. Open Davenport's Dictionary of 
Biograph}-, 1831, "comprising the most eminent characters of all ages, r ~.tions and 
professions," and j'ou will not find even so much as his name. Turn for that name 



l^ 



HISTORY OF JIICniGAN. 23 



to the Cyclopedia of Biography by Parke Godwin, witli a supplement b}' George 
S]iej)pard, A. D. 1872, and you will not find it there, and so with many similar 
works. Hence we see the need of such an historical society as the present, that 
one of the greatest and best of the original founders of Michigan may receive his 
due credit, and be honored with an appi'opriate memorial. 

Marquette was born of an honorable family at Laon, in the north of France, in 
the year 1637, but the month and day of his birth are not easily found, and I have 
nowhere seen his portrait. In 1654 he joined the Society of the Jesuits, and in 
1666 was sent to the missions in Canada. ■ After the river St. Lawrence and the 
great lakes had been mapped out, the all-absorbing object of interest with Governor 
Frontenac Talch, the intendant, and Marquette himself, was to discover and trace 
from the north the wonderful Mississippi, that DeSoto, tiie Spaniard, had first seen 
at the south in 1.^141. In 1668 (according to Bancroft,III, 152), he repaired to the Chip- 
pewas at the Sault to establish the mission of St. Mary, the oldest settlement begun 
by Europeans within the present limits of the commonwealth of Michigan. On 
the day of the immaculate conception of the Holy Virgin, in 1673, he received his 
orders from Frontenac, to accompany Joliet on his long-desired journey. Taking 
probably the short trail through the woods he found his companion at Point St. 
Ignace, where, after many remarkable vicissitudes, both in life and death, he was 
at length to find his grave, where his numerous friends and admirers, both French 
and Indian, were for so long a time to lose sight of it again, and where a second 
time he gains his place as one of the founders of Michigan. 

Apart from his peculiar mission, which was looked upon by " the Protestant 
colonies" of New England with an3'thing but favorable ej'es; apart from his pecu- 
liar dogma of the conception, which has only been officially sanctioned in our day 
and by the late Pope, there were many things in the life and times of Mar- 
quette that, to the lover of biography, make his character as attractive as that of 
Francis Xavier, " Ihe great apostle of the Indies," or of his still greater master, 
Ignatius Loyola. The man in these days who can not admire, and even to a certain 
extent venerate man as man, apart from his more immediate antecedents or local 
surroundings, has but a very limited and mistaken idea of the enlightened spirit of 
the age, or the true dignity of human nature. Honor to whom honor is due, is not 
onl}- a sound maxim, founded on that equity which is the highest form of justice, 
but is also in just so many words one of the very first princijjles of Christianity 
itself. When I can not give a man credit for tvhat he really is, because he belongs 
to another party than my own, or give him credit for what he has done, because he 
belongs to another denomination than my own, I deserve to be consigned for the 
remainder of my days to a hole in the woods. 

The pioneers of our country, no doubt, have had a very hard time of it, and 



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24 HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



none more so than my Scotch-Irish ancestors in central Pennsylvania. From the 
childhood of Daniel Webster down to the present hour, it would argue a very igno- 
rant mind and most unfeeling and ungrateful heart to read tlie toils and trials and 
privations endured by men and women in the early settlement of this or any other 
State ; but after all what are the hardships of the early settlers compared with those 
of Allouez, in 1665, afloat in a frail canoe on the broad expanse of Lake Superior, 
of Dablon, Marquette, LaSalle, and others of the original explorers? 

" Defying the severity of climate," as Bancroft has it, " wading through water 
or through snows, without the comfort of fire ; having no bread but pounded 
corn, and often no food but the unwholesome moss from the rocks; laboring inces- 
santly, exposed to live, as it were, without nourishment, to sleep without a resting 
place ; to travel far, and always incurring perils ; to carry their lives in their hands ; 
or rather daily and oftener than every day, to hold them up as targets, expecting 
captivity'', death from the tomahawk, tortures, fires" — (Bancroft, III., 152.) It 
seems to me that if there are any two classes of men who should be most cordially 
linked in closest bonds of sympathy with one another, it is the pioneers and 
explorers. 

Marquette was much more than a religious enthusiast. He was a scholar and 
a man of science. Having learned within a few years to speak with ease in six 
different languages, his talents as a linguist were quite remarkable. A subtle 
element of romance pervaded his character, which not only makes it exceedingly 
attractive to us in the retrospect, but was no doubt one of the great sources and 
elements of his power and success among his beloved Ottawas and Hurons, and 
others of the great Algonquin tribes, who were found in the immediate vicinity of 
the straits of Michilimackinac. With a fine eye for natural beauty, he was as much 
delighted with a rapid river, or extended lake, with an old forest or rolling prairie, 
or a lofty mountain as a Birch, or a Cole, or a Bierstadt. Every one who touches 
his character seems emulous of adorning it with a new epithet. Parkman speaks 
of him as "the humble Marquette, who with clasped liands and up-turned eyes, seems 
a figure evoked from some dim legend of mediaeval saintship." Bancroft calls 
him " the meek, gentle, single-hearted, unpretending, illustrious Marquette." — 
Vol. III., p. 157. Many call him " the venerated ;" all unite in calling him " the 
good Marquette," and by this last, most simple, but appropriate title he will be the 
best remembered by the generations j'et to come. " A man who was delighted at 
the happy necessity of exposing his life to bring the word of God" within reach 
of half a continent deserves that title if any one does. His Catholic eulogist, 
John Gilman Shea, (Catholic World, November, 1877, p. 267,) writes with pardon- 
able pride : " No missionary of that glorious band of Jesuits who in the seventeenth 
century announced the faith from the Hudson Bay to the lower Mississippi, who 






HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



hallowed by their labors and life-blood so many a wild spot now occupied by the 
busy hives of men, none of them impresses us more in his whole life and career 
with his pietj', sanctity and absolute devotion to God, than Father Marquette. In 
life he seems to have been looked up to with reverence by the wildest savage, by 
the rude frontiersman, and by the polished officers of government. When he had 
passed away, his name and his fame, so marked in tlie great West, was treasured 
above that of his fellow-laborers, Menard, AUouez, Nouvel or Druillettes." May I 
not add that, most of all other States, his name and his fame should be dear to 
Michigan ? 

Such, then, was the man who on the 17th of May, 1673, with the simple outfit 
of two birch canoes, a supi)ly of smoked meat and Indian corn, and a crew of five 
men, embarked on what was then known as Lac Des Illinois, now Lake Michigan. 
June 10th they came to tlie portage, in Wisconsin, (III., 158,) and after carrying 
their canoes some two miles over marsli and prairie, " he committed himself to the 
current that was to bear them he knew not whither — perhaps to the Gulf of Mex- 
ico, perhaps to the South Sea, or the Gulf of California." June 17, 1673, where 
now stands Prairie Du Chien, he had found what he sought, "and with a joy that 
I can not express we steered forth our canoes on the Mississippi, or great river." 
We know that the honor of this discovery is very stoutly contested in favor of 
LaSalle, but for the present we confidently hold with Parkman (Discovery of the 
Great West, p. 25): " LaSalle discovered the Ohio, and in all probability the Illinois 
also ; but that he discovered the Mississippi has not been proved, nor in the light 
of the evidence we have, is it likely." In 1846 W. J. A. Bradford, in his notes on 
the Northwest, says very dogmaticall}' : "Father Hennepin must undoubtedly be 
considered the discoverer of the Mississippi;" but if the proof of it is only to be 
established by Hennepin's own narrative, wliich Parkman describes as a rare mon- 
ument of brazen mendacity, tlie proof is still wanting. His famous voyage from 
the Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico must be considered not only as a falsehood, but 
a plagiarism. 

Fortunately for the fame of Marquette, the true record of his labors was not left 
to doubtful tradition and the hearsay testimony of Charlevoix. Among the papers 
some twenty-five years since in the archives of the College of Quebec are accounts 
of the last labors and death of Father IMarquette, and of the removal of his 
remains, prepared for publication by Father Dablon ; INIarquette's journal of his 
great expedition, the very map he drew, and a letter left unfinished at the time of 
his death. So at least says Mr. Shea, and that these documents are to be found in 
his work oh tlie discovery and exploration of the Mississippi Valley. 

Leaving, then, the doubtful narrative of Charlevoix and tlie romantic page of 
Bancroft founded upon it, we learn the real story of his death. October 25, 






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26 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



1674, he again left St. Ignace to fulfill a promise to the Kaskaskias in Illinois. 
December 4.th he reached Chicago, hoping to ascend the river, and by a portage 
reach the Illinois: but tlie ice had closed the stream and it was too late. A winter 
luavcli, facing tlie cutting wind of tlie prairie was beyond his strength. His two 
faithful companions erected a log hut home and chapel — the first divelling and the 
first church of the first white settlement of the city — known for its great misfortune 
the world over, the city of Chicago. 

With the opening of Spring the good father again set out, and his last letter 
notes his progiess till the 6th of April, 1675. ." Just after Easter he was again 
stricken by disease (d3'sentery), and lie saw that if he would die in the arms of 
his brethren " at St. Ignace, lie must depart at once. Escorted by the Kaskaskias, 
who were deeply impressed by his zeal, he reached Lake Michigan, gave oi-ders to 
his faithful men to launch his canoe, and commenced his adventurous V03'age along 
that still unknown and dangerous shore. His strength, however, failed so much 
that his men despaired of being able to convey him alive to their journey's end ; 
for in fact he became so weak and so exhausted that he could no longer help him- 
self, nor even stir, and had to be handled and carried like a child. He nevertheless 
in tliis state maintained an admirable resignation, joy and gentleness, consoling his 
beloved companions, and encouraging them to suffer courageously all the hardships 
of this voyage." " On the eve of his death, which was on Friday, he told them, 
all radiant with joy, that it would take place on the morrow, and spoke so calmly 
and collectedly of his death and burial that you would have thought it was another's 
and not his own. 

Tiius did he speak to them as they sailed along the lake, till perceiving the 
mouth of a river, with an eminence on the bank which he thought suited to his 
burial, he told tliem that it was the place of his last repose. They wished, how- 
ever, to pass on, as the weather permitted it and the day was not far advanced ; 
but God raised a contrary wind, which obliged them to return and enter the river 
which the father had designated. 

They then carried him ashore, kindled a little fire and raised a bark cabin 
for his use, laying him in it with as little discomfort as they could ; but they were so 
depressed by sadness that, as tliey afterward said, they did not know what they were 
doinjT." 

Many a time and oft, in my favorite summer home at Mackinac, have I had this 
whole scene pass before me as in a day-dream from Point Lookout, until last Sum- 
mer it took tiie form of accordant rhyme : 



Where the gently flowing river merges with the stormy lake, 
Where upon the beach so barren ce.iseless billows roll and break, 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



There tlie barque so frail and gallant, known tlirou5;liout llie wrslern world, 
Glides into the long-sought haven and its weary wings are furled. 
Here, says one, I end my voyage and my sun goes down at noon; 
Here I make the final traverse, and the part comes not too soon; 
Let God have " the greater glory," care have I for naught beside, 
But to bear the blest evangel, Jesus Christ, the crucified. 

II. 

Slow and faint into the forest, straight he takes his quiet way, 
Kneels upon the virgin mosses, prays as he is wont to pray; 
Nunc diinillis — then they hear him sweetly sing as ne'er before; 
Then the angels join in chorus, and Marquette is now no more. 
This the prayer he leaves behind him, as is said his latest mass — 
"One day bear me to my mission, at the Pointe of St. Ignace." 
Entered into rest from labor, where all toils and tempests cease, 
Eveiy sail outspread and swelling, so he finds the port of peace. 

III. 

Once again that spot so sacred hears the sound of human feet, 

And the gently flowing river sees a strange funereal fleet ; 

'Tis the plumed and painted warriors, of their dilTerent tribes the best, 

Who have met in solemn council to fulfill his last request. 

Down their cheeks the tears are flowing, for the sainted man of God ; 

Not the bones of dearest kindred dear as those beneath that sod, 

Reverently the grave they open, call the dear remains their own — 

Sink them in the running water, cleanse and whiten every bone. 

Place them gently in the mocock, wrought with woman's choicest skill, 

From the birch the very whitest, and the deepest colored quill; 

In the war canoe the largest, to his consecrated tomb. 

Like a chief who falls in battle, silently they bear him home. 

IV. 

Gathers still the sad precession, as the fleet comes slowly nigh. 
Where the cross above the chapel stands against the northern sky ; 
Every tribe and every hamlet, from the nooks along the shore. 
Swell the company of mourners, who shall see his face no more. 

V. 

Forth then thro' the deepening twilight sounds the service high and clear, 
And the dark-stoled priests with tapers guide and guard the rustic bier ; 
In the center of the chapel, close by little Huron's wave. 
Near the tall and stately cedars, Pere Marquette has found his grave. 






VI. 

Still 1 hear the Miserere sounding loud within my soul. 

Still I hear the De Profundis, with its solemn cadence roll — 

" For the blood of thy red brother, who shall answer in that day." 

When before the throne of judgment earth and heaven shall pass away. 






28 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



When these lines were written I had not seen the narrative of Father Dablou, 
bnt a farther extract from it will show that there was very little poetic license in 
them as to the leading facts. 

" God did not permit so precious a deposit to remain unhonored and forgotten 
amid the forests. The Indians called Kiskakons, who have for nearly ten years 
publicly professed Christianity, in which they were first instructed by Father Mar- 
quette, when stationed at La Pointe du St. Esprit, at the extremity of Lake Supe- 
rior, were hunting last year, not far from Lake Illinois (i. e. Michigan), and as 
they were returning early in the Spring they resolved to pass the tomb of tlieir good 
father, whom they tenderly loved, and God even gave them the thought of taking 
his bones and conveying them to our church at the mission of St. Ignatius. 

"They accordingly repaired to the spot and deliberated together, resolving to 
act with their father, as they usually do with those whom they respect. They 
opened the grave, unrolled the body, and though the flesh and iiitestines were all 
dried up, thej^ found it entire, witiiout the skin being injured. This did not pre- 
vent their dissecting it according to custom. They washed the bones and dried 
them in the sun ; then putting them neatly in a box of birch bark, they set out to 
bear tiiem to our house at St. Ignatius. 

" The convoy consisted of nearly thirty canoes in excellent order, including 
even a good number of the Iroquois " (a very ferocious tribe, who were a great 
terror to other tribes and especially hostile to the Jesuits), "who had joined our 
Algonquins to honor the ceremony.. As they approached our house Father Nouvel, 
who is superior, weat to meet them with Father Pierson, accompanied by all the 
French and Indians of the place ; and having caused the convoy to stop, he made 
the ordinary interrogations to verify the fact that the body which they bore was 
really Father Marquette. Then before they landed he intoned the De Profundis 
in sight of the thirty canoes still oa the water, and of all the people still on the 
shore. After this the body was carried to the church, observing all tliat the ritual 
prescribes for such ceremonies. It remained exposed under his catafalque all that 
day, which was Whitsun Monday, the 8th of June, and the next da}^ when all the 
funeral honors had been paid to it, it was deposited in a little vault in the middle of 
the church, where he reposes as tlie guardian angel of our Ottawa missions." 

So far the invaluable record of Dablou. We come now to 1706, when for well- 
known reasons, for which we can not pause, the Jesuits at St. Ignace broke up their 
mission, set fire to their house and chapel and returned to Quebec. What became 
of the bones of Marquette ? Did they carry them witli tiiem to Quebec? No ; they 
left in haste, and fled almost as for their lives. "Tiiere is nothing in Canadian 
registers, which are extensive, full and well preserved." "Ciiarlevoix, who 
was at Quebec on the return of the missionaries, is silent." There is little 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



29 



doubt, therefore, that the precious remains of the great explorer still lay in tlie 
chapel. 

But tlie very site of the chapel was soon lost. The new chapel, still standing, 
was confessedly not on the site of the old one. Could the old site ever be identi- 
fied? It seemed very doubtful indeed. True, there were a few local and legen- 
dary traditions to which reference was made some years since in his correspondence 
by the Hon. E. G. D. Holden, our present Secretarj'^ of State. 

An India)i now living in St. Ignace told mo early last Summer that " his father 
told him, and that his father told him,^' and pointed out to him the place on the 
shore of the bay where a black cross used to stand, which was understood to "point 
out the direction"' of the good fath.er's grave, and where the voyagers would invoke 
his blessing, I also have it in writing from a very intelligent Indian, that hist Sum- 
mer he called on an aged Indian woman in Petoskey, claiming to be in her 100th 
year. "I asked her if she had heard, when a girl, anything concerning the Kitchi- 
ma-ka-da-na-co-na-yay, or "great priest." She said, "Yes. He died at the mouth 
of the^ river, and his body was carried to Min-is-sing,"i. e. to St. Ignace. 

These are but specimens of many similar traditions ; but would there ever be 
anything more than tradition ? 

Earl}- in July I heard in Detroit for the first time, from Col. Stockbridge, who 
has a large lumber interest in St. Ignace ; that when lie left there was a report that 
the site of the old chapel had been discovered. If so, thought I, then we have 
found Pere Marquette's grave at last — for the one statement in which all seem to 
agree is that he was buried in the middle of the chapel. 

On my arrival in Mackinac I lost but little time before starting for St. Ignace. 
Though only foiu- miles off we tacked a dozen times and took four hours, and 
worked hard at that. 

On reaching Mr. Murray's house, where the supposed discovery had been 
made, I found precisely what had been described a few days before by a correspon- 
dent of the Evening Neivs. 

THE RECENT DISCOVERIES AT ST. IGNACE. 
SHALL WE, OR SHALL WE NOT, KECOVER THE BOXES OF MARQUETTE? 
Correspondence of the Evening Nevis. 

Mackinac, July 12, 1877. 
The readers of the Evening News will recollect the recently reported discovery 
at St. Ignace of the site of the mission chapel founded by Father Marquette in 
1670, and under the pavement of which his bones were subsequently deposited. 
The account created considerable sensation among antiquaries. Being in Mackinac, 
within four miles of St. Ignatius, I improved the opportunity to cross over and see 
for mvself whut the discoveries amounted to. The little steamer Truscott crosses 



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30 HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



each afternoon; fare iiftj cents. A few steps from the landing we turn into a 
potato patch, just beyond whicli the boy who pilots us suddenly announces, "Here's 
the place." At first glance notliing can be observed more than might be noticed 
on any vacant lot in Detroit. A closer examination, however, reveals a very slight 
trench about a foot and a half wide, forming a rectangle 35 by 45 feet and located 
very nearly, if not exactly, with the points of the compass, the longer measurement 
being in the direction of east and west. At places in this trench rough stones lay 
embedded in the earth. At the southern side of the space, about nine feet from 
the western side, is a hole say three feet deep and eight or ten square, and in the 
southeast corner another smaller hole. Until the present Spring the site has been 
covered with a growth of young spruce, the clearing off of which led to the sup- 
posed discovery. The larger hole is assumed to have been a cellar under the 
church in which the valuables are kept ; the smaller hole is thought to mark the 
position of the baptismal font, though why an excavation should be made for it is 
more than I can conjecture. A few feet west of the rectangle described above are 
two heaps of stone and earth, evidently the debris of two ruined chimneys. The 
outlines of the houses to which the chimneys belonged can also be faintly traced. 

Mr. Murray, the owner of the ground, is a well-to-do Catholic Irishman, own- 
ing as he does 600 acres of land on the Point. He has lived on the place for twenty 
years past, and before that lived on Mackinac Island. He is inclined to be super- 
stitious and to magnify the mystery to which he believes he holds the key. As 
illustrative of this he remarked in my presence that when he was about to build a 
cow-house some time ago, his sons wished it located on what he now believes to be 
the site of the ancient church, but the protecting influences of that sacred spot 
strangely impelled him to adopt a different location. He is confident that by dig- 
ging below the surface at the center of the church, the "moeock" of bones would 
be discovered, but thus far owing to a difference between himself and the parish 
priest, not a spadeful of earth has been turned. Tlie priest believes the location to 
be the correct one, and is. anxious to excavate, but Mr. Murray refuses to permit it 
without a pledge that wliatever is found shall not be carried away from the Point. 
He offers to give ground for the erection of a church or a monument on the spot, 
but insists that the sacred relics, if found, must be left where they have for two 
centuries rested. The bishop is expected at St. Ignace shortly, when the question 
will be laid before him for adjustment. 

Now as to the probability of the discovery being confirmed by others yet to be 
made, I must confess to being less sanguine than Mr. Murray and his neighbors. It 
is certain that the two ruined chimneys alluded to indicate the location of dwellings 
at some period in the past. Bits of iron, copper and looking-glass found in the debris 
attest this; but whether the buildings stood fifty years ago or 200 no one can posi- 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



31 



tively assert. Mr. Murray lias known tlie spot for a quarter of a centur}', and can 
vouch for no cliange liaving occurred in that time. I think it likely that they are 
of a much older date. In regard to the assumed church site I think tiie proba- 
bilities favor tiie existence there at one time of a building of some sort. Whether it 
occupied tlie limits assumed — 45 by 35 feet — is less certain, while the existence of the 
cellar would seem to indicate that it was a dwelling rather than a church. On the 
other hand, it is certain that the mission was founded in this immediate vicinity, and 
tlie Murray farm, as fronting on the most protected part of the bay, and affording 
the best landing for boats, is certainly as likely a spot for Marquette to have adopted 
as au}-. But nothing can be told with any certainty till thorough investigation is 
made. 

The tradition is that the mission was founded in 1G70, that Marquette subse- 
quently visited Wisconsin and Illinois, establishing mission stations as far up the 
lake as Chicago; that upon his return via the eastern shore of Lake Michigan he 
died at the mouth of the Pere Marquette river, where Ludington now stands, and- 
was buried there. A few years later his bones were taken up, cleaned and packed 
in a mocock, or box made of birch bark, and were conveyed with due solemnity 
back to St. Ignace, where they were permanently deposited lieneath the middle of 
the church. At a still later period Indian wars broke up the mission, and to protect 
the church from sacrilege the missionaries burned it to the ground. 

I also found in the possession of the present priest of St. Ignace, Father Jaoka 
(pronounced Yocca), a pen and ink sketch, on which I looked with most intense 
interest. This invaluable drawing gives the original site of the French village, the 
"home of the Jesuits," the Indian village, the Indian fort on the bluff, and, most 
important of all, very accurately defines the contour of a little bay known as Na- 
dowa — Wikweiamashong — i. e., as Mr. Jacker gave it, Nadowa Huron. Wik-weia 
— Here is a bay. Anglice — " Little bay of the Hurons ;" or according to the Ot- 
chepwa dictionary of Bp. Barraga, " Bad bay of the Iroquois squaw." Of the 
Indian village there is no trace. Their wigwams, built only of poles and bark, 
have not left a single vestige. Not so with the French village. You may still see 
the remains of their logs and plaster, and the ruins of their chimneys. On the sup- 
posed site of the house of the Jesuits, some 40 by 30 feet, are found distinct out- 
lines of walls, a little well, and a small cellar. Immediately in the rear of the larger 
building are the remains of a forge, where "the brothers" used to make sjiades or 
swords, as the occasion might require. 

On further inquiry of the priest, who was equally remarkable for his candor 
and intelligence, and the length of his beard, I found that the sketch of the house 
of the Jesuits was taken by him from the travels of LaHenton, originally published 
in France, but translated and republished in England A. D. 1772. Only a few days 



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33 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



after I saw a copy of this very same book in the hands of Judge C. I. Walker, of 
Detroit, and was thus enabled, to my very great satisfaction, to verify the sketch as 
shown to me by Father Jaoka or Jacker (Yocca). 

LaHenton says: "The place whicli I am now in is not abovehalf a league dis- 
tant from the Illinois lake. Here the Hurons and Ontawas have each of 'em (si'e) 
a village, the one being severed from the other by a single palisade. But the On- 
tawas are beginning to build a fort upon a hill that stands but 1,000 or 1,200 paces 
oif. * * In this place the Jesuits have a little house or college, adjoining to a 
sort of cliapel and enclosed with pale, which separates it from the village of the 
Hurons. 

" The Cuereur du Paris also a very small settlement." — La Henton, vol. I., p. 88. 

From that moment I entertained the most sanguine hope that the long lost 
grave of the good Marquette would again be found. Greatly did I regret that I 
could not remain a few days longer, when the exploration would be made in the 
presence of the excellent Bishop Mrak, and learn what would be the result. I saw 
nothing whatever in the well-known character of tiie bishop, or of the worthy pas- 
tor of St. Ignace to justify even for a moment the least susjiicion of anything like 
"pious fraud." 

Monday, Septembers, 1877, Bishop Mrak dug out tlie first spadeful of ground. 
For a time, however, the search was discouraging. " Notliing was found that would 
indicate the former existence of a tomb, vaulted or otherwise," and the bishop went 
away. After a while a small piece of birch bark came to light, followed by numerous 
other fragments scorched by fire. Finally a larger and well preserved piece appeared 
which once evidently formed part of the bottom of an Indian-wig-wap-makak- 
birch-bark-box or mocock. Evidently the box had been double, such as the Indians 
sometimes use for greater durability in interments, and had been placed on tliree or 
four wooden sills. It was also evident that the box had not been placed on the 
floor but sunk in the ground, and perhaps covered with a layer of mortar. But it 
was equally evident that this humble tomb had been disturbed, and the box broken 
into, and parts of it torn out, after the material liad been made brittle by the action 
of fire. This would explain the absence of its former contents, which," sa3's Mr. 
Jacker, " what else could we think — were nothing less than Father Marquette's 
bones! But what had becovie of them? Further search brought to light two frag- 
" ments of bone — then thirty-six more — finally a small fragment, apparently of the 
skull — then similar fragments of the ribs, the hand and the thigh bone. From these 
circumstances then we deduce the following conclusions: 

1. Tiiat of M. Pommier, the French surgeon, that these fragments of bones 
are undoubtedly human, and bear the marks of fire. 

2. That everything goes to show " the haste of profane robbery." 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 33 



3. That this robbery was by Indian medicine men, wlio coveted his bones, 
according to their belief, as a powerful medicine. 

4. Tiiat it must have taken place witiiin a few years after the departure of 
the Jesuits, otherwise when the mission was renewed (about 170S), the remains 
would most certainly have been transferred to the new church in old Mackinac. 

5. That Charlevoix, at his sojourn there in 1721, could hardly have failed to 
be taken to see the new tomb, and to mention the fact of its transfer in his journal, 
or historj'. 

6. That if we have failed to find all the remains of the great explorer, we 
have at least found some, and ascertained the fact of his having been interred on 
that ])articular spot. 

7. That the records answer all the circumstances of the discovery, and that 
the finding of these few fragments, if not as satisfactory to our wislies, is at least 
as good evidence for the fact in question as if we had found every bone that is in 
the human body. 

Such are the leading points in Father .lacker's elaborate narrative, as published 
in the Catholic World, November, 1877, in connection with the article entitled 
" Romance and Reality of the Death of Father James Marquette, and the recent 
discovery of his remains," b^- John G. Shea, for which papers I am indebted to the 
kind courtesy of Mr. Daniel E. Hudson, C. S. C, Notre Dame, Indiana, to whom I 
return most cordial thanks. 

While in some respects the results are not quite so satisfactory as might have 
been desired, yet the determination of the site of tlie old house of tlie Jesuits, the 
discovery of the tomb, the recovery in jjart of the niocock coffin, and above all, the 
finding of some of the bones of Marquette, are all of intense interest to every 
lover of early Michigan history. 

Marquette, the great explorer — the oldest founder of Michigan, whose grave 
was found within her borders, and to whom belongs immortal honor, being the dis- 
coverer of the upper Mississippi and first navigator of the great river. The seat- 
terivfj of his bones, I am well persuaded, is only a symbol of (he tcider extension of his 
fame. Already his name is attached to a railroad, a )-iver, a cit)', a diocese in 
Micliigan ; but that is not enough. Some forty years ago it was foretold by Ban 
croft " that the people of the West will build his monument," and now the time 
has fully come wlien that prophecy will be fulfilled. Lest you migiit think that I 
sa3' this merely out of state pride, or as a lover of antiquarian history, I will only 
add in conclusion that I say it out of a mucli higher motive, and with reference to 
a much higher object. In reading the life of Francis Xavier when a bo}', I learned 
that there were some lessons for Christian laborers from the lives of the early 
Jesuits, that neither I nor any other man could afford to overlook. Granting that 
3 



^ji" 



,^r — «- -■ — ^[^, 

34 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

too often they sought to help what they deemed a righteous cause by what they 
knew to be unrighteous means, and so teach us what we should avoid, there are other 
lessons that we would do well to imitate. The spirit of union, which was to them 
so great a source of power, the cheerfulness with which they suffered for the cause 
that they had espoused ; the unlooked-for combinations of chai-acter in the same 
individuals, and above all the magnetism of personal importance, and power by hav- 
ing a definite aim — such for example as we find in the good Marquette — belonging 
to any one church or order of that church, but to man as man, and to the world at 
large ! There is only one regret that I should have in the erecting of such a mon- 
ument, and that is lest it should be built by our Catholic friends alone. Will they 
not permit us all to join — Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and the whole Northwest 
— and do honor to the great explorer in a monument of natural rock, (like Monu- 
mental Rock, Isle Royale), the materials for which in that immediate vicinity have 
been so long waiting, apparently, for just such a noble purpose ? 

lasalle's travels. 

Tiie next settlement in point of time was made in 1679, by Robert Cavalier de 
LaSalle, at the mouth of the St. Joseph river. He had constructed a vessel, the 
" GrifBii," just above Niagai-a Falls, and sailed around by the lakes to Green Bay, 
Wis., whence he traversed " Lac des Illinois," now Lake Michigan, by canoe to the 
mouth of the St. Joseph river. The " Griffin " was the first sailing vessel that ever 
came west of Niagara Falls. La Salle erected a fort at the month of the St. Joseph 
river, which afterward was moved about GO miles up the river, where it was still 
seen in Charlevoix's time, 1721. La Salle also built a fort on the Illinois river, 
just below Peoria, and explored the region of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. 

The next, and third, Michigan post erected by authority was a second fort on 
the St. Joseph river, established by Du Suth, near the present Fort Gratiot, in 
1686. The object of this was to intercept emissaries of the English, who were 
anxious to open traffic with the Mackinaw and Lake Superior nations. 

The French posts in Michigan on westward, left very little to be gathered by 
the New York traders, and they determined, as there was peace between France and 
England, to push forward their agencies and endeavor to deal with the western and 
northern Indians in their own country. The French governors not only plainly 
asserted the title of France, but as plainly threatened to use all requisite force to 
expel intruders. Anticipating correctly that the English would attempt to reach 
Lake Huron from the East without passing up Detroit river, Du Luth built a fort 
at the outlet of the lake into the St. Clair. About the same time an expedition 
was planned against the Senecas, and the Chevalier Tonti, commanding La Salle's 
forts, of St. Louis and St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, and La Duranta3^e, the veteran 
commander of Mackinaw, were employed to bring down the French and Indian 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAX. 



35 



auxiliaries to take p.art in the war. Tliese men intercepted Eiiglisli expeditions 
into tlie interior to establish trade with the Nortliern Indians, and succeeded in 
cutting them off for many years. Religious zeal for the Catholic Church and the 
national aggrandizement were almost or quite equally the primary and all-ruling 
motive of western explorations. For these two purposes expeditions were sent out 
and missionaries and military posts were established. In tliese enterprises Mar- 
quette, Joliet, La Salle, St. Lusson and others did all that we find credited to them 
in history. 

In 16t39 or 1670, Talon, then " Intendant of New France," sent out two parties 
to discover a passage to the South Sea, St. Lusson to Hudson's 15ay and La Salle 
southwestward. On his return in 1671, St. Lusson held a c(Uincil of all the north- 
ern tribes at the Sault Ste. Marie, where they formed an alliance with tlie French. 
" It is a curious fact," says Campbell, " that the public documents are usually 
made to exhibit the local authorities as originating everything, wlien the facts 
brought to light from other sources show that they were compelled to permit what 
tliey ostensibly directed." The expeditions sent out by Talon were at least sug- 
gested from France. The local authorities were sometimes made to do things 
which were not, in their judgment, the wisest. 

DETROIT. 

July 1ft, 1701, the Iroquois conveyed to King William III, all their claims to 
land, describing their territory as " that vast tract of land or colony called Cana- 
gariarchio, beginning on the northwest side of Cadarachqui (Ontario) Lake, and 
includes all that vast ti-act of land lying between the great lake of Ottawawa 
(Huron), and the lake called by the natives Sahiquage, and by the Christians the 
Lake of Sweege (Oswego, for Lake Erie), and runs till it butts upon the Twich- 
twichs, and is bounded on the westward by the Twichtwiclis, on the eastwarl by 
a place called Quadoge, containing in length about 800 miles, and breadth 400 
miles, including the country where beavers and all sorts of wild game keep, and 
the place called Tjeughsaghrondie alias Fort De Tret or Wawyachtenock (Detroit) ; 
and so runs round the lake of Sweege till you come to a [)hice called Oniadaruu- 
dacjuat," etc. 

It was chiefly to prevent any further mischief, and to secure more effectually 
the French supremacy that La Motte Cadillac, who had great influence over the 
savages, succeeded, in 1701, after various plans urged by him had been shelved by 
hostile colonial intrigues, in getting permission from Count Pontcliartraine to begin 
a settlement in Detroit. His purpose was from the beginning to make not only a 
military post, but also a civil establishment for trade and agriculture. He was more 
or less threatened and opposed by the monopolists and by the Mackinaw missionaries, 
and was subjected to severe persecutions. He finally triumphed and obtained valuable 



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HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



privileges .and tlie right of seigneury. Craftsmen of all kinds were induced to settle 
in the town, and trade flourished. He succeeded in getting the Ilurons and many 
of the Ottawas to leave Mackinaw and settle about " Fort Pontcliartraine." Tiiis 
fort stood on what was formerly called the first terrace, being on the ground lying 
between Larned street and the river, and between Griswold and Wayne streets. 
Cadillac's success was so great, in spite of all opposition, that he was appointed 
governor of the new jsrovince of Louisiana, which had been granted to Crozat and 
his associates. Tliis appointment removed him from Detroit, and immediately 
afterward the place was exposed to an Indian siege, instigated by English emissaries, 
and conducted by the Mascoutins and Ontagamies, the same 2:ieople who made the 
last war on the whites in the territory of Michigan under Black Hawk a centurj' 
and a quarter later. The tribes allied to the French came in with alacrity and de- 
feated and almost annihilated the assailants, of whom a thousand were put to 
deatli. 

Unfortunately for the country, the commanders who succeeded Cadillac for 
many j'ears were narrow-minded and selfish and not disposed to advance any in- 
terests beyond the lucrative trafiic with the Indians in peltiies. It was not until 
1734 that any new grants were made to farmers. This was done b}' Governor- 
General Beauharnois, who made the grants on the very easiest terms. Skilled ar- 
tisans became numerous in Detroit, and j^rosperity set in all around. The build- 
ings were not of the rudest kind, but built of oak or cedar, and of smooth finish. 
The cedar was brouglit from a great distance. Before 1742 the pineries were 
known, and at a very early day a saw-mill was erected on the St. Clair River, near 
Lake Huron. Before 1749 quarries were worked, especially at Stony Island. In 
17Go there were several lime kilns within the present limits of Detroit, and not 
only stone foundations but also stone buildings, existed in the settlement. 

Several grist-mills existed along the river near Detroit. Agriculture was car- 
ried on profitably, and supplies were exported quite early, consisting chiefly of corn 
and wiieat, and possibly beans and peas. Cattle, liorses and swine were raised in 
considerable numbers; but as salt was very exi)ensive, but little meat, if any, was 
packed for exportation. Tiie salt springs near Lake St. Clair, it is true, were 
known, and utilized to some extent, but not to an appreciable extent. Gardening 
and truit-raising were carried on more thoroughly than general farming. Ajiples 
and pears were good and abundant. 

During tlie French and English war Detroit was the principal source of sup- 
plies to the French troops west of Lake Ontario, and it also furnished a large number 
of fighting men. Tlie upper posts were not much involved in this war. 

" Teuchsa Grondie." one of the many ways of spelling an old Indian name of 
Detroit, is rendered famous by a large and splendid 2>oera of Levi Bishop, Esq., of 



4^ — ^ 



HISTORY OF MICniGAX. 



37 



tliat city. During the whole of tlie eigliteenth centuiy the history of Michigan was 
little else than tlie history of Detroit, as tiie genius of French Goveruinent was to 
centralize power instead of building up localities for self-goveriinieut. 

About 1704, or three j'ears after the founding of Detroit, this jilace was at- 
tacked by the Ottawa Indians, but unsuccessfully; and again, in 1712, the Otla- 
gamies, or Fox Indians, w!io were in secret alliance witii tlie old enemies of the 
French, the Iro(jui)is, attacked the village and laid siege to it. They were sevei'cly 
repulsed, and their chief offered a capitulation which was refused. Considering 
this an insult they became enraged and endeavored to burn up the town. Their 
method of fii'ing the place was to shoot large arrows, mounted with combustilde 
material in flame, in a track through the sky rainbow-form. Tlie bows and arrows 
being very large and stout, the Indians lay with their liacks on the groun"d, put 
both feet against the central portion of the inner side of the bow and pulled the 
strings with all the might of their hands. A ball of blazing material would thus 
be sent arching over nearly a quarter of a mile, which would come down perpen- 
dicularly upon the diy shingle roofs of the houses and set them on fire. But this 
scheme was soon check-mateil by the French, who covered the remaining houses 
with wet skins. The Foxes were considerably disappointed at this and discour- 
aged, but they made one more desperate attempt, failed, and retreated toward 
Lake St. Clair, where they again entrenched themselves. From this place how- 
ever, they were soon dislodged. After this period these Indians occupied Wis- 
consin for a time and made it dangerous for travelers passing through from the 
lakes to the Mississippi. They were the Ishmaelites of the wilderness. 

In 1749, there was a fresh accession of immigrants to all the jioints upon the 
lakes, but the history of this part of the world during the most of this centurj', is 
la'iier monotonous, business and government remaining about the same, without 
much improvement. The records nearly all concern Canada east of the lake region. 
It is true, there was almost a constant change of commandants at the posts, and 
there were many slight changes of administrative policy, but as no great enter- 
prises were successfully put in operation the events of the period have but little 
prominence. 

The Northwestern Territory during French rule, was simid}' a vast ranging 
ground for the numerous Indian tribes, who had no ambition higher than obtaining 
immediate subsistence of the crudest kind, buying arms, whisky, tobacco, blankets 
and jewelry by bartering for them the peltries of the chase. Like a drop in the 
ocean was the missionary work of the few Jesuits at the half dozen posts on the 
great waters. The forests were full of otter, beaver, bear, deer, grouse, quails, etc., 
and on the few prairies the grouse, or " prairie chickens.'' were abundant Not 
much work was required to obtain a bare subsistence, and human nature generally. 



J, 



38 HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



is not disposed to lay up mucli for the future. Tiie present material prosperity of 
America is really an exception to the general law of the world. 

In the latter part of 1796, Winthrop Sargent went to Detroit and organized 
the county of Wayne, forming a part of the Indiana Territory until its division, 
1805, when the Territory of Michigan was organized. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE PRESCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



Soon after the discovery of tlie mouth of the Mississippi in 1682, the Govern- 
ment of France began to encourage tlie policy of establishing a line of trading 
posts and missionary stations, extending through the west, from Canada and the 
great lakes, to Louisiana ; and this policy was maintained, with partial success, for 
about seventy-five years. British power was the rival upon which the French 
continually kept their eye. Of coui'se a collision of arms would result in a short 
time, and this commenced about 1755. In 1760, Canada, including tiie lake re- 
gion, fell into the hands of the British. During the war, occurred Braddock's de- 
feat, the battles of Niagara, Crown Point and Lake George, and the death of brave 
Wolfe and Montcalm. September 12 of this year, Major Robert Rogers, a native 
of New Hampshire, a provincial officer, and then at the height of his reputation, 
received orders from Sir Jeffrey Amherst to ascend the lakes with a detachment of 
rangers, and take jjossession, in the name of his Britannic majesty, of Detroit, 
Michilimackinac and other western posts, included in the capitulation of Montreal. 
He left the latter place on the following day with 200 rangers in fifteen whale boats. 
November 7, they readied the mouth of a river (Ciiogage), on the southern coast 
of Lake Erie, where they were met by Pontiac, the Indian chief, who now appears 
for the first time upon the pages of Michigan history. He haughtily demanded of 
Rogers why he should appear in his realm with his forces without his permission. 
Tiie major informed him that the English had obtained permission of Canada, and 
that he was on his way to Detroit to publish the fact, and to restore a general peace 
to white men and Indians alike. The next day Pontiac signified his willingness to 
live at peace with the English, allowing them to remain in his country, provided 
they paid him due respect. He knew that French power was on the wane, and 
that it was to the interest of his tribes to establish an early peace with the new 
power. The Indians, who liad collected at the mouth of the Detroit, reported 400 
strong, to resist the coming of the British forces, were easily influenced by Pontiac 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



39 



to yield the situation to Rogers. Even the French commandant at Detroit, Capt. 
Beletre, was in a situation siniihxr to that of the Indians, and received the news of 
the defeat of the French from i\Iajor Rogers. He was indignant and incredulous, 
and tried to rouse the Any of his old-time friends, the Indians, but found them 
"faithless" in this hour of iiis need. He surrendered with an ill grace, amid tiie 
yells of several hundred Indian warriors. It was a source of great amazement 
to the Indians to see so many men surrender to so few. Notliing is more effective 
in gaining the respect of Indians than a display of power, and the above proceed- 
ings led them to be overawed by Englisli powers. They were astonished also at 
the forbearance of the conquerors in not killing their vanquished enemies on the 
spot. Tiiis surrender of Detroit was on the 29th of November, 1760. The posts 
elsewhere in tiie lake region, north and west; were not reached until some time 
afterward. 

The English now thought they had the country perfectly in their own hands, 
and that there was but little trouble ahead ; but in this respect they were mistaken. 
The French renewed their efforts to circulate reports among the Indians that the 
English intended to take all their land from them, etc. The slaughter of the Mo- 
nongahela, the massacre at Fort William Henry, and the horrible devastation of the 
western frontier, all bore witness to the fact that the French were successful in pre- 
judicing the Indians against the British, and the latter began to have trouble at 
various points. The French had always l)een in the habit of making presents to 
the Indians, keeping them supplied with arms, ammunition, etc., and it was not 
their policy to settle upon their lands. Tiie British, on the other hand, now suj)- 
plied them with nothing, frequently insulting tliem when they ajipeared around 
the forts. Everything conspired to fix the Indian population in their prejudices 
against the British Government. Even the seeds of the American Revolution were 
scattered into the west, and began to grow. 

The first Indian chief to raise the war-whoop was probably Kiashutu, of the 
Senecas, but Pontiac, of the Ottawas, was the great George Washington of all the 
tribes to systemize and render effectual the initial movements of the approaching 
storm. His home was about eight miles above Detroit, on Pechee Island, which 
looks out upon the waters of Lake St. Clair. He was a well-formed man, with a 
countenance indicating a high degree of intelligence. In 1746 he iiad successfully 
defended Detroit against the nortliern tril)es, and it is j)robable he was present and 
assisted in the defeat of Braddock. About the close of 1762 he called a general 
council of the tribes, sending out ambassadors in all directions, who, with the war 
belt of wampum and the tomahawk, went from village to village, and camp to camp, 
informing the sachems everywhere, that war was impending, and delivering to them 
the message of Pontiac. The\' all approved the message, and April 27, ] ("GS, a 



JZ 



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40 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



grand council was held near Detroit, when Pontiac stood forth in war paint and 
delivered "the great speech of the campaign."' The English were slow to perceive 
any dangerous conspiracy in progress, and when the blow was struck, nine out of 
twelve of the British posts were surprised and destroyed. Three of these were 
within the bounds of this State. The first prominent event of the war was the 
massacre at P"'ort Michilimackinac, on the northernmost point of the southern 
peninsula, the site of the present city of Mackinaw. This Indian outrage was one 
of the most ingeniously devised and resolutely executed schemes in American his- 
tory. The Chippewas (or Ojibways) appointed one of their big ball jilays in the 
vicinity of the post and invited and inveigled as many of the occupants as tiiey 
could to the scene of l)la\', then fell upon the unsuspecting and unguarded English 
in the most brutal manner. For the details of this horrible scene we are indebted 
to Alexander Henry, a trader at that point, who experienced several most blood- 
curdling escapes from death and scalping at the hands of the savages. The result 
of the massacre was the death of about seventy out of ninety persons. The Ottawa 
Indians, who occupied mainly the eastern portion of the lower peninsula, were not 
consulted by the Chippewas, with reference to attacking Michilimackinac, and were 
consequently so enraged that they espoused the cause of the Englisli, through 
spite; and it was through their instrumentality that Mr. Henry and some of his 
comrades were saved from death and conveyed east to the regions of civilization. 
Of Mr. Henry's narrow escapes we give the following succinct account: Instead 
of attending the ball play of the Indians he spent tiie da}' writing letters to his 
friends, as a canoe was to leave for the East the following day. While thus 
engaged, he heard an Indian war cry and a noise of general confusion. Looking 
out of the window, he saw a crowd of Indians within the fort, that is, within the 
village palisade, who were cutting down and scalping every Englishman they 
found. He seized a fowling piece which he had at hand, and waited a moment for 
the signal, tlie drum beat to arms. In that dreadful interval he saw several of his 
countrymen fall under tiie tomahawk and struggle between the knees of an Indian, 
who held him in this manner to scalp him, while still alive. Mr. Henry heard no 
signal to arms; and seeing it was useless to undertake to resist 400 Indians, he 
thought only of shelter for himself. He saw many of the Canadian inhabitants of 
the fort calmly looking on, neither opposing the Indians nor suffering injury, and he 
therefore concluded he might find safety in some of their houses. He stealthily 
ran to one occupied by Mr. Langlade and family, who were at their windows 
beholding the bloody scene. Mr. Langlade scarcely dared to harbor him. but a 
Pawnee slave of the former concealed him in the garret, locked the stairway door 
and took away the key. In this situation Mr. Henry obtained, through an aperture, 
a view of what was going on without. He saw the dead scalped and mangled, the 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



41 



dyins in writhing agony, under the insatiate knife and tomahawk, and tlie savages 
drinking human blood from the hollow of their joined hands! Mr. Henry almost 
felt as if he were a victim himself so intense were his sufferings. Soon the Indian 
fiends began to halloo, " All is fini.^hed." At this instant Henry heard some of the 
Indians enter the house he had taken shelter. The garret was separated from the 
room below by only a layer of single boards, and Mr. Henry heard all that was 
said. As soon as the Indians entered they inquired whether there were any En- 
glishmen in the house. ^Ir. LangUule replied that he could not say ; they might 
examine for tliemselves. He then conducted them to the garret door. As the door 
was locked, a moment of time was snatched by Mr. Henry to crawl into a hea[) of 
birch-bark vessels in a dark corner; and although several Indians searched around 
the garret, one of them coming within arm's length (jf the sweating prisoner, they 
went out satisfied that no Knglislnnan was there. 

As Mr. Henry was passing the succeeding night in this room, he could think 
of no possible chance of escape from the country. He was out of provisions, the 
nearest post was Detroit, 400 miles away, and the route thither lay through the 
enemy's country. The next morning he heard Iiulian voices below informing Mr. 
Langlade that they had not found an Englishman named Henry among the dead, 
aiul they believed him to be somewhere concealed. Mrs. L., believing that the 
safety of the household depended on giving up the refugee to his pursuers, prevailed 
on her liusband to lead the Indians upstairs to the room of Mr. H. The latter was 
saved from instant death by one of tiie savages adopting him as a brotlier in the 
place of one lost. The Indians were all mad with li(iuor, however, and Mr. H. 
again very narrowly escaped death. An hour afterwards he was taken out of the 
fort by an Indian indebted to him for goods, and was under the uplifted knife of 
the savage when he suddenly broke away from him and made back to Mr. Lang- 
lade's house, barely escaping the knife of the Indian the whole distance. The next 
day he, with three other prisoners, were taken in a canoe toward Lake Michigan, 
and at Fox Point, eighteen miles distant, the Ottawas rescued the whites through 
spite at the Chippewas, sayir.g that the latter contemplated killing and eating them ; 
but the next day they were returned to the Chippewas, as the result of some kind 
of agreement about the conduct of the war. He was rescued again by an old 
friendly Indian claiming him as a brother. The next morning he saw the dead 
bodies of seven whites dragged forth from the pri.son lodge ho had just occupied. 
The fattest of these dead bodies was actually served up and feasted on directly 
before the eyes of Mr. Henry. Through the partiality of the Ottawas and the coni- 
plicati(His of military affairs among the Indians, Mr. Henry, after severe exposures 
and many more thrilling escapes, was finally landed within territory occupied by 
whites. 



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42 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



i^ 



For more than a year after the massacre, Michilimackinac was occupied only 
by wood rangers and Indians ; then, after the treaty, Capt. Howard was sent with 
troops to take possession. 



CHAPTER IV, 

NATIONAL POLICIES. 



The Great French Scheme. — Soon after the discovery of the mouth of the 
Mississippi by La Salle, in 1682, the government of France began to encourage the 
policy of establishing a line of trading posts and missionary stations extending 
tlirough the West from Canada to Louisiana, and this policy was maintained, with 
partial success, for about seventy-five years. 

The river St. Joseph, of Lake Michigan, was called " the river Miamis " in 
1679, in which year La Salle built a small fort on its bank, near the lake shore. 
The principal station of the mission for the instruction of the Miamis was estab- 
lished on the borders of this river. The first French post within the territory of 
the Miamis was at the mouth of tlie river Miamis, on an eminence naturally forti- 
fied on two sides by the river, and on one side by a deep ditch made by a fall of 
water. It was of triangular form. The missionary, Hennepin, gives a good 
description of it, as he was one of the company who built it in 1679. Says he: 
" We felled the trees that were on the top of the hill, and having cleared the same 
from bushes for about two musket shot, we began to build a redoubt of eighty feet 
long and forty feet broad, with great square pieces of timber laid one upon 
another, and prepared a great number of stakes of about twenty-five feet 
long to drive into the ground, to make our fort more inaccessible on the 
river side. We employed the whole month of November about that work, 
which was very hard, though we had no other food but the bears' flesh our 
savage killed. Tliese beasts are very common in that place, because of the great 
quantity of grapes they find there ; but tlieir flesli being too fat and luscious, our 
men began to be weary of it, and desired leave to go a-hunting to kill some 
wild goats. M. La Salle denied them that liberty, which caused some murmurs 
among thera, and it was but unwillingly that they continued their work. Tliis, 
togetlier witli the approach of Winter and tlie apprehension that M. La Salle had 
that liis vessel (tlie Griffin) was lost, made him very melancholy, though he con- 
cealed it as much as he could. We made a cabin wherein we performed divine 
service every Sunday, and Father Gabriel and I, who preached alternately, took 
cai'e to take such texts as were suitable to our present circumstances and fit to 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



43 



inspire us with courage, concord and brotherly love. . . . Tlio fort was at last 
perfected and called Fort Miamis.'" 

In 17G5, the Miamis nation, or confederacy, was composed of four trihes, 
whose total number of warriors was estimated at only 1,050 men. Of tliese, about 
250 were Twight-wess or Miamis proper, 300 Weas or Ouiute-nons, 300 Pianke- 
shaws and 200 Schockeys, aiid at this time the principal villages of tlie Twigiit- 
wess were situated about I lie head of tiie Maumee River, at and near the place where 
Fort Wayne now is. Tiie larger Wea villages were near the banks of tiie Wabash 
River, in the vicinity of the Ouiatenon ; and tlie Shockeys and Piankeshaws dwelt 
on the banks of the Vermillion and on the borders of tlie Wabash, between Viu- 
cennes and Ouiatenon. Branches of the Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Delaware and 
Kickapoo tribes were permitted at different times to enter within tiie boundaries of 
the Miamis and reside for a wiiile. 

The wars in which France and England were engaged from 1G8<S to 1697, 
retarded tlie growth of the colonies of those nations in North America, and the 
efforts made b)- Fiance to connect Canada and the (xulf of Mexico by a chain of 
trading-posts and colonies naturally excited the jealousy of England and gradually 
laid tlie foundation for a struggle at arms. After several stations were established 
elsewhere in the West, trading-posts were started at the Miami villages, which stood 
at the head of the Maumee, at the Wea villages about Ouiatenon, on tlie Watiash, 
and at the Piankeshaw villages about the present site of Vincennes. It is probable 
that before the close of the year 1719, temporary trading-posts were erected at the 
sites of Fort Wayne, Ouiatenon and Vincennes. The points were jirobablv often 
visited by l<^rencli fur traders prior to 1700. In the meanwhile, the English people 
ill this country commenced also to establisli military posts west of the AUeglianies, 
and thus matters went on until they naturally culminated in a general war, which, 
being waged by the French and Indians combined on one side, was called " the 
French and Indian war." This war was terminated in 1763 by a treaty at Paris, 
by which France ceded to Great Britain all of North America east of the Jlississippi 
except New Orleans and the island on which it is situated ; and, indeed, France 
had the preceding Autumn, b}' a secret convention, ceded to Spain all the country 
west of that river. 

In 1762, after Canada and its dependencies had been surrendered to the English, 
Pontiac and his partisans secretly organized a powerful confederacy in order to 
crush at one blow all English power in the West. This great soheme was skillfully 
projected and cautiously matured. The i)riiicij)al act in the programme was to gain 
admittance into the fort at Detroit, on pretense of a friendl}- visit, with shortened 
muskets concealed under their blankets, and, on a given signal, suddenly break 
forth upon the garrison ; but an inadvertent remark of an Indian woman led to a 



■^ 



44 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

discovery of the plot, which was consequently averted. Pontiac and his warriors 
afterward made many attacks upon the English, some of which were successful, 
but the Indians were finally defeated in the general war. 

BRITISH POLICY. 

In 1765 the total number of French families within the limits of the North- 
western Territory did not probably exceed 600. These were in settlements about 
Detroit, along the river Wabash and the neigliborJiood of Fort Cliartres on the Mis- 
sissippi. Of these families, about eiglity or ninety resided at Post Vincennes, fourteen 
at Fort Ouiatenon, on the Wabash, and nine or ten at the confluence of the St. Majy 
and St. Joseph rivers, together with a few on St. Clair lake and river. 

The colonial policy of the British Government opposed an}^ measures whicli 
might strengthen settlements in the interior of this country, lest they become self- 
supporting and independent of the mother country ; hence the early and rapid settle- 
ment of the Northwestern Territory was still furtlier retarded by short-sighted self- 
ishness of England. That fatal policy consisted mainly in holding the lands in tiie 
hands of the government and not allowing it to be subdivided and sold to settlers. 
But in Sjiite of all her efforts in this direction, she constantly made just such efforts 
as provoked the America:i pi'ople to reliel, and to rebel successfully, which was 
within fifteen years after the perfect close of the Frencli and Indian war. 

AMElilCAN POLICY. 

Thomas Jefferson, the slirewd statesman and wise Governor of Virginia, saw 
from the first that actual occupation of Western lands was the only way to keep 
them out of the liands of foreigners and Indians. Therefore, directly after tlie con- 
quest of Vincennes by Clark he engaged a scientific corps to proceed under an 
escort to the Mississippi, and ascertain by celestial observations the point on tliat 
river intersected by latitude 36 deg. 31 min., the southern limit of the State, and to 
measure its distance to the Ohio. To Gen. Clark was entrusted tlie conduct of 
the military operations in that quai-ter. He was instructed to select a strong 
position near that point and establish there a fort and garrison ; thence to extend 
his conquest northward to the lakes, erecting forts at different points, which might 
serve as monuments of actual possession, besides affording protection to tliat por- 
tion of the countr}-. Fort " Jefferson " was erected and garrisoned on the Missis- 
sippi a few miles above the southern limit. 

The result of these opeiations was the addition to the chartered limits of Vir- 
ginia, of that immense region known as the " Northwestern Territory." The sim- 
ple fact that such and such forts were est.iblished by the Americans in this vast 
region convinced the British Commissioners that we had entitled ourselves to tlie 
land. But where are those " monuments " of our power now? 





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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



45 



OKDINANCE OF 1787. 

Tliis qnlinance has a marvelous ami iaterostiiiL? history. Considerable contro- 
ver.sy has been indulsredin as to who is entitled to the credit for framing it. This belongs 
undoubtedly, to Nathan Dane ; and to Rufus King and Timothy Pickering belong 
the credit for suggesting the proviso contained in it against slavery, and also for 
aids to religion and knowledge, and for assuring forsver the comnun use, without 
charge, of the great national highways of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence and 
their tributaries to all the citizens of the United Staces. To Thomas Jefferson is 
also due much credit, as some features of this ordinance were embraced in his ordin- 
ance of 1784. Hut the part taken by each in the long, laborious and eventful 
struggle which had so gloriou-i a consummition in the ordinance, consecrating for- 
ever, by one imprescriptible and uncliangeal)le monument, the very heart of our 
country to freedom, knowledge and union, will forever honor tlie names of those 
illustrious statesmen. 

Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of government for the North- 
western Territory'. lie was an emaucii)ationist and favored the exclusion of slavery 
from the Territory, but tlie South voted him down every time he ])roposed a meas- 
ure of this nature. In 1787, as late as July 10, an org.miziug act without the anti- 
slavery clause was pending. This concession to the South was expected to carry 
it. Congress was in session in New York. On July 5, Rev. Manasseh Cutler of 
Massachusetts, came into New York to lobby on the Northwestern Territory, 
Everything seemed to fill into his hands. Events were ripe. The state of the 
public credit, the growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his mission, his per- 
sonal character, all combined to complete one of those sudden and marvelous revo- 
lutions of public sentiment that once in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over 
a country like tlie breath of the Almight}'. 

Cutler was a graduate of Yale. lie liad studied and taken degrees in the 
three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinit}-. He had publislied a scien- 
tific examination of the jilants of New England. As a scientist in America, his 
name stood second only to Franklin. He was a courtly gentleman of tlie old style, 
a man of commanding presence and inviting face. The Southern members said 
the}- had never seen such a gentleman in the North. He came, representing a 
Massachusetts compan\- that desired to purchase a tract of land, now included in 
Ohio for the purpose of planting a colony. It was a speculation. Government 
monej' was worth eighteen cents on tlie dollar. Tiiis company had collected enough 
to purchase 1,500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in New York made Dr. 
Cutler their agent, which enabled him to represent a demand lor 5,500,000 acres. 
As this would reduce the national debt, it presented a good opportunity to do 
somethinu'. 



Al<^ 



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46 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Massaclnisetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she was crowding on 
the marliet. She was opposed to opening the Northwestern region. This fired 
the zeal of Virginia. The South caught the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. 
The entire South rallied around hiin. Massachusetts could not vote against him, 
because many of the constituents of her members were interested personally in the 
Western speculation. Thus Cutler making friends in the South, and doubtless 
using all the arts of tiie lobby, was enabled to command the situation. True to 
deeper convictions, lie dictated one of the most compact and finished documents 
of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned any human law book. 

He borrowed from .Jefferson the term " Articles of Compact," which preceding 
the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred character. He then followed 
very closely the constitution of Massachusetts, adopted three years before. Its 
most prominent points were : 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a seminary and every 
section numbered 16 in each township ; that is, one thirty-sixth of all the land for 
public scliools. 

3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or the enactment 
of any law that should nullify pre-existing contracts. Be it forever remembered 
that this compact declared that "religion, morality and knowledge being necessary 
to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of edu- 
cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler planted himself on tliis platform 
and would not yield. Giving his unqualified declaration that it was that or noth- 
ing, he took his horse and buggy and started for the constitutional convention at 
Philadelphia. On July 13, 1787, the bill was put upon its passage, and was unani- 
mously adopted. 

Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, a vast 
empire, were consecrated to freedom, intelligence and morality. Thus the great heart 
of the nation was prepared to save the union of States, for it was this act that was 
the salvation of the Republic and the destruction of slavery. Soon the South saw 
their great blunder and tried to have the compact repealed. In 1803 Congress re- 
ferred it to a committee, of which John Randolph was chairman. He reported tiiat 
this ordinance was a compact, and opposed repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the 
way of tlie on-rushing sea of slavery. 

The " Nortiiwestern Territory" included, of course, what is now the tate of 
Indiana, and October 5, 1787, Major General Arthur St. Clair was elected by Con- 
gress, Governor of this territory. Upon commencing the duties of his office he 
was instructed to ascertain the real temper of the Indians, and do all in his power 
to remove the causes for controversy^ between them and the United States, and to 



vi. 



riv 



HISTORY OF JIICIIIGAX. 



47 



effect tlie extinguisliinent of Indian titles to all the land possible. The Governor 
took up quarters in the now settlement of Marietta, Ohio, where he immediately 
began the organization of the government of the territory. Tlie first session of 
the General Court of the new territory was held at that place in 1788, the judges 
being Samuel II. Parsons, James M. Varnum and John C. Symmes, but under the 
ordinance, Gov. St. Clair was president of the court. After the first session, and 
after tlie necessary laws for government were adopted. Gov. St. Clair, accompanied 
by the jiid'^es, visited Kaskaskia for the purpose of organizing a civil government 
there. Full instructions had been sent to Maj. Ilamtramck, commandant at Vin- 
cennes, to ascertain the exact feeling and teni[)er of the Indian tribes of the 
Wabash. The instructions were accompanied by speeches to each of the tribes. A 
Frenchman, named Antoine Gamelin, was dispatched with tlu>s(! messages April 5, 
1790, who visited nearly all the tribes on the Wabash, St. Joseph, and St. ]Mary"s 
Rivers, but was coldly received, most of the chiefs being dissatisfied with the policy 
of the Americans toward them, and iirejudiced through English misr( presentation. 
Full accounts of his adventures among the tribes, reached Gov. St. Clair at Kaskas- 
kia, in June, 1790. Being satisfied that there was no prospect of effecting a general 
peace with the Indians of Indiana, he resolved to visit Gen. Harmar, at his head- 
(juarters at Fort Washington, and consult with him on the means of carrying on an 
expedition against the hostile Indians ; but before leaving he intrusted Winthrop 
Sargent, the secretary of the Territory, with the execution of the resolutions of 
Congress regarding the lands and settlers on the Wabash. He directed that officer 

O DO 

to proceed to Vincennes, lay out a county there, establish the militia and appoint 
the necessary civil and military officers. According!}- Mr. Sargent went to Vin- 
cennes and organized Camj) Knox, appointed the officers, and notified the inhabi- 
tants to present their claims to lands. In estal)lishing these claims the settlers 
found great difficulty, and concerning this matter the secretary in his report to the 
president wrote as follows : 

Although the lands and lots which were awarded to the inhabitants appeared 
from very good oral testimony to belong to those persons to whom the}' were 
awarded, either by original grants, purchase or inheritance, j'et there was scarcely 
one case in twenty where the title was complete, owing to the desultory manner in 
which public business had been transacted, and some other unfortunate causes. 
The original concessions by the French and Hritish commandants were generall}' 
made upon a small scrap of paper, which it has been customary to lodge in the 
notary's office, who has seldom kept any book of record, but committed the most 
important land concerns to loose sheets, which in process of time have come into 
possession of persons that have fraudulently destroyed them ; or unacquainted witii 
their consequence, innocently lost or trifled them away. By French usage they are 



A 



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48 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



considered family inheritances, and often descend to women and cliildren. In one 
instance, during the government of St. Ange, a royal notary ran off with all the 
public papers in liis possession, as by a certificate produced to me. And I am very 
sorry further to observe tliat in tlie office of Mr. Le Grande, which continued from 
1777 to 1787, and where should have been the voucliers for important land transac- 
tions, tiie records have been so falsified, and there is such gross fraud and forgery 
as to invalidate all evidence and information which might be otherwise acquired 
from his papers. 

Mr. Sargent sa3's there were about 150 French families at Vinceunes in 1790. 
The heads of all the families had been at one time vested with certain titles to a 
portion of the soil ; and while the secretary was busy in straightening out those 
claims, he received a petition signed by eighty Americans, asking for the confirma- 
tion of grants of land ceded by the Court, organized by Col. John Todd, under the 
authority of Virginia. With reference to this cause. Congress, March 3, 1691, em- 
powered the territorial governor, in cases where land had been actually improved 
and cultivated under a supposed grant for the same, to confirm to tlie persons who 
made such improvements the lands supposed to have been granted, not, however, 
exceeding the quantity of 1,100 acres to any one person. 



CHAPTER V. 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

PONTIAC'S SIEGE OF DETROIT. 

In the Spring of 1763 Pontiac determined to take Detroit hj an ingenious 
attack. He Iiad liis men file off tlieir guns so that they woukl be short enough to 
conceal under their blanket clotliing as the}' entered the fortification. A Canadian 
woman who wont over to tlieir village on tlie east side of tlie river to obtain some 
venison, saw them thus at work ou tlieir guns, and suspected they were prefjaiing 
for an attack on the whites. She told her neighbors what she had seen, and one of 
them informed the commandant. Major Gladwyn, who at first slighted the advice, 
but before another day had passed he had full knowledge of the plot. There is a 
legend that a beautiful Chippewa girl, well-known to Gladwyn, divulged to him the 
scheme which the Indians had in view, namely, that the next day Pontiac would 
come to the fort with sixty of his ciiiefs, each armed with a gun cut short and 
hidden under his blanket ; that Pontiac would demand a council, deliver a speech, 
offer a peace-belt of wampum, holding it in a reversed position as the signal for 



jV 



liL 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



attack ; tliat the chiefs, sittintr upon the ground, would then spring up and fire 
upon the officers, and the Indians out in the streets would next fall upon the 
garrison, and kill every Englishman but spare all the French. 

Gladwyn accordingly put the place in a state of defence as well as he could, 
and arranged for a ([uiet reception of the Indians and a sudden attack upon them 
when he should give a signal. At 10 o'clock, Maj' 7, according to the girl's pre- 
diction, the Indians came, entered the fort, and proceeded with the programme, 
hut witli some hesitation, as they saw their plot was discovered. Pontiac made 
his speed), professing friendship for the Engiisli, etc., and without giving his signal 
for attack, sat down and heard Major Gladwyn's reply, who suffered him and his 
men to retire unmolested. He probably feared to take them as prisoners, as war 
was not actually commenced. 

The next day Pontiac determined to try again, but was refused entrance at the 
gate unless he should come in alone. He turned away in a rage, and in a few 
minutes some of his men commenced the peculiarly Indian work of attacking an 
innocent household and murdering them, just beyond the range of British guns. 
Another squail murdered an Englishman on an island at a little distance. Pontiac 
did not authorize the proceedings, but retired across the river and ordered pre- 
parations to be made for taking the fort by direct assault, the headquarters of the 
camp to be on " Bloody Run," west of the river. ^Meanwhile the garrison was 
kept in readiness i'or any out-break. The very next day Pontiac, having received 
reinforcements from tiie Chippewas of Saginaw Bay, commenced the attack, but 
was repulsed; no deaths upon either side. Gladwyn sent ambassadors to arrange 
for peace, but Pontiac, although professing to be willing, in a general way, to con- 
clude peace, would not agree to any particular proposition. A number of Canadians 
visited the fort and warned the commandant to evacuate, as 1,500 or more Indians 
would storm the place in an hour ; and soon afterward a Canadian came with a 
summons from Pontiac, demanding Gladwyn to surrender the post at once, and 
promising that, in case of compliance, he and his men would be allowed to go on 
board their vessels unmolested, leaving their arms and effects behind. To both 
these advices Major Gladwyn gave a flat refusal. 

(Inly three weeks' provisions were within tiie fort, and the garrison was in a 
deploral)Ie condition. A few Canadians, however, from across the river, sent some 
provisions occasionally, bj' night. Had it not been for this timely assistance, the. 
gari'ison would doubtless have had to abandon the fort. The Indians themselves 
soon began to suffer from hunger, as they had not prepared for a long siege ; but 
Pontiac, after some maraudings upon the French settlers had been made, issued 
" promise to pay " on birch bark, with which he pacified the residents. He sub- 
sequentl}- redeemed all these notes. About the end of July, Capt. Dalzell arrived 
4 



4i 



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t 



50 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



from Niagara with reinforcements and provisions, and persuaded Gladwyn to under- 
take an aggressive movement against Pontiac. Dalzell was detailed for the purpose 
of attacking the camp at Parents' Creek, a mile and a half away, but, being delayed 
a day, Pontiac learned of his movements, and prepared his men to contest his march. 
On the next morning, July 31, before day-break, Dalzell went out with 250 men, 
but was repulsed with a loss of fiftj'-nine killed and wounded, while the Indians 
lost less than half that number. Parents' Creek was afterward known as " Bloody 
Run." 

Shortly afterward, the schooner " Gladwyn," on its return from Niagara, with 
ammunition and provisions, anchored about nine miles below Detroit for the night, 
when in the darkness about 300 Indians in canoes came quietly upon the vessel 
and very nearly succeeded in taking it. Slaughter pi'oceeded vigorously until the 
mate gave orders to his men to blow up the schooner, when the Indians under- 
standing the design, fled precipitately, plunging into the water and swimming 
ashore. This desperate command saved the crew, and the schooner succeeded in 
reaching the post with the much-needed supply of provisions. 

By this time, September, most ol the tribes around Detroit were disposed to 
sue for peace. A truce being obtained, Gladwyn laid in provisions for the Winter, 
while Pontiac retired with his chiefs to the Maumee country, only to prepare for a 
resumption of war the next Spring. He or his allies tlie next season carried on a 
pettj'^ warfare until in August when the garrison, now worn out and reduced, were 
relieved by fresh troops. Major Bradstreet commanding. Pontiac retired to the 
Maumee again, still to stir up hate against the British. Meanwhile -the Indians 
near Detroit, scarcely comprehending what they were doing, were induced by 
Bradstreet to declare themselves subjects of Great Britain. An embassy sent to 
Pontiac induced him also to cease belligerent operations against the British. 

In 1769 the great chief and warrior, Pontiac, was killed in Illinois by a Kaskas- 
kia Indian, for a barrel of whisky offered by an Englishman named Williamson. 

EXPEDITIONS OF HARMAR, SCOTT AND "WILKINSON. 

Gov. St. Clair, on his arrival at Fort Washington from Kaskaskia, liad a long 
conversation with Gen. Harmar, and concluded to send a powertul force to chastise 
the savages about the head-waters of the Wabash. He had been empowered by 
the President to call on Virginia for 1,000 troops and on Pennsylvania for 500, and 
he immediately availed himself of this resource, ordering 300 of the Virginia mili- 
tia to muster at Fort Steuben, and march with the garrison of that fort to Vin- 
cennes, and join Maj. Hamtramck, whu had orders to call for aid from the militia of 
Vincennes, march uj) the Wabash and attack any of the Indian villages which he 
might think he could overcome. 



& - 



v.^ 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



51 



The remaining 1,200 of the militia were ordered to rendezvous at Fort Wash- 
ington, and to join tlie regular troops at that post under (len. Ilarraar. At this 
time the United States troops in tlie West were estimated by Gen. Harmar at 400 
effective men. These, with the militia, gave him a force of 1,4.")0 men. With this 
army Gen. Harmar marched from Fort Washington, September 30, and arrived 
at the Mauraee, October 17. They commenced the work of punishing the Indians, 
but were not very successful. The savages, it is true, received a severe scourging, 
but the militia behaved so badly as to be of little or no service. A detachment of 
340 militia and sixty regulars, under the command of Col. Hardin, were sorely- 
defeated on the Maumee October 22. Tiie next day the army took up the line of 
inai'ch for Fort Washington, which place the}' reached November 4, having lost in 
the expedition 183 killed and thirty-one wounded ; the Indians lost about as many. 
During the progress of this expedition Maj. Hamtramck marched up the Wabash 
from Vincennes, as far as the ^'ermilliou river, and destroyed several deserted vil- 
lages, but without finding an enemy to opjiose him. Altliough the savages seem to 
have been severely punished by these expeditions, yet they refused to sue for peace, 
and continued their hostilities. Thereupon, the iidiabitants of the frontier settle- 
ments of Virginia took alarm, and the delegates of Ohio, Monongahela, Harrison, 
Randolph, Greenbrier, Ivauawah and' Montgomery counties sent a joint memorial 
to the Governor of Virginia, saying that the defenseless condition of the counties, 
forming aline of nearly 400 miles along the Ohio river, exposed to the hostile inva- 
sion of their Indian enemies, destitute of every kind of support, was truly alarm- 
ing, for, notwithstanding all the regulations of the General Government in that 
country, they have reason to lament that they have been up to that time ineffectual 
for their protection ; nor indeed could it be otherwise, for the garrisons kept by the 
Continental troops on the Ohio River, if of any use at all, must protect oidv the 
Kentucky settlement, as they immediate!}- covered that country. They further 
stated in their memorial, " We beg leave to observe that we have reason to fear 
that the consequences of the defeat of our army by the Indians in the late expe- 
dition will be severely felt on our frontiers, as there is no doubt that the Indians 
will, in their turn, being flushed with victory, invade our settlements and exercise 
all their horrid murder upon the inhabitants thereof whenever the weather will 
permit them to travel. Then, is it not better to support us where we are, be the 
expense what it may, than to oblige such a number of your brave citizens, who 
have so long supported, and still continue to support, a dangerous frontier (although 
thousands of their relatives in the flesh have in the prosecution thereof fallen a 
sacrifice to the savage inventions) to quit the country, after all they have done and 
suffered, when you know that a frontier must be supported somewhere?" 

This memorial caused the Legislature of Virginia to authorize the Governor of 



fv 



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iiL. 



52 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



that State to make an}' defensive operations necessary for the temporary defense of 
the frontiers, until the General Government could adopt and carry out measures to 
suppress the hostile Indians. The Governor at once called upon the military com- 
manding officers in the western counties of Vii-ginia to raise by the first of March, 
1791, several small companies for this purpose. At the same time Charles Scott 
was appointed Brigadier-General of the Kentucky Militia, witli authority to raise 
226 volunteers, to protect tlie most exposed portions of that district. A full report 
of tlie proceedings of tlie Virginia Legislature being transmitted to Congress, that 
bod}' constituted a local Board of War for the district of Kentucky, consisting of 
five men. Mai-ch, 1791, Gen. Henry Knox, Secretary of War, sent a letter of 
instructions to Gen. Scott, recommending an expedition of mounted men not 
exceding 750 men, against the Wea towns on the Wabash. With this force Gen. 
Scott, accordingly, crossed the Ohio, May 23, 1791, and reached the Wabash in 
about ten days. Many of tlie Indians, having discovered his approach, fled, but he 
succeeded in destroying all the villages around Ouiatenon, together with several 
Kickapoo towns, killing thirty-two warriors and taking fifty-eight prisoners. He 
released a few of the most infirm prisoners, giving them a "talk," whicii they car- 
ried to the towns furtlier up the Wabash, and which the wretclied condition of his 
horses prevented him from reaching. 

March 3, 1791, Congress provided for raising and equipping a regiment for tlie 
protection of the frontiers, and Gov. St. Clair was invested with the chief command 
of about 3,000 troops, to be raised and employed against the hostile Indians in the 
territory over which his jurisdiction extended. He was instructed by the Secretary 
of War to march to the Miami village and establish a strong and permanent mili- 
tary post there, also such posts elsewhere along the Ohio as would be in communi- 
cation with Fort Wasliington. Tlie post at Miami Village was intended to keep 
the savages in that vicinity in check, and was ordered to be strong enough in its 
garrison to afford a detacliment of 500 or 600 men in case of emergency, either to 
chastise any of the Wabash or other liostile Indians or capture convoys of the 
enemy's provisions. The Secretary of War also urged Gov. St. Clair to establish 
that post as the first and most important part of the campaign. In case of a pre- 
vious treaty, the Indians were to be conciliated upon this point, if possible ; and he 
presumed good arguments might be offered to induce tlieir acquiescence. Said he : 
" Having commenced your marcli upon tlie main expedition, and tlie Indians con- 
tinuing hostile, you will use every possible exertion to make them feel the effects 
of your superiority ; and, after having arrived at the Miami village and put your 
works in a defensible state, you will seek the enemy with the whole of your remain- 
ing force, and endeavor by all possible means to strike them with great severity." 

"In order to avoid future wars, it might be proper to make the Wabash and thence 



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HISTOKY OF MICHIGAN. 



53 



LliL. 



over to tlie Maiimee, and down the same to its moiitli, at Lake Erie, the boundary 1)6- 
twcen the people of the United States and the Indians (exceptini; so far as the same 
should relate to the W^-andots and Delawares), on the sui)[)i)sition of their continu- 
ing faithful to the treaties ; but if they should join in the war a;4'ainst the United 
States, and your army be victorious, the said tribes ought to be removed witiioutthe 
boundaries mentioned." 

Previous to marching a strong force to the Miami town. Gov. St. Clair, June 
2.J, 1791, authorized Gen. Wilkinson to conduct a second expedition, not exceeding 
500 mounted men, against the Indian villages on the Wabash. Accordingly, Geti. 
Wilkinson mustered his forces and was ready Jul}- 20, to march with 52.') mounted 
volunteers, well armed, and provided with 30 days' provisions, and with this force 
he reached the Ke-na-pa-com-a-qua village on the north bank of Eel River, about 
six miles above its mouth, Aug. 7, where he killed six warriors and took 3-1 
prisoners. 

Tins town, which was scattered along the river for three miles, was totally 
destro3'ed. Wilkinson encamped on tlie ruins of the town that night, and the 
next day he commenced his march for the Kicka[)oo town, on the prairie which he 
was unable to reach owing to tlie impassable condition of the route which he adopted 
and the failing condition of his horses. He reported the estimated result of the 
expedition as follows: "I have destroyed the chief town of the Ouiatenon nation, 
and have made prisoners of the sons and sisters of the king. I iiave burned a 
respectable Kickapoo viUage, and cut down at least 400 acres of corn, chiefly in 
the milk." 

EXPKDrriONS OF ST. CLAIR AND WAYNE. 

The Indians were greatly damaged by the expeditions of Ilarmar, Scott and 
Wdkinson, but were far from being subdued. They regarded the policy 
of the United States as calculated to exterminate tiiem from the land; and, 
goaded on by the English of Detroit, enemies of the Americans, they were excited 
to desperation. At this time the British Government still supported garrisons 
at Niagara, Detroit and Michilimackinae, altliough it was declared by the second 
article of the definite treaty of peace of 1783, that the King of Great Britain would, 
" with all convenient speed, and without causing any destruction or carrying away 
any negroes or property of the American inhabitants, withdraw all his forces, gar- 
risons and fleets fiom the United States, and from every post harbor and place 
within the same." That treaty also provided that the creditors on either side 
should meet with no lawful impediments to the recovery to the full value, in sterl- 
ing mone}', of all bona fide debts previously contracted. Tlie British Government 
claimed tliat the United Slates had broken faith in this particular understanding 
of the treaty, and in consequence refused to withdraw its forces from the territory. 



/ 



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54 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



.k 



The British garrisons in the Lake Region were a source of mucli annoyance to tlie 
Americans, as they afforded succor to tlie hostile Indians, encouraging them to 
make raids among the Americans. This state of affairs in the territory north- 
west of the Oliio, continued from the commencement of the Revolutionary war to 
1796, wiien under a second treaty all British soldiers were withdrawn from the 
country. 

In September, 1791, St. Clair moved from Fort Washington witli about 2,000 
men, and November 3, the main army, consisting of about 1,400 effective troops, 
moved forward to the head-waters of the Wabash, wliere Fort Recovery was after- 
ward erected, and here tlie army encamped. About 1,200 Indians were secreted 
a few miles distant, awaiting a favorable opportunity to begin an attack, which 
tliey improved on tlie morning of Nov. 4, about lialf an hour before sunrise. The 
attack was first made upon tlie militia, whicli immediately gave wa}'. St. Clair 
was defeated and he returned to Fort Wasiiington with a broken and dispirited 
army, having lost 39 officers killed, and 539 men killed and missing ; 22 officers 
and 232 men were wounded. Several pieces of artillery and all the baggage, 
ammunition baggage and provisions were left on the field of battle and fell into the 
hands of the victorious Indians. Tiae stores and other public property lost in the 
action were valued at 332,800. There were also 100 or more Ameiican women 
with the army of the wliites, very few of whom escaped the cruel carnage of tlie 
savage Indians. The latter, characteristic of tlieir brutal nature, proceeded in the 
rush of victor}- to perpetrate the most horrible acts of cruelty and barbarity upon 
tlie bodies of tlie living and the dead Americans who fell into their hands. Believ- 
ing that tlie wliites had made war for many years merely to acquire land, the 
Indians crammed cla}" and sand into the eyes and down the throats of the dying 
and the dead ! 

GEN. WAYNE'.S great VICTORY. 

Although no particular blame was attaclied to Gov. St. Clair for the loss in 
this expedition, yet lie resigned tlie office of major-general, and was succeeded by 
Anthony Wayne, a distinguished officer of tlie Revolutionaiy war. Early in 1792, 
preparations were made by the General Government for re-organizing the arm}^ so 
that it should consist of an efficient degree of strength. Wayne arrived at Pitts- 
burgh in June, where the army was to rendezvous. Here he continued actively 
engaged in organizing and training his forces until October, 1793, when with an 
army of about 3,600 men, he moved westward to Fort Washington. 

While Wayne was preparing for an offensive campaign, every possible means 
was employed to induce the hostile tribes of the Northwest to enter into a general 
treaty of peace with the American Government; speeches were sent among them, 
and agents to make treaties were also sent, but little was accomplished. Major 



V 
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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



55 



HaiiitraiTick, who still remained at Vinceiines, succeeded in concludiiii^ a general 
peace with the Wabasli and Illinois Indians; but the tribes more immediately under 
the influence of the IJritish, refused to hear the sentiments of friendship that were 
sent among them, and tomaliawked several of the messengers. Their courage had 
been aroused by St. Clair's defeat, as well as by the unsuccessful expedition which 
had preceded it, and they now felt quite prepared to meet a superior force under 
Gen. Wayne. The Indians insisted on the Ohio River as the boundary line between 
their lands and the lands of the United States, and felt certain that they could 
maintain that boundary. Maj. Gen. Scott, with about 1,600 mounted volunteers 
from Kentucky, joined tlie regular troops under Gen. Wayne, July 26. 1794, and on 
the 28th, the united forces began tlieir inarch on the Indian towns of the Maumee 
River. Arriving at the moutli of the Auglaize, the}- erected Fort Defiance, and on 
August 15, the army advanced toward the British fort at the foot of the rapids of 
the Maumee, where on the 20th, almost witliin reach of the British, the American 
army obtained a decisive victory over the combined forces of the hostile Indians 
and a considerable number of the Detroit Br. militia. The number of the enemy was 
estimated at 2,000, against about 900 American troops actually engaged. Tliis 
horde of savages, as soon as the action began, abandoned themselves to flight and 
dispersed with terror and dismay, leaving Wayne's victorious army in full and (juiet 
possession of the field. The Americans lost thirt}--three killed and one hundred 
wounded ; while the loss of the enem}' was more tlian double this number. 

The army remained three days and nights on the banks of the Maumee, 
in front of the field of battle, during which time all the houses and corn- 
fields were consumed and destro3^ed for a considerable distance both above and be- 
low Fort Miami, as well as within pistol shot of the British garrison, who were 
compelled to remain idle spectators to this general devastation and conflagration, 
among which were the houses, stores and property of Col. McKee, the British 
Indian agent and "principal instigator of the war tlien existing between the 
United States and savages." On the return march to Fort Defiance the villages 
and cornfields for about fifty miles on each side of the Maumee were destro3'ed, as 
well as those for a considerable distance around that jjost. 

September 14, 1794, the army under Gen. Wayne commenced its march toward 
the deserted Miami villages at tlie confluence of St. Joseiih and St. Mary's rivers, 
arriving October 17, and on the following day the site of Fort Wa3'ne was selected. 
The fort was completed November 22, and garrisoned by a strong detachment of 
infantry and artillery, under the command of Col. .lolin F. Ilamtramck, who gave 
to the new fort the name of Fort Wa^'ne. In 1814, a new fort was built on the 
site of this structure. The Kentucky volunteers returned to Fort Washington and 
were mustered out of service. Gen. Wayne, with the Federal troops, marched to 



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56 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Greenville and took up his headquarters during the Winter. Here in August, 1795, 
after several months of active negotiation, this gallant officer succeeded in conclud- 
ing a general treaty of peace with all the hostile tribes of the Northwestern Ter- 
ritory. This treaty opened the way for the flood of iiumigration for many years, and 
ultimately made the States and Territories now constituting the mighty Northwest. 

Up to the organization of the Indiana Territory there is but little history to 
record apart from those events connected with military affairs. In July 1796, as 
before stated, after a treaty was concluded between the United States and Spain, 
the British garrisons, with their arms, artillery and stores were withdrawn from 
the posts within the boundaries of the United States northwest of the Ohio River, 
and a detachment of American troops, consisting of sixty-five men, under the com- 
mand of Capt. Moses Porter, took possession of the evacuated post of Detroit in 
the same month. 

In the latter part of 1796 Winthrop Sargent went to Detroit and organized 
the county of Wayne, forming a part of the Indiana Territory until its division in 
1805, when the Territory of Michigan was organized. 

KEVOL0TIONART WAR. 

By this important struggle the territory of the present State of Michigan was 
but little affected, the posts of Detroit and Mackinaw being the principal points 
whence the British operated among the Indians to prejudice them against the 
"Americans," going so far as to pay a reward for scalps, which the savages, of 
course, hesitated not to take from defenseless inhabitants. The expeditions made 
by the Indians for this purpose were even supported sometimes bj' the regular 
troops and local militia. One of these joint expeditions, commanded by Capt. 
Byrd, set out from Detroit to attack Louisville, Ky. It proceeded in boats as far 
as it could ascend the Maumee, and thence crossed to the Ohio River, on which 
stream Ruddle's Station was situated, which surrendered at once, without fighting, 
under the promise of being protected from the Indians ; but this promise was 
broken and all the prisoners massacred. 

Another expedition under Gov. Hamilton, the commandant at Detroit, started 
out in 1778, and appeared at Vincennes, Ind., with a force of thirty regulars, fifty 
French volunteers and about 400 Indians. At this fort the garrison consisted of 
only Capt. Helm and one soldier named Henry. Seeing the troops at a distance, 
they loaded a cannon, which they placed in the open gateway, and Capt. Helm 
stood by the cannon with a lighted match. When Hamilton with his army 
approached within hailing distance, Helm called out with a loud voice, " Halt !" 
This show of resistance made Hamilton stop and demand a surrender of the garri- 
son. " No man," exclaimed Hehu, with an oath, " enters here until I know the 



^ 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 57 



terms." Hamilton replied, " You shall iiave the honor of war." Helm thereupon 
surrendered the fort, and the whole garrison, consisting of the two already named, 
niarclied out and received the customary marks of respect for their brave defense. 
Hamilton was soon after made to surrender this place to Gen. George Rogers Clark, 
the ablest American defender in the West. The British soldiers were allowed to 
return to Detroit ; but tiieir commander, who was known to have been active in 
instigating Indian barbarities, was put in irons and sent to Virginia as a prisoner 
of war. 

Tiie events just related are specimens of what occ\irred at and in connection 
witli Detroit from the close of Pontiac's war until a number of years after the 
establishment of American Independence. When the treaty of peace was signed 
in Versailles in 1783, the British on the frontier reduced their aggressive policy 
somewhat, but they continued to occupy the lake posts until 1796, on the claim that 
the lake region was not designed to be included in the treaty by the commissioners, 
probabl}^ on account of tlieir ignorance of the geography of the Vegion. Mean- 
while the Indians extensively organized for depredation upon the Americans, and 
continued to harass them at every point. During this period Alexander McKenzie, 
an agent of the British Government, visited Detroit, painted like an Indian, and 
said that he was just from tlie upper lakes, and that the tribes in that i-egion were 
all in arms against any furtiier immigration of Americans, and were ready to attack 
the infant settlements in Oiiio. His statement had tiie desired effect, and encour- 
aged also b}^ an agent from the Spanish settlements on tlie Mississippi, the Indians 
organized a great confederac}' against the United States. To put this down Gen. 
Harmar was first sent out by the Government with 1,400 men ; but he imprudently 
divided his army, and lie was taken b}"- surprise and defeated by a body of Indians 
under " Little Turtle." Gen. Arthur St. Glair was next sent out, with 2,000 men, 
and he suffered a like fate. Then Gen. Antiiony Wayne was sent West witli a still 
larger army, and on the Maumee he gained an easy victory over the Indians, witiiin a 
few miles of a British post. He finally concluded a treaty with the Indians at Green- 
ville, wiiich broke up the whole confederacy. Tiie British soon afterwards gave up 
Detroit and Mackinaw. 

It was a considerable time before the Territory of Michigan now in possession 
of tiie United States, was improved or altered by the increase of settlements. Tiie 
Canadian French continued to form the principal part of its population. Tlie 
interior of the country was but little known, except by the Indians and the fur 
traders. Tiie Indian title not being I'nlly extinguished, no lands were brought into 
market, and consequently the settlements increased but slowly. The State of 
Michigan at this time constituted simply the county of Wayne in Northwest Ter- 
ritory. It sent one representative to the legislature of that Territor\% which was 

".^ « r- •-» ®|V " 



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58 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



held at Chillicotlie. A court of Common Pleas was organized for the county, and 
the General Court of the whole Territory sometimes met at Detroit. No roads had 
as yet been constructed through the interior, nor were there any settlements except 
on the frontiers. The habits of the people were essentially military, and but little 
attention was paid to agriculture except by the French peasantry. A representative 
was sent to the General Assembly of the Northwest Territory at Chillicothe until 
1800, when Indiana was erected into a separate Territory. Two years later Mich- 
igan was annexed to Indiana Territory, but in 1805 Michigan separated and William 
Hull was appointed its first Governor. 

The British revived the old prejudices that the Americans intended to drive 
the Indians out of the country, and the latter, under the lead of Tecumseh and his 
brother Elksvvatawa, the " prophet," organized again on an extensive scale to make 
war upon the Americans. The great idea of Tecumseh's life was a universal con- 
federacy of all the Indian tribes North and South to resist the invasion of the 
whites ; and his plan was to surprise them at all their posts throughout the country 
and capture them by the first assault. At this time the entire white population of 
Michigan was about 4,800, four-fifths of whom were French and the remainder 
Americans. The settlements were situated on the rivers Miami and Raisin, on 
the Huron of Lake Erie, on the Ecorse Range, and Detroit Rivers, on the Huron 
of St. Clair, on the St. Clair River and Mackinaw Island. Besides, there were here 
and there a group of huts belonging to the i^'rench fur traders. The villages on the 
Maumee, the Raisin and the Huron of Lake Erie contained a population of about 
1,300 ; the settlements at Detroit and northward had about 2,200 ; Mackinaw about 
1,000. Detroit was garrisoned by ninety-four men, and Mackinaw by seventy-nine. 

hull's sqrrender. 

Now we have to record an unexplained mystery, which no historian of Mich- 
igan can omit, namely, the surrender of Detroit to the British by Gen. Hull, when 
his forces were not in action and were far more powerful than the enemy. He was 
either a coward or a traitor, or both. The commander of the British forces. Gen. 
Brock, triumphantly took possession of the fort, left a small garrison under Col. 
Proctor, and returned to the seat of his government. In twelve days he had moved 
with a small army 250 miles against the enemy, effected the surrender of a strong 
fort and well-equipped army of 2,300 effective men, and one of the Territories pf 
the United States. Hull and the regular troops were taken to Montreal, and the 
militia were sent to their homes. 

In the capitulation, Gen. Hull also surrendered Fort Dearborn, at Chicago, 
commanding Captain Heald of that place to evacuate and retreat to Fort Wayne. 
In obedience to this order, the Captain started from the fort with his forces ; but 









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HISTORY OF MIOHIGAK. 59 



no sooiiei' were they outside the walls tlian they were attaclced by a hirjjre force of 
Indians, who took them prisoners and then proceeded to massacre tliem, killing 
thirty-eight out of the sixty-six soldiers, .even some of the women and children, two 
of the former and twelve of the latter. Captain Wells, a white man who had been 
brought up auujug the Indians, but espoused tiie white man's cause, was killed in 
the massacre. 

January 3, 1814, (icn. Hull appeared before a court-martial at Albany, N. Y., 
where Gen. Dearborn was j)resident. The accused made no objection to the con- 
stitution and jurisdiction of this court ; its sessions were protracted and every 
facility was given the accused to make ids defense. The three charges a'niinst 
him were treason, cowardice and neglect of dut}'. Hull was finally acquitted of 
the high crime of treason, but he was found guilty of the other charges, and sen- 
tenced to be shot ; but by reason of his services in the Revolution and his advanced 
age the court recommended him to the mercy of the President, who apj)roved the 
sentence and dismissed Hull from the service. The accused wrote a long defense, 
in which he enumerates many things too tedious to relate here. 

Even before he was sent to Detroit he was rather opposed to the policy of the 
Government toward the British of Canada; and, besides, he had been kindly treateil 
by Rritish oilicers, who helped him across the frontier. Again, the General Gov- 
ernment was unreasonably slow to inform the General of the declaration of war 
which had been made against Great Britain, and very slow to forward troops and 
supplies. Many things can be said on both sides; but historians generallv approve 
the judgment of the court in liis case, as well as of the executive clemency of the 
President. 

perry's victory. 

The lake communication of Michigan with the East, having been in the hands 
of tlie British since Hull's surrender, was cut off by Com. Perry, who obtained 
a signal naval victory over the British on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. The 
Commodore put his fleet at Erie, Pa., under great disadvantages. The bar at the 
mouth of the harbor would not permit the vessels to pass out with their aruiamunt 
on board. For some time after the fleet was ready to sail, the British commodore 
continued to hover off the harbor, well knowing it must either remain there inac- 
tive or venture out with almost a certainty of defeat. During this blockade. Com. 
Perry had no alternative, but to ride at anchor at Erie ; but early iu September 
the enemy relaxed his vigilance and withdrew to the upper end of the lake. Perry 
then slipped out beyond the bar and fitted his vessels for action. The British fleet 
opposed to Com. Perry consisted of the ships " Detroit," carrying nineteen guns: 
the " Queen Charlotte," seventeen guns ; the scliooner " Lady Prevost," thirteen 
guns ; the brig " Hunter," ten guns; the sloop " Little Belt," three guns, and the 



r1 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



schooner "Chippewa," one gun and two swivels; and this fleet was commanded by 
a veteran ofBcer of tried skill and valor. 

At sunrise, September 10, wliile at anchor in Put-in-Bay, the Commodore 
espied the enemy toward the head of tiie lalce, and lie immediately sailed up and 
commenced action. His flag vessel, the Lawrence, was engaged with the full force of 
the enemy for nearl}' two hours before the wind permitted the other vessels to come 
in proper position to help. The crew of this vessel continued the fight until every 
one of them was either killed or wounded, all the rigging torn to pieces and every 
gun dismantled. Now comes the daring feat of the engagement which makes Perry 
a hero. He caused his boat to be lowered, in which he rowed to the Niagara amid 
the storm of shot and shell raging around him. This vessel he sailed through the 
enem3''s fleet with swelling breeze, pouring in her broadsides upon their ships and 
forcing them to surrender in rapid succession, until all were taken. The smaller 
vessels of his fleet helped in this action, among which was one commanded by the 
brave and faithful Capt. Elliott. This victory was one of the most decisive in all 
the annals of American history. It opened the lake to Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, 
who had been operating in Indiana and Ohio, and who now crossed with his army 
to Canada, where he had a short campaign, terminated by the battle of the Morav- 
ian towns, by which the enemy were driven from the northwestern frontier. A 
detachment of his army occupied Detroit, September 20, 1813, and October IS, an 
armistice was concluded with the Indians, then restoring tranquility to the Terri- 
tory of Michigan. Soon afterward Gen. Harrison left Gen. Cass in command at 
Detroit and moved with the main body of his army down to the Niagara frontier. 

Perry's brilliant success gave to the Americans the uncontrolled command of 
the lake, and September 23, their fleet landed 1,200 men near Maiden. Col. Proc- 
tor, however, had previously evacuated that post, after setting fire to the fort and 
public storehouses. Commodore Perry in the meantime, passed up to Detroit with 
the "Ariel," to assist in the occupation of that town, while Capt. Elliott, with the 
"Lady Prevost," the " Scorpion," and tlie " Tigress," advanced into Lake St. Clair 
to intercept the enemy's stores. Thus Gen. Harrison, on his arrival at Detroit and 
Maiden, found botli places abandoned l)y the enemy, and was met by tlie Canadians 
asking for his protection. Tecumseh proposed to the British commahder that they 
should hazard an engagement at Maiden ; but the latter foresaw that he should be 
exposed to the fire of the American fleet in that position, and therefore resolved to 
march to the Moravian towns upon Ihe Thames, near St. Clair Lake, above Detroit, 
and there try the cliance of a battle. His force at this time consisted of about 900 
regular troops and 1,500 Indians, commanded by Tecumseh. The American army 
amounted to about 2,700 men, of whom 120 were regulars, a considerable number 
of militia, about thirty Indians, and the remainder Kentucky riflemen, well mount- 



W 



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HISTORY. OF MICHIGAN. Gl 



ed, and mainly j-ouiig men, full of ardor, and burning; witli a desire to revenge tlie 
massacre of their friends and relatives at the River Raisin. During the following 
Winter, there were no inililary movements, except an incursion into the interior of 
the upper province, by Major Holmes, who was attacked near Stony Creek, and 
maintained his ground with bravery. 

CLOSE OF THE "WAR. 

The war with Great Britain was now (November, 181.S), practically closed, so 
far as the Northwest was concerned, the post at Mackinaw yet remained in the 
hands of the enemy, but active steps were taken to dispossess the English of this 
point and drive them wholly from the domain of the United States. The fii-.st 
effort to start an expedition failed ; but in the Summer of 1814, a well-equipped 
force of two sIoojjs oi war, several schooners, and 750 land militia, under the com- 
mand of Commodore St. Clair and Lieut. Colonel Croghan, started for the north. 
Contrary, however, to the advice of experienced men, the commanders concluded 
to visit St. Joseph first, and the British, of Mackinaw, heard of their conung, and 
prepared themselves. The consequence was a failure to take the place. Major 
Holmes was killed, and the Winnebago Indians, from Green Bay, allies of the 
British, actiudly cut out the hearts and liver from the American slain, and cooked 
and ate them ! Com. St. Clair afterward made some arrangements to starve out 
the post, but his vessels were captured, and the Briti^sh then remained secure in the 
possession of the place until the treaty of jjcace the following Winter. 

The war with England formally closed on December 24, 1814, when a treaty 
of peace was signed at Ghent. The ninth article of the treaty required the 
United States to put an end to hostilities with all tribes or nations of Indians with 
whom they had been at war; to restore to such tribes or nations respectiveh^ all the 
rights and possessions to which they were entitled in 1811, before the war, on con- 
dition that such Indians should agree to desist from all hostilities against the United 
States. But in February, just before the treaty was sanctioned by our Government 
there were signs of Indians accumulating arms and ammunition, and a cautionary 
order was therefore issued to have all the white forces in readiness for an attack 
by the Indians, but the attack was not made. During the ensuing Summerand Fall, 
tiie United States Government acquainted the Indians with the provisions of the 
treaty and entered into subordinate treaties of peace with the principal tribes. 
Just before the treaty of Spring Wells (near Detroit) was signed, the Sha- 
wanee Propliet retired to Canada, declaring his resolution to abide by any 
treaty which the chiefs might sign. Some time afterward he returned to the Sha- 
wanee settlement in Ohio, and lastl}* to the west of the Mississippi, where he died 
in 18;54. The British Government allowed him a pension from 1813 until his 
death. 



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62 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



THE TECCMSEH WAR. 

If one should inquire who has been the greatest Indian, the most noted, the 
" principal Indian " in North America since its discovery by Columbus, we would 
be obliged to answer, Tecumseh. For all those qualities that elevate a man far 
above his race ; for talent, tact, skill and bravery as a warrior ; for high-minded, 
honorable and chivalrous bearing as a man; in a word, for all those elements of 
greatness which place him along way above his fellows in savage life, the name and 
fame of Tecumseh will go down to posterity in the West as one of the most cele- 
brated of the aborigines of this continent, — as one who had no equal among the 
tribes that dwelt in the country drained by the Mississippi. Born to command him- 
self, he used all the appliances that would stimulate the courage and nerve the 
valor of his followers. Always in the front rank of battle, his followers blindly 
followed his lead, and as his war-cry rang clear above the din and noise of the 
battle-field, the Shawnee warriors, as they rushed on to victory or the grave, rallied 
around him, forever worthy of the steel of the most gallant commander that ever 
entered the list in the defense of his altar or his home. 

The tribe to which Tecumseh, or Tecumtha, as some write it, belonged, was the 
Shawnee, or Shawanee. The tradition of the nation held that they originally came 
from the Gulf of Mexico ; that they wended their way up the Mississippi and the 
Ohio, and settled at or near the present site of the Shawneetown, 111., whence they 
removed to the upper Wabash. In the latter place, at any rate, they were found 
early in the 18th century, and were known as the " bravest of the brave." This 
tribe has uniformly been the bitter enemy of the white man, and in every contest 
with our people exhibited a degree of skill and strategy that should character- 
ize the most dangerous foe. Tecumseh's notoriety and that of his brother, the 
Prophet, mutually served to establish and strengthen each other. While the 
Prophet had unlimited power, spiritual and temporal, he distributed his greatness 
in all the departments of Indian life with a kind of fanaticism that magnetically 
aroused the religious and superstitious passions, not only of his own followers, but 
also of all the tribes in this part of the country ; but Tecumseh concentrated his 
greatness upon the more practical and business affairs of military conquest. It is 
doubted whether he was really a sincere believer in the pretensions of his fanatic 
brother; if he did not believe in the pretentious feature of them he had the shrewd- 
ness to keep his unbelief to himself, knowing that religious fanaticism was one of 
the strongest impulses to reckless braveiy. 

During his sojourn in the Northwestern Territory, it was Tecumseh's upper- 
most desire of life to confederate all the Indian tribes of the country, against the 
whites, to maintain their choice hunting-grounds. All his public policy converged 
toward this single end. In his vast scheme he comprised even all the Indians in 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



G3 



the Gulf country, — all in America west of the Alleghany mountains. He held, as 
a subordinate principle, that the Great Spirit had given the Indian race all these 
Iiunting-grounds to keep in common, and that no Indian or tribe could cede any 
portion of the land to the whites without consent of all the trices. Hence, in all 
his councils with the whites he ever maintained that the treaties were null and 
void. 

Wiien he met Harrison at Vincennes in council the last time, and, as he was 
invited by the General to take a seat with him on the platform, ho hesitated ; Har- 
rison insisted, saying that it was the " wish of their Great Father, the President of 
the United States that he should do so." The chief paused a moment, raised his 
tall and commanding form to its greatest height, surveyed the troops and crowd 
around liini, fixed his keen eyes upon Gov. Harrison, and then turning them to the 
sky above, and pointing toward heaven with his sinewy arm in a manner indicative 
of supreme contempt for the paternity assigned him, said in clarion tones: " My 
Father? The sun is my father, the earth is my mother, and on her bosom I will 
recline." He then stretched himself, with his wai-riors on the green sward. The 
effect was electrical, and for some moments there was perfect silence. 

The Governor, then, through an interjjreter, told him that he understood that 
he had some complaints to make and redress to ask, etc., and that he wished to 
investigate the matter and make restitution whenever it might be decided it should 
be done. As soon as the Guvernor was through with this introductory speech, the 
stately warrior arose, tall, athletic, manly, dignified and graceful, and with a voice 
at first low, but distinct and musical, commenced a reply. As he warmed up with 
his subject his clear tones might be heard, as if " trumpet-tongued," to the utmost 
limits of the a.ssembly — the most perfect silence prevailed, except when his warriors 
gave their guttural assent to some eloquent recital of the red-men's wrong and the 
white man's injustice. Tecumseh recited the wrongs which his race had suffered 
from the time of the massacre of the Moravian Indians to the present; said he did 
not know how he ever again could be the friend of the white man ; that the Great 
Spirit had given to the Indian all the land from the Miami to the Jlississippi, and 
from the lakes to the Ohio, as a common property to all the tribes in these borders, 
and that the land cotdd not and should not be sold without the consent of all ; 
that all the tribes on the continent formed but one nation; that if the United 
States would not give up the lands they had bought of the Miamis and the other 
tribes, tho.se united with him were determined to annihilate those tribes; that they 
were determined to have no more chiefs, but in future to be governed by their war- 
riors ; that unless the whites ceased their encroachments upon Indian lands, the 
fate of the Indians was sealed ; they had been driven from the banks of the Dela- 
ware across the Alleghanies, and their possessions on the Wabash and the Illinois 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



4i\ 



were now to be taken from them ; that in a few years they would not have ground 
enough to bury their warriors on this side of " Father of Waters ; " that all would 
perish, all their possessions taken from them by fraud or force, unless they stopped 
the progress of the white man westward ; that it must be a war of races in wliicli 
one or the otlier must perish ; that their tribes had been driven toward the setting 
sun like a galloping horse (ne-kat-a-kusli-e-ka-top-o-lin-to). 

The Shawnee language, in wliich this most eminent Indian statesman spoke, 
excelled all other aboriginal tongues in its musical articulation; and the effect of 
Tecumseh's oratory on this occasion can be more easily imagined than described. 
Gov. Harrison, althougli as brave a soldier and general as any American, was over- 
come by his speech. He well knew Tecumseh's power and influence among all the 
tribes, knew his bravery, courage and determination, and knew that he meant what 
he said. When Tecumseh was done speaking there was a stillness throughout the 
assembly which was really painful; not a wliisper was heard, and all eyes were 
turned from the speaker toward Gov. Harrison, who after a few moments came to 
himself, and recollecting many of tlie absurd statements of the great Indian orator, 
began a reply which was more logical, if not so eloquent. The Shawnees were 
attentive until Harrison's interpreter began to translate his speech to the Miamis 
and Pottawatomies, when Tecumseh and his warriors sprang to their feet, brand- 
ishing their war-clubs and tomaliawks. " Tell him," said Tecumseh, addressing 
the interpreter in Shawnee, " he lies." Tlie interpreter undertook to convey tliis 
message to tlie Governor in smoother language, but Tecumseh noticed the effort 
and remonstrated, " No, no ; tell him he lies." The warriors began to grow more 
excited, when Secretary Gibson ordered the American troops in arms to advance. 
This allayed the rising storm, and as soon as Tecumseh's " He lies" was literally 
interpreted to tlie Governor, the latter told the interpreter to tell Tecumseh he 
would hold no further council with him. 

Thus the assembly was broken up, and one can hardly imagine a more exciting 
scene. It would constitute the finest subject for a historical painting to adorn the 
rotunda of the capitol. The next day Tecumseh requested another interview with 
tlie Governor, which was granted on condition that he should make an apology to 
the Governor for his language the day before. This he made through the inter- 
preter. Measures for defense and protection were taken, however, lest there sliould 
be another outbreak. Two companies of militia were ordered from the country, 
and the one in town added to them, while the Governor and his friends went into 
council fully armed and prepared for any contingency. On this occasion the con- 
duct of Tecumseh was entirely different from tliat of the day before. Firm and 
intrepid, showing not the slightest fear or alarm, surrounded with a military force 
four times his own, he preserved the utmost composure and equanimity. None 



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HISTOIIY OF MICHIGAN. 



Go 



would have supposed that lie could liave been tlie principal actor in the tlirilliii!^ 
scene of the previous day. He claimed that half the Auierioans were in sjnipathy 
with him. He also said that whites liad infonued him that Gov. Harrison had 
purciiased laud from tlu; Indians witiiout an}' authority from tlie Government; that 
lie, Harrison, had but two years more to remain in office, and that if he, Tecumseh, 
could prevail upon the Indians who sold the lands not to receive their annuities for 
tliat time, and the present Governor displaced by a good man as his successor, the 
latter would restore to tlie Indians all the lands purchased from them. Tlie Wyan- 
dots, Kickapoos, Pottawattomies, Ottawas and tlie Winnebagoes, through tlieir 
respective spokesmen, declaimed their adiieience to the great Shawnee warrior and 
statesman. Gov. Harrison tlien told tliem that he would send Tecumseli's speech 
to the President of tlie United States and return tlie answer to tlie Indians as soon 
as it was received. Tecumseii tiieu declared tliat he and his allies W(!re determined 
tliat the old boundary line slunild continue ; and tliat if the whites crossed it, it 
would be at tlieir jieril. (inv. Harrison replied tliat he would be e(iually plain witii 
hini and state that the President would never allow that the lauds on the Wabash 
were the projierty of any otiier tribes tlian those wlio had occupied tiiem since tlie 
white people first came to America; and as the title to the lands lately purciiased 
was derived from tiiose tribes by a late purchase, he might rest assured tiiat the 
riglit of the United States would be supported by the sword. " So be it " was the 
stern and haughty reply of tlie Shawnee chieftain, as he and his braves took leave 
of the Governor and wended their way in Indian file to tlieir camping ground. 
Tiius ended the last conference on earth by the chivalrous Tecumseh and the 
hero of the battle of Tippecanoe. The bones of tiie first lie bleaching on the 
battlefield of tlie Thames, and those of the last in a mausoleum on the banks of 
the Ohio ; each struggled for the mastery of his race, and eacli no doubt was 
equally honest and patriotic in his purposes. The weak yielded to the strong, the 
defenseless to the powerful, and the hunting-ground of the Shawnee is all occui)ied 
by his enemy. 

Tecumseh, with four of his braves, immediately embarked in a birch canoe, 
descended the Wabash, and went on to the South to unite the tribes of that country 
in a genei'al system of self-defense against the encroachment of the whites. His 
emblem was a disjointed snake, with the motto " Join or die ! " In union alone 
was strength. 

Before Tecumseh left the Prophet's town at the moutli of tlie Tippecanoe River, 
on his excursion to the South, he had a definite understanding with his brother and 
the ciiieftains of the other tribes in the Wabash country, that they should jireserve 
perfect peace with the whites until his arrangements were completed for a con- 
federacy of the tribes on both sides of the Ohio and on the Mississippi River; but 

5 



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66 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



it seems that while he was in the Soutli engaged in his work of uniting the tribes 
of tliat conntry some of the Northern tribes showed signs of fight and precipitated 
Harrison into that campaign which ended in tlie battle of Tippecanoe, and the 
total rout of the Indians. Tecumseh, on his return from the South, learning what 
had happened, was overcome with chagrin, disappointment, and anger, and accused 
his brother of duplicity and cowardice ; indeed, it is said, he never forgave him to 
the day of his deatii. A short time afterward, on the breaking out of the war with 
Great Britain, he joined Proctor, at Maiden, with a party of his warriors, and was 
killed at the battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813, by a Mr. Wheatly, as we are 
positively informed by Mr. A. J. James, now a resident of La Harpe township, 
Hancock County, Illinois, whose father-in-law, John Pigman, of Coshocton County, 
Ohio, was an eye-witness. Gen. Johnson has generally had the credit of killing 
Tecumseh. 

THE BLACK UAWK WAR. 

The excitement which this war caused throughout the settleroents of Michigan 
was such as would appear incomprehensible at the present time. Macomb County 
was no exception to the general rule, although her French citizens maintained a 
dignified equanimity. 

On the mor^ung of May 10, 1832, the news of Black Hawk's advance reached 
Col. J. D. Davis' camp at Plymouth, and was carried thence into the homes of 
Macomb by a dozen of busy gossipers. At each village the number of Indians was 
increased by these faithful couriers until, at length, when the news reached Mt. 
Clemens, it was to the effect that Black Hawk and 80,000 warriors were encamped 
at that moment on Pigeon Prairie. 

The men liable to military service in the county were called out, but on learn- 
ing that the seat of war was several hundred miles west, that the reports were 
entirely exaggerated ; that the Sacs and Foxes were scattered or slain, then, and 
only then did the white warriors of Macomb return to their liomes. 

THE TOLEDO WAR. 

The convention to form a State Constitution met on the second Monday in 
May, 1835, in the city of Detroit, performing their duties and adjourning the •24th 
of the same month. In giving their boundaries they made the southern the same 
as recognized by the ordinance of 1787, and as understood when the' Territory 
was formed. The constitution framed bj' the convention was submitted to 
the people and by them approved, after which it was sent to Congress for its 
action, not doubting but Michigan would be admitted as a State as soon as Con- 
gress assembled. 

To this boundary Ohio entered her protest by her delegation in Congress, and 



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HisTonY OF :michigan. 



07 



by her State Legislature and Executive, and at once organized licr civil powers 
through and over the disputed territory, which was about six miles wide on the 
Indiana line, and eight or nine miles at tlie Mauniee River. Congress rejected tlie 
ajjplication on the loth of June, 183G, and submitted a proposition to the people 
of the Territory July '1') of tiie same year, fixing the southern boundary where 
it now is, and in consideration therefor the following grunts were to be made: 

1st. Section 16 of every township for the use of schools. 

2d. Seventy-two sections for a State University. 

3d. Five sections to build a State Cajiitol. 

4th. Twelve salt springs, with six sections of land to each, for the general 
uses of the Territor3\ 

5th. Five per cent, of net proceeds of public lands, when sold, for public roads 
and canals. 

Gth. Alteration of northern boundaries so as to include the upper peninsula. 

While this question of boundary was pending in Congress, great excitement 
sprang up among the people on both sides, so great, indeed, as to lead to what was 
known as the Toledo War. 

To get a clear insight into the ways and methods by wiiich the first pioneers 
of the country managed questions affecting their local interests, we can do no bet- 
ter than to adopt, in these pages, the story of each participant, and from these 
draw our own conclusions as to the right. Michigan says : The approaching 
organization of the State Government invested the disputed question with pressing 
importance, and hostilities on the disputed territory soon became active. In Feb- 
ruarv, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed an act extending tlie jurisdiction of 
that State over the territory in question, organized townshi[)s and directed tiiem 
to elect officers in April following. It also directed Gf)V. Lucas to appoint three 
commissioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line, and named April 1 as the 
time when the work should commence. Gov. Mason anticii)ated this action of the 
Ohio Legislature by an act of the Legislative Council making it a criminal offense, 
punishable by a heavy fine, or by imprisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise 
any official functions, or to accept any office within the jurisdiction of the Territory 
of Michigan by virtue of any authority not derived from said Territory or from the 
United States. Gov. Mason directed Gen. Brown, then in command of the militia 
of the Territory, to hold himself in readiness to take the field should Ohio attempt 
to carry out tlie instructions of her Legislature. On the 31st of March, Governor 
Lucas, with his commissioners, and Gen. Bell of the Ohio militia, arrived at Perrys- 
burg,on their way to commence the survey and re-marking of the Karris line. Here 
they proceeded to muster a force of 600 volunteers, who were organized and went 
into camp at Fort Miami to await the Governor's orders. 



4^ 



08 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



In the meantime Gov. Mason with Gen. Brown had raised a force from eight 
to twelve hundred strong, and were in possession of Toledo. When Gov. Lucas 
observed the determined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note of tiieir 
numbers, he found it convenient to content himself for a time " with watching over 
the border." Several da3-s were passed in this exhilarating employment, and just 
when lie had made up his mind to do something rash, two Commissioners arrived 
from Washington, on a mission of peace» They remonstrated with Gov. Lucas 
and reminded liini of tlie consequences to himself and State if he attempted to gain 
possession by force. After several conferences with botli Governors the (Commis- 
sioners submitted the following propositions for their consideration : 1st. That the 
Harris line should be run and re-marked pursuant to the act of the Legislature of 
Ohio, without interruption. 2d. The civil elections under the laws of Ohio hav- 
ing taken place throughout the disputed territory, the people therein should be left 
to their own government, obeying the one jurisdiction or the other as they might 
prefer, without molestation from either side until the close of the next session of 
Congress. 

Gov. Lucas accepted the proposition at once, and disbanded his forces, regard- 
ing the proposition as coming from the President, through the Commissioners, and 
under his control. Gov. Mason, on the otiier liand, refused to accede to the 
arrangements, declined to compromise rights or surrender jurisdistion, but partially 
disbanded liis forces, holding a sufficient number iii readiness to meet any emer- 
gency that might arise. Gov. Lucas now supposed his way clear, and that he 
could re-mark the Harris line witiiout molestation, and he accordingl}^ ordered the 
Commissioners to proceed with the work. 

Li the meanwhile President Jackson had referred the matter to Attorney' 
General Butler, as to his authority over the contending parties, and the validity of 
the act of the Ohio Legislature and the act of the Legislative Council under which 
the respective parties were claiming authority. 

The I'eport of the Attorney General was decidedly in favor of Michigan. The 
weak point in Ohio's claim was a violation of the act of 1805 creating that Terri- 
tory, and in subsequent acts passed for her government. 

Notwithstanding this, Gov. Lucas proceeded to run the line, commencing at 
the northwest corner of the disputed tract. Gov. Mason and Gen. Brown had kept 
a watcliful eye, and wlien the surveying party got witliin the county of Lucas, the 
under-sheriff of that county, armed with a wairant, and supported by a posse, sud- 
denly made his appearance and succeeded in arresting a portion of the party. The 
rest, including the Commissioners, took to their heels and were soon beyond the 
disputed territor}'. Arriving at Perrysburg, they reported their valor and escape 
from the overwhelming attack of Gen. Brown, and tlieir missing comrades all 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAX. 



69 



killed or taken prisoners, to Gov. Lucas, he in turn reporting to the President. 
Tiie President thereupon sent a copy to Gov. Mason, and asked for a state- 
ment of facts from the officers engaged in the transaction. Accordingly, tlie under- 
sheriff made a ver}' amusing report, setting forth the fact that it was a civil process, 
issued hy a Justice of the Peace, that under it he had arrested nine persons, without 
bloodshed or trouble, and closing with the statement that the Commissioners had 
made very good time, that they had reached Perrysburg with nothing more serious 
than tiie loss of hats and their clothing, like Gov. Marcy's breeches, without the 
patch. 

This summary breaking up of the surveying party created intense excitement 
throughout Ohio. An extra sess'on of the Legislature was called, a law was passed 
against the abduction of any of Iftr citizens, making it a penal offense punishable 
by not less than three nor more tlian seven years in the penitentiary. They also 
passed an act organizing the county of Lucas, fixing the county -seat at Toledo, and 
directing Ihe court for the county to be hekl at any convenient house therein. 
They accepted the propositions of the President's Commissioners, and made an 
appropriation of $600,000 to carry these laws into effect over the disputed ter- 
ritory. 

It was evident that Ohio was aroused — that her State pride had been wounded. 
The idea that the young Territory of Michigan, with her stripling Governor, should 
successfully defy the great State of Ohio, with a million of inhabitants and her aged 
Governor, was one that the people could not endure with patience or equanimity. 

In the meantime the authorities of Michigan were active in sustaining their 
authority on the disputed ground. Prosecutions for holding office under Ohio 
were conducted with great vigor ; for a long time the people of Monroe 
county were kept busy assisting the sheriff in executing his processes and making 
arnests in Toledo. Suit after suit was commenced, and each was the breeder of a 
score of others. The officers of Ohio made feeble attempts to retaliate, but were 
generally unsuccessful. Sometimes these arrests were attended with danger, al- 
ways with great difficulty. An instance is related of Major Stickney's arrest, which 
created great amusement at the time. He and his family fought valiantl)', but 
were overpowered b}- numbers. He was requested to mount a hprse, but flatly 
refused. He was put on by force, but he would not sit there. Fitially, two men 
were detailed to walk beside him and-hold his legs, while a third led the horse. 
After making half the distance in this way, they tied his legs under tiie horse and 
thus got him in jail. An attempt was made to arrest his son. Two Stickney. A 
scuflle ensued, in which the officer was stabbed with a knife, but the wound did 
not prove dangerous, and it is believed that this was the only blood shed during 
the war. The officer let go his hold, and Stickney fled to Ohio. He was indicted 



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'U\ 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



by the grand jury of Monroe Count}', and a requisition was made on the Governer 
of Oiiio for his rendition, Ijut the Governor refused to give him up. 

On one occasion an officer attempted to arrest a man in the night. The man 
had but a moment's warning, and sought safety in flight. He reached the 
iMuunice River, threw liimself on a saw log, and with hands and feet paddled him- 
self in safety to the other siiore. 

A veiy pious man was elected a justice of the peace, and fled to the woods, 
wliere he lived many days in a sugar shanty. It was currently reported, and 
generally believed by the Ohio partisans, that a miracle liad been wrouglit in Ids 
belialf, — that "robin red-breasts" brought him his daily food and drinlc. ' The 
belief in this miracle strengthened the cause of Ohio in many quarters very mate- 
rially. 

The report of the stabbing by Two Stickney and the statement that Gov. 
Lucas was protecting him made great impression on the mind of tlie President. 
'Buth sides were becoming more importunate, and after investigating tlie difficulties 
fuLlj he recommended to Gov. Mason tliat no obstruction should be made to the 
re-marking of tlie Harris line, tliat all prosecutions under the Territorial act of 
February' should be discontinued, and no otiiers commenced until the next session 
of Congress. This recommendation had no effect on Gov. jNIason. He was deter- 
mined to protect his Territory and her jurisdiction at all hazards. Prosecutions 
went on as before. Wlien the President became aware of this he superseded Gov. 
Mason as Secretary of Michigan, and appointed Charles Shaler, of Pennsylvania, 
nS his successor. He also advised Gov. Lucas to refrain from any jurisdiction over 
tlie Territory pending the action of Congress. Tliis check by tlie President was a 
great blow to Gov. Lucas. The eyes of the country were upon liim, and lie felt it 
incumbent on him to perform some act of jurisdiction in order to save himself from 
the imputation of having backed down. A Iiappy thought struck Iiim at an oppor- 
tune moment. Tiie Legislature of Oliio had organized a county and ordered court 
to be held at Toledo on tlie 7th of September. To liold this court in tiie face and 
eyes of the military force of Gov. Mason and the recommendation of tiie President 
to abstain therefrom would be a grand achievement, — an act of jurisdiction greater 
than the re-marking of the Harris line. Witli him this was the tiling to be done, 
and calling to his aid the Adjutant General of the State, they devised a plan, and 
it was put into his hands to manage. He called out a regiment to protect the 
judges in the discharge of their duty. The judges met on Sunday, the 6tli of Sep- 
tember, at Maumee, a few miles from Toledo. They were to proceed to Toledo the 
next morning, under the escort that had been provided for them, and hold court. 
Some tine during the evening a scout who had been sent out bv the colonel of tiie 
regimenl returned from Toledo and reported that 1,200 men under command of 



V 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Gen. Brown, were in Toledo ready to demolish court, soldiers and all, in case of an 
attempt to open it. This rcjiort turned out to be false, hut it immediately subdued all 
the valor of tlie judges, as well as tliat of the regiment tliat was to escort them. But 
it would not do to back out, — the honor and tlie dignity of tlie State must be main- 
tained ; besides, they would bo laughed if they did not hold court. But the judges 
hesitated at undertaking so daring an exploit. The colonel of the regiment finally 
came to the Governor's assistance. He upbraided the judges for their cowardice 
and hesitation, and proposed to take the honor of the State into his own keeping. 
Stepping in front of his regiment, he called for volunteers for a hazardous under- 
taking. A few brave men answered the call. Tlie trembling judges placed them- 
selves under the charge of this " forlorn hope," and at tl'iree o'clock on Monday 
morning, Sept. 7. 1835, they sneaked into Toledo, hunted up a scliool-house, held 
court about two minutes, and then ran for dear life back to Maumee. 

Tiius did the State of Oliio triumph over her enemies. Thus did her patriotic 
sons sustain her dignity. Tiius did her brave soldiers throw themselves in the 
imminent and deadly breach. 

It is needless to say that Gov. Mason and Gen. Brown were surprised and 
chagrined. They had an ample force within reach to prevent the holding of a 
court, as courts are generally held, but they were unacquainted with Ohio legal 
practice, and did not look for midnight tribunals held in dark school-rooms or out- 
houses. 

But little remains to be said in reference to the war. A volume might be 
written relating to the incidents of that bloodless struggle and the story of the pri- 
vations endured by the citizen soldiers, — privations which were relieved b}' raids 
on hen-coops, melon patches, and potato fields. The ludicrous incidents, the hair- 
breadth escapes, by field and flood, would be interesting to many, but space forbids 
more. 

Ohio says: This fired the heart of the young Governor, Stevens T. Mason ; his 
loyalty and zeal would not brook such an insult. The militia at his disposal was 
called early into requisition early in the Spring of 1835. They were first put upon 
the trail of the commissioners, and actually routed them and took several of the 
party prisoners, on the line some ten miles east of Morenci. These they held for 
a few daj's, then discharged some on parole and others on bail, to answer in the dis- 
trict court. 

But the end was not yet. A majority of those living on the disputpf^ '.crr» 
tory, in Monroe County, were late emigrants from Ohio and Penns3-lvan:a, .".Via tliey 
were thoroughly impressed with the importance to them of being .. part of Ohio. 
The port of Toledo was just opening to the traffic of the lakes; the States of Ohio 
and Indiana were ready tc bring in the Wabasli Canal, provided it could tap the 



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HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



lake on Ohio's soil ; and, besides, Ohio was already quite an old State, and would 
be able to develop the territory much quicker, — that in fact the territorial interest 
was all centred at Detroit, and Toledo, if it remained to Michigan, would only be 
a dependency paying tribute. 

With these sentiments prevailing, the Governor of Ohio was induced to put in 
force the laws of the State. Proclamation was issued giving boundaries to towns 
and counties, and for the election of civil officers. The elections were held, 
officers were chosen, and they assumed their duties. The militia was organized and 
commenced drilling. In short, we had two active and efficient governments, each 
striving to excel, and, as may be naturally inferred, the relations between them 
were not of a very friendlj' character, — the one acting as informers to Gov. Mason, 
the other mostly engaged in procuring bail to be relieved from arrests, preferring 
to have their ti-ansgressions settled by the courts of the country to an open and 
violent conflict ot arms. 

The Governor's quick, impulsive nature would brook this double- entendre no 
longer. The General Government did not respond to his call. Ohio would not 
stop at his bidding. The subjects were disloyal and refractory in their every act. 
Therefore, it become him as Governor to put a quietus on the whole difficulty. Ac- 
cordingly, he called out the militia of the Territory, to the number of about 1,500 
strong, early in the month of September, 1835, to prevent any. further inroads upon 
the territory in dispute, and particularly to prevent the holding of circuit court in 
Lucas County, which had just been organized, with Toledo as the county scat, 
where the first session of the court was appointed to be held. 

This call was responded to readily in many parts of the Territory, a very few 
perhaps from this county. They rendezvoused in Monroe County, and thence 
marched to Tremainsville, on the afternoon before the court was to convene, 
where they bivouacked for the night. They were here three miles out from the 
objective point, and much hard work was to be done in a very short time to meet 
the emergencies of the morrow, for an army was to be organized out of the mate- 
rial presented. Upon inspection it was found that some had muskets, others 
had clubs, but most had trusty rifles. Tiiese were assigned to companies and 
battalions, and in the morning marshaled for inspection by the commander-in-chief. 
They were by him pronounced ^^aufait" and ordered to march to the scene of the 
conflict. 

In entering the city they actually marched by the door where the court " of 
which they were in search" was in full operation, without knowing it. They had 
expected to find it guarded by an army that would be worthy of their steel. But 
Avhere ? oh, wiiere could they be ? They certainly could not be in Toledo, for the 
great army of our noble commander-in-chief covered the whole city and some of its 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



73 



suburbs. There could be but one conclusion. Tiiey had of course liied them- 
selves to the .spot whence tliey came, and must be now on tlieir way through 
the defdes of tlie black swamp. A council of war was held ; the surroundings 
looked dark; they had come for blood and without it there could be no remission, 
the enemy having ignobly fled the field. The usages of war would therefore make 
their way clear, and reprisals would be in order. If they would not let the issue 
be decided by force of arms, they could expect nothing less, and must al)ide by 
these rules which had been recognized by all nations from time immemorial. In 
this strait, it did not take our brave commander long to decide. His forces were 
soon marslialed. formed in two battalions, the one ordered to make reprisals on the 
cellars and larders of the inhabitants, the others to move ufion the magazines and 
commissary of the enemy, that a wag had informed them were stored in a l)aru 
owned by Piatt Card, known as one of the moving spirits in the rebellion, and 
who was then under bonds to answer for what he had heretofore done in in- 
citing it. 

This last work was not to be trusted to raw recruits, or committed to an in- 
ferior officer; it was virtually the conquering of an arm}-, and then who knew how 
strongly it was guarded witiiin, or what might be the dangers of an approach. Ti)at 
the work might be c^uick and effectual it was decided that our brave commander 
should lead the fray. 

In reconnoitering the premises, all was still ; yet there were certain holes in 
the walls, reminding tiiem of tiic port-holes in ancient forts, and in which they 
fancied tliey saw grim messengers of death staring then: boldly in the face. This 
could be endured no longer; the order was quickly given and a broad-side was 
poured into tlie pine siding of the barn, — ii thud, a groan, followed by a few thumps, 
and all was still as death. Approaches were made stealthily and cautiously until 
they reached the door, wliieh obe^'ed the mandate of the hand and readil}' swung 
on its hinges. To the suri)rise of our noble commander and his comrades in arms, 
they found the}' had captured a very fine horse, as the warm blood flowing from 
many bullet-holes attested. They had come for blood as a sacrifice to sprinkle the 
altar of their loyalty and devotion to their country, and who at this late day will 
deny that they found it? 

Returning to headquarters it was found that the other battalion had made a 
very successful raid, especially in the line of Major Stickney's wine-cellar, and from 
some others, that gave a more exhilarating beverage, sufficient was obtained with 
which to soften and wash down the hard army biscuit, of which it may be inferred 
their kiiapsacks contained an ample supply. Niglit approaching, each drew his 
cloak around him and gave; himself to pleasant dreams over the experiences and es- 
capes of the last twelve hours. 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



On the following morning an order was issued from the Governor disbanding 
the forces, allowing each to find his way home as best he could. Thus ended the 
great Toledo war, and all strife on the disputed tract. 

Looking at this question at a later day, when all had become calm and serene, 
we can discover little occasion for either part}' to get up and shake themselves like 
young lions. It was a matter that belonged entirely to Congress. If they had 
been so imprudent as to let Ohio in her boundaries embrace territory to which she 
had no claim, it was her duty, and justice required her to correct the error. That 
it was an error on the part of the National Legislature to allow Ohio to assume the 
functions and duties of a State, merely from her enabling act, without submitting 
her constitution for inspection and approval, none will doubt. That the Territorial 
officers were hastj^ and inconsiderate in their action, assuming responsibilities that 
did not belong to them, few question. That the final adjustment of the whole ques- 
tion between the parties has resulted to the benefit of each, and especially to Mich- 
igan, all cheerfully admit. 

In this war many of the old settlers of Macomb participated. Fortunately, the 
old soldiers of the young State lost little or no blood, and all were permitted to re- 
turn to their homes in peace. 

THE PATRIOT WAR. 

It will be remembered by the pioneers of Michigan, and not only by them, but 
by all others, of ■ that time along the frontier line between the United States and 
Canada, that during the Winter of 1837-38, occurred what was known as the 
" Patriotic War." The object of this war was understood to be a revolution that 
should sei:)arate the British possessions of Canada from the mother country that 
they might erect themselves into sovereign and independent States. 

In consequence of the financial crash and hard times then prevailing there were 
many adventurous, reckless and idle persons in the States who took part with the 
Patriots. The anxiety that grew out of our Revolutionary war and the war of 
1812, toward the British, may have slumbered, but was not forgotten, and it took 
but little to awaken that old feeling. It was revived along the whole length of the 
frontier, and was not confined to our side only ; it was fully reciprocated b}^ our 
loyal neighbors. At that time, as it may be now, there were many half-pay English 
military officers who would have hailed a war between the United States and Eng- 
land as a God-send to them ; for in that event they would be restored to active 
service on full pay and stand their chances for promotion. The hostile feeling had 
reached such a degree of intensity tliat General Scott was ordered to the frontier 
with troops. The steamer Carolina, that was supposed to be in the service of the 
Patriots, was captured in the Niagara River by the British forces, and sent over the 
falls and it was supposed with part of the crew on board. Tlie Patriots had at that 



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time a considerable force on Navy Island. A rocket l)ric;a(le was stationed at 
Windsor. Occasional musket shots were fired from Windsor into Detroit, and a 
correspondence was opened between (he authorities on each side with a view to 
stop this recklessness. Tiie late Adjutant-General John E. Scliwartz conducted 
tlie correspondence on the part of Michigan. He read it to the writer of this paper. 
About this time, I visited Detroit, stopping at the National Hotel, as the Russell 
House was tiien called, and before I had'time to warm myself I met Col. Smith, 
tlien a member of the Legislature, from Monroe County, who invited mc into the 
back parlor, where I met Gov. Mason, who ordered me back to Ann Arbor to 
raise a company of milida and report to Col. Smith wlio was then under orders 
from the Govertior to niandi down the Detroit river and break up the encampment 
of Patriots in the neighborhood of Gibraltar, a small village near the nioutli of the 
river, and drive tlieiii away. I liad also an order, addressed to the late Col. Slin- 
gerland, to muster his (the 5th) regiment from which to recruit my company by 
volunteers, if possible, or by draft. The Colonel issued his orders and did ins duty, 
but so strong was the sympathy in favor of the Patriots and against the English, 
that not over thirty men out of about 600 composing the regiment obeyed the 
Colonel's order. Of course I was obliged to report my inability to report the com- 
pany ordered. My recollection is that Colonel Smith made a similar report and the 
encampment remained undisturbed. Gen. Ed. Clark slates, that "the 
leaders of the Patriots had organized a secret society known as Hunters, with 
lodges in every village along the frontier. They had their secret signs, grips 
and pass-words, and were sworn to secrecy. A large proportion of the able-bodied 
men were Hunters, tiiat is, members of hunters' lodges. I mention these facts to 
show the state of public feeling with regard to the Patriot war and tiie reason that 
Gov. Mason could not furnish the necessary force to marcli on the Patriot encamp- 
ment and disper.se the force there encamped. Before the close of navigation an 
expedition was organized by Brigadier General Tiieller, of the Patriot service, for 
the purpose of capturing Fort Maiden. He embarked in the sloop Ann, and wiicn 
she arrived off the fort was fired into and her rigging so cut up that she became 
unmanageable and drifted ashore. Tiic General and Colonel Dodge and the crew 
were taken prisoners. That Winter a landing of a Patriot force was made on the 
Canada shore above Windsor, and a battle fought which proved disastrous to the 
invaders. Another battle was fought at Point au Pelce, where the Patriots were 
victors. From these facts it can be seen that the magazine was ready and needed 
but a spark to explode it— that is, to involve the country in war. 

When these events were taking jdace, but before the fight at Point au Pelee, 
General Sutherland, of the Patriot army, made his appearance at Ann Arbor in full 
uniform and posted hanil-bilis notifying the public that he would address them at 



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the court-house on the subject of the Patriot war. The court-room was filled and 
the General was listened to with respect and attention. Before the meeting dis- 
persed a committee was appointed to wait on the General at his quarters, to confer 
with him. Tiie writer was one of that committee. The committee called on the 
General that evening at his room, and spent an hour or two with him. From Ann 
Arbor lie went to Manchester to address the good people of tliat village. His obT 
ject was to get men and means to carry on the war. A short time afterward I 
received a package of papers from the General. Among them were enlistment 
rolls and along letter. He wished me to join the Patriot army and raise a battalion 
of men for the Patriot service, but ostensibly as volunteer militia, hold elections 
for commissioned officers as directed by tlie militia laws of Michigan, and apply to 
Gov. Mason for commissions. He said that as I was a ^jersonal and political friend 
of the Governor there would be no difficulty in getting the commissions. This 
accomplished, I was to put myself and battalion under the orders of the General, 
and as soon as the Detroit River was frozen over so as to make a passage safe, he would 
give me an order for arras, ammunitions, blankets, etc., and he would direct when 
and where the invasion should take place. I confess to a comi)lete surprise — more, 
I was astonished. We were almost entire strangers to each other ; we had never 
met except at Ann Arbor, and tlien only for an hour or two, and knew nothing of 
each other's antecedents. During the visit of the committee at the General's room 
I endeavored to draw him into a conversation upon military subjects, tactics, his- 
tory, etc., but he evaded it, and I formed a small opinion of his military capacity 
or Icnowledge. And when he divulged to me, an almost entire stranger, his plan of 
operations, I lost confidence in him as a military leader. I remembered of reading 
an anecdote of -Washington who was asked by an intimate friend and true Whig 
what his plan of campaign was. Washington asked, " Can you keep a secret? " 
" Yes, General." "So can I," was the response. When the legislative committee 
visited General Jackson and demanded of him his plan for the defense of New 
Orleans, he raised a lock of hair from his liead and said, " Gentleman, if I supposed 
this lock of hair knew what was passing in my brain on that subject, I would cut 
it off and burn it." 

I have described the feeling along the dividing line between the States and 
Canada. I remember tliat Sutherland said tliat one of his principal objects was to 
involve the two countries in war with each other. Doing this he would attain 
the height of liis ambition. I believe there would have been but little difficulty in 
raising the number of men to fill the four companies required, and it seemed j)lain to 
me, that after receiving our commissions, and before tlie ink of the Governor's signa- 
ture was fairly dry on them, Sutherland would have ordered a forward movement at 
a place where we would have been met by an overwhelming force and been compelled 



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77 



to surrender. I coiiUl come to no otlier conclusion than that Siitlierlund was false 
to the cause lie pretended to espouse. If we had been taken prisoners, of course 
we would havfe claimed the treatment of prisoners of war. Tiiis may have been ac- 
corded to us in consideration of our commissions and we not have been hanged as 
Cuuningliam, Linn, Lount and others were. If the invasion had taken place, that 
might have been regarded by our Canadian neighbors as a commencement of hos- 
tilities on the part of the United States, and as a sufficient justification for the 
Rocket Brigade to open on Detroit an'd burn it. At that time there were no troops 
there except the Brady Guards, an excellent company of volunteer militia of less 
than 100 men. What the consequences would have been if Sutherland's order had 
been obeyed others may infer. I remembered that Sutherland told rne that he had 
called meetings and made speeches through Oakland County as he had in Washte- 
naw. j\ly duty seemed plain ami simple, and I lost no tune in going to Detroit 
with this package of papers. I found the Governor in his office in tlie old capitol, 
and as soon as we were left alone I told him niy errand and Jaid the papers before 
him. He read them attentively and arose from his chair and walked the ofBce for 
some minutes without uttering a word. It was plain to be seen that a storm was 
brewing. At length it burst out in language more forcible than polite, too forcible 
for me to repeat in this paper. My impression was that if Sutherland had been present 
he would have felt the weight of the Governor's arm. A more angry man I have sel- 
dom seen. After the engagement at Point au Pelee occurred, Sutherland, under the 
pretense of joining the victorious patriots at the Point, attempted to pass Fort Maiden 
with a horse and cutter on the ice and was captured by some of the garrison of the fort 
which he probably intended to be, and with Theller and Col. Dodge was held as a 
prisoner until the Spring opened, wiien tiie three were taken to Quebec and con- 
fined in a cell in one of the fortresses there. Tlieller and Dodge made their escape 
from the prison, and, after returning, Tlieller told me that on their journey down, 
which was by private conveyance (there were no railroads then), he and Dodge 
were confined in jails nights, but Sutherland was entertained at Iiotels. On reaching 
their prison, the three were shut up in the same cell for awhile, but so strong were 
their impressions that Sutherland was in British pay and a traitor to the Patriot 
cause that they laid plans to get rid of him. They believed him a-spy on them ; 
they found him a coward and so worked upon his fears until lie was removed. Af- 
ter Theller and Dodge had the cell to themselves, they applied themselves to work 
and effected their escape and returned to Michigan. The Canadian struggle for 
national independence was unsuccessful. 

Another expedition was planned at Detroit for the capture of Fort Maiden, 
and was to sail from that city under the command of a general from Cleveland. It 
had been ascertained that the garrison was lodged in the Queen's warehouse at the 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



foot of the wharf, and the officers quartered at liotels in tlie viUage of Amherst- 
burg, and tliat at night tliere was but a small force on guard at the fort. Three 
steamboats were to be employed, and when they arrived off the forfc one boat was 
to lay across tlie liead of the wharf, and tlie other two, one on each side ; one party 
sliould march directly to tlie fort and take it ; the second should capture the gar- 
rison in the wareliouse ; and the third should capture the officers. This was to be 
done in the niglit. And however feasible the plan was, it was hinted that the 
General lacked the nerve to undertake it. It was like the cause, a failure. After 
the escape of Theller and Dodge, Sutherland was set at liberty, without trial and 
witliout punishment. 

THE MEXICAN "WAR. 

There are few records extant of the action of Michigan troops in the Mexican 
war. That many went there and fought well, are points conceded ; but their 
names and country of nativity are hidden away in United States archives where it 
is almost impossible to find them. 

The soldiers of this State deserve much of the credit of the memorable achieve- 
ments of Co. K, Third Dragoons, and Co.'s A, E and G of the U. S. Infantry. The 
former two of tliese companies, recruited in tliis State, were reduced to one-third 
their original number. 

In May, 1846, our Governor was notified by the War Department of the 
United States to enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readiness for service 
whenever demanded. At this summons, thirteen independent volunteer companies, 
eleven of infantry and two of cavahy, at once fell into line. Of the infantry, four 
companies were from Detroit, bearing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafay- 
ette, Scott, and Brady upon their banners. Of tlie remainder Monroe tendered 
two, Lenawee County three, St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne 
County an additional compan}'. Of these alone the veteran Bradys were accepted 
and ordered into service. 

In addition to these, ten companies, making the First Regiment of Michigan 
Volunteers, springing from various parts of the State, but embodying to a great 
degree the material of which the first volunteers was formed, were not called for 
until October following. This regiment was soon in readiness and proceeded to the 
seat of war. 

THE WAR OF 18(31-65. 

As soon as the President called for troops to suppress the Rebellion in April, 
1861, the loyal people of the Peninsular State promptly responded and furnished 
the quota assigned. Austin Blair, a man peculiarh' fitted for tiie place during the 
emergency, was Governor, and John Robfertsbn, Adjutant-General. The people of 
Michigan have ever since been proud of the record of these two men during the 



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•war, bat this does not exclude tl>e honor due all the liuinhle soldiery who obediently 
exposed their lives in defense of the common country. Miciiigan has her full share 
of the buried dead in obscure and forgotten places all over tlie South as well as in 
decent cemeteries throughout the North. It was Michigan men that captured Jeff 
Davis, namely : tlie 4th Cavalry, under Col. B. F. Prituiuird ; and it was Michigan 
men tiiat materially aided in tiie successful capture of Wilkes Booth, the assassin 
of tiu! martyred Lincoln. 

The census of this State for 1860 showed a population of T.ll.UO. Tlie num- 
ber, of able-bodied men capable of military service was estimated in ollicial documents 
of that date at 110,000. At the same time the financial emharrassment of the State 
wassomewhatserious, and the annual tax of 822(j,2o0 was deom(id a grievous burden. 
But sucii was the patriotism of the people tiiat by December -J:!, lSi)2, an aggregate 
of 45,569 had gone to battle, besides 1,400 who had gone into otiier States and re- 
cruited. By the end of tiie war Michigan had sent to the front 90,747, or more 
tiian four-fifths the estimated number of able-bodied men at the beginning I The 
military history of the county deals very fully with this subject. 



CHAPTER VI. 



POLITICAL HISTORY. 



Previous to the formation of the Nortlnvestern Territory, the country within 
its bounds was claimed by several of the Eastern States, on the ground that it was 
within the limits indicated by their charters from tlie English Crown. In answer 
to the wishes of the Government and people, these States in a patriotic spirit sur- 
rendered their claims to this extensive territory, that it might constitute a common 
fund to aid in the payment of the national debt. To pre[)are the way for this ces- 
sion, a law iiad been passed in October, 1780, that the territory so to be ceded 
should be disposed of for the common benefit of the whole Union ; that the States 
erected therein should be of suitable extent, not less than 100 nor more than 150 
miles square ; and that any expenses that might be incurred iu recovering the posts 
then in the hands of the British should be reimbursed. New York released her 
claims to Congress, March 1, 1781 ; Virginia, March 1, 1784 ; Massachusetts, April 
19, 1785, and Connecticut, September 4, 1786. 

Under the French and Britisli dominion, the points occupied on the eastern 
boundary of what is now the State of Michigan were considered a part of New 
.^^rance, or Canada. Detroit was known to the French as Fort Pontchartrain. 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Tlie military commandant, under both governments, exercised a civil jurisdiction 
over the settlements surrounding their posts. In 179B, when the British garrisons 
at Detroit and Mackinaw were replaced by detachments by General Wayne, Mich- 
igan became a part of the Northwestern Tei-ritory and was organized as the county 
of Wayne, entitled to one Representative in the General Assembly, held at Chilli- 
cothe. In 1800, Indiana was made a separate Territor3% embracing all the country 
west of the present State of Ohio, and of an extension of the western line of that 
State due north to the territorial limits of the United States. In 1802, the penin- 
sula was annexed to the Territory^ of Indiana, and in 1805 Michigan began a sepa- 
rate existence. That part of the Territory that lies east of a north and south line 
through the middle of Lake Michigan was formed into a distinct government, and 
the provisions of the ordinance of ^1787 continued to regulate it. Under this Con- 
stitution the executive power was vested in a governor, the judicial in three judges, 
and the legislative in both united ; the officers were appointed l)y the General Gov- 
ernment, and their legislative authority was restricted to the adoption of laws 
from the codes of the several States. Tliis form of government was to continue 
until the Territory should contain 5,000 free white males of full age. It then became 
optional with the people to choose a legislative body, to be supported by them ; 
but subsequent legislation by Congress more liberally provided a legislature at 
tiie expense of tlie general Government and also added to privileges in the 
elective franchise and eligibility to office ; as, for example, under the ordinance a 
freehold qualification was required, . both on the part of the elector and of the 
elected. 

The first officers of the territory of Michigan were: Wm. Hull, governor; 
Augustus B. Woodward, chief judge ; Frederick Bates, Sr., assistant judge and 
treasurer; John Griffin, assistant judge ; Col. James May, marshal ; Abijali Hull, 
surveyor; Peter Audrain, clerk of the legislative board. May 5, 1807, Joseph 
Watson was appointed Legislative Secretary ; in November, 1806, Elijah Brush was 
appointed Treasurer, to succeed Mr. Bates, and the books of the office were deliv- 
ered over on the 26th of that month ; and William McDowell Scott was appointed 
Marshal in November, 1806, to succeed Col. May. The latter never held the office 
of Judge of the Territory, but about 1800-'3 he was Chief Justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas. Augustus Breevort Woodward was a native of Virginia ; was ap- 
pointed a Judge of tiie Territory in 1805, his term of office expired February 1, 
1824. He was soon afterward appointed Judge of the Territory of Florida, and 
three years after that he died. Tiie gi-and scheme of ''Catholepistemiad," or State 
University of Michigan, with its numerous names described under sesquipedalian 
names fi-oni the Greek, owed its origin to Judge Woodward. 

John Griffin was appointed Assistant Judge in 1807, his term of office expir- 



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ing Februavy 1, 1824, when he was re-appoiuted for four years, and February 1, 
1828, he was appointed Territorial Secretary. 

When, in 1S18, Illinois was admitted into the Union, all the territory lying 
north of that State and of Indiana was annexed to Michigan. In 1819 the terri- 
tory was authorized to elect a delegate to Congress, according to the present usage 
with reference to territories; previous to this time according to the ordinance of 1787, 
a territory was not entitled to a delegate until it entered upon tlie " second grade 
of Government," and the delegate was then to be chosen by the General Assembly. 

In 182:! Congress abolished the legislative power of the Governor and Judges, 
and granted more enlarged ones to a council, to be composed of nine persons 
.selected by the President of the United States from eighteen chosen by the electors 
of the territory; and by this law, also, eligibility to ofBce was made co-existent 
with the right of suffrage as established by the act of 1819 ; also the judicial term 
of office was limited to four years. In 1825 all county officers, except those of a 
judicial nature, were made elective, and the appointments wliich remained in tiie 
hands of the executive were made subject to the approval of the legislative council. 
In 1827 the electors were autliorized to clioose a number of persons for the legisla- 
tive council, which was empowered to enact all laws not inconsistent with the 
ordinance of 1787. Their acts, however, were subject to abolishment by Congress, 
and to veto by the territorial executives. When Gen. Wm. Hull arrived at Detroit 
to assume his official duties as Governor, he found tlie town in ruins, it having 
been destroyed by fire. Whetlier it had l)oen burned by design or accident was 
not known. The inhabitants were without food and shelter, camping in the open 
fields; still they were not discouraged, and soon commenced rebuilding their 
houses on the same site. Congress also kindly granted the sufferers the site of tlie 
old town of Detroit and 10,000 acres of land adjoining. A territorial militia was 
organized, and a code of laws was adopted similar to those of the original State. 
This code was signed by Gov. Hull, Augustus B. Woodward and Frederick Bates, 
Judges of the Territory, and was called the " Woodward code." 

At this time the bounds of the Territory embraced all the country on the 
American side of the Detroit River, east of tlie north and south line through the 
center of Lake Michigan. The Indian hind claims had been partially extinguished 
previous to this period. By the treaty of Fort Mcintosh, in 1785, and that of Fort 
Harmar, in 1787, extensive cessions had been either made or confirmed, and, in 
1807, the Indian titles to several tracts became entirely extinct. Settlements 
liaving been made under the French and English Governments, witli irregularity 
or absence of definite surveys and records, some confusion sprang up in regard to 
tlie titles of valuable tracts. Accordingly, Congress established a Board of Com- 
missioners to examine and settle these confiicting claims, and, in 1807, another act 
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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



was passed, confirming, to a certain extent, the titles of all such as had been in 
possession of the lands tlien occupied by them from the year 1T96, the year of the 
final evacuations by tlie British garrisons. Other acts were subsequently passed, 
extending tiie same conditions to settlements on the upper lakes. 

As chief among the fathers of this State we may mention Gov. Lewis 
Cass, Gabriel Richard, Stevens T. Mason, Augustus B. Woodward, John 
Hornell, William Woodbridge, John Biddle, William A. Fletcher, Elon Farns- 
worth, Solomon Sibley, Benjamin B. Kircheval, John R. Williams, George 
Morrell, Daniel Goodwin, Augustus S. Porter, Benjamin F. H. Witherell, 
Jonathan Sheaver and Charles C. Trowbridge, all of Wayne County ; Edmund 
Munday, James Kingsley and Alplieus Felch, of Washentaw ; Ross Wilkins 
and Jolin J. Adam, of Lenawee; Warner Wing, Charles Noble and Austin E. 
Wing, of Monroe County ; Randolph Manning, O. D. Richardson and James B. 
Hunt, of Oakland ; Henry R. Schoolcraft, of Cliippewa ; Albert Miller, of the 
Saginaw Valley ; John Stockton, Robert P. Eldridge and Christian Clemens, of 
Macomb ; Lucius Lyon, Charles E. Stuart, Edwin H. Lathrop, Epapliroditus 
Ransom and Hezekiah G. Wells, of Kalamazoo ; Isaac E. Crary, John D. Pierce 
and Oliver C. Corastock, of Calhoun ; Kinsley S. Bingham, of Livingston ; John 
S. Barry, of St. Joseph ; Charles W. Whipple, Calvain Britain and Thomas Fitz- 
gerald, of Berrien, Bunce, of St. Clair, and G'eorge Redfield, of Cass. These men 
and their compeers shaped the policy of the State, and decided what should be 
its future. They originated all and establislied most of the great institutions which 
are the evidences of our advanced civilization, and of which we are so justly proud. 

ADMINISTRATION 0¥ GEN. CASS. 

At the close of the war with Great Britain in 1814, an era of prosperity 
dawned upon the infant territory. Gen. Lewis Cass, who Iiad served tlie Govern- 
ment witli great distinction during the war, was appointed Governor. The condi- 
tion of the people was very much reduced, the country was wild, and the Britisli 
flag still waved over the fort at Mackinaw. There was notiiing inviting to immi- 
grants except the mere facts of the close of t!ie war and tlie existence of a fertile 
soil and a good climate. The Indians were still dangerous, and the country was still 
comparatively remote from the centers of civilization and government. Such a set of 
circumstances was just the proper environment for the development of all those 
elements of the " sturdy pioneer," wiiich we so often admire when writing up 
Western history. Here was the field for stout and brave men ; liere was the place 
for the birth and education of real Spartan men, — men of strengtli, moral courage 
and indomitable perseverance. 

At first. Gen. Cass had also the care of a small portion of Canada opposite 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



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Detroit, aiul he had only twenty-seven soldiers for defending: Detroit against the 
liostile Indians and carrying on the whole government. Believing that a civil 
governor should not be encumbered also with military duty, he resigned his 
brigadier-generalship in the army. But as Governor he soon had occasion to exer- 
cise liis military power, even to act on the field as commander, in chasing away 
marauding bands of Indians. Tlio latter seemed to be particularly threatening at 
this time, endeavoring to niako up iu yelling and petty depredations what they 
lacked in sweeping victory over all the pale-faces. 

In times of peace Gov. Cass had high notions of civilizing the Indians, encour- 
aging the purchase of their lands, limiting their hunting grounds to a narrow com- 
pass, teaching them agriculture and mechanics, and providing the means for their 
instruction and religious training. The policy of the French and English had been 
to pacify them with presents and gewgaws, merely to obtain a temporary foothold 
for the purpose of carrying on the fur trade. Those benefited by the trade lived 
thousands of miles away, and had no interest in the permanent development of the 
country. The United States Government, on the other hand, indorsed Gov. Cass' 
policy, which was to result in the development of the country and the establish- 
ment of all the arts of peace. Govs. Cass and Harrison were accordingly einjiowercd 
to treat with the Indians on the Miami and Wabash ; and, July 20, a treaty was 
signed with the Wyandottes, Senecas, Shawnees, Miamis and Delawares, which 
restored comparative tranquility. During the Summer, however, there was Indian 
war enough to call out all Gov. Cass' men, in aid of Gen. Brown on the 
Niagara. 

Indians can never remain long at peace, whatever may be the obligations they 
assume in treaty making. Gen. Cass often headed his forces in person, and drove 
the hostile tribes from place to place until they finally retreated to Saginaw. 

An attempt was made to recover Mackinaw from the English in July of tliis 
year (1814), but the British works were too strong ; however, tiie establishments 
at Saint Joseph and Sault Ste. Marie were destroyed. In the following Winter the 
final treaty of peace was ratified between England and the United States. The 
population of the TeiTitory at this time was not over 5,000 or 6,000, scattereil over 
a vast extent, and in a state of great destitution on account of the calamities 
of war. Scarcely a family, on resuming the duties of home, found more tiian the 
remnants of former wealtli and comfort. Families had been broken up and dis- 
persed ; parents liad Ijeen torn from their children, and children fiom each other; 
some had been slain on the battle-field, and others had been massacred by the ruth- 
less savages. Laws had become a dead letter, and morals had suffered in the 
general wreck. Agriculture had been almost abaiuloned aiid commerce paralyzed; 
food and all necessaries of life were scarce, and lu.Kuries unknown. Money was 



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84 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

difficult to get, and the bank paper of Ohio, which was almost the sole circulating 
medium, was twenty-five per cent, below jjar. 

Such was the gloomy state of domestic affairs when Gen. Cass assumed the 
office of Governor. Besides, he had the delicate task of aiding in legislation and of 
being at the same time the sole executive of the law. In 1817, he made an im- 
portant treaty with the Indians, by which their title was extinguished to nearl}' all 
the land in Ohio, and a great portion in Indiana and Michigan. This treaty at- 
tached the isolated population of Michigan to the State of Ohio, made the Terri- 
torial Government in a fuller sense an integral member of the Federal Union, and 
removed all apprehension of a hostile confederacy among the Indian tribes along 
the lake and river frontier. 

Hitherto there had not been a road in Michigan, except the military road along 
the Detroit River; but as the Indian settlements and lands could not now be inter- 
posed as a barrier. Gen. Cass called the attention of Congress to the necessity of a 
military road from Detroit to Sandusky, through a trackless morass called the Black 
Swamp. 

Congress passed an act requiring that 2,000,000 acres of land should be sur- 
veyed in the Territory of Louisiana, the same amount in the Territory of Illinois, 
and the same amount in the Territory of Michigan, in all 6,000,000 acres, to be set 
apart for the soldiers in the war with Great Britain. Each soldier was to have 160 
acres of land tit for cultivation. The surveyors under tiiis law reported that there 
were no lands in Michigan fit for cultivation ! This unconscionable report deterred 
immigration for many years, and the Government took the whole 6,000,000 acres 
from Illinois and Missouri. The language of that report is so remarkable that we 
must quote it : " The country on the Indian boundary line, from the mouth of the 
Great Auglaize river and running thence for about fifty miles, is (with some '(q'^ 
exceptions) low, wet land, with a very thick growth of underbrush, intermixed 
with very bad marshes, but generally very heavily timbered with beech, cotton- 
wood, oak, etc., thence continuing north and extending from the Indian boundary 
eastward, the number and extent of the swamps increase, with the addition of 
numbers of lakes, from twenty chains to two and tliree miles across. Many of the 
lakes have extensive marshes adjoining their margins, sometimes thickly covered 
with a species of pine called ' tamarack,' and other places covered with a coarse, 
high grass, and uniformly covered from six inches to three feet (and more at times) 
with water. The margins of these lakes are not the only places where swamps 
are found, for they are interspersed throughout the whole country and filled with 
water, as above stated, and varying in extent. The intermediate space between 
these swamps and lakes, which is probably near one-half of the country, is, with a 
very few exceptions, a poor, barren, sandy land on which scarcely any vegetation 



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grows except very small, scrubby oaks. In many places that part wliicli may be 
called dry land is composed of little, short sand-hills, forming a kind of deep basins, 
the bottoms of many of which are composed of a marsh similar to tlie above-de- 
scribed. The streams are generally narrow, and very deep compared with their 
width, tiie shores and bottoms of wiiicli are, with a very few exceptions, swampy 
beyond description; and it is witii the utmost difficulty that a place can be found 
over which horses can be conveyed with safety. 

" A circumstance peculiar to tiiat country is exhibited in many of the marshes 
by their being thinly covered with a sward of grass, by walking on which evinced 
the existence of water or a very thin mud immediately under their covering, which 
sinks from six to eighteen inches from the pressure of the foot at every step, and at 
the same time rising before and behind the jierson passing over. Tiie margins of 
many of the lakes and streams are in a similar situation, and in many places are 
literally alloat. Oil apprmiLdiing the eastern part of the military lands, toward the 
private claims on the straits and lake, the country does not contain so many swamps 
and lakes, but the extreme sterility and barrenness of the soil continues the same. 
Taking the country altogether, so far as has been explored, ami to all ai)[)earances, 
together with the information received regarding the balance, it is so bad there 
would not be more than one acre out of a hundred, if there would be one out of a 
thousaiul, that would in any place admit of cultivation." 

It is probable that those Government surveyors made a lazy job of their duty, 
and depended almost entirely on the fur-traders, who were interested in keeping 
settlers out of the country. But we must make allowance, too, for the universal 
ignorance existing at that time of the methods of developing the Western country 
which modern invention has brought to bear since the days of our grandfathers. 
We must remember that our Western prairies were counted worth nothing, even 
by all the early settlers. 

By the year 1818, some immigrants crowded in and furtlier explored and tested 
the land ; and in March, this year, Gov. Cass called for the views of tlie inhabitants 
upon the question of changing the civil authority by entering upon tlie second grade 
of Territorial government. A vote was taken and a majority was found to be 
against it ; but for the purpose of facilitating immigration and settlement, Gov. 
Cass recommended to the Secretary of the Treasury that the lands in tiie district of 
Detroit be at once brought into market. The De[iartment immediately complied, 
and the lauds were offered for sale the following Autumn. Immigration was now 
increased more than ever before, and the permanent growtii of the country became 
fully established. 

In ISl'.i, the people were allowed to elect a delegate to Congress. The popu- 
lation was now 8,S0(J in the whole Territory, distributed as follows: Detroit, 1,450, 






86 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 



not including the garrison ; tlie Island of Mackinaw, still the entrepot of the far 
trade, a stationary papulation of al)0ut 450, sometimes increased to 2,000 or over; 
Sault Ste. Marie, fifteen or twenty houses, occupied by French and English families. 

The j'ear 1819 was also rendered memorable by the appearance of the first 
steamboat on the lakes, the "VValk-in-the-water," which came up Lake Erie and 
went on to Mackinaw. 

Up to this time no executive measure had been taken by the people to avail 
themselves of the school lands appropriated by the ordinance of 1787, except the 
curious act passed by the Governor and judges establishing the "Catholepistemiad," 
or University of Michigan, with thirteen "didaxia," or professorships. The scheme 
for the institution was a grand one, described by quaint, sesquipedalian technical- 
ities carried from the Greek language, and the whole devised by that unique man, 
Judge Woodward. The act is given in full in the Territorial laws of Michigan, 
compiled and printed a few years ago. It was Judge Woodward, also, who laid 
out the plan of Detroit, in the form of a cobweb, with a "Campus Martins" and a 
grand circus, and avenues radiating in every direction, grand public parks and 
squares, etc. Centuries would be required to fulfill his vast design. Like authors 
and artists of ancient Greece and Rome, he laid the foundations of grand work for 
posterity, more than the passing generation. 

Settlements now began to form at the points where now are the cities of Ann 
Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson, Tecumseh and Pontiac. There were still some annoy- 
ances by the Indians. The Sacs and Foxes annually made their appearance to ob- 
tain presents from the English at Maiden, and as they passed along they would 
commit many depredations. Tliis practice of the British Government had a ten- 
dency to prejudice the Indians against the Americans, and it thus became necessary 
to take some measures for removing the Indians beyond British influence, or other- 
wise putting a stop to this dangerous custom. Accordingly, in the Fall of 1819, 
Gov. Cass desired the government at Washington to cause a more thorough explor- 
ation to be made of the lake region, estimating the number and influence of the 
Indians, their relations, prejudices, etc., with a view to the further extinguislunent 
of Indian title to land, etc.; but the Government deemed it advisable at this time 
only to take ten miles square at Sault Ste. Marie for military purposes, and some 
islands near Mackinaw, where beds of plaster liad been found to exist. However, 
the General Government soon ordered an expedition to be fitted out for such an 
exploration as Gov. Cass desired, to travel with birch canoes. The men composing 
the expedition were Gen. Cass and Robert A. Forsyth, his private secretary; Capt. 
D. B. Douglass, topographer and astronomer ; Dr. Alex VValcot, physician ; James 
D. Doty, official secretary ; and Charles C. Trowbridge, assistant topographer. Lieut. 
Evans M.ickey was commmder of the escort, which consisted of ten U. S. soldiers. 



^ «<^<5~ 



■^ 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Besides these tliere were ten Canadian voyageurs to manage the canoes, and ten 
Indians to act as hiuitor. Tiie hitter were uiidei' the direction of James lliley and 
Joseph Parks, who were also to act as interpreters. Tlie party left Detroit, March 
24, 1820, and reached Michilimackinac, June 6. On leaving ti'.is place, June 14, 
twenty-two soldiers, under the command of Lieut. John S. Pierce, were added to 
the party, and the expedition now numbered sixty-four persons. Tiiey reached the 
Sault Ste. Marie the 10th, where Gen. Cass called tiie Indians (Cluppewas) to- 
gether, in order to have a definite understanding with them considering the boun- 
dary lines of the land grants, and thereby renew also their sanction of former trea- 
ties. At first the Indians protested against the Americans having any garrison at the 
place, and some of tiiem grew violent and almost precipitated a general figiit, which 
would have been disastrous to Gen. Cass' party, as the Indians were far more numer- 
ous; but Cass exhibited a great degree of coolness and courage, and caused more 
delil)erate counsels to prevail amongst the savages. Tnus the threatened storm 
blew over. The next day the expedition resumed its journey, on Lake Superior, 
passing the "pictured rocks," and lauding at one place where there was a band of 
friendly Chi[)pcwas. June 2"), they left Lake Superior, ascended Portage River and 
rfeturned home by way of Lake Michigan, after having traveled over 4,000 miles. 

Tiie results of the expedition were: a more thorough knowledge of a vast re- 
gion, and of the numbers and disposition of the various tribes of Indians ; several 
important Indian treaties, by which valual)le lands were ceded to the United States; 
a knowledge of the operations of the Northwest Fur Company, and the selection 
of sites for a line of military posts. 

As the greater want of the people seemed to be roads, Congress was appealed 
to for assistance, and not in vain, for that body immediately provided for the open- 
ing of roads between Detroit and the Miami River, from Detroit to Chicago, and 
from Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and for the improvement of l^a Plaisance Bay. Gov- 
ernment surveys were carried into the Territory. Two straight lines were drawn 
through the center of the Territory, east and west, and north and south, the lat- 
ter being denominated the principal meridian, and the former the base line. The 
Territory was also diviiled into townships of six miles scjuare. 

In 1821, there was still a tract of land lying south of Grand River which had 
not yet been added to the United States, and Gov. Cass deemed it necessary to 
negotiate with the Indians for it. To accomplieh this work he had to visit Chicago, 
and as a matter of curiosity we will inform the reader of his most feasible route to 
that place, which he can contrast with that of the present day. Leaving Detroit, 
lie descended to the mouth of the Maumee River; he ascended that river and crossed 
the intervening couutr}' to the Wabash; descended that stream to the Ohio; down 
the latter to the Mississippi, and up this and the Illinois rivers to Chicago. At this 



V 



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lLl 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



J 
J 



council the American Commissioners were Gen. Cass and Judge Sibley, of Detroit. 
They were successful in their undertaking, and obtained a cession of the land in 
question. On this occasion the Indians exhibited' in a remarkable manner their 
appetite for whisky. As a preliminary step to the negotiations, the commissioners 
ordered that no spirits should be given to the Indians. The chief of the latter was 
a man of about a hundred years old, but still of a good constitution. The com- 
missioners urged every consideration to convince him and the other Indians of the 
propriety of the course they had adopted, but in vain. " Father," said the old 
chieftain, " we do not care for the land, nor the money, nor the goods : what we 
want is whisky; give us whisky." But the commissioners were inexorable, and 
the Indians were forced to content themselves. 

This year (1821) ;dso two Indians were hanged for murder. There was some 
fear that the event would be made by the British an occasion of arousing Indian 
atrocities in the vicinity, and the petition for the pardon of the wretches was con- 
sidered by Gov. Cass with a great deal of embarrassment. He finally concluded 
to let the law take its course, and, accordingly, Dec. 25, the murderers were 
hanged. 

In 1822 six new counties were created, namely, Lapeer, Sanilac, Saginaw, 
Shiawassee, Wasiitenaw and Lenawee ; and tiiey contained much more territory 
than they do at the present day. This year the first stage line was established in 
the Territory, connecting the county seat of Macomb County with the steamer 
" Walk-in-the-Water " at Detroit. 

In 1823, Congress changed the form of Territorial government, abrogating the 
abrogating power of the governor and judges and establishing a system of " Legis- 
lative Council," to consist of nine members, appointed by the President of the 
United States out of eighteen candidates elected by the people. By the same act 
the term of judicial office was limited to four years, and eligibility to office was made 
to require the same qualifications as right to suffrage. The people now took new 
interest in their government, and felt encouraged to lay deep the foundations of 
future prosperity. The first legislative council under tlie new regime met at Detroit, 
June 7, 1824, when Gov. Cass delivered Iiis message reviewing the progress of the 
Territory, calling attention to the needs of popular education, and recommending 
a policy of governmental administration. During this 3'ear he also called the atten- 
tion of the General Government to the mineral resources of the Superior region, 
and asked for governmental explorations therein. At its second session after this. 
Congress authorized a commission to treat with the Indians of the upper peninsula 
for 2)ermission to explore that country. 

In 1825, tlie Erie Canal was completed from the Hudson River to Buffalo, N. 
Y., and the effect was to increase materially the flow of people and wealth into the 



V 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



89 



young Territory of Micliijjan. The citizens of the East began to learn the truth 
concerning tiie agricultural value of this peninsula, and tiiose in search of good and 
permanent homes came to see for themselves, and afterwards came witii their 
friends or families to remain as industrious residents, to develop a powerful State. 
The number in the Territorial Council was increased to thirteen, to be ciiosen by 
the Pi-esid(Mit from twenty-six persons elected by the peoph;. In 1827 an act was 
passed autliorizing the electors to choose their electors directly, witliout tiie further 
sanction of either tlie President or Congress. Tiie power of enacting laws was 
given to the council, subject, however, to tiie approval of Congress and tiie veto of 
the Governor. This form of Territorial government remained in force until 
Micliigan was organized as a State in 1837. William Woodbridge was Secretarv 
of the Territory during tlie administration of Gov. Cass, and deserves great credit 
for the ability witli wliicli lie performed the duties of his office. In the absence of 
tiie cliief executive lie was Acting Governor, and a portion of the time he repre- 
sented the Territory as a delegate to Congress. In 1828 lie was succeeded by 
James Witherell, and in two 3'ears by Gen. John T. Mason. In 1831 Gen. Cass 
was appointed Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President Jackson, after haviii"' 
served Michigan as its cliief executive for eigliteen years. He had been appointed 
six times, running tiirough the presidenc}' of Madison, Monroe and John Q. 
Adams, without any opposing candidate or a single vote against him in the Senate, 
lie faillifully discharged his duties as Indian Commissioner, and concluded nine- 
teen treaties witii the Indians, ac([uiring large cessions of territory in Oliio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. He was a practical patriot, of wiiom the people 
of the peninsular State feel justly proud. Probably more than any other man Gen. 
Cass was the father of Michigan. 

GEN. GEORGK B. PORTER'S ADMINISTRATION. 

On tlie promotion of Gov. Cass to a seat in the Cabinet of President Jackson, 
and iiis consequent resignation as Governor of Michigan, Gen. George B. Porter 
was appointed Governoi' iu July. 1831, and Sept. 22 following he entered upon tlie 
duties of the office. The population of tiie Territory at this time was about 
85,000, prosperity was reigning all around, and peace everywliere prevailed, except 
that in 1832 the lilack Hawk War took place in Illinois, but did not affect this 
peninsula. In this war, however. Gov. Porter co-operated with the other States in 
furnishing militia. While Gov. Porter was the chief executive, Wisconsin was de- 
tached from Michigan and erected into a separate Territory ; many new townships 
were organized, and wagon roads opened and imiiroved ; land began to rise rapidly in 
value, and speculators multiplied. The council provided for the establishment and 
regulation of common schools, incorporated " The Lake Michigan Steamboat Com- 



-sIV 



<«_ 



90 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



pauy," with a capital of $10,000, and incorporated the first railroad company in 
Micliigan, tlie " Detroit & Saint Joseph Railroad Company," since called the 
" Michigan Central." Tlie original corpoi-ators were John Biddle, John R. Wil- 
liams, Charles Lamed, John Gilbert, Abel .Millington, Job Gorton, John Allen, 
Anson Brown, Sanuiel W. Dexter, W. E. Perrine, William A. Thompson, Isaac 
Crary, O. \V. Golden, Caleb Eldred, Cyrus Lovell, Calvin Brittain and Talman 
Wheeler. The Act of Incorporation required that the road should be completed 
within tliirty years; this condition was complied with iu less than one-third of that 
time. The same council also incorporated tiie " Bank of the River Raisin," with a 
branch at Pontiac. Previous to this two other banks had been chartered, namelj' — 
the " Bank of Michigan," in 1817, with a branch at Bronson, and the " Farmers and 
IMechanics' Bank of Michigan," with a branch at Saint Joseph. 

The Legislative Council of 1831 also authorized a vote of the residents t^o be 
taken on the question of organizing as a State and becoming a member of the 
Union ; Ijut the vote was so light and the majority so small that Congress neglected 
to consider the matter seriously until two years afterward. 

During Porter's administration a chang3 was made in the method of disposing 
the public lands, greatly to tlie benefit of the actual settlers. Prior to 1820 the 
Government price of land was $2 an acre, one-fourth to be paid down, and the 
remainder in tliree annual installments ; and the land was sul)ject to forfeiture if 
these payments were not promptly made. This system having been found produc- 
tive of many serious evils, the price of land was put $1.25 an acre, all to be paid 
at the time of purchase. This change saved a deal of trouble. During the admin- 
istration of Gov. Porter occurred tiie " Bhick Hawk" war, mainly in Illinois, in 
1832, which did not affect Michigan to any appreciable extent, except to raise 
sundry fears bj^ the usual alarms accompanying war gossip. A few volunteers 
probably went to the scene of action from this Territory, but if any systematic 
account was ever kept of tiiis service, we fail to find it. 

In October, 1831, Edwin Jerome left Detroit with a surveying party composed 
of Jolm Mullet, surve}'or, and Utter, Brink and Peck, for tliat portion of Micliigan 
Territory lying west of Lalce Michigan, now Wisconsin. Tiieir outfit consisted of a 
French pony team and a buffalo wagon to carry tent, camp equipage, blankets, etc. 
Most of the way to the southeast corner of Lake Michigan they followed a wagon 
track or Indian trail, and a cabin or an Indian hut to lodge in at night; but west 
of the point mentioned they found neither road nor inliabitant. The}' arrived at 
Cliieago in a terrible rain, and "put up" at tlie fort. This far-famed city at that 
time had but five or six houses, and they were built of logs. Within a distance of 
three or four miles of the fort the land was valued by its owners at 50 cents an acre. 
After twenty-three days' weary travel througli an uninhabited country, fording 



*^i 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



01 



;inil swiainiinij stieiims anil exposed to much raiiiv weatlicr. tliey arrived at Galena, 
wliere they commenced their survey, hut in two daN's the j^roiind froze so deep that 
furtlier work was ahaiidoned until the next Spriii'^. The day after the memorahle 
Stiilmau battle with I51ack Hawk, wJiile tlie Mullet party were crossinjjf the Blue 
Mounds, they met an Indian half-ehief, who had just ariived from the Menominee 
camps with the details of the battle. He stated the slain to be three Indians and 
eleven whites. The long' shaking of hands and the extreme cordiality of this 
Indian alarmed Mullet for the safety of his party, but he locked the secret in his 
own heart until the next day. They had just completed a town corner wlien Mullet, 
raising himself to his full Iieight, said, " Boj's, I'm going in ; I'll not risk my scalp 
for a few paltry shillings." This laconic speech was an electric shock to the whole 
company. Mr. .Jerome, in descril)ing his own sensations, said tliat the hair of liis 
head became then as [loicupine (juills, raising his hat in the air and iiimself from the 
ground, and the top of liis head became as sore as a boil. 

July 6, 1834, Gov. Porter died, and the administration devolved upon the 
Secretary of the Territory, Stevens T. Mason, during whose time occurred the 
" Toledo war." 

ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. HORNER. 

It appears that Mr. Slialer did not accept the governorship of Michigan, and 
John S. Horner, of Virginia, was soon afterward appointed Secretary and Acting- 
Governor. He proved to be rather unpopular with the people of iMichigan, and the 
following May he was ap[iointed Secretary of Wisconsin Territory. He carried on 
a lengthy correspondence with Gov. Lucas, which resulted in a discontinuance of 
all the suits that had grown out of the Toledo war, except the demand for SticUney. 
Gov. Lucas persisted in refusing to deliver him up; but it seems that, finally, no 
trouble came of the affair. 

The first Monday in October, 1835, the people of Michigan ratified the Con- 
stitution, and by the same vote elected a fidl set of State officers. Stevens 'i'. 
Mason was elected Governor, Edward Mundy Lieutenant Governcir, and 
Isaac E. Crary Representative in Congress. Tlie first legislature under the 
Constitution was held at Detroit, the capital, on the first IMonday in 
November, and John Norvell and Lucius Lyon were elected United States 
Senators. A regular election was also held under the Territorial law for dele- 
gate to Congress, and George W. Jones, of Wisconsin, received the certificate 
of election, although it is said tliat William Woodbridge received the highest num- 
ber of votes. John S. Horner, the Territorial Governor, was still in otlice here; 
and this singular mixture of Territorial and State government continued until the 
following June, when Congress formally received Michigan into the Union as a 
State, and Horner was sent to Wisconsin, as before noted. Tiiis Act of Congress 



A 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



conditioned that tlie celebrated strip of territory over which the quarrel had been 
so violent and protracted, should be given to Ohio, and that Michigan might have 
as compensation the upper peninsula. That section of country was then known 
only as a barren waste, containing some copper, no one knew how much. Of course 
tills decision of Congress was unsatisfactory to the people of this State. This was 
the third excision of territory from Michigan, other clippings having been made in 
1802 and 1816. In the former year more tiian a thousand square miles were given to 
Ohio, and in the latter year nearly 1,200 square miles were given to Indiana. 
Accordingly, Gov. Mason convened the Legislature July 11, 1836, to act on the 
proposition of Congress. The vote stood twenty-one for acceptance and twenty- 
eight for rejection. Three delegates were appointed to repair to Washington, to 
co-operate with the representatives there for the general interest of the State ; but 
before Congress was brought to action on the matter, other conventions were held 
in the State to hasten a decision. 

Stevens T. Mason was the first Governor of this State, having been elected 
(Governor of the State prospectively) in 1835, as before noted, and he held the 
office until January, 1840. This State, at the time of its admission into the Union, 
had a population of about 200,000 ; its area was about 40,000 square miles, which 
was divided into thirty-six counties. 

Nearly the first act passed by the Legislature was one for the organization and 
support of common schools. Congress had already set apart one section of land in 
ever}^ township for this purpose, and the new State properly appreciated the boon. 
In March of the same year (1837) another act was passed establishing the Uni- 
versity of Michigan, of which institution we speak more fully on subsequent pages. 
This Legislature also appropriated $20,000 for a geological survey, and appointed 
Dr. Douglass Houghton State Geologist. For the encouragement of internal im- 
provements, a board of seven commissioners was ajjpointed, of which the Governor 
was made president. This board autiiorized several surveys for railroads. Three 
routes were surveyed through the State, which eventually became, respectively, the 
Michigan Central, the Michigan Southern, and tlie Detroit & Milwaukee. The 
latter road, however, was originally intended to have Port Huron for its eastern 
terminus. The next year appropriations were made for the survey of the Saint 
Joseph, Kalamazoo and Grand Rivers, for the purpose of improving the navi- 
gation. 

In 1839 the militia of the State was organized, and eight divisions, with two 
l)rigades of two regiments each, were provided for. This year, also, the State 
prison at Jackson was completed. Nearly 30,000 pupils attended the common 
schools this year, and for school purposes over .'J!l8,000 was appropriated. Agricul- 
turally, tlie State yielded that year 21,944 bushels of rye, 1,116,910 of oats, 6,422 



A=^ 



(3 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. ■'''> 



of buckwheat, 43,82G pounds of flax, 524 of hemp, SIKUIO lie;ul of cattle, 14,0J9 
head of horses, 22,6 S4 head of sheep, and 109,096 of swine. 

Gov. William Woodbridge was the chief executive from January, 1840, to 
Feluuary, 1841, when lie resigned to accept a seat in the United States Senate. J. 
Wright Gordon was Lieutenant Governor, and became Acting Governor on the 
resignation of Gov. Woodbridge. 

During the administration of tliese men, the railroad from Detroit to Ann 
Arbor, a distance of forty miles, was completed ; brandies of the university were 
established at Detroit, Pontiac, Monroe, Niles, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Jackson, 
White Pigeon and Tecumseh. The material growth of the State continued to 
increase, proportionally more rapidly than even the population, which now 
amounted to about 212,000. 

John S. Barry succeeded Gov. Gordon in the executive chair, serving from 
1841 to 1845. 

In 1842 the university was opened for the reception of students, and the num- 
ber of pupils attending the common schools was oflieially reported to be nearly 
58,000. 

In 1843 a land office was established at Marshall for the whole State. 

In 1844, the taxable property of the State was found to be in value |!28,554,282, 
the tax being at the rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the State 
were only $70,000, while the income from the two railroads was nearly •3!300,000. 

In 1845, the number of inhabitants in the State had increased to more tiian 
300,000. 

Alpheus Felch served as Governor from 1845 to 1847. During his time the 
two railroads belonging to the State were sold to private corporations, — the Central 
for $2,000,000, and tlie Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State amounted 
in 1846 to $4,647,608. Tiie total capacity of vessels enrolled in the collection 
district at Detroit was 26,928 tons, the whole giving employment to 18,000 seamen. 
In 1847 there were thirty-nine counties in the State, containing 435 townships; 
and 275 of these townships were supplied with good libraries, containing, in the 
aggregate, 37,000 volumes. In the Spring of 1846, on the account of Northern and 
Eastern immigration into Texas, with tastes and habits diiYerent from the native 
Mexicans, a war was precipitated between the United States and Mexico ; and for 
tlie prosecution of this war Michigan furnished a regiment of volunteers, com- 
manded by Thomas W. Stockton, and one independent company, incurring a total 
expense of about $10,500. Marcli 3, 1847, Gov. Felch resigned to accept a seat in 
tiie United States Senate, when the duties of his office devolved upon William S. 
Greenly, under whose administration the Mexican war was closed. 

Epaphroditus Ransom was Governor from 1847 to November, 1849. During 



9 



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04 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



*c 



his administration the Asylum for tlie Insane was established at Kalamazoo, and 
also the Institute for the Blind, and the Deaf and Dumb at Flint. Both these 
institutions were liberally endowed with lands, and each entrusted to a board of 
five trustees. March 31, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed from New 
York to Detroit. 

John S. Bany, elected Governor of Michigan for the third time, succeeded 
Gov. Ransom, and iiis term expired in November, 1851. Wiiile he was serving this 
term a normal school was established at Ypsilanti, which was endowed with lands, 
placed in charge of a board of education, consisting of six persons ; a new State 
constitution was adopted, and the great "railroad-conspiracy" case was tried. 
This originated in a number of lawless depredations upon the property of the 
Michigan Central Railroad Companj', terminating with the burning of the dejiotat 
Detroit in 1850. The next 3^ear thirty-seven men were brought to trial, and twelve 
of them were convicted. The prosecution was conducted by Alexander D. Fraser, 
of Detroit, and the conspirators were defended by William H. Seward, of New 
York. Judge Warner Wing presided. 

Robert McClelland followed Ba,rry as Governor, serving until March, 1853, 
when he resigned to accept the position of Secretary of the Interior, in the Cabinet 
of Pres. Pierce. Lieut. -Gov. Andrew Parsons, consequently, became Acting Gov- 
ernor, his term expiring in November, 1854. 

In the Spring of 1854, during the administration of Acting Gov. Parsons, tiie 
" Republican party," at least as a State organization, was first formed in the United 
States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slaverymen of both the old parties. 
Great excitement prevailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of Kansas and 
the issue thereby brought up whether slavery should exist there. For the purpose 
of permitting slavery there, the "Missouri compromise" (which limited slavery 
to the south of 36 degrees 30 minutes) was repealed, under the lead of Stephen A. 
Douglas. This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and Nebraska into the 
Union as Territories, and those who were opposed to this repeal measure were, in 
short, called "anti-Nebraska," were temporarily employed to designate the slavery 
and anti-slavery parties, pending the dissolution of the old Democratic and Whig 
parties and the organization of the new Democratic and Republican parties. At 
the next State election Kinsley S. Bingham was elected by the Republicans Gov- 
ernor of Michigan, and this State has ever since then been under Republican con- 
trol, the State officers of that party being elected by majorities ranging from 5,000 
to 55,000. And the people of this State generally, and the Republicans in par- 
ticular, claim that this commonwealth has been as VvcU taken care of since 1855 as 
an}' State in the Union, if not better, while preceding 1855 the Democrats adminis- 
tered the government as well as any other State, if not better. As a single though 

Fjs r~ -^ ©''V 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



95 



2C 



Kigiiiil proof of tlie liigh standard of Miuliigaii among lier sister States, we may 
mention tiiat wliile the taxes in the New England States, New York, New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania average $10.09 per capita, while in Miissachusetts the average is 
•f 17.10 per inhabitant, and wlule in the West the average is fG.50, in Michigan it 
is only f-1.57. At tlie same time it is generally believed, even by tiie citizens of 
sister States, that Michigan is tiie best-governed commonwealth in tlie Union. 

Kinsley S. Ringhani was Governor from 1854 to 1858. Tiie most notal)le event 
during his adiiiinislration was the completion of the sliip canal at tlie falls of Saint 
Mary, May 2t3, 1855. An Act of Congress was a[)pr()ve(l, granting to tlie State of 
Alichigan 750.000 acres of land for the purpose of constructing lliis canal. Tlie 
"sault," or rapids, of the Saint Mary liave a fall of seventeen feet in one mile. 
Tlie canal is one mile long, 100 feet wide and about twelve feet deep. It lias two 
loclcs of solid masonry. The work was commenced in 1853, and finished in May, 
1855, at a cost of •'J9'.)'.\802. This is one of the most important internal improve- 
ments ever made in the State. 

Moses Wisuer was the next Governor of Michigan, serving from 1S58 to 
November, 18G0, at which time Abraham Lincoln was elected President of tlie 
United States. National themes began to grow exciting, and Michigan affairs were 
almost lost in the warring elements of strife tliat convulsed the nation from center 
to circumference with a life-aiid-deatli struggle. 

Austin Blair was the thirteenth Governor of Miciiigan, serving during the 
perilous times of tlie rebellimi from 18G1 to ls65. and by his patriotic and faithful 
execution of law and prompt aid of the General Government, earning the well- 
deserved title of " the War Governor." The particulars of the history of this 
State in connection with that war we will reserve for the next section. 

Hcniy II. Crapo succeeded Gov. Blair, serving one term. Ha was elected 
during the dark iiours just before the close of the war, when he found the political 
sky overcast with the most ominous clouds of death and debt. The bonded debt 
of the State was •5!:5,541,14'.t.80. with a balance in the treasury of $140,047.29. In 
the single year just closed the State had expended •1823,216.75, and by the close of 
the first year of his term this indebtedness had increased more than 8400,000 more. 
But the wise adiniiiistratinn of this Governor began materially to reduce the delit, 
and at the same time fill the treasury. The great war closed during the April after liis 
election, and he faithfully carried out the line of policj' inaugurated by his prede- 
cessor. The other proinini'iit events during his term of olfice are systematically 
interwoven with the history of tiie various institutions of the State, and thej' will 
be found under heads in their respective places. 

Henry P. Baldwin was Governor two terms, namely, from January, 1868, to 
the close of 1872. The period of liis administration was a prosperous one for the 



nv 



fe 



96 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



State. In 1869 the taxable valuation of real and personal property in the State 
amounted to $400,000,000, and in 1871 it exceeded $630,000,000. 

During Gov. Baldwin's time a step was taken to alter the State constitution so 
as to enable counties, townships, cities and incorporated villages, in their corporate 
capacity, to aid in the construction of railroads. Bonds had been issued all over 
the State by these municipalities in aid of railroads, under laws which had been 
enacted by the Legislature at five different sessions ; but a case coming before the 
Supreme Court involving the constitutionality of these laws, the Bench decided 
that the laws were unconstitutional, and thus the railroads were left to the mercy 
of the " soulless " corporations. Gov. Baldwin, in this emergency, called an extra 
session of the Legislature, which submitted the desired constitutional amendment 
to the people ; but it was by them defeated in November, 1870. 

The ninth census having been officially published, it became the duties of the 
State, in 1872, to make a re-apportionment of districts for the purpose of repre- 
sentation in Congress. Since 1868 Michigan has had six representatives, but the 
census of 1870 entitled it to nine. 

During the last two years of Gov. Baldwin's administration the i^reliminary 
measures for building a new State capitol engrossed much of his attention. His 
wise counsels concerning this much-needed new building were generally adopted 
by the Legislature, which was convened in extra session in March, 1872. 

Ample provisions having been made for the pa3'ment of the funded debt of the 
State by setting apart some of the trust-fund receipts, and such portion of the 
specific taxes as were not required for the paj'ment of interest on the public debt, 
the one-eighth mill tax for the sinking fund was abolished in 1870. 

The Fall of 1871 is noted for the many destructive conllagrations in the North- 
west, including the great Chicago fire. Several villages in this State were either 
wholly or partially consumed, and much propert}' was burned up nearly all over the 
country. This was due to the excessive dryness of the season. Li tliis State alone 
nearly 3,000 families, or about 18,000 persons, were rendered houseless and 
deprived of the necessaries of life. Relief committees were organized at Detroit, 
Grand Rapids and elsewhere, and in a short time $162,106 in money and about 
$250,000 worth of clothing were forwarded to the sufferers. Indeed, so generous 
were the people, that tiiey would have given more than was necessary had they not 
been informed by the Governor in a proclamation that a sufficiency had been raised. 

The dedication of the soldiers and sailors' monument at Detroit, April 9, 1872, 
was a notable event in Gov. Baldwin's time. This grand structure was designed 
by Randolph Rogers, formerly of Michigan, and one of tiie most eminent of Amer- 
ican sculptors now living. The nione}' to defray the expenses of this undertaking 
was raised by subscription, and persons in all parts of the State were most liberal 






nV* 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



ill their contributions. The business was managed by an incorporation established 
in 1868. The monument is forty-six feet high, and is surmounted by a colossal 
statue of Micliigan in bronze, ten feet in height. She is represented as a semi- 
civilized Indian (jueen, witii a sword in lier right hand and a shield in iier left. Tlie 
dedicatory lines in front are : " Erected by the people of Michigan, in honor of the 
martyrs who fell and the heroes who fought in defense of liberty and union." 
On tlie monument are many beautiful designs. At tlie unveiling there was a large 
concourse of people from all jiarts of the State, and the address was delivered by 
ex-Gov. Blair. 

John J. Bagley succeeded to the Governorsliip Jan. 1, 187-), and served two 
terms. During his administration the new capitol was principally built, which is a 
larger and better structure for tlie money than, perhaps, any otiier public building 
in the United States. Under Gov. Bagley's counsel and administration the State 
prospered in all its departments. The Legislature of 1873 made it the dut}^ of the 
Governor to appoint a commission to revise the State Constitution, which duty he 
performed to the satisfaction of all parties. 

Chai'les M. Crosswell was next the chief executive officer of this State, exer- 
cising the functions of tlie ofTice for two successive terms, 1877-1881. During liis 
administration the public debt was greatly reduced, a policy adopted requiring 
State institutions to keep within the limit of appropriations, laws enacted to pro- 
vide more effectually for the punishment of corruption and bribery in elections, the 
State House of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pon- 
tiac were opened, and the new capitol at Lansing was completed and oceujiied. 
Tiie first act of his second term was to preside at the dedication of this building. 
The great riot of 1877 centered at Jackson. During tliose two or three fearful 
days Gov. Crosswell was in his office at Lansing, in correspondence witli members 
of the military department in different parts of the State, and witliin forty-eight 
hours of the moment wiien tlie danger became imminent, the rioters found tiiem- 
selves surrounded by a military force ready with ball and cartridge for their anni- 
hilation. Were it not for this promptness of the Governor, tliere would probably 
have been a great destruction of property, if not also of life. 

Tiie administration of Hon. David II. Jerome has been one marked alike by 
joys and sorrows. The great business revival marked the period of his election ; 
the disastrous forest fires clouded the light of peace and prosperity. 

STATE OFFICERS. 



Governors During French Rule. 

Appointed. 

Sieur de Mesey 1663 

Sieur de Courcelles 1665 

Sicur de Fronlenac 1672 



Appointki>. 

Sieur de La Barre.... . 1672 

Marquis de Denonville 1655 

Sieur de Frontenac ., l6Sg 

Chevalier de Callieres 1699 



^. 



98 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



STATE OFFICERS. 

Appointed. 

Marquis de Vaudreilil 1 703 

Marquis de Beauharnois 1726 

Compt de la Galissoniere 1747 

Sieur de la Jonquiere 1749 

Marquis du Quesne de Menneville 1752 

Sieur de Vaudreuilde Cavagnal 1755 

Governors During British Rule. 

James Murray 1765 

Paulus E. Irving 1766 

Guy Carleton 1766 

Hector I. Cramahe 1770 

Guy Carleton 1774 

Frederick Haldeniand 177S 

Henry Hamilton 17S4 

Henry Hope 17S5 

Lord Dorchester 17S6 

Alured Clark 1791 

Lord Dorchester 1798 

Governors of Michigan Territory. 

William Hull 1805 

Lewis Cass 1813 

George B.Porter — 1831 

Stevens T. Mason, ex-ojfficio.. 1834 

John T. Horner, ex-officio 1835 

State Governors. 

Elected. 

Stevens T.Mason 1S35 

William Woodbridge 1840 

J. Wright Gordon, acting J841 

John S.Barry 1S42 

Alpheus Felch 1846 

Wm. S. Greenly, acting 1847 

Epaphroditus Ransom — 1848 

John S.Barry 1850 

Robert McClelland 1852 

Andrew Parsons, acting. 1S53 

Kingsley S. Bingham 1S55 

Moses Wisner 1859 

Austin Blair iS6i 

Henry H. Crapo 1S65 

Henry D. Baldwin 1869 

John J. Bagley 1873 

Charles M. Croswell 1877 

David H. Jerome 18S1 



—CONTINUED. 

LlEtlTENANT-GoVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 

Elected. 

Edward Mundy 1835 

J.Wright Gordon 1S40 

Origin D. Richardson 1842 

Wm. S. Greenly 1S46 

Wm. M. Fenton 1848 

Wm. S. Greenly 1S49 

Calvin Britain 1S52 

Andrew Parsons 1853 

George A. Coe 1855 

Edmund B. F.iirfield 1859 

James Birney 1861 

Joseph R. Williams, acting.. 1861 

Henry T. Backus, acting 1862 

Charles S. May 1863 

E. O. Grosvenor 1S65 

Dwight May 1867 

Morgan Bates.. 1S69 

Henry H. Holt 1873 

Alonzo Sessions 1877 

Moreau S. Crosby 1881 

Secretaries of State. 

Kintzing Pritchette 1S35 

Randolph Manning 183S 

Thomas Rowland .- 1S40 

Robert P. Eldrldge 1842 

G. O. Whittemore 1846 

George W. Peck 1848 

George Redfield 1850 

Charles H. Taylor.. 1S50 

William Graves 1853 

John McKinney 1855 

Nelson G. Isbell 1S59 

James B.Porter l86t 

O. S. Spaulding 1867 

Daniel Striker 1S71 

E. G. D. Holden 1875 

William Jenney. - 1879 

State Treasurers. 

Henry Howard 1S36 

Peter Desnoyers 1S39 

Robert Stuart 1840 

George W. Germain 1S41 

John J. Adam 1842 

George Redfield 1S45 



(-1 



liL 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



99 



STATE OFFICERS. — CONTINUED. 



Elected. 

George B. Cooper 1846 

Barn.ird C. Whittemore 1S50 

-Silas M. Holmes 1S55 

John McKinney 1S59 

John Owen 1S61 

E. O. Grosvenor 1867 

Victory P. Collier 1871 

Wm. B. McCreery 1875 

Benj. F. Pritchard 1879 

Attorneys-General. 

Daniel LeRoy 1836 

Peter Morey 1837 

Zephaniali Piatt 1841 

Elon Fanisworth 1843 

Henry N.Walker 1S45 

Edward Mundy 1S47 

Geo. V. N. Lothrop 1S4S 

William Hale 1857 

Jacob M. Howard 1S55 

Charles Upson iSOi 

Albert Williams 1863 

Wni. L. .Stouj^hton 1S67 

Dsvight May 1869 

Byron U. Ball 1873 

Isaac Marston 1874 

Andrew J. Smith 1S75 

Otto Kirchner 1S77 

Auditors-General. 

Robert Abbott 1 S36 

Henry Howard 1839 

Eurotus P.Hastings - 1S40 

AlpheusFelch 1S42 

Henry S.Whipple 1S42 

Charles G. Hammond - 1845 

John J. Adam , 1S45 

Digby V. Bell 1S46 

John J. Adam 1S4S 

John Swegles, jr 185 1 

Whitney Jones 1855 

Daniel L. Case.. - 1S59 

Langfotd G. Berry 1861 

Emil Aneke 1S63 

William Hum|ilirey 1867 

Ralph Ely 1875 

W. Irving Latimer . 1879 



SuPT. Public Instruction*. 

Electeo. 

John D.Pierce 183S 

Franklin Sawyer, jr 1S41 

Oliver C. Comstock 1S43 

Ira Mayhew 1845 

Francis W. Sherman - 1849 

Ira M.ayhew 1.. 1855 

Jolin M.Gregory 1S59 

Oiamel Hosford 1S65 

Daniel B. Briggs 1873 

Horace S. Tarbell 1S77 

Cornelius A. Gower 1878 



Judges of the Supreme Court. 

Augustus B. Woodward 

Frederick Bates 

John Griffin .... 

James Wilherell 

Solomon Sibley 

Henry Chipman 

Wm. Woodbridge 

Ross \\'ilkins 

Wm. A. Fletcher 

Epaphroditus Ransom 

George MorelL. 

Charles W. Whipple... 

Alpheus Felch 

David Goodwin . _ 

Warner Wing 

George Miles 

Edward Mundy 

San ford M. Green 

George Martin . 

Joseph T. Copeland 

Samuel T. Douglas 

David Johnson 

Abner Pratt 

Charles W. Wliipple 

Nathaniel Bacon 

Sanford M. Green 

E. H. C.Wilson 

Benj. F. H. Wilherell. Benj. F.Graves, 
losiah Turner, and Edwin Lawrence to 

till vacancies in the latter part of 

George Martin 

Randolph Manning 

Isa.ic P. Christiancy 



1805-24 

1S05-8 

1806-24 

1808-28 

1824-36 

1827-32 

1S2S-32 

1832-6 

1836-42 

1836-47 

1836-42 

•843-52 

1842-5 

1843-6 

1S45-56 

1S46-50 

184S-51 

184S-57 

1851-2 

1852-7 

1852-7 

1852-7 

'851-7 

1852-5 
1S55-8 
1856-8 
1S56-S 



1857 
1S58-6S 
1S5S-64 
1858-77 



-^jV 



Ajf 



100 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



STATE OFFICERS. — CONTINUED. 



Elected. 

James V. Campbell 1858 

Thomas M. Cooley 1864 

Benj. F. Graves 1S6S 

Isaac Marston 1S75 

U. S. Senators. 

John Norvell 1835-41 

Lucius Lyon 1836-40 

Augustus S. Porter . 1840-5 

Wm. Woodbridge 1841-7 

Lewis Cass.. 1S45-57 

Thos. H. Fitzgerald 1S48-9 

Alpheus Felch 1S47-53 

Charles E. Stuart 1S53-9 

Zachariah Chandler 1857-77 

Kinsley S. Bingham 1859-&1 

Jacob M. Howard 1S62-71 

Thomas W.Ferry 1871 

Henry Baldwin 18S0 

Zachariah Chandler 1S78-9 

Thomas W.Ferry 1881-3 

Omar D. Conger 1S81-7 

Representatives in Congress. 

Isaac E. Crary 1835-41 

Jacob M.Howard 1841-43 

Lucius Lyon 1S43-5 

Robert McClelland 1S43-9 

James B. Hunt 1843-7 

John S. Chipman 1S45-7 

Charles E. Stuart 1847.9 

Kinsley S. Bingham 1849-51 

Alexander W. Buel 1849-51 

William Sprague 1S49-50 

Charles E.Stuart 1851-3 

James L. Conger — 1851-3 

Ebenezer J. Penneman 1S51.3 

Samuel Clark 1S53-5 

David A.Noble .' 1853-5 

Hester L.Stevens 1853-5 

David Stuart.... 1853-5 

George W. Peck 1855-7 

William A. Howard 1855-61 

Henry Waldron 1855-61 



Elected. 

David S. Walbridge 1855-9 

D. C. Leach 1857-61 

Francis W. Kellogg 1859-65 

B. F. Granger 1S61-3 

F. C. Beaman 1S61-71 

R. E. Trowbridge 1861-3 

Charles Upson 1S63-9 

JohnW. Longyear 1S63-7 

John F. Driggs 1863-9 

R. E. Trowbridge 1S65-9 

Thomas W.Ferry 1869-71 

Austin Blair 1867-73 

William L. Stoughton 1869-73 

Omar D. Conger iS6g-Sl 

Randolph Strickland 1869-71 

Henry Waldon 1S71-5 

Wilder D. Foster 1S71-3 

Jabez G. Sutherland 1871-3 

Moses W. Field 1873-5 

George Millard 1875-7 

Julius C. Burrows 1873-5. 1879 

Josiah W. Begale 1873-5 

Nathan B. Bradley 1873-7 

Jay A. Hubbell.. 1873 

W. B. Williams 1875-7 

Alpheus S. Williams 1S75-9 ' 

Mark S. Boemer 1877 

Charles C. Ellsworth 1S77-9 

Edwin W. Keightley 1S77-9 

Jonas H. McGowan 1877 

John W. Stone 1877 

Edwin Willets 1877 

Roswell G. Horr 1879 

John S. Newberry ., 1879 

H. W. Lord 1S81 

Edwin Willets 18S1 

E. S. Lacey 18S1 

Julius C. Burrows :88i 

George W. Webber iSSl 

Oliver L. Spaulding 18S1 

John T.Rich 1S81 

Roswell G. Horr 18S1 

Jay A. Hubbell 1S81 



In tlie political chapter of the county liistory, tlie names of State Senators and 
Representatives from Macomb are given, with a record of votes received. 



:7 



(o~ 



Mi:. 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



101 



POLITICAL STATISTICS. 

The following tables show the political complexion of the several districts as 
now arranged, taking the vote for Congressmen in 1880 as the basis : 



FIRST DISTRICT. 
County. Ki|>. Deiii. 

Wayne I5,9&2 15,388 

Republican ])lurality 574 

Democratic and Greenback over Republican 54 



Green- 
back. 
628 



SECOND DISTRICT. 

Monroe 3.175 3.717 

Lenawee 6,308 5.431 

Hillsdale 4.S57 2.435 

Washtenaw 4,605 5.013 



201 
265 
914 
294 



Total 1S.945 16,596 1,674 

Republican plurality 2.340 

Republican m.ijority 675 

THIRD DISTRICT. 

Jackson 4.564 

Calhoun 5,184 

Branch 4.106 

Barry 3,072 

Katon 4.341 



3.2S7 


2,196 


2.915 


1,067 


i.oSi 


1.74S 


779 


2,340 


1.677 


1,608 



Total 21,267 9.739 8,959 

Republican plurality 11,528 

Republican majority . 2,571 

FOURTH DISTRICT. 

Berrien 4,553 

Cass 2,856 

St. Joseph 3.134 

Kalamazoo 4,459 

Van Buren 4.094 



3.523 


533 


2,157 


425 


I.S40 


1,500 


2.976 


572 


1,92s 


1,163 



Total 19.096 12,424 4,193 

Republican plurality 6.672 

Republican m<ajority 2,479 

FIFTH DISTRICT. 

.\llegan 4,657 

Kent 7,879 

Ottawa 3.289 

Ionia 4,262 



I,Sn6 


1,789 


5.395 


3,227 


2.072 


S37 


666 


3.04S 



Total 20,087 9 939 S,goi 

Republican plurality lO.loS 

Republican majority 1,207 



SI.XTII DISTRICT. 
County. Rep. 

Clinton 3,305 

Ingham 3 9S3 

Livingstone 2,820 

Genesee 4,747 

Oakland 5.371 



Dern. 

2.771 
3.3S7 
2.914 
2 126 

5,000 

16,288 



Total 20,226 

Republican plurality , 

Democrat and Greenback over Republican.. 
SEVENTH DISTRICT. 

Macomb 3,000 

St. Clair 4,iS2 

Lapeer 3.390 

Sanilac 2.183 

Huron 1,773 



3.283 
3.512 
2,676 

1.329 
1. 194 



Groon- 

tj:ick. 

766 

1.031 
»92 

2.173 
363 

4.525 
■ 3.938 

-- 5S7 



184 

713 
138 

179 
34 

1,248 

-3944 
.2,696 



Total 14,618 11,994 

Republican plurality 

Republican m,ajority 

EIGHTH DISTRICT. 

Shiawassee 3,325 1,947 1,165 

Saginaw 4.S29 5,801 436 

Gratiot 2,526 1,780 6S6 

Montcalm 4,140 3,067 492 

Isabella 1,375 1.0S9 81 

Midland 75S 514 241 

Total 16,953 14.198 3.101 

Republican plurality 2,755 

Democrat and Greenback over Republican 346 

NINTH DISTRICT. 

Muskegon 2,737 1.496 605 

Oceana 1,479 959 

Newaygo 1,549 1,796 12 

Mecosia 1.592 1,020 91 

Osceola 1,234 577 20 

I-ake 583 264 I 

Mason 1.259 832 

Manistee 1,176 1,098 

Wexford. 1,112 476 47 

Missaukee 268 121 21 

Charlevoix... 793 276 95 

Antrim 598 19S 171 



-^jv' 



^ 



(2 «^ 



102 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



County, 
Kalkaska . 



Rep. 

495 



Total 14,875 

Republican plurality 

Republican majority : 



9,294 



Green- 
back. 



1,063 
-5.581 
-4.518 



TENTH DISTRICT. 

Tuscola 2,872 1,812 

Bay 2,483 2,398 

Caldwin 147 260 

Clare -. 451 412 

Roscommon 564 413 

Ogemaw 280 173 

Iosco - 766 540 

Crawford 181 141 

Oscoda - 

Alcona 38S 250 

Alpena. - 94S 835 

Montmorency 

Otsego 329 217 

Presque Isle 2C9 151 

Cheboygan 5S1 571 

Emmet Scg 603 



I So 

1,568 

5 

41 

72 

57 

8 

24 



40 
83 



83 
4 



Total 10,978 8,776 2,180 



County. 



Rep. 



Dem. Green- 
back. 



Republican plurality 2,202 

Republican majority 22 

ELEVENTH DISTRICT. 

Grand Traverse .... 1,327 

Leelenau 643 

Benzie 430 

Manitou 36 

Cliippewa . 358 

Mackinac 143 

Schoolcraft 172 

Marquette 2,449 

Baraga 180 

Houghton 2,107 

Keewenaw 6ro 

Ontonagon 306 

Isle Royal 

Menominee 1.304 

Delta 724 

Total 10,789 6,486 235 

Republican plurality 4.303 

Republican majority 4,168 



498 


8 


564 


72 


192 


141 


137 





325 





29S 





17 





1,255 





219 





1,283 





237 





147 


14 


goo 





414 






There were also prohibition and scattering votes returned for Congress in 1880 
as follows: Second district, 191; third, 234; fourth, 2-t ; fifth, 18; sixth, 78; 
seventh, 18; eighth, 16; ninth, 21; tenth, 7; and eleventh, 95. In Isle Royal 
County, in 1880, no election was held, and Oscoda and Montmorency Counties 
were not organized. 

The population of the several districts in 1870 and 1880 and the total increase 
for the ten years are shown by the following table : 

District. Pop. 1870. Pop. 1880. Increase. 

First -■ 119,038 166,444 47.406 

Second 146 196 I55538 10,342 

Third- 140,212 164966 18,754 

Fourth 143356 150.569 7.213 

Fifth.. 136,840 178,066 41,226 

Sixth 142276 164,784 22,508 

Seventh 109,233 154.392 45.152 , 

Eighth 9279.; 160,269 67,498 

Ninth 51,943 125,210 73.267 

Tenth 40.439 111.151 70,712 

Eleventh 55.794 104,527 49.733 

If a similar rate of increase is kept up in the northern counties, the eighth, 
ninth and tenth districts will before the end of the decade largely exceed in popu- 
lation certain of the older districts. 



^1 



,> 



HISTORY OP MICniGAX. 



103 



CHAPTER VII. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

THE FUR -TRADERS AND SLAVE OWNERS. 

The British at Detroit changed their policy somewliat, and endeavored to 
coii.'/liate the Indians, paying them for land and encouraging French settlements in 
the vicinity. Tiiis encouragement was exhibited, in part, in showing some par- 
tiality to Frencli customs. 

At this time the fur trade was considerably revived, the principal point of 
sliipment being the Grand Portage of Lake Superior. Tiie cliarter boundaries of 
the two companies, tlie Hudson's Bay and the Nortliwest, not having been very 
well-defined, the employees of the respective companies often came into conflict. 
Lord Selkirk, the liead of the former company, ended the difficulty by uniting the 
stock of botli companies. An attempt was also made to mine and ship copper, but 
the project was found too expensive. 

SLAVERY IN MICHIGAN. 

The following references to the slave in Michigan have been extracted from 
the able paper prepared on that subject by J. A. Girardin. In olden 
times the city of Detroit and vicinity had slaves among its inhabitants. 
Tiie old citizens generally purchased them from marauding bands of Indians, 
who had captured the negro slaves in their war depredations on plantations. 
Many wero tlius brought from Virginia, New York, and Indiana, and sold to tlie 
iuiiabitants of Detroit, sometimes for nominal prices. Among our old citizens who 
were slaveholders in the olden times were the late Major .Iosei)h Canipau, George 
McDougall, James Duperon Baby, Abbott & Finchly, and several others. The 
negro slavei were well treated by their owners. Many of tliose poor captives when 
sold and released were at once well taken care of by our ancient iuiiabitants. Some- 
times tiie price of a negro slave was regulated according to his intrinsic value, but 
the price was quite •high for those days. For instance: A negro bo}' named Frank, 
aged 12 yenrs, the property of the late Phillip Jonciere, of Belle Fontaine, now 
Springwells, was sold on the 22d day of October, 1793, by William Roe, acting 
auctioneer, to the late Hon. James Duperon Baby, for the sum of c£213. New York 
currency, equal to 8532.50 of our money. Mr. Baby being the highest bidder, he, 
Frank, was adjudged to him for the benefit of Mr. Joncier's estate. 



"V 



(S w. 



J. _s 



104 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



In the records of baptism of St. Anne's Church, several persons of color we 
find recorded as having received the sacrament of baptism, and, in the absence of 
family names we find that the names of " Margaret," for instance, a negress, 
" unknown " would be entered in the absence of her regular family name ; several 
instances of this kind are entered in the old records. During the administration of 
the Governor and Judges of the Territory of Michigan, several negroes received 
donation lots. Among them was a well known negro named " Pompey," the 
property of the late James Abbott. As a class the negroes were esteemed by our 
ancient population ; many of them could speak the French language fluently, espe- 
cially those living with their French masters. But little cruelty was practiced by 
their owners. There was no Wendell Phillips nor any Lloyd Garrison, nor any 
" higher law doctrine," expounded in those days to disturb the mind of the slave 
or the slaveholder. Every one lived in Arcadian simplicity and contentment. The 
negro was satisfied with his position, and rendered valuable services to his master, 
and was ever ready to help him against the treacherous Indians. During the war 
of 1812 several of them accompanied their masters to the battle-field, and mate- 
rially helped their masters and the troops. 

By an ordinance enacted by Congress, dated July 13, 1787, entitled " An act 
for the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio 
River," there was a clause in Article VI saying that " there shall be neither slavery 
nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment 
of crimes." Tliis was a safeguard by Congress to prevent the extension of 
slavery northwest of the Ohio River. Notwithstanding this wise pi'ovision our an- 
cestors paid but little attention to it, for whenever a spruce negro was brought 
by the Indians he was sure to find a purchaser at a reasonable price. Most every 
prominent man in those days had a slave or two, especially merchants trading with 
the Indians. 

Detroit and vicinity was a heaven to the slave compared to the Southern States, 
although slavery was carried on on a moderate scale here, there being no cotton or 
rice fields to employ them in, their labor being on the plantations near Detroit, or 
at their masters' houses. The master, once attached to his " Sambo," a great price 
would have to be paid to buy him. 

The late Judge May had a slave-woman who Iiad come to his hands for a debt 
owed him by one Granchin. This faithful slave served the Judge some twenty- 
five years. Mr. Joseph Campau, an extensive trader in those days, had as many as 
ten slaves at different times. Among them was a young negro named " Crow," 
who was quite a favorite of Mr. C, who had liim dressed in scarlet, a contrast with 
his color. This negro, to the amusement of the inhabitants of the old town, used 
to ascend old St. Anne's Church steeple and there perform some of his gymnastic 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



lOJ 



tricks. He was supjile and elastic as a circus-rider. He had been purcliased at 
Montreal by Mr. Canipau. He was afterward drowned from one of Mr. C.'s bat- 
teaux. "Hannah," another intelligent colored woman, was purchased at Montreal 
by Mr. C. This faithful slave, after serving him several years, married " Patterson," 
also a slave. " Mulet," one of the most honest and faithful of all slaves, also be- 
longed to Mr. Campau, who very often employed him as confidential clerk. This 
slave died but a few years ago at a very advanced age, respected and esteemed for 
his great integrit}' and fidelity. The slave " Tetro " was among the favorites of 
Maj. Campau. He, too, was as faithful ai\d as hpnest as the day was long. 

Tiie late Gen. John R. Williams also possessed a slave, named "Hector." He, 
too, was faithful and trustworthy. In the 3'ear 1831 Daniel Leroy, Olmstead 
Chamberlain, and Gideon O. Whittemore sold to Col. Mack, Gen. Williams, and 
Maj. Campau the newspaper called the Oakland Chronicle, the office being trans- 
ferred here, and the well known slave " Hector " was placed in charge of it. When 
the late Col. Sheldon McKnight entered to take possession, he was fiercely resisted 
by " Hector who showed fight, and the Colonel had to retreat. This paper was 
afterward merged into the Free Press of this city. 

Ann Wyley, a former slave, suffered the extreme penalty of the law for having 
stolen six guineas from the firm of Al)li()tt & Finchley. She was sentenced to 
death by a justice of the peace, and buried on the spot where St. Anne's Church 
now stands, which ground was used as a place of burial in earl}' days; and when, 
in 1817, the foundations of the church were being excavated for, the body of this 
unfortunate woman was found, face downward. It was supposed that she was in 
a trance at the time of her burial. This incident was related to me by an old lady, 
some years ago, who knew all about the facts, and who has since died. 

The late Joseph Dronillurd, of Petite Cote, Canada, had two daughters. Upon 
the marriage of one of them to the grandfather of your humble servant she received 
a farm ; the other received two slaves as her marriage portion. This goes to show 
that the negro in those days was cons'-lered a chattel. Several of our French 
farmers on both sides of the river had one or more of them. 

Many anecdotes can be related of Africa's sons ;imoiig our ancestors, and they 
as a class were well cared for and educated by their kind masters. I could digress 
and go into more details, but the present sketch will suffice to show our modern 
pliilanthropists tliat the slaves here in Detroit were as well treated as the families 
in whicli their lot had been cast. The question may be asked : " How did slavery 
die out here ? " The owners of slaves, after having received their services for a 
number of years generally would liberate them, or sometimes sell them to parties 
outside of the Territory. When the celebrated ordinance of ITS" was extended 
over the Northwest, Michigan assumed for the first time the first grade of govern- 



106 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



meiit, and the laws of Congress were put in force, no more slaves were afterward 
allowed to be brought into the Territory, and slavery was known no more here I 

SALE OF NEGRO MAN POMPEY. 

The following is a copy of a deed furnished by W. W. Backus of Detroit: 
" Know all men by these presents : Tliat I, James May of Detroit, for and in 
consideration of tlie sum of forty-five pounds. New York currency, to me in hand 
paid by John Askin, Esqr., of Detroit, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge 
to be fully satisfied and paid, have sold and delivered, and by these presents, in 
plain and ojien market, do bargain, sell, and deliver unto the said John Askin, 
Esqr., a certain negro man, Pompey by name, to have and to hold the said negro 
unto the said John Askin, Esqr., his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns 
forever ; and I, the said James May, for my heirs, executors, and assigns, against 
all manner of person or persons, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these 
presents. 

In witness whereof, I have hei-eunto set ray hand and seal this nineteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four. 

Signed, 

JAMES MAY. 
In presence of 

Robert Stevens. 
I do hereby make over my whole right, title and interest in the above men- 
tioned negro man Pompey to Mr. James Donnolson of this place for the sum of 
fifty pounds, New York currency, the receipt of which I do hereb}^ acknowledge, 
as witness my hand and seal at Detroit, this third day of January, 1795. 

Signed, JOHN ASKIN. 

Witness, William McClintock. 

Throughout the counties of Wayne, Monroe, Macomb, and Oakland, the slave 
existed. True, he bore the same relation almost to his master, as the white laborer 
of the South did to his master previous to 1861. Yet he was a slave, liable to be 
bought and sold. 

PUBLIC school system. 

Michigan has as good a public-school system as can be found anywhere in the 
Union. Ever since 1785, the acts of Congress, as well as the acts of this State 
since its organization, have encouraged jjopular education by land grants and lib- 
eral appropriations of money. The IGth section of each township was early placed 
in the custody of tlie State for common-school purposes, and all the proceeds of the 
sale of school lands go into the perpetual fund. In 1812 the Superintendent of 
Public Instruction reported a discrei>ancy of over $22,000 in the funds, owing to im- 



HISTORY OF .MICHIGAN. 107 



perfect records, probably, ratlier tliaii of dislioiiesty of officials. September 30, 1S58, 
the primary school fund amounted to •'Ji2, 800, OHO. 7-3, and the swamp-land school fund 
to i-J61,237.20. The iiualification of teachers and the supervision of schools were for 
many years in the hands of a board of three inspectors, then the count}' superin- 
tendencj^ system was adopted for many j'ears, and since 1875 the townsiiip system 
has been in vogue. The township Board of School inspectors now consists of the 
Township Clerk, one elected Inspector, and a Township Superintendent of 
Schools. 

The latter officer licenses the teachers and visits the schools. In 1877, the 
school children (five to twenty 3'ears of age) numbered 469,501 ; the average 
number of months of school, 7.4 ; number of graded schools, '295 ; number of school- 
houses, 0,078, valued at 89,190,175 ; amount of two-mill tax, .'1492,646.94 ; district 
taxes, 12,217,901 ; total resources for the year, $3,792,129.59; total expenditures, 
$3,179,976.00. 

STATE UNIVERSITY. 

By an act of Congress in 1804, a township of land was to be reserved in the 
territory now constituting the lower peninsula " for the use of seminaries of 
learning ; " but the most of this reservation in 1841 went to a Catholic institution 
at Detroit. In 1824, through the exertions of Austin E. Wing, delegate to Con- 
gress, Gov. Woodbridge and others, a second township was granted, with permis- 
sion to select the sections in detached localities, and about this time Judge Wood- 
ward devised that novel and extensive scheme for the " catholepisteniaid," else- 
where referred to in this volume. In 1837 the Legislature established the University at 
Ann Arbor, and appropriated the seventy-two sections to its benefit ; 916 acres of tiiis 
land were located in what is now the richest part of Toledo, Ohio, from which the 
University finally realized less than $18,000. 

But the State in subsequent years made many liberal appropriations to this 
favorite institution, until it has become the greatest seat of learning west of New 
England, if not in all America. It is a part of the public-school system of the 
State, as tuition is free, and pupils graduating at the high schools are permitted to 
enter the freshman class of the collegiate department. It now has an average 
attendance of 1,200 to 1,400 students, 450 of whom are in the college proj^er. In 
1879 there were 406 in the law department, 329 in the medical, 71 in pharmacy, 62 
in dental surgery, and 63 in the homeopathic department. Tiiere are over fifty 
professors and teachers. The University is under the control of eight regents, 
elected by the people, two every second year. Rev. Henry B. Tappan, D. D., was 
President from 1852 to 1863, then Erastus O. Haven, 1). 1).. LL. I)., to 1860, then 
Prof. H. S. Freeze (acting) until 1871, since which time the reins have been held 
by Hon. James B. Angell, LL. D. 



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108 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



The value of the biiilclings and grounds was estimated in 1879 at 1319,000, and 
the personal property at $250,000. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

John D. Pierce, the first Superintendent of Public Instruction, in his first re- 
port to the Legislature, urged the importance of a normal school. In this enter- 
prise he was followed by his successors in oiBce until 1849, when Ira Mayhew was 
State Superintendent, and the Legislature appropriated seventy-two sections of 
land for the purpose ; and among the points competing for the location of the 
school, Ypsilanti won, and in that place the institution was permanently located. 
The building was completed and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, October 
5, 1852 ; next year the Legislature appropriated $7,000 in money, for expenses. 
Prof. A. S. Welch, now President of Iowa Agricultural College, was elected the 
first Principal. In October, 1859, the building with contents was burned, and a 
new building was immediately erected. In 1878 the main building was enlarged 
at an expense of $43,847. This enlargement was 88x90 feet, and has a hall capa- 
ble of seating 1,200 persons. The value of buildings and other property at the 
present time is estimated at $111,100. Number of students, 616, including 144 in 
the primary department. 

Each member of the Legislature is authorized by the Board of Education to 
appoint two students from his district who may attend one year free of tuition; other 
students pay $10 per annum. Graduates of this school are entitled to teach in this 
State without re-examination by any school officer. 

AGRICULTUKAL COLLEGE. 

The Michigan Agricultural College owes its establishment to a provision of 
the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says, " The Legislature shall, as soon 
as practicable, provide for the establishment of an agricultural school." For the 
purpose of carrj'ing into pi'actice this provision, legislation was commenced in 1855, 
and the act required that the school should be within ten miles of Lansing, and 
that not more than $15 an acre should be paid for the farm and college grounds. 
The college was opened to students in May, 1857, the first of existing agricultural 
colleges in the United States. Until the Spring of 1861 it was under the control 
of the State Board of Education ; since that time it has been under the manage- 
ment of the State Board of Agriculture, created for the purpose. 

In its essential features of combining studj' and labor, and of uniting general 
and professional studies in its course, the college has remained virtually unchanged 
frem the first. It has had a steady growth in number of students, in means of 
illustration and efficiency of instruction. 

An Act of Congress, approved July 2, 18G2, donated to each State public lands 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. IdO 



to the amount of 30,000 cicres for each of its Senators and Representatives in Con- 
gress, according to tlie census of 1860, for the endowment, support and mainten- 
ance of at least one college where the leading object sliould be, without excluding 
other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such 
In-anches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts. The 
Legislature accepted this grant and bestowed it upon the Agricultural College. 
By its provisions the college has received 235,673.37 acres of land. Tliese lands 
have been placed in market, and about 74,000 acres are sold, 3'ielding a fund of 
$237,174, the interest of which, at seven per cent., is applied to the support of the 
college. Tlie sale is under the direction of the Agricultural Land Grant Board, 
consisting of the Governor, Auditor General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, 
Attorney General and Commissioner of tlie State Land Office. 

The Agricultural College is three miles east of Lansing, comprising several 
fine buildings ; and there are, also, very beautiful, substantial residences for the 
professors. Tiiere are also an extensive, well-filled green-house, a very large and 
well-equipped and cheniical laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the 
United States, a general museum, a museum of mechanical inventions, another of 
vegetable products, extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for tiie pur- 
poses designed. The farm consists of 676 acres, of which about 300 are under 
cultivation is in a systematic rotation of crops. 

OTHER COLLEGES. 

At Albion is a flourishing college under the control of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Tlie grounds comprise about fifteen acres. There are three college 
buildings, each three stories liigh, liaving severally the dimensions of 46 by 80, 40 
by 100, and 47 by 80 feet. Tiie attendance in 1878 was 205. Tuition in ti»e prepara- 
tory and collegiate studies is free. The faculty comprises nine members. The 
value of property about $85,000. 

Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan Methodists in 1859, now 
under the control of the " Methodist Church." The grounds contain about twenty 
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accommodating about 225 students. 
Attendance in 1875 was 179 ; total number of graduates for previous j'ears, 121 ; 
ten professors and teachers employed. Exclusive of the endowment fund (f80,- 
000), the assets of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furniture, appar- 
atus, musical instruments, outlying lands, etc., amount to more than •51137,000. 
Hope College, at Holland, is under the patronage of the Dutch Reformed Church. 
It was begun in 1851, and in connection with tlie ordinary branches of learning, it 
has a theological department. In 1877 it had ten professors and teachers and 110 
pupils. Up to 1875 there had graduated, in the preparatory department, begun in 



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110 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



1863, ninety-five ; in the academic, beginning in 1866, fifty-three ; and in the theo- 
logical, beginning in 1869, twenty-four. Value of real estate, .125,000; of other 
property, above incumbrance, about 110,000 ; the amount of endowment paid in is 
about .$56,000. 

Kalamazoo College, headed by Baptists, is situated on a five-acre lot of ground, 
and the property is valued at $35,000; investments, $;8,000. There are six mem- 
bers of the faculty, and in 1878 there were 169 pupils. 

Hillsdale College was established in 1855 by the Free Baptists. The " Michi- 
gan Central College," at Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845. It was kept in 
operation until it was merged into the present Hillsdale College. The site com- 
jDrises twenty-five acres, beautifully situated on an eminence in the western part of 
the city of Hillsdale. The large and imposing building first erected was nearly 
destroyed by fire in 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more modern style 
have been erected. They are of brick, three stories with basement, arranged on 
three sides of a quadrangle. Their size is, respectively, 80 by 80, 48 by 72, 48 by 
72, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they contain one-half more room than the oi'iginal 
building. Ex-Lieutenant Gov. E. B. Fairfield was the first president. The present 
president is Rev. D. W. C. Durgin, D. D. Whole number of graduates up to 1878, 
375 ; number of students in all departments, 506 ; number of professors and 
instructors, 15; productive endowment, about 1100,000; buildings and ground, 
f 80,000 ; library, 6,200. 

Olivet College, in Eaton County, is a lively and thorough literary and fine-art 
institution, under the joint auspices of the Presbyterian and Congregational denom- 
inations. Value of buildings and ground, about $85,000. Fourteen professors and 
teachers are employed, and the attendance in 1878 was 190, the sexes in about 
equal proportion. There are five departments, namely, the collegiate, preparatory, 
normal, music and art. 

Battle Creek College, conducted by the Seventh-Day Adventists, was estab- 
lished in 1874, with four departments, eleven professors and teachers, and an 
attendance of 289. It is practically connected with a large health institution, 
where meat and medicines are eschewed. In 1878 there were fifteen instruct- 
ors and 478 students. Special attention is paid to hygiene and hygienic medi- 
cation. 

Grand Traverse College was opened at Benzonia, in 18G3, as the result of the 
efforts of Rev. Dr. J. B. Walter, a prominent divine of the Congregational Church. 
The friends of this institution have met with serious discouragements ; their lands 
have not risen in value as anticipated, and they have suffered a heavy loss from fire ; 
but the college has been kept open to the present time, with an average of seventy 
pupils. The curriculum, however, has so far been only " preparatory." The land 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Ill 



is viilued lit $25,000, aiul tlie buildings, etc., $6,000. The school has done a good 
work in qualifying teachers for the public schools. 

Besides the foregoing colleges, there are the German-American Seminary 
in Detroit, a Catholic seminary at Monroe, the Michigan Female Seminary at 
Kalamazoo, the Military Academy at Orchard Lake, near Pontiac, and others. 
Large numbers of Michigan students study at tlie college of Notre Dame iu St. 
Joseph Count}-, Lidiaua. 

CHARITABLE INSTITDTIOXS. 

No State in the Union takes better care of her poor than does Michigan. For 
a numlicr of years past, especially under the administrations of Govs. Bagley and 
Croswell, extraordinary efiorts have been made to improve and bring to perfection 
the appointments for the poor and dependent. 

According to the re[)ort of the Hoard of State Commissioners for the general 
supervision of charitable, penal, pauper and reformatory institutions for 1878, the 
total number in poor-housos of the State was o,282. For the five years preceding, 
the annual rate of increase was four times greater than the increase of population 
during that period ; but that was an exceptionally " hard " time, 'i'he capacity of 
the public heart, however, was equal to the occasion, and took such measures as 
were effectual and almost beyond criticism for the care of the indigent. At the 
head of the charit}' department of the State stands 

THE STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL. 

In the year 1870 a commission appointed by the Governor for tliat i)urpose, 
visited many of the poor-houses in the State, and found a hirge number of children 
in them under sixteen years of age, indiscriminately associated with idiots, maniacs, 
prostitutes and vagrants. Their report recommended the classification of paupers, 
and especially, that children in the county houses, under sixteen years, should be 
placed in a State school. The act establishing the rule was passed in 1871, in con- 
formity with the recommendation. As amended in 1873, it provides, in substance, 
that there shall be received as pupils in such school all neglected and dependent 
children that are over four and under sixteen years of age, and that are in suitable 
condition of bod}' or mind to receive instruction, especially those maintained in the 
county poor-houses, those who have been deserted by their parents, or are orphans, 
or whose parents have been convicted of crime. It is declared to be the object of 
the act to provide for such children temporar}- homes only, until homes can be 
procured for them in families. The plans comprehend the ultimate care of all 
children of the class described, and it is made unlawful to retain such children in 
poor-houses when there is room for them in the State Public School. Dependent 
orphans and half orphans of deceased soldiers and sailors have the preference of 



ry. 



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113 



HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 



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admission should there be more applications than room. Provision is made for 
preserving a record of the parentage and history of each child. 

The general supervision of the school is delegated to a Board of Control, 
consisting of three members, who are appointed by the Governor, with the advice 
and consent of the Senate. The Board ap^ioints the superintendent, officers and 
teachers of the school. One officer is appointed to look up homes for the children 
to apprentice them, and to keep a general oversight of them by visitation or corre- 
spondence. To complete the work of this institution, an agent is ajjpointed in each 
county. 

The internal government of this school is that known as the " family " and 
" congregate " combined, the families consisting of about thirty members each, and 
being under the care of "cottage managers," ladies whom the children call "aunt- 
ies," and who are supposed to care for the children as mothers. Each child of 
sufficient years expected to work three hours every day; some work on the farm, 
some in the dining-room and kitchen, while otliers make shoes, braid straw hats, 
make their own clothing, work in the baker}-, engine room, laundry, etc. They are 
required to attend school three to five hours a day, according to their ages, and 
the school hours are divided into sessions to accommodate the work. 

The buildings, ten in number, comprise a main building, eight cottages and a 
hospital, all of brick. Tlie buildings are steam heated, lighted with gas and have 
good bathing facilities. There are fortj'-one acres of land in connection with the 
school, and the total value of all the property is about $150,000, furnishing accom- 
modation for 210 children. 



INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB, AND THE BLIND. 

This is located at Flint, sixty miles nearly northwest of Detroit. The act 
establishing it was passed in 1848, and the school was first opened in 1854, in a 
leased building. It is a school in common for deaf mutes, and the blind, rather 
from motives of economy than from any relation which the two classes bear to 
one another. The buildings were commenced in 1853. The principal ones now 
are : front building, forty-three by seventy-two feet, with east and west wings, 
each twenty-eight by sixty feet, center building, forty by sixty, and east and west 
wings, each fifty by seventy feet ; main school building, fifty-two by fifty-four, with 
two wings, and twenty-five by sixty feet. All of these buildings are four stories 
high ; center of tlie front building is five stories, including basement. There are 
also a boiler and engine house, barns, etc. The total value of the buildings is 
estimated at $358,045, and of the eighty-eight acres of land occupied, $17,570. 

The number of inmates has increased from 94, in 1865, to 225, in 1875. Includ- 
ing the Princii)al, there are ten teachers employed in the deaf and dumb depart- 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 113 



nient, and four in the blind, l)esides the Matron and her assistants. Tuition and 
board are free to all resident subjects of the State, and the Trustees are authorized 
to assist indigent subjects in the way of clothing, etc., to the amount of f 40 a year. 
An annual census of all deaf mutes and blind persons in the State, is officially taken 
and reported to the overseers of the poor, who are to see that these unfortunate 
members of the hunian family are properly cared. 

ASYLUM FOB THE INSANE, AT KALAMAZOO. 

This institution was established in 1848, and now consists of two departments, 
one fen- males and the other for females. The cajiacity of the former is 280, and of 
the latter, -SOO patients. In their general construction, both buildings are arranged 
in accordance with tlie principles laid down by the Association of Medical Superin- 
tendents of American Institutions for tlie Insane. The buildings are of brick, with 
stone trimmings, and are very substantial, as well as beautiful. The entire cost of 
both buildings, witii all the auxiliary structui'es, and 195 acres of land, is about 
$727,17:). 90. The buildings were constructed during the war and immediately 
afterward. Tlie asylum was opened in 1859 for the care of patients, and up to 
October 1, 1875, there had been expended for the care and maintenance of patients, 
exclusive of the cost of construction, 1994,711.82. Indigent patients are received 
and treated at the asylum at the expense of the counties to which they belong, on 
the certification of the county authorities, the average cost of maintenance being 
about $4.12^ per week. Pay patients are received when there is room for them, 
the minimum price of board being .$5 per week. 

EASTERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, AT PONTIAC. 

These large, beautiful and very modern structures are located upon a farm of 
upward of 300 acres, and were erected in 1873-'6, at a cost of about $400,000. 
The general plans are similar to those at Kalamazoo. They are built of brick, with 
stone window caps, belt-courses, etc. There are accommodations for not less than 
300 patients. 

Michigan pursues a very enlightened policy toward the chronic insane. Pro- 
visions have been made for the treatment even of the incurable, so that as much 
good as possible may be done even to the most unfortunate. The design is to cure 
whenever the nature of the mental malady will permit ; but failing this, to cease 
no effort which could minister to the comfort and welfare of the patient. 

PENAL INSTITUTIONS. 

The Detroit House of Correction, although a local institution, is used to a con- 
siderable extent as an intermediate prison, to which persons are sentenced by the 
courts throughout the State for minor offenses. Women convicted of felonies are 



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114 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAK. 



also sent to tliis place. Tlie wliole lunnber in confinement at this prison for the 
past decade has averaged a little over 400 at any one time, more males than females. 
The average term of confinement is but a little more than two months, and the 
institution is very faitlifully conducted. 

The State Prison, at Jaclcson, is one of the best conducted in the Union. The 
total value of the property is f552,113. The earnings of tlie prison in 1878 were 
i92,378 ; number of prisoners, 800. Their work is let to contractors, who employ 
450 men at different trades. A coal mine has been recently discovered on tlie 
prison property, wliich proves a saving of several tliousand dollars per annum to 
the State. The earnings of this prison since Gen. Wm. Humphrey has been War- 
den (1875), lias exceeded its current expenses. 

The State Prison at Ionia was established a few years ago, for the reception of 
convicts wliose crimes are not of the worst type, and those who are young, but too 
old for the reform school. Tiie ground comprises 53 acres of land, 13^ of which is 
enclosed by a brick wall 18 feet high. Estimated value of property, $277,490 ; 
current expenses for 1878, $45,744 ; earnings for 1878, $5,892 ; number of prison- 
ers December 31, 1878, 250 ; number received during the year, 346. 

THE STATE PKISON IN 1880. 

The inspectors say that " in a pecuniary sense the year has been a prosperous 
one to all the industries connected with the prison. Contractors have had a demand 
for all their products at fair prices and sure pay, and as a consequence contracts due 
to the State have been promptly paid, and the prison authorities liave had none of 
the troubles and anxieties they have sometimes experienced from the failure of 
prompt payment for prison labor. The general prosperity of the country is shown 
by the increased and increasing demands for the products of labor. Whetlier 
these products are from the labor or convicts of free men, tlie consumer does not 
inquire ; therefore it is not surprising, but to have been expected, that the prison 
industries would share in the general prosperity. 

The inspectors report valuation of property as follows: 

Real estate $545,219-55 

Personal $48,618.27 

Cash on hand 9.799.82 58,418.09 

Aggregate $603,637.64 

The increase over inventory of 1880 is stated at $29,806.95. Of this amount 
$18,155.45 is credited to real estate, $14,299.88 of which is credited to the expend- 
iture of legishvtive appropriations, and $3,855.67 to prison earnings. The increase 
in the valuation of personal property is $11,651.50, which amount came entirely 
from prison labor, showing an aggregate increase from prison labor of $15,507.07. 



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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



115 



The net prison earnings for tlie year are given as $95,129.67, and the expenses 
for tlie same time •'i!84,517.G(3, showing a balance of earnings over expenses of 
110,612.01. 

Tlie following are the statistics of prisoners for the year: 

Number October I, 1S79 777 

Admitted during ye.ir 281 

Total 1,058 

Discharged by expiration of sentence. -253 

Discharged by deatli 5 

Discharged by order for new trials 2 

Discharged by order of supreme court - 4 

Discharged by pardon of governor . 13 

Escaped 3 

2S0 , 

Remaining in prison September 30, 1S80. 

Total 77S 

The detailed inventory covers thirty-six pages, and is minute enough to meet 
the demands of the most inquisitive investigator into the nature of prison property. 

During the term of its operation this prison has received 7,071 persons, com- 
mitted for offenses which are covered by 757 titles. Of these 5,097 were convicted 
for offenses against property, 088 of offenses against lives and persons of individ- 
uals, 540 of forgery and counterfeiting, 28-4 of offenses against chastity, morality 
and decency, 145 of offenses against pul)lic justice, ami 8 of unclassified offenses. 

During the last prison year twenty persons were received under conviction of 
offenses against life, as follows: 

For murder in the first degree 2 

For murder in the second degree 4 

For manslaughter 3 

For assault with intent to kill II 

Total 20 

STATE REFORM SCHOOL. 

This was established at Linsing in 1855, in the northeastern portion of the 
city, as the " House of Correction for Juvenile Offenders," having about it many 
features of a prison. In 1850, the name was changed to the " State Reform 
School.'' Tlie government and discipline iiave undergone man}' and radical 
changes, until all the prison features have been removed, exce[)t those that remain in 
the walls of the original structure, and which remain only as monuments of instruc- 
tive histor}'. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. Tiie inmates are necessa- 
ril}' kept under the surveillance of officers, but the attempts at escape are much 
fewer than under the more rigid regime of former days. Tiiis school is for the 



'^ 



>^, 



116 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



detention, education and reformation of boys between the ages of eight and sixteen 
years, who are convicted of light offenses. 

The princl[)al buikling is four stories high, including basement, and has an 
extreme lengtli of 246 feet, the center a depth of 48 feet, and the wings a depth of 
33 feet each. Besides, there are two " family houses," where the more tractable 
and less vicious boys form a kind of family, as distinguished from the congregate 
life of the institution proper. The boys are required to work half a day and 
attend school half a day. A farm of 328 acres, belonging to the school, furnislies 
work for many of tlie working boys during the working season. Some are em- 
ployed in making clothing and shoes for the inmates. The only shop-work now 
carried on is the cane-seating of chairs ; formerly, cigars were manufactured here 
somewhat extensively. There is no contract labor, but all the work is done by the 
institution itself. 

The number of inmates now averages about 200, and are taken care of by a 
superintendent and assistant, matron and assistant, two overseers and six teachers. 

THE LAND OFFICE 

Of this State has a great deal of business to transact, as it has within its jurisdic- 
tion an immense amount of new land in market, and much more to come in. Dur- 
ing the fiscal year ending September 30, 1877, the total number of acres sold was 
60,835.72, for $87,968.05, of wliich $69,800.54 was paid in hand. At that time, the 
amount of land still owned by the State was 3,049,905.46, of which 2,430,050.47 
were swamp land ; 447,270.89, primary school; 164,402.55, Agricultural College; 
310.26, University ; 160, Normal School ; 2,115.63, salt spring ; 1,840, Asylum ; 
32.40, State building ; 3,342.75, asset, and 380.31, internal improvement. But of 
the foregoing, 1,817,084.25 acres, or more than lialf, are not in market. 

STATE LIBRARY. 

Territorial Library, 1828-1835. — The first knowledge that we have of this 
librar}', is derived from the records found in the printed copies of the journals and 
documents of the Legislative Councils of the Territor}', and in the manuscript 
copies of the Executive journals. 

The library was established by an act of the Legislative Councils, approved 
June 16, 1828, authorizing the appointment of a librarian by the Governor, with 
advice and consent of tlie Council. 

The Librarian so appointed was required to take an oath of office and give 
bond to tlie Treasurer of the Territory in the sum of 11,000 for tlie faithful per- 
formance of liis duties ; his time of service was for two years, or until another be 
appointed. The librarian was also required to take charge of tlie halls and com- 
mittee room, and other property appertaining to tlie Legislative Council. He was 



Vis 



A 



T^ — *- 



-^ — g'>^ 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



'-■ > 



also required to make an annual report to tlie Council, upon the state of tiie 
library, and upon all sucli brandies of duty as mi^lit from time to time be com- 
mitted to Iiis charge. For liis services he was to receive annually the sum of filOO. 

Tiie library seemed to have been Ivcpt open only during the actual sittings of 
the Legislative Council. 

Tiie Executive journal, by its records, sliows tliat under tlie provisions of this 
act, William B. Hunt was appointed Librarian, July 3, 1828, by Gov. Lewis Cass, 
for the term of two years. Mr. Hunt continued to act as Librarian until .Marcii 7, 
1834, wiieu Gersliam Molt Williams was apj>oinled by Gov. Porter. Mr. Williams 
seems to have acted as Librarian until the organization of the institution as a State 
library. The lionored names of Henry B. Schoolcraft, Charles Moran, Daniel S. 
Bacon, Calvin Brittain, Elou Farnsworth, Charles C. Hascall,and others, are found 
in the list of the members of the Library Committee. 

March, 1830, the State Library was placed in charge of the Secretary of State ; 
in February, 1837, it was given to the care of the private Secretar}- of the Gov- 
ernor ; December 28 following, its custody was given to the Governor and Secre- 
tary of State, with power to appoint a Librarian, and make rules aiul regulations 
for its government. C. C. Jackson acted as the, first Librarian for tlie State. Lewis 
Bond also had tlie care of the books for a time. Oien Marsh was appointed Libra- 
rian in 1837, and had the office several years. Li INIarcli, 1840, the law was again 
changed, and the library was placed in the care of the Secretary of State, and the 
members of the Legislature and Executive ofBcers of the State were to have free 
access to it at all times. 

The library was, of course, increased from time to time b}- legislative ap- 
propriations. In 1844, as the result of the efforts of Alexandre Vattemare, 
from Paris, a system of international exchange was adopted. 

A[)ril 2, 18.')0, an act was passed requiring the Governor to aj)point a State 
librarian with the consent of tlie Senate, and it was made the duty of the librarian 
to have the sole charge of the library. This act, with some anicndinents, still 
remains in force. It reciuires the librarian to make biennial reports and catalogues. 
The librarians under this act liave been: Henry Tisdale, April 2, 18o0, to January 
27, 1851 ; Charles J. Fox, to July 1, 1853 ; Charles P. Bush, to December 5, 1854 ; 
John James Bush, to Januaiy 6,1855; DeWitt C. Leach, to February 2,1857; 
George W. Swift, to Januaiy 27, 1859; J. Eugene Tenney, to April 5, ISGO. and 
Mrs. Harriet A. Tennej', to tlie present time. This lad}- has proved to l)e one of 
the best librarians in the United States. She has now in her charge about 60,000 
volumes, besides tiiousands of articles in the new and rapidly growing museum 
department. She is also secretary of the " Pioneer Society of the State of Michi- 
gan," and lias charge of the books, papers and relics collected by that society. 



^1 



:^ 



-■4* 



118 



HISTORY OP MICHIGAN. 



The library and these museums are now kept in the new State Capitol at Lansing, 
in a series of rooms constructed for the purpose, and are all arranged in the most 
convenient order and with the neatest taste. 

STATE FISnERIES. 

Very naturally, the denser population of the white race, as it took possession 
of this wild country, consumed what they found already abundant long before 
they commenced to renew the stock. It was so with the forests ; it was so with 
the fish. An abundance of good variety of fish was found in all our rivers and 
little lakes by the early settlers, but the abundance was gradually reduced until 
these waters were entirely robbed of their useful inhabitants. Scarcely a thought 
of restocking the inland waters of this State was entertained until the Spring of 
1873, when a board of fish commissioners was autliorized by law; and while the people 
generally still shook their heads in skepticism, the board went on with its duty until 
these same people are made glad with the results. Under the efficient superintend- 
ency of Geo. H. Jerome, of Niles, nearly all the lakes and streams within the 
lower peninsula have been more or less stocked with shad, white-fish, salmon or 
lake trout, land-locked or native salmon, eel, etc., and special efforts are also made 
to projjagate that beautiful and useful fish, the grayling, whose home is in the 
Manistee and Muskegon rivers. Much more is hoped for, however, than is yet real- 
ized. Like every other great innovation, many failures must be suffered before the 
brilliant crown of final success is won. 

The value of all the property employed in fish propagation in the State is but 
a little over $4,000, and the total expenses of conducting the business from Decem- 
ber 1, 18TG, to July 1, 1877, were $14,000. The principal hatcheries are at Detroit 
and Pokagou. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

STATE SOCIETIES. 

Organization is the fii'st great means necessaiy to the accomplishment of any 
project. In this respect Michigan is peculiarly fortunate. Ever}' class seems to 
have its organization, and to observe the rules adopted. Among the first bodies of 
the State the Pioneer Society of Micliigan jiolds, perhaps, the highest place. The 
officers of the societj' retain all that energy of character wliicli mai'ked tiieir earlier 
years; members, generally, take a deep interest in the government of the body, and 
thus a promise is given of the continued existence of a noble organization. 

THE PIONEER SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN 

Was organized in 1875. Its roll of members contains 408 names, each of which is 
referred to in the following table: 



liL^ 



HISTORY OF MICIIIGAX. 



119 





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.Mav. IK 19. 
April. 1822. 
Oclob.-i. 1848. 
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Tiiil'i'iia'd'ge. '.".".'.'.'. 


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Itrownstowii 

Wateiford 

Ann Arbor 

Saline 

i'lyniouth 

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Saline 

I'ittstielU 

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Dexter 

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Slnrgis 

Notiawa 

Willie Pigeon.... 

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I'oit Huron 

Slielby 

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\'evay 

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Michigan Centre. 

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Ionia 

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.. Jan. 25. 1 
.. Aug. 2-v', 
...Ian 14.1 
.. Aug. H, 1 
, , July 20, 
.. .Mai- 311. 
.. May. 24, 1 
.. July 13, 
.. ■• 13,1 
.. .Sept. b. 
.. Nov. 26, 1 
.. May 2, 
.. Feb 11. 
. June IB, 
.. April 24, 
.. ,laii. 21, 
.. .Inne 17, 
.. April 2(1, 

'.'. July 8.' 
,. April 2, 
.. Dee. 10, 1 
.. Sept. 20, 
,. May 23. 
.. Nov. 29. 1 
.. Mar, 9. 
.. Jan. 17, 
.. Feb. 5, 
,. Oct. 5, 
.. June 2, 1 
.. Mar. 23. 1 
•• 13. 1 
.. Dec. 1, 1 
..July 9.1 
.. Aug 21. 1 
.. Oct. 2. 
.. Aug. 13, 
.. July 3, 1 
.. Oct. 2, 
.. April 8. 
.. .lau. 18. 
.. June IB, 1 
.. Jan. 11, 

'.'. Aprl'l's,' 
.. Dec. 2-2, 
.. May B. 
.. Mar. 1-2, 1 
.. Mar. 6. 
.. Mar. li, 1 
.. July 12. 
.Inne 2ti. 
., April 23, 
., April 19, 
,. .Nov. 29. 
,. Mar. 31, 
.. Oct. 2B. 
. .liino 7, 
,. Jan. 28. 
.. April ti, 
.. Aug. 13. 
.. July 14. 
. . Nov. 29. 
.. Feb. 15. 
.. April 8. 






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Hyron 

Ludbiwvllle 

Heine 

llaiblain 

Wc^l I'.oylcslon 

Sen. ca 

Loiidoiiderry — 

I'enii Van 

Senipromua 

Koinuius 

Hamilton 

Hriiliiort 

I'erii 

.Mlclilliinackliiac 

Pine I'lam.s, DcUcbessC 

licdfoid 

.Saybrook ... 

Fonipey 

Calskill 

.MaMleld 

iMcn;/. 

.Mai.ellus 

San. I Lake, 

Snmiuervllle 

(iroton 

Uiisii 

Hampton 

I'helps 

New Lisbon 

linstol 

Ilenniker 

Armada 

M'libiiebu'r'y '.'.■.■.'.'.■.'.■ !.':.'.' 

Ludlow 

Nottawa 

ufica.'.'.'.'.".'.'.'.'.'.' !!".!'.'.!'.!'. 

Yorkshire 

Caledonia 

Sodus 

Shelby 

Shaion 

Livonia 

Trenton 

Naples 

l-:alon 

Auburn 

tierlnall Flalts 

relll 

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



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126 



IHISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



THE FIRST nrSTOEICAL SOCIETY OE MICHIGAN 

Was iiicoi'iiorated under autliority given in tlie Act of June 23, 1828, with Lewis 
Cass, Henry Wliiting, John Biddle, Gabriel Riclnird, Noah M. Wells, Richard F. 
Cadle, Isaac M'llvain, Zara H. Coston, Austin E. Wing, Thomas Rowland, Jolin L. 
Whiting, Henry S. Cole, Jonathan Kearsley, Samuel W. Dexter, Zina Pitcher, 
Edwin P. James, Henry R. Schoolcraft, and Cliarles C. Trowbridge, charter 
members. 

THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 

Is distinct from the State Agricultural Board, the latter being simply an executive 
over the Agricultural College under the laws of the State. The former was organ- 
ized at Lansing, March 23, 1849, and was especiall}^ incorporated by Act of April 
2 following, since which time it has numbered among its ofBcers and executive 
members some of the foremost men of the State. It has held annual fairs in various 
places, and the number of entries for premiums has risen from 623 to several 
thousands, and its receipts from $808.50 to $58,780. The premiums offered and 
awarded have increased proportionally. 

STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 

At an informal meeting of several gentlemen in Grand Rapids, Feb. 11, 1870, 
it was resolved to organize a State pomological society, and at an adjourned meet- 
ing on the 26th of the same month, the organization was perfected, and the first 
officers elected were : H. G. Saunders, president ; S. S. Fuller, treasurer, and A. 
T. Linderman, secretary. The society was incorporated April 15, 1871, "for the 
purpose of promoting pomology, horticulture, agriculture, and kindred sciences 
and arts." During the first two years monthly meetings were required, but in 
1872 quarterly meetings were substituted. It now has a room in the basement of 
the new capitol. T. T. L3'on, of South Haven, is president, and Charles W. Gar- 
field, of Grand Rapids, secretar}^ Under the supervision of this society, IMichigan 
led tlie world in the centennial exposition at Philadelphia in the exhibition of Winter 
apples. The contributions of this society to pomological literature are also richer 
than can be found elsewhere in the United States. 

THE MICHIGAN STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION 

Was organized April 13, 1875, at Battle Creek, for " the protection and promotion 
of the best interests of the firemen of Michigan, the compilation of fire statistics, 
the collection of information concerning the practical working of different systems 
of organization, the examination of the merits of the different kind of fire appar- 
atus in use and the improvement in the same, and the cultivation of a fraternal 
fellowship between the different companies in the State." The association holds 



-£^1 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



107 



feV 



its meetings annually at various places in the State, and as often publish their pro- 
ceedings in pamphlet form. 

STATE BOARD OF PUBLIC HEALTH. 

This board was establislied in 1873, and consists of seven members, appointed 
by the Governor, the Secretary ex officio, a member and principal executive officer. 
It is the duty of this board to make sanitary investigations and inquiries respecting 
the causes of disease, especially of epidemics; the causes of mortality, and the 
effects of localities, employnuMits, conditions, iiigesta, habits and circumstances on 
the heaUIi of the people ; to advise otlier officers in regard to the location, drain- 
age, water supply, disposal of excreta, heating and ventilation of any public build- 
ing ; and also to advise all local health officers concerning their duties, and to 
recominend standard works from time to time on hygiene for the use of public 
schools. The secretary is retiuired to collect information concerning vital statistics, 
knowledge respecting diseases, and all useful information on the subject of hygiene, 
and through an annual report, and otherwise, as the board may direct, to dissem- 
inate such information among the people. These interesting duties have been 
performed by Dr. Henry B. l>aker from the organization of the board to the present 
time. The board meets quarterly at Lansing. 



CHAPTEPx IX. 

MICHIGAN AND ITS RESOURCES. 



The pig metal produced by the upper peninsula furnaces during the year 1880 
had an approximate market value of $1,941,000 and the whole of the total output of 
the Lake Superior iron mines for that year was about $19,r)00,000. The aggregate 
product of these furnaces and mines between the date of the Jackson discovery 
and the close of the last calendar year was more tlian $118,000,000. The product 
of 1881 promises to exceed $20,000,000 in value. 

THE U;ON AND STEEL INDUSTRIES. 

In what are called the iron and steel industries — including in these terras 
furnaces, rolling mills, steel-works, forges and bloomaries, and excluding mines — 
Michigan ranked as the eiglitli State in 1880 according to the figures collected for 
the United States census of that year. It was surpassed by Pennsylvania, Oliio, 
New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Its increase in this 
production from 1870 to 1880 was sixty-five per cent., and the totals of the returns 
for 1880 were as follows : 






138 



-^ ^y 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Number of establishments 22 

Amount of capital invested _ $ 4,175,386 

Number of employes 3.0S9 

Total of wages paid to employes in iSSo $922,597 

Value of materials used in 18S0 $3,279 420 

Value of the total product of iSSo _• $4,591,613 

Weight of the product of lS3o (in net tons) 142,716 

Weight of the product of 1879 (in net tons) 86,679 

THE COPPER PRODUCT. 

At the close of 1880 the Lake Superior copper districts had produced $301,654 
tons of refined copper valued at $142,616,137. The total output of that year was 
24,869 tons valued at $9,947,673, which was taken from thirty mines. The pro- 
duction of 1881 will surpass that of any previous year. A paragraph which 
appeared in au upper peninsula newspaper stating that " the net earnings of the 
Lake Superior copper mines for the first half of the 3'ear 1881 exceed those of any 
precious metal mining state or territory in the Union," was submitted for verifica- 
cation to Eastern mining authorities, and elicited in reply the following statement, 
fully substantiating the assertion of the newspaper relerred to. The figures given 
show the net earnings of tiie gold, silver and copper mines of tlie States and terri- 
tories embraced in them for the first six months of 1881 : 

California $ 998 ,000 

Nevada. . . 791,250 

Utah 375,000 

Arizona 900,000 

Dakota 560,000 

Colorado _ 962.000 

Montana 240,000 

Georgia . 8,000 

Michigan 1,410,000 

Total $6,244,250 

THE PRODUCTS OF A TEAR. 

The natural products of the State in 1879 — the latest year concerning which 
statistics are complete — were estimated by Gov. Jerome in his message to the leg- 
islature at the beginning of 1881, to amount to a valuation of nearly $170,000,000, 
made up of the following items : 

Agricultural products.. ..$88,500,000 

Timber 60,000,000 

Copper .... 8,000,000 

Iron 10,000,000 

Salt 2,000,000 

Fish 1,000,000 



"f 



-f^ 



>L. 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



129 



MICHIGAN CHOPS FOR 1881. 

Returns received from 913 correspondents, located in 664 townships in Decem- 
ber, 1881, show tiie estimated acreage and condition of wheat sowed in 1881 as 
compared witli 1880, the estimated yield in 1881 of corn, clover seed, and potatoes, 
and the condition (as regards liesh) of cattle and sheep on Dec. 1, as compared 
with Dec. 1, 1880. The estimates show that the present acreage sown in 1880 by 
two per cent , and in tlie counties north of the southern tiers by six per cent., indi- 
cating a probable acreage in the State of about 1,834,52!) acres. The condition 
Dec. 1 in the southern four tiers of counties was about 13'J per cent., and in the 
northern counties about 117 per cent., of the condition Dec. 1, 1880. Tliis excel- 
lent showing is supplemented in numerous instances by statements that the wiieat 
presents an unusually fine appearance, having started well and obtained large 
growth. The white grub and Hessian fly are reported present in various localities, 
but while they undoubtedly did injure individual fields, the reports do 
not indicate that their ravages noticeably affected the aggregate product of the 
State. Wheat seldom, if ever, has gone into the Winter in better condition than tliis 
year. 

The yield of corn in 1881 is estimated at 40,460,901 bushels of ears, or about 
20,230,450 bushels of shelled ('orn. These figures are based on the acreage as esti- 
mated in September, and the yield per acre as estimated in December. At the date 
of making the reports but a small portion of the clover seed had been hulled, and 
correspondents in tiie counties in the southern part of the State, and in Grand 
Traverse and Newaygo counties in the nortliern section, report the clover seed 
greatly damaged by the wet weather, many fields being entirely ruined. Some of 
them estimate one-fourth of the crop destroyed. One correspondent in Cass 
reported fifteen per cent, rotting in the fields, and another thinks not a bushel will 
be saved in his township. 

The yield of potatoes is estimated at fifty-five bushels per acre in the southern 
and 109 bushels in the northern counties. 

The average ccuidition (as regards flesh) of cattle in the southern four tiers of 
counties is about the same, and of sheep two per cent, better, wliile in the northern 
counties the average of each is about seven per cent, better than on Dec. 1, 
1880. 

The following statement shows the Population for 1880, Number of Acres of 
Land Assessed in 1881, Aggregate of Real and Personal Estate as Assessed in 1881, 
Aggregate of Real and Personal Estate as Equalized by Boards of Supervisors for 
1881, Amount Added or Deducted by State Board of E(iualization, Aggregate of 
Real and Personal Estate as Equalized by State Board of Equalization for 
1881: 



130 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



COUNTIES. 



Affgreg^te of Real 
and Personal 
Estate, as As- 
sessed in 1881. 



Mackinac 

Macomb 

Manistee 

Manitou 

Marquette 

Mason 

Mecosta 

Menominee 

Mi.llana.... 

Missaultee.. 

Monroe 

Montcalm 

Moiitinnreiicy, 

Mnskegun 

Newaygo 

Oalvland 

Oceana.. 

Ogemaw ._ 

Ontonagon 

Osceola. _ 

Osco<la... 

Otsego 

Ottawa. 

Presqne Isle.. 

Roscommon 

S;i;'inaw 

.S;milac 

Sclioolcraft. 
Sliiawassee 
St. Clair.... 
St. Joseph 
Tuscola 
Van lluren 
Washtenaw 
Wayne 
Wexford 

Total 



79(iOO 
8931111 
bhl.UU 
Ullli.OU 
9114.00 
931.110 
li 1 9 OU 
.S39.IIO 
HSa.OO 
31is.n0 
291.00 
791.59 
73B.OO 




Alcona. 

Allegan, 

Alpena. 

Antrim 

B.r:,ga 

B:u-ry.. 

Kav ... 

Benzie 

Berrien 

Branch. 

Callioun 

Cass 

Charlevoix 
Chelioygan 
Chippewa 

Clare 

Cliiiti 

Crawford 

Delta. . 

Eaton .. 

Enimet 

Genesee 

Gladwin 

Grand Traverse 

Gratiot 

Hillsdale 

Honghtoii 

Hnron 

Ingham, 

Ionia 

Iosco 

Isaiiella... 
Isle Royal 

JacUson 

Kalamazoo 
Kalkaska, 

Kent 

Keweenaw, 

Lake 

Lai)eer 

Leelanaw 
Lenawee 
Livinfrstoir 



.Aggregate of Real 
and Personal 
Estate. as 
Equalized by 
Boards of Sn- 
pervisors, 1881. 



448.00 
,0.30.01 
,991. OS 

'.;,">■.; (Ill 

3t,;i 13 

4-.; 00 

504.00 
971 00 
309.00 
417.00 
955,71 
080.011 
783.00 



3.131 480. "0 
a.liiS 344,80 
3.8I18.075.80 
1.737. 803, a.'i 
2.113 331.00 
1.519.558.44 
14.953.990,01) 
9.300,171 (III 
1.31 1,347,00 
3.580.559-01 
S 5O8.0,'<3,00 
34.433.377,00 
1,730.393 00 

905,093.0 

1.414,973 01 

1,897 330,01 

749,408 00 

1,1113.54s 01 

6.833.1187,0" 

1,039.83,-,, '.III 

1.175.733 11 

20.914.101.00 

3.899.373 00 

2 4S1,0.)4 41 

11,937.041 01 

13, 053.303, ..0 

15.994,003 (Ml 

7.713,047 III) 

13,097,438 on 

29.031.005,011 

1111.093.130.01) 

1.935.804 00 



$ 2,498.527.00 

9,3)13.500.00 

2.500.000,00 

2.237,082.35 

039.1)50,00 

n.:i05.391.l)0 

11, 111)1), 00)1, ID) 

1.031.494 

13.0141,937.00 

10,155,000 00 

20,504,153-25 

14.380.000 00 

1,«33.851.00 

2.701 000.00 

1.558.071. 00 

1,889,078.00 

15.298,500.00 

925.940.35 



Amount Added 
Deducted by State 
Board of Equdii 
zation. 



12,000,000-00 
836,393,00 

19,115 437,71 
1 1)59,095,00 
2.525.875.00 
3.500,000,00 

18.013.234.00 
1.619.689.00 
4.661.983 no 

10.942,300,00 

14.930.751.00 
1,162,000.00 
3.100.000.00 



9.255.301,00 
19.084.537.00 

2,480.307,00 

18.013.210.00 

738,199.13 

1,830 203-00 

13,135,000.00 

774 034.00 

27,045,964.00 

9,338.410.00 

1.403.953,71 
16,000,000.00 

1.691,350.00 



2,904.94000 

3.165.24480 

3,047,933.80 

1.757,863. 5 

2.009,863.00 

1,537,558.44 

15.313.376,60 

8.490.00)), 00 

1.3113,873.00 

3.330,103.35 

3.146.393.00 

83,605,277,00 

1,775 593,00 

1.110.933,33 

l.))31.55S no 

1.9))7.33l).l))i 

719 4(ls DO 

1.U9.9IS on 

6.316.019 00 

I,ii39,s35 99 

1.076.133 14 

19.936.030.03 

3.906.354,00 

1,934 7115 00 

11, ))ll). 11110,11)) 

11.141.))7M.OI) 

16 ll)!.84« ID) 

8,156,:i5S )))) 

13.l)))l) 00)) 00 

30 )))))). )))))) 00 

117 8:i9,593 00 

1.822, 901. .50 



$669,344,283 65 8654.005,885.42 



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S 7,473.00 

4,196,500.00 

600,000 00 

263,317.75 

660,344.00 

1,694.709,00 

7,000.1100,00 

478 506 00 

1,958,063,00 

7.345.000.00 

3.995.846.76 

1,330.000,00 

366,:4>l,l)]l 

299, DID) 01) 

441,9-'9,iiU 

610,933.00 

701,600.00 

274.059.65 

2.500.000.00 

4 000.000.00 

1,163,607.00 

1.884.572-29 

140.905.00 

474.135.00 

3.500.000.00 

3,986,766 00 

880.411.00 

338.018.00 

5.067.800.00 

1.069.349.00 

838.0)))) 00 

900.00)1.00 

100.000 00 

17,744,699.00 

3,91.5.463.00 

19.693.00 

14,986.790.00 

61,800.87 

173.798 00 

865.000.00 

236 966.00 

464 036.00 

5.661.690 00 

1,096.1)44.39 

1,000,000.00 

1.808.750 00 

260.1)00.00 

2,095.060.00 

165,344.80 

453.066.20 

742.137 "" 

990.137.00 

262.441.66 

786.723.60 

1.010.000.00 

47.127.00 

3,179 897.75 

1,853,708.00 

2,744,723,00 

1,334.407.00 

383.060.68 

978. t43 00 

593.78000 

350.533 0)) 

380.063.00 

8,183,381.00 

220.174.01 

483-867.86 

,5.063.969 97 

1.093.746.00 

665.295 00 

2.490.000.00 

3,858,933.00 

1,896.1.52.00 

843.643.00 

2,000.000.00 



Agtrregateof Real 
and Personal 
Estate as Eqtnil- 
ized by State 
Board of Eqini)- 
lization for 1881. 



Adil 
Adil 



18.160.407.00 
1.177.098.00 



$ 2..500.0OO.0O 

13.500,000,00 

3.100 OOO.dO 

2.500.000.00 

1.300.000.00 

18.000.000. 00 

18.000,000.00 

1.. 500.000, 00 

1.5.000,000,00 

17 600,000.00 

24,500.000.00 

16.500 OnO 00 

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3, ))!!)), ))(DI,)))) 

3,i)))ii,)DDi no 

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16.1100.000 00 

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27.000.000.00 

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800.000.00 

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13.000.000 00 

1,000,000.00 

27.500.000.00 

15.000,000.00 

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15,000,01)0,00 

3.500,000.00 

260.000,00 

5.0))0.000.00 

3.000.000.00 

3..500.0O0.00 

2.500.000.00 

3.000.000.00 

1.800.000.00 

16.000.000.00 

9,500,000.00 

1.350.000 00 

6,500.00000 

4.000.000 00 

86.350.000,00 

3 000 000.00 

1.500, 000, 00 

3, ))())) 01)0 ))0 

3. .'.)))), )I0I) 00 

1,000.000,00 

1.500,000,00 

8,600,000,00 

1,250.000.00 

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*810.000.000.00 



^. 



;^ 






HISTORY OF MICillGAN. 131 



THE VESSEL INTEREST. 

According to the tonnage statistics of tlie United States for tlie daU; of June 
30, 1880 (as given in the American alnuinac for 1881), not one of tiie States located 
awa}' from the ocean coast equals Michigan in the nunii)er of vessels owned by its 
citizens or in their aggregate tonnage. The exact figures are given in this table: 

State. No. of Total 

vessels. tonnage. 

Michigan 979 162.196 

Illinois 459 86,634 

Wisconsin - 3S3 74.0S3 

Ohio 4S5 139.509 

Missouri 319 141.975 

Michigan also surpasses, in this respect, the seaboard States of Connecticut, 
New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Oregon, and all the cotton and gulf States, 
while it far outstrips in tonnage both Virginia tind Mar^'land, although surpassed 
by them in the nuuiber of vessels. It exceeds Califoi-niti in the number of its 
vessels, but not in the tonnage total. The coast line of Michigan is only surpassed 
by that of Florida, and it has ports upon four of the great lakes. Its coasting 
traides exceedingl}- valuable, and its vessel interest represents much capital and 
nterprise, and deserves an important place in a catalogue of its sources of employ- 
ment for labor. In this connection the fact should be mentioned that ship yaids 
are located at Detroit, Wyandotte, Port Huron, Bay City, Marine City, St. Clair, 
Grand Haven and other shoie towns and ports. 

THE GROWTH OF KOHTY YEARS. 

A subject of such vital interest demands the first attention of every agricul- 
tural society and every agriculturist in the State, and to present at a glance the 
growth and magnitude of tlie industr}', we have prepared from authentic sources, a 
little table showing the acreage, the yield per acre, when possible, and the aggre- 
gate bushels gi'own at intervals for the last forty 3-ears: 

Years. .Veres. Yield per Acre. Bushels. 

1839 — 2.157,100 

1S49 492,580 ro 4.925.S00 

1853 473.451 15 7,128,104 

1S59 — 8.313.200 

1S63 843,881 iii^ 9.6SS.672 

1S69 -. . 16.295.772 

1S73 1,134,484 13 3-5 - 15.456202 

1876 1,223,212 135^ 16.885,179 

18-7-- 1,312.352 18 23.793039 

IS7S , 1,523841 18 2S.OOC)0.0 • 



^1 



s. »^ 



fe. 



133 



HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



LEADING THE VAN. 

Out of the nine wheat States which outranked Michigan in 1840, she has out- 
stripped all but Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, wliile Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and 
California have, within the last few years, shot forward into the front rank. Com- 
pared with these great States, the Lower Peninsula surpasses them all save Indi- 
ana, area for area, in wheat production, and were it possible to compare the pro- 
portion of land under cultivation in the two States, there can be no doubt but it 
would surpass Indiana, also. The State motto miglit well read : " If you seek the 
American wheat peninsula, look around you." 

The table also reveals the surprising fact that while the aggregate product of 
wheat in Michigan has doubled about every ten years, the average yield per acre 
has increased from ten bushels, in 1849, to eighteen bushels, in 1877. The causes 
for this most gratifying result are not far to seek. It is due to the greater care of 
farmers in selecting seed; to the introduction of new. varieties, such as the Claw- 
son, which yields better than its predecessors; to improved machinery and methods 
of drilling and harvesting; and to an increase of live stock, and consequent increase 
of fertilization. The increase in the aggregate is due mainly, to the rapid settle- 
ment and clearing up of the country, and there is no reason to suppose that the 
increase will be seriously checked until the millions of acres of wild lands are 
finally brought under cultivation. Wliat tlie limit will be, must be left to conjec- 
ture. 




s r- 



1 ^ 



History of St. Clair County, 



EARLY HISTORY. 

^"P^HE history of this ohl county of Miphipjan presents what may he toriuod. an old tnifli neirly 
J- leanied, viz.. that the most easterly point of the peninsula is also the first disoovorecl 
land of the State, \\hen it is remembered that the wanderer, Nicolet, passed some years within 
easy distance of the outlet of that lake Huron whicli he named, it is not a matter for surprise 
to learn something of both the lake and river from his descriptions, as furnished to his illus- 
trious patron, Champlain. Again, there cannot exist a doubt regarding the visit of the venerable 
Le Caron, Mesnard and other missionaries to the Indians on both sides of the river St. Clair; 
for although his prin('i[)al services were rendered in the Lake Superior region, his stay with 
the savages on the Sauble and southward to this river, was acknowledged as bri(^f but profitable. 
Ev(>n before Pere, Mesnard. the nauu>s of Fathers Ivaymbault and Jacfiues were known along 
the eastern lake and river borders of Michigan. 

To know the beginnings of this county, one must revert to a ]ieriod in our history anterior 
to the era of French exploration proper— thirty years before the veneralile Kene Mesnard 
appeared upon the shores of Lake Huron (1060), long before the Jesuit, Claude Allouez, arrived 
at the mouth of French Hi ver ( l()<')r)), and longer still, before Father Manpu'tte ajipeared in 
Michigan (KJOS). 

The first notice of the territory l)ordering on Lake Hm'on was made about KUo, by Father 
Le Caron, and next in 1();5(>, when Jean Nicolet traveleii west fronl Nipissing, over the very route 
which the first missionary father adopted, as well as that traversed in after years by his Je.suit 
successors, and arrived on the shores of the lake. Tlie light which this discovery shed upon 
history was such an exceedingly faint gleam — apparently imperceptible — that it would have 
ceased to shine entirely had not a reference been made to it in a report sent to Franco b_y the 
Superior of the Canadian Jesuits, in 103'i, printed in the "Jesuit Eolations," of 1839, at 
Paris. 

Upon the St. LawTonce River. Samuel Champlain built his village early in the seventeenth 
century. There the spirit of enti'r[)r:se and energy bnrned brightly, for in Chamjilain was 
centered many of those (pialities which tit men to direct and govern. This illustrious Frenchman 
lost no op])ortunity to make himself acquainted with the unknown laud which stretched beyt)nd 
his Western explorations, and, in his search after knowledge, requisitioned Indian intelligence, 
so- that, through report, he might be able to gain some idea of the topography of the "Western 
country. He learned of the Mascoutins, of the Winneliagoes, and more of the Pottawatomies 
and Otchipwes than Huron or Algonquin had over i-elatcd to him hitherto. All that was luiown 
of the Otchipwes, during thi> first (piarter of the seventeenth C("ntury, was, that thi>y had come 
fi'om a cold country, bordtn-ing on the northern ocean, at a remote period, with the Winneliagoes, 
and settled in th(< neighborhood of the great lakes; that they sometimes traded with the Algon- 
quins, and oftentimes came to the banks of the Ottawa as enemies. With this information, 
and an ardent desire to penetrate the mysterious West to urge him on, Champlain made many 
efforts toward explorati(m. At length he adopted his prott^g^, Jean Nicolet, to direct an ex- 
ploration, and this man, endowed with the controlling spirit of his dii'ector, completed a round 



134 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

of discovery iu 1634, and retui'ned to Quebec the following year. Previous to Nicolet's return, 
Gov. Champlain learned more and more of the chain of lakes and rivers which form the eastern 
boundary of Michigan, and as he was himself a practical draughtsman, he made the first attempt 
at a delineation of the lake region, which chart was given in bis work, Le.s Voi/ages de la Noii- 
velle France, published in Paris in 1(332. The descriptions accompanying the map are much 
more ajaplicable to the country, as we know it, than the map itself, and refer very distinctly to 
the lake and river, ending and beginning at Fort Gratiot. In bis report to the home govern- 
ment," in 1836, he evidently makes use of information gleaned from the explorer Nicolet, and 
■ recommends a point at the outlet of what Nicolet named Lake Huron, for the building of a mil- 
itary post or trading village; while in the same letter he suggests the establishment of a Mission 
Village some distance north, on the eastern shore. There is no record of the recommendation 
being acted upon immediately, although a doubt cannot be entertained regarding the building 
of Fort St. Joseph, near the present Fort Gratiot, by Daniel Graysolon Du Lutli, in 1686. 
Pere R(5ne Mesnard established a mission at the point suggested by Champlain in 1660. It is 
unnecessary here to say more regarding this mission than that there is sufficient evidence to 
point out its establishment in 1660, and to give the following summary from Mrs. B. C. Far- 
rand's able paper on the reminiscences of Edward Petit, which points out the ruins and loca- 
tion of the mission: So recently as 1628-30, Edward Petit, stm of Anselm Petit, one of the 
original settlors of Port Huron, entered the employ of G. & E. Williams, fur traders. His 
duty called him among the Canadian Indians, and while there he made a stay on the Sauble 
River, forty miles north of Sarnia. In the vicinity of his camp were the ruins of an ancient 
house, which, on measuring, he found to have an area of 960 square feet, or a floor 10x2-1: feet. 
In the south or gable end was a chimney eighteen feet high, built of stone, with an open lire- 
place. The hearthstone had sunk below the ordinary level. Round the ruin was a garden 
aboiit twelve rods wide, and twenty rods long, bearing evident traces of ditches and alleys. 
Within the walls, an oak tree, three feet in diameter, and sixty feet high, minus a limb, and 
perfectly straight, was found to flourish. It seemed to be of a second growth, and must have 
been 150 vears old when observed by Mr. Petit. This ruin and tree excited the curiosity of the 
trader, and prompted him to ask one of the aged Saguenay chiefs, then eighty-four years old, 
what he koew about the house or its builders. The savage replied: '"A white man built the 
house at a time when my great-great-great-great-gTandfather lived there and white people lived 
then iu all the country round. They were not Frenchmen, and everything, no matter of how 
great or small value, was sold' for a jaeminick," meaning a dollar. 

It is questionable, indeed, whether the location of Du Luth's Fori St. Joseph was settled 
between the years 1635 and 1686; enough remains, however, to show that this district was 
known at that early period, and that the French military enterprise of the latter part of the 
seventeenth, was anticipated by that of Champlain and Nicolet of the first part of that century. 

To Jean Nicolet, next to Pere Le Caron and Frere Sagard, both Franciscan Friars, belongs 
the honor of the flrst place in the history of Michigan. Nor is that honor due from mere ac- 
cidental events, as is so often the case in discovery of new countries; for it was won by the de- 
liberate accomplishment of a laborious and dangerous undertaking, whose pm-pose was, so far 
as evidence can now be adduced, substantially achieved. The sparse records of the life of this 
man contain but the barest outlines of his earlier days, though future research among original 
documents, it is to be hoped, will shed more light on the obscured details. It is known that he 
was of French nativity, born in Normandy, and that he emigrated to Canada in the year 1616, 
beingaprot^g^ of Champlain. The date of his birth is not preserved in any document extant. 
Upon his ai-rival iu New France, he at once took up his residence at AUumettes Island, on the 
Ottawa, that he might the better study the Indian tongue, and thereby fit himself for the office 
of interiireter. In 1622, but four years after his arrival, he is mentioned as having acquired an 
extensive influence over the Algonquin tribes. From 1623 to 1631, Nicolet lived with the tribes 
of the Nipissing. This is stated on the authority of his friend Father Le Jenne, although other 
of the " Jesuit Relations" record that the period of his residence with the Nipissing tribes was 
from 1629 to 1632. It is determined by those who have made a special study of the subject, 
that Nicolet began his Western travels in the summer of 1634, and returned to Quebec in 1635. 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. (M.AIK COCXTY. I'ib 

The nature of this work prechides the possibility of arguing this question, hut as sevi^ral hith- 
erto accepted theories are controverted, the authorities governing this deduction are named, as 
follows : '"Jesuit Relations, Discovery of the Northwest;'" ''MiUauges D' History et de Litera- 
teur. " Parkman observes that '" Nicolet was a remarkable man," and so he must have been, to 
win the eontichmee of the savage tribes to that degree which enabled him to penetrate into the 
remote regions of their homes, and there conduct a peaceful enterprise with the warlike sav- 
ages, for the advancement of commerce in fur and peltry. 

The long journeying from Quebec was undertaken at the suggestion of Champhiin. and in 
the official capacity of interpreter of the company of one hundred associates of New l*'rance, 
which was formed in 1(')27, with a view to the development of the iuimense resoiu'ces of the 
Western wilderness in furs. The mission of Nicolet was not to establish peace, as distinguished 
from warfare, between the Hurons and Peninsular savages; but was. rather, a mission of 
peace, to cement the friendly relations of these tribes, as well as the Nez I'erces or Ottawas, and 
other tribes in the general interests of the French. 

Nicolet visited the Hurons on his westward journey, at their home on the eastern side of 
the lake which bears their name, and negotiated with them. It is recorded by Parkman that, 
upon his arrival at Winnebago Town, he sent some of his Indian attendants to announce his 
coming, put on a robe of ilamask, and advanced to meet the expectant crowd with a pistol in 
each hand. The squaws and children lied, screaming that it was a manitou, or spirit, ai-med with 
thunder and lightning; but the chiefs and warriors regaled him with so bountiful a hospitali- 
t}', that 120 beavers were devoured. One of the objects of Nicolet's visit to the CJreen Bay coun- 
try was to smoke the pipe of peace with its savage occupants, and to counsel harmony among 
all the tribes of the upper lakes visited by him, to the end that all might be visited by the 
French from the St. Lawrence, for the purpose of trading for furs. Peace was promised; but 
the Winuebagoes, immediately after he left them, attacked the Nez Perces, located upon the 
eastern waters of Lake Huron, capturing and eating two of that nation. Five years subsequent- 
ly, they were themselves attacked by the Illinois, from the widely-extended prairies of the south, 
and nearly exterminated. 

In 1041, the Pottawatomies left their ancient homes on the island of the upper lakes, seek- 
ing refuge iunong the Chippewas, at the Sault Ste. Marie, near the foot of Lake Superior. 
Returning, howevei", soaie years aftevward, and again visiting Michigan, they spread themselves 
through the Peninsula from Sault de Ste. Marie to Grand Rivei', and to the Huron of Lake Erie. 
Nicolet visited many of the. surrounding nations. He retraced his way to the St. Lawrence in 
the sunnner of KilJS, reaching (Quebec in safety. The parish records of that city furnish the in- 
formation that this brave man was occupied with various duties from 1035 to the day of his 
death, and shows conclusively that his journey must have been made at the date given, since he 
was not absent from Quebec long enough at anv time to have [)erformed the feat subsequent to 
1035. 

Nicolet married Marguerite Couillard, at Quebec, October 7, 1/37. He lost his life while 
on a mission to save a jioor Abenaqui from the Algonquins, by the capsizing of his boat, Octo- 
ber 3.1, 1642. To this bold adv(>nturer, wliose knowledge of the Western tribes was gained by 
actual experience, must all praise be given for having opened to the devoted followers of the 
Cross, the way to new fields of usefulness. 

There were none to follow Nicolet to the wild West until 1041, when a great " feast of the 
dead" given by the Algonquins in Huronia, gathered there all the kindred tribes to take part 
in the funei'eal games, the dances, chants, and mournful processions of those decennial rites. 
Among the rest came the Otchipwes from the Rapids, which then closed to the vessels of men 
the entrance of the vast upper lake. These deputies, like the rest, were visited by the Jesuit 
missionaries, and so won were the good Otchipwes by the gentle, self-devoting ways of those 
heralds of the Cross, that they earnestly invited them to their cabins at the Falls of Ste. Marie 
near the foot of Lake Superior, jiortraying, with all the lively imagination of the child of the 
forests, the riches and plenty that reigned in their sylvan abodes. Ever eager to extend their 
spiritual conquests, to enlarge the bounds of freedom in this Western world, the missicmaries 
joyfully accepted the invitation of the Otchipwes. By command of the superior, two mission- 



136 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ary Fathers. Charles Eaymbault, a man thoroughly versed in the Algonquin customs and lan- 
guage, with Pere Isaac Jacques — no less complete an Indian scholar — were dispatched to visit 
them. On the 17th of June they launched their canoes at the mission house of St. Mary's, in 
the country of the Huron Indians, and for seventeen days advanced over the crystal waters of 
the inland sea (Lake Huron), amidst the beautiful islands which stretch across the lake, cluster- 
ing around the lake-gemmed Manitoulin, so hallowed to the Indian's mind. When they 
reached the Falls of St. Marin, they found two thousand Indians assembled there, and amid 
their joyful greetings the missionaries gazed with delight on the vast tield which lay before 
them. They heard of tribe after tribe which lay around, and ever and anon of the terrible 
Madowesse "(SiouxV who dwelt on the great river of the West (Mississippi). Earnestly did the 
Otchipwes press the two fathers to stay in their midst. "We will embrace you," said they, 
"as brothers; we shall derive profit from your words;" but it could not be so. The paucity of 
missionaries in the Hiu'ou country did not yet permit of the establishment of that distant mis- 
sion. Raymbault and Jacques could but plant the cross to mark the limit of their sj)iritual 
progress; yet they turned it to the south, for thither now their hopes _began to tend. After a 
short stay, they returned to St. Mary's, and hopes were entertained of soon establishing a mis- 
sion on Lake Superior; but Raymbault shoi-tly afterward fell a victim to the climate, while 
Jacques began in his own person a long career of martyrdom, preluding the ruin of the Huron 
Mission, the death of its apostles, and the destruction of the tribe. The Jesuit missionaries 
located in the country of the Huron Indians, always wide awake to obtaining knowledge of the 
region lying to the westward and northward of Lake Huron, had, nevertheless, but meager»ac- 
counts of the country even down to ItUS. 

The pipe of peace which Nicolet smoked with the Western tribes was not productive of im- 
mediate good returns. The death of Champlain. and the change in pui-jioses and ambitions 
among the Canadian settlers, produced in the east an almost total forgetfulness of the upper 
lake countiy. For at least two decades of years after the discovery by Nicolet, veiy dim and 
shadowy is its history. Here and there references to the lakes, and the Indians inhabiting their 
shores, are made by Jesuit missionaries in their Rplations. These "Relations " were the rec- 
ords kept by priests, of tlieir experiences in their arduous calling. For many years, beginning 
in 1632, the Superior of the Jestiit Mission in Canada — then New France — sent every smnmer 
to Paris his reports, which embodied or were accompanied by those of his subordinates. For 
forty years, these reports were annually published in Paris, and were kno'WTi as the "Jesuit Re- 
lations." Those which are of interest to the student of Michigan history begin with the year 
1639-40, and extend to 1672. Says one of these records, of date 1648: "This Superior Lake 
extends to the northwest, that is to say, between the west and the north. A peninsula, or strip 
of land quite small, separates this Superior Lake from another third lake, called by us the Lake 
of the Paunts, which also discharges itself into our fresh water sea, through a mouth which is 
on the other side of the peninsula, about ten leagues more to the west than the Sault. This 
third lake extends between the west and the southwest, more toward the west, and is almost equal 
in size to our fresh water sea. On its shores dwell a different people, of an unknown language, 
that is to say, a language that is neither Algonquin nor Huron. These people are called the 
Paunts, not on account of any unpleasant odor that is peculiar to them, but becaase they say 
they came from the shores of the sea far distant toward the west, the waters of which being 
salt, they call themselves ' the people of the stinking water.'" Another account, written in 
1654, after giving the arrival at Montreal of a fleet of canoes loaded with furs, belonging to 
friendly Indians who came from the upj)er country, a distance of 400 leagues, speaks of a part 
of these Indians being the Tobacco nations of the Hurons, and a j)ortion Ottawas, and adds: 
" These tribes have abandoned their ancient country, and have retired toward the more distant 
nation in the vicinity of the great lake, whom we call Paunts, in consequence of their having 
dwelt near the sea, which is salt, and which om- savages call ' stinking water.' " The Hui'ons 
had been entirely overthrown by the Iroquois in 164U and 1650, and had abandoned their coun- 
try. A division of this nation called the Tobacco Indians, with such other Hurons as had 
taken refuge with them, settled on Mackinac Island, where they were joined by a branch of the 
Ottawas, nicknamed by the French, Cheveux releves, or Standing Hair; hence this statement in 



HISTOin' OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 187 

the "Relations'" that these nations had "' rotireil ti)\varil the laore distant" Winnebagoes. 
Again in the same yeai\ this is record(!d: " lu the ishmds of the ' hike of the poopk? of the 
sea,' whom some persons wrongly call the 'Paiints,' there are many tribes whose language close- 
h' resembles the Algonquins." In lOSC), one of the Jesuits writes: "Our attention has been 
directed toward a number of nations in the neighborhood of the ' Nation of the Sea,' whom 
some persons havo called the Paunts, in consequence of their having formerly dwelt on the 
shores of the sea. which they call 'Winipeg,' that is to say, ' stinking water.' " Th(>n follows an 
enumeration of the villages of Illinois and Sioux Indians, and of two other nations, the 
"Ponarak" and " Kiritinous." Such are the meager records of the West after its visitation l)y 
Nicolet. down to the year KiTjS. 

In August, 1056, a band of the Ottawas, or other Algonquins. numbering 300, and in Hfty 
birch bark canoes, .appeared upon the St. Lawrence. These savages demanded commerce with 
the French and missionaries for the boundless AVest. This was the beginning of the commerce 
of the Northwest. But for the gi-eed of the fur-trader and thi^ zeal of the Jesuit, the story of 
Nicolet would soon have passed from the minds of the Frenchmen inhabiting the St. Lawrence; 
and the discovery of Michigan, like the discovery of the Mississippi by De Soto, would soon 
have faded from the memoi'v of man. But a missionary, whose name is not appended to the 
"Relations," ■ — and it is, consequeutlv, uncertain who the reverend father was — took from th(^ li))8 
of an Indian captive, named Asatanik, and a man of considerable importance, an account of his 
having, in the month of June, 1658, set out from Green Bay for the north, passing the rest of 
the summer and following winter near Lake Superior — so called because of its being above 
Lake Huron. This Indian informed the Jesuit of the havoc and desolation of the Iroquois war 
in the West; how it had reduced the .\lgonquin nations al)out Lake Superior. The same mis- 
sionary saw at Quebec two Frenchmen, who had just arrived from the upper countries with 300 
Algonquins in sixty canoes, laden with [leltries. Tiiese fur-traders had passed the winter of 
It'),")',) on the shores of Lak(> Superior, during which time they made several trips among the sur- 
rounding tribes. In their wanderings they probably visited some of the northern parts of what 
is now Michigan and Wisconsin. They saw, at sis days' journey beyond the lake, toward the 
southwest, a tribe composed of the remainder of the Hurons of the Tobacco nation, compt>lled 
by the Iroquois to abandon Mackinac, and to bury themselves thus deep in the forests, that 
they might not be found by their enemies. The two traders told the tales they had hoard of the 
ferocious Sioux, and of a great river upon which they dwelt — the ''great water." of Nicolet's 
guides. Thus a knowledge of the Mississippi l)egan to dawn again upon the civilized world. It 
may bo well to remember, in this connection, tnat the fiu'-traders came to what is now Michigan 
in advance generally of the missionaries. They led the way for the Jesuit fathers; but as trade 
was their object, and they left no record of their visits, only v.igue knowledge is had of what 
they really saw or did. But slight mention is made of them in the Relations, where, as much 
as possible, their presence and doings ai-e kept in the background. 

The narratives of the Indian captive and of the two Frenchmen were not lost upon the 
zealous Jesuits; for, two years later, !i(>ne Mesnard attempted to plant a mission on the southern 
shore of Lake Superior, l)ut perished in the forest by starvation or the tomahawk. Thoroughly 
inured to Indi'in life, with many a dialect of Huron and .\lgon(|uin at his command, this mis- 
sionary in endeavoring to establish tin* cross so far to the westward, went, with eight Frenchmen 
and a number of Ottawas, starting from Three Rivers, Canada, August '2H. 1()60. He made his 
way to the Georgian Bay, and thence to a large bay i;pon the southern shore of the lake, in all 
pi'obability what is now known as Keweenaw. There, however, he met with little success in 
founding a mission. He subseiiuently determined to visit some Hurons who were then located 
upon, or near, the Noqui't Islands, and who had s(>nt to implore the missionary to come amongst 
them, as they had long beend estitute of a jiastor, and many of them were fast relapsing into 
Pagan habits. It should be remembered that the Hurons proper, and their allies and kindred of 
the Tobacco nation, had, many years before, while living near the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron,' 
Canada, received the Jesuit missionaries at their villages, and numbers had professed Chris- 
tianity. Three of Mesnard's companions were sent to explore the way. Descending the IMenom- 
onee River, they finally reached the Huron village, where they found a fmv wretched Indians - 



138 HLSTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

mere living skeleton.s. On their way they encountereil great hardships, owing to the rapid cur- 
rent of the stream, its portage and precipices. Convinced of the impossibility of Mesnard's reach- 
ing the Hurons, or remaining with them if he did, they returned, encountering still greater 
difficulties in ascending the river. These Frenchmen were, doubtless, in their perilous journey, 
many times upon what is now the territory of Michigan. On their ai-rival at the lake, they im- 
plored the aged missionary not to attempt a journey evidently beyond his strength. But to their 
remonstrance lie interjiosed, '" I must go if it costs me my life." He set out with one French- 
man and some Hurons. The seventeen other companions retuimed to the St. Lawrence. Mesnard 
was soon left by the Hurons, and was afterward lost from his companions, who sought for him, 
but in vain. It seems that, while his attendant was employed in transporting a canoe, Father 
Mesnard accidentally became separated from him. This was about the 10th of August, 1661. 
With him perished the first mission — if, indeed, it can be called one- -upon the shores of the 
upper lakes. His faithful companion, Donne John Guerin, reached the Huron village in safety 
There was not at that time another missionary station nearer than Montreal. But the failure of 
this tirst attempt did not discourage the Jesuits, or quench their enthusiasm. But who was the 
man to cope with the thousand difficulties surrounding the establishment of a mission so far in 
the western wilds? 

With better hojies, undismayed by the sad fate of Mesnard, indifferent to hunger, naked- 
ness and cold, to the wreck of their ships of bark, and to fatigue and privations by night and 
by day — in August, 1665, Father Claude Allouez embarked on a mission, by way of the Ottawa, 
to the far West. Early in September, he reached the rapids through which the waters of Lake 
Superior rush to Lake Huron, and admired the beautiful river, with its woody isles and in- 
viting bays. On the 2d of that month, he entered the great lake, which the savages rever- 
enced as a divinity, and of which the entrance presents a spectacle of magnitieence rarely ex- 
celled in the rugged scenery of the North. He passed the lofty ridge of naked sand which 
stretches along the shore its drifting heaps of bareness; he urged his canoe by the cliffs of pic- 
torial sandstone, which for twelve miles rise 300 feet in height, fretted by the chafing waves 
into arches and bastions, caverns and towering walls, heaps of prostrate ruins, and erect col- 
umns crowned with fantastic entablatures. Lauding on the south shore, the said mass, thus 
consecrating the forests which he claimed for a Christian King. Sailing beyond the bay of 
St. Theresa (so named by Mesnard, now Keweenaw Bay), and having vainly sought for a mass of 
line copper, of which he had heard rumors (this being the first known of this metal by the 
whites), on the 1st day of October, he ai'rived at the village of the Ochippewas, on the west 
shore of the bay of ChagouamigongorChegoimegon. It was at a moment when the young war- 
riors were bent on a strife with the warlike Sioux. A grand council of ten or twelve neighboring 
nations was held, to wrest the hatchet from the hands of the rash braves; and Allouez was ad- 
mitted to an audience before the vast assembly. In the name of Louis XIV. and his viceroy, 
he commanded peace, and offered commerce and an alliance against the Iroquois; the soldiers 
of France would smooth the path between the Ochippewas and' Quebec; would brush the pirate 
canoes from the rivers; would leave to the Five Nations no choice between tranquillity and 
destruction. On the shores of the bay to which the abundant fisheries attracted crowds, a 
chapel soon rose, and the mission of the Holy Spirit was founded. 

Claude Allouez traveled by the Ottawa, Lake Nipissing and French River to the Georgian 
Bay, and is supposed to have traversed the eastern shore of Lake Huron, as far south as the 
first Mesnard mission on that shore, and perhaps to the point which Nicolet suggested for a 
trading post, if not to the very site selected by Du Lu.th, twenty-one years later. In the Jes- 
uit Relations, 1667, the following references to this joui'uey of Pere Allouez are made: " During 
the two years that Father Allouez has remained among the Indians, he has observed the cus- 
toms of all th(( nations that he has seen, and carefully studied the means that may facilitate 
their conversion. There is employment for a good number of missionaries, but there is noth- 
ing for them to subsist upon; one part of the year they live upon the bark of frees, another 
part on pulverized fish bones, and the balance of the time on lish, or on Indian corn, which 
sometimes is very scarce, and sometimes sufficiently abundant. The Father has learned by ex- 
perience, that, the fatigues being great, the labors continual and the nourishment light, a body 



iiist()i;y of st. claih county. 139 

even of bronze could not withstand it, consequently it is nocessury to have at the missions, 
men of courage and piety, to labor for the subsistence of the missionaries, either lay cultivating 
the earth, by fishing, or in following the chase; who would construct lodgings and erect some 
chapels to excite the veneration of these people, who have never seen anything tiner than their 
bireh-bark cabins. A\'ith those views, the Father resolved to come to Quebec himself, and labor 
to. carry these designs into oxwiutiou. He arrived there on the :3d day of August, of the year 
KHu, and after remaining two days only, his diligence was so great that he was prepared to 
set out from Montreal with a score of canoes of savages, with whom ho had come down, and 
wlio awaited him at that island with a great deal of impatii^nce; his equipage was composed 
of seven persons: Father Louis Nicholas, to labor conjointly with him, toi- the conversion of 
these people, 'and one of our brothers, with four men, to be employed at the stations in securing 
a subsistence for them. But it has pleased God that the success of this enterprise should not 
correspond with their good intentions, for when there was a question of entering the canoes, 
the savages became so ill-humored that the two fathers only, with one of their men. could ob- 
tain [>laces in them." 

The progress of exploration and discovery since KKn' is regarded in the historical sketch 
of the State, given as an introiluction to the history of this county. 

Military posts were for years the only habitations to be found on the fi-ontiers. save the 
wigwams of the savage, and the only inhabitants the soldiers and officers who fraternized with 
the foe, or aided in the otTorts employed to accomplish their di'parture beft)re the advance of a 
progressive civilization. 

ITie civilizers came when the soldiers had left the frontier posts, when the block-house 
fastnesses of Gael or Briton were deserted. The people of the ]']astern States turned their 
thoughts Westward, and ultimately came hither to plant the seeds of enterprise, which have 
since borne such great fruits. 

After th(>m came the refiiijcrs. the emigrant-:. These men and women sought an escape 
from the tyrannies of the Old World, to which they had been subjected for generations, rather 
than to encounter others of which they were ignorant. Their coining hither was delayed until a 
time when necessity or inclination, prompted by the glowing accounts of life in the New World, 
led them to embarlc their hopes on a tide which, as the se([uel in many instances has proved, 
led on to glory and to fortune. 

OUIGIN OK TllF. N.\MK ST CL.VIK. 

The origin of the name is a subject of interest, and there are several theories ami state- 
ments in that, behalf which will be referred to in the order of date, as they occurred. The first 
is a tradition to the effect that Catholic missionaries, at an early day, erected a cedar cross near 
the banks of the rivor, on which a crucifix was ])laced at the intersection of the cross-bar, or 
below it, protected by a pane of glass held in place by wax. The date of locating the cross, or 
its location, of course is mere conjecture. As is known, tlie Si>aniards introduced the custom 
of setting uy> a cross upon their first discovery or landing, thus signifying to all comers that 
the land was claimed by Spain, which derived its title diriwt from the Holy See. This custom 
also obtained with the adventurous, self-denying missionaries of the Catholic Chm-ch, who by 
this means indicat(>d that the land was dedicated to the service of Christ. It is not stated 
what name was bestowed upon the country iiordering on the strait or river connecting the 
Huron with the St. Clair. 

In l()7y, the crew of the Grilliu landed on the shores of what is now known as Lake St. 
Clair. It is said that they named the lake in honor of the saint on whose fete day they first 
saw this body of water. Beyond the speculative .-issertions of Messrs. Hubbard and Judge 
Campbell on this subject, the writer cannot find an authority to warrant an acceptance of the 
statement. The name given to the river by the aborigines was Otsi-keta-sippi, and to the lake 
St. Clair, Otsi-keta. 

Of the scenery, Hennepin remarks: "The country between the two lakes (Erie and Huron) 
is very well situated, and the soil very fertile. The banks of the strait (Detroit) are vast 
meadows, and the prospect is terminated with some hills covered with vineyards, trees bearing 



140 HISTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

good frait, groves and forests so well disposed that one -n-ould think nature alone could not have 
made, without the help of art, so charming a prosjiect. That country is stocked with stags, 
wild goats and bears, which are good for food, and not fierce as in other countries; some think 
they are better than our pork. Turkey cocks and swans are there very common; and our men 
brought several other beasts and birds, whose names are iinknown to us, but they are extraor- 
dinary relishing. The forests are chiefly made iTp of walnut, chestnut, plum and pear trees, 
loaded with their own fruit and vines. There is also abundan.ie of timber for building, so that 
those who shall be so happy as to inhabit that noble country cannot but remember with grati- 
tude they who have led the way." 

Bela Hubbard, in his address at Grosse Point, August 12, 1879, stated that 200 years had 
passed since the crew of the GrifBn discovered the waters of the St. Clair, and by reason of 
the day being the feast day of Sainte Claire, the foundress of the order of Poor Claires, 
La Salle gave to the Lake the name of the Saint. On the occasion of this second centenary 
of the voyage of the Griffin. D. Bethune Duffield's Men of Aidd Lang Syne was sung. The first 
verse seems to agree with the spirit of Mr. Hubbard's addi-ess: 

"Bold were the men of Auld Lang Syne, 

Who first braved ocean's breeze, 
But bolder still the men whose will 

First sailed these silent seas! 
First b^oke the waters of Sainte Claire, 

And gave our lake its name ; 
Here's honor to their briglit career, 

And an enduring fame." 

Judge Campbell's poem, The Lady Claire, also corresponds historically with Mr. Hub- 
bard's prose. 

The United States records are very definite in distinguishing between the names Sinclair 
and St. Clair. It appears that in the year 1765, Patrick Sinclair, an Irish officer, in the 
British service, while coramandant of Fort Sinclair, pui'chased from the natives about 3,759 
acres of land, located along the river named in commemoration of him — the Hirer Sinelair. 
This officer was a distinct character from the officer of Irish or Scotch descent, in the American 
service, after whom this lake was named St. Clair. Patrick Sinclair remained in possession of 
this tract of 3,759 acres for a period of seventeen years, and derived large profits from the large 
pine timber on his lands. He disposed of his interest to a few Canadians, who sold to others. 
In 1765, there was one farm on the River St. Clair, which was then outside the American title. 
In 1782, there were nineteen farms along the river, adjacent to the Sinclair farm, and in 1801, 
six farms additional, outside the American title. In 1806, the Indian title to the country north 
of Lake St. Clair was not extinguished, although there were no less than 123 farms claimed by 
individrials who supposed themselves to have extingitished Indian titles. 

The prompter's bull has ritng down the curtain of one hundred and seventeen years since that 
day, in the life of this district, when the ax of the himberman was heard in the forests of St. 
Clair. One httndred and ninety-six years have passed since the French troops and the Cana- 
dian hunters settled in the county. Over one hundred years ago, the first permanent settlements 
were made. Many of those who came into the wilderness then lived to see the forest and bluff 
blossom as a rose; to see the narrow Indian trails yield precedence to roads made by the hand 
of man, to lines of travel connecting with the East and West, through the darkness of the 
night; to see a city created over the ritins of the Indian wigwams, and the mighty river by 
nvunerous ferries, overcome and bridged from shore to shore. The places he knew in those days 
primeval have passed into obscurity, and their trials become as a tale that is told. The lives 
of men of to-day are as holidays compared with those of men who were identified with its 
development and cultivation. Life in those days must have been attended with ttnlimited hard- 
ships and privations, without the possession of a compensating number of blessings and privi- 
leges. The mighty achievements that have since been made are the result of small beginnings, 
supplemented by constant industry, daring enterprise and untiring energy. The waste j)laces 
have been made to yield abundant harvests, villages and cities have arisen as if by magic, and 
civilization and the arts " soar Phcenix-like to Jove." The marts of trade and traffic, and the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 141 

workshops of tlio artisau are thronged; a common school system, increasing in valu(» and iuthi- 
ence with each succeeding year, has been established, and children of the rich and ])Oor press 
forward, eager to participate in the benefits thereby atforded. Churches have been built, and 
a Christian ministry ordained for a cultivation of a religious life, the promotion of piety, the 
inculcation of morality and virtue. The press, the Archimedean lover which moves the world. 
sends forth floods of light, to illuminate the land and benefit the sons of men. Railroads are 
completed to facilitate the accpiisitiou of independence; the electric telegra])h and the tele] )hone 
shorten the intervals of space at the behest of mankind. As these pages are read, bright 
memories will blossom outof the shadowy past. glorifying and beautifying its dimness. Many here- 
in mentioned have long since gone, like visions of the beautiful, to be seen no more. Many yet 
remain who have almost reached the Biblical limits of human life, and are waiting to sav. " Now 
let thy servant depart in peace," leaving as a heritage to their descendants in long y^ars hence, 
the ripe and perfect glory of a domain of which they laid the foundations, while a large num- 
ber of those who participated in the foundation of the coianty, sleeji after their labors, and 
their works do follow them, an equally large number remain who have survived the rush of 
matter and wreck of worlds, and cdntemplate the scene as a Koek of Ages cleft for the good 
and faithful servant. 



r^FS^-J^^ 



'^^jy 



'^K-jL^'^^' '^'■^'^^^ 



142 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 



St. Glair presents one vast, slightly imdulating field of marsh prairie, openings and timber 
lands, covered v^ith an infinite variety of grass, herbs, shrubs and plants. It is ornamented 
with the most luxurious and beautiful flowers, and watered with innumerable flowing streams, 
seeking the level of Huron and St. Clair Lakes, or uniting to make the Black River a common 
channel through which to pour their waters into the St. Clair. Perhaps the eye of man has 
never rested on a spot of earth, which, for beauty, fertility, health and convenience, is better 
calculated to meet his wants and supply his necessities since shut out from the primeval 
garden. Moderate climate, exhilarating atmosphere and water of iinequaled purity have given 
to this county the growth and prosperity which have, with few revulsions or even checks, marked 
its progress from its first settlement. Each successive year contributes to develop the advan- 
tages enjoyed in this county, and at no time have the inducements to the agricultm'ist, the 
mechanic and the capitalist been greater to establish themselves here than the jiresent. This 
county does not present as great a variety of soil as many other sections of country, about all 
portions, even to the black mold prairie, partaking largely of argillaceous properties; yet all the 
varieties, of the grains, grasses, roots and fruits commoo to northern latitudes are produced in 
abundance when judiciously cultivated. No doubt there are districts which can produce greater 
crops of some of the grains, and with less labor; l)ut here, pure air and wholesome water, so 
necessary to health of body and mind, give vigor, elasticity and hardihood to the entire constitu- 
tion, and a zest to industry; so that without over-tasking the natural powers with excessive toil, 
the amount of exercise necessary to the development and health of the physical and moral 
powers, wisely and justly directed, are siifficient to supply all the necessities of life, many of 
its luxuries, and make constant improvements in its conveniences. Since the period of the 
cholera, sickness has been almost a stranger here. Up to the present time, this place has 
never been visited with any general sickness. Disease and death have followed the transgi'es- 
sion of the natm'al and Divine laws here as in other places, but the inhabitants are abundantly 
warranted in tlieir fixed belief that this is a very highly favored part of the world as regards 
health. 

.Vast fields of wheat, corn, oats and barley, bowed with the weight of substantial wealth, 
wave their rich treasures where so lately wild flowers bloomed alone. The howling of wolves 
and savage yells of the Indian no longer rend the air and chill the blood with sensations of 
horror. The wigwam and its inmates, with all the associations of rude and savage life, have 
disappeai-ed, as the tide of civilization, like a prairie tire, has swept over the country. Wild 
plums, apples and cherries, like the wild men who plucked them, have given place to those 
which are more refined and highly cultivated. Many thousands of apple-trees of choice vari- 
eties have been planted. Encouraged by the luxurious growth and abundant prodiictiveness of 
those which were early cultivated, agriculturists are now beautifying and enriching their farms 
with the best varieties of apple, pear, phun and cherry trees. While the citizens of this county 
have manifested so much zeal and energy in the cultivation of their farms, they have not neg- 
lected the moral and intellectual field, but have exhibited their high sense and active appre- 
ciation of the cultivation of the youthful mind in common and denominational schools, by the 
erection of schoolhouses in the various districts, most of which are convenient and elegant, 
while a few yet remain of the rude edifices, hastily thrown up to serve a temporary purpose. 
The schools of this county, in common with the best schools of the State, are of a superior 
kind. They are organized on the graded system, and have all the advantages accorded to 
schools in large cities. In these schools, the young are prepared for college, business life, or 
fitted for teaching. The rough cradle of learning, which many of the most distinguished 
men recall to memory, seldom reared its rugged exterior in this county. The citizens. 



HISTORY OF .ST. tVL.MH COINTY. 



143 



c'lppreciating the importance of good schools, sjiarc no ])aiiis or expense to furnish tlie 
best facilities and a sujierior corps of teachers, consecpiently th(>y are niost eflieient and 
thorough in their workings. It has already been said that the present improvements in this 
county were but the developments of an insignificant fraction of its capacity. Every now 
facility for communication or transportation between this and the Atlantic States and the 
Northwest adds to the value of the products of this county, increases the agricultural interests 
and advances the market value of the soil. Progress is visible on every sid(>: great schemes for 
improvement are being fostered; but that progress which will draw forth the full resour,!es of 
St. Clair, belongs to another aire, to the twentieth century. 

St. Clair County occupies ;i ])osition approximating the center of thi> continent of 
North America. The geogriiphical center of the continent is not far from the Lake of 
the Woods, which is 500 miles in a straight line from the center of Michigan and 2(J0 
miles from its western extremity. The center of the State is marked by the position of 
Carp Lake, Leelenaw County, which is 07(* miles, in a straight line, from New York, the 
nearest point on the Atlantic seaboard. The State is limited by natural boundaries on all 
sides, except the south. Politically, it has 708.5 miles conterminous with the Dominion of 
Canada; 55.5 Cunterminous with Jlinnesota; 571 miles conterminous with Wisconsin; 5S miles 
bordering on Illinois; ]'J9.2 miles on Indiana, and 'J'i.S miles on Ohio, making a total hMio-th 
of boundary line amounting to l.f')15 miles. 

The land area of the State consists of two natural divisions, known as the IJpp(>r and 
Lower Peninsulas, to which are attached the contiguous islands. The Upper Peninsula is 
bounded by portions of the Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, the River St. Mary and the 
State of Wisconsin. The Lower Peninsula is embraced by Lakes Michigan, Huron, St. Clair 
and Erie, and the St Clair and D(>troit Rivers, and is bounded ou the south by the States of 
Ohio and Indiana. The main land of the State is embraced between the parrallels H '.('){)2 
and 47\47S north latitude, and t\\<> meridians of 82 '.407 and '.M)^.5>i() of longitude, w(>st from 
Greenwich. The most northerly ]i(iiiit is the north side of Keweenaw Point, live miles west of 
the light- house at Copper Harbor; and the most southerly is the northwest corner of Ohio. The 
most easterly point is at Port Huron, near the outlet of Lake Huron; and the 7uost westerly is 
at the mouth of the Montreal River. The most northern territory belonging to the State is 
(iull Islet, of the extremity of Isle Hoyale, which attains the latitude of 48^ 2.11. 

The following table exhibits the difTereuce of time between Detroit and some important 
jKjints in the State : 

T.UJLE OF LOCAL TIME. 



LOLAMTIES. 




TIME 

SLOWER 

TI1.4N I)E- 

TKdlTTIMi: 

M. SEC. 

2 30.57 

59.85 

1 07.97 

2 18.89 
2 84.35 

2 45.35 
8 33.34 

3 48.62 
5 08.91 
5 05.55 
5 22..54 

5 53.30 

6 16.01 

7 35.05 
7 56.64 


l-OlALITIES. 


TI5IK 

.SLOWKK 

TII.VN I)K- 

TKi)ITTI.MK 


P(irl Huron 


(Paster) 

(Slower) 


Battle Creek 


M. SEC. 

8 34 99 


Pontiac 


Kalamazoo 

Traverse Cil v 


10 13.13 

10 IS 00 


A'psilanti 

Flint 


Grand Rapids 

Allegan 

Grand Haven 


10 20.;i!t 

1 1 20 94 


.Vnn Arbor Oltservalorv 


12 47 90 


East. Sai^inaw 


Niles. Trinity Church 

Muskegon 

Manistee 


12 52 98 


Adrian 


12 .53 91 


Owosso 




13 05 29 


Hillsdale 


Eseanaba 

Manpielte, Light House 

Menominee 


If! (10 19 


.lackson 

Lansing 


17 18.05 

18 12 16 


Jlackinaw 


Houghton 

Ontonagon 


21 04 18 


Marshall 




25 04.42 


Coldwater 




29 59.15 









The county is bounded on the east by Lake Hvu'on and St. Clair River ; south by Lake St. 
Clair and Macomb County ; west, by Lapeer and Macomb Counties, and north by Sanilac 
Coun+y. 



144 



HISTORY OF ^5T. CLAIIJ COUNTY. 



It is to be deejaly regretted that the great wealth and beauty of innumerable Indian names 
was not more largely di'awn upon in tlie titling of towns, villages and hamlets. It would have 
been a just and fitting, albeit a small recompense, to have perpetuated the memory of the 
original inhabitants. 

The following table exhibits the latitudes and longitudes of the princiijal points of the 
State : 

C4E0GRAPHICAL POSITIONS. 



STATIONS. 



LATITUDE. 



LONGITUDE. 



Detroit, St. Paul's Church 

Detroit, Congregational Church 

Detroit, intersection of Fort and Griswold streets 

Fort Gratiot, Light House 

Point Aux Barques, Light House 

Saginaw, Liglit House 

Tawas, Light House 

Mouth of Tliunder Bay River 

Detour, Light House 

Fort Holmes, Macliinac Island 

Waugoshance, Light House 

Northeast corner Big Beaver Island 

Sand Point, Escanaba 

Menominee 

Grand Haven, Court House 

Grand Haven, hake Survey Station 

Marquette, Light House 

Vulcan, near Copper Haibor 

Ann Arbor, Observatory 

New Buffalo, intersection of middle of Whittaker avenue and Mechanic street. 

Niles, Steeple of Trinity Church 

Monroe, Light House 

Adria 



lan 



Hillsdale 

Coldwater 

White Pigeon . 

Ypsilanti 

Jackson 

Marshall 

Kalamazoo . . . . 

Allegan 

Lansing 

Pontiac 

Owosso 



Tuscola 

East Saginaw 

Manistee 

Traverse City, East End, Hannah, Say & Co.'s Pier. 

On tonagon. Light House 

Houghton 



Grand Rapids 4,' 

Muskegon I 43 

Flint 



42° 19' 45.85" 


83° 03' 


33.73' 


43 


19 45.64 


83 


03 


29.07 


43 


19 49.85 


83 


02 


30.63 


43 


00 31.86 


83 


24 


43.96 


44 


01 33.35 


82 


47 


09.87 


43 


38 37.84 


83 


50 


54.46 


44 


15 35.44 


83 


36 


14.57 


45 


03 38.90 


83 


25 


32.63 


45 


57 30.11 


83 


54 


31.71 


45 


51 37.81 


84 


36 


34.48 


45 


47 13.38 


85 


04 


56.83 


45 


45 13.67 


85 


29 


38.00 


45 


44 35.04 


87 


03 


25.65 


45 


05 19.31 


87 


35 


35.20 


43 


03 47.35 
03 50.14 








43 


86 


14 


31.30 


46 


33 55. 


87 


32 


13.4J 


47 


26 44.35 








43 


16 48.30 


83 


43 


43.05 


41 


47 47. 


86 


44 


53.55 


41 


49 46.10 


86 


15 


36 60 


41 


53 36.77 


83 


19 


23.29 


41 


54 36. 


83 


59 


27. 


41 


55 19. 


84 


33 


46. 


41 


53 30. 


85 


01 


33. 


41 


44 59. 


85 


39 


42. 


43 


14 12. 


83 


37 


06. 


43 


14 46. 


84 


23 


01. 


43 


13 38. 


84 


56 


09. 


43 


17 39. 


88 


35 


58. 


43 


31 49. 


85 


53 


37. 


43 


43 53. 


84 


30 


42. 


43 


37 44. 


83 


17 


21. 


43 


00 17. 


84 


18 


31. 


43 


57 59. 


85 


39 


59. 


43 


13 54. 


86 


15 


51. 


43 


01 01. 


83 


40 


58. 


43 


19 31. 


83 


39 


20. 


43 


36 25. 


83 


55 


43. 


44 


13 41. 


86 


18 


43. 


44 


45 59.74 


85 


36 


53.11 


46 


53 18.35 


89 


18 


39.46 


47 


07 15. 


88 


33 


37.12 



The foregoiiag positions, as far as Vulcan, inclusive, are selected from the numerous deter- 
minations of the United States Lake Survey ; Ann Arbor has been determined by the Director 
of the Observatory; New Buffalo and Niles are from Col. Graham's determinations ; Monroe, 
Traverse City, Ontonagon and Houghton, are from the Lake Survey Chart, and the co-ordinates 
of the remaining localities have been calculated from Farmer's large sectional map of the State. 



L().ST NAMES OF WE.STKRN STATES. 
Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the ordinance for the government of the Territory ceded 
and to be ceded by individual States to the United States, prepared in 1784, contains the following, 
show) ng what the names of the lake States might have been : ' 'The territory northward of the 45th° 



HISTOIiV OF ST. CLAIU COTXTY. 145 

extendiiii,' U) the Lake of the Woods, shall be ealleil Sylvauia; that of the territory under the 4r)th° 
and t:4th ', that which lies westward of LakeMichij^an, shall be called Miehif^ania, and that which 
is eastward thereof, within the reiiinsula formed by Lakes Michiifan, Huron. St. Clair and Erie, 
shall be called Chersonesus, and shall include any part of the Peninsula which may extend 
above the 45th^. Of the territory under the 43d° and 42d\ that to the wtistward,through which the 
Assinissippi or Kock River runs, shall be called Assinissippia, and that to the eastward, in 
which are the fountains of the Muskin</ani, the two Miamis, the Wabash, the Illinois, the 
Mianiis of the lake and the Sandusky Kivers shall be called Metropotaniia. Of the t(>rritoi'y 
which lies under tlio 41st ' and 4()tli the western, throufjh which the Illinois runs, shall be called 
Illinoia; that ne.xt eastward Sara/,toj;a. and that between this last and I'ennsylvania, and extend- 
ing from the Ohio to Lake Erie, shall be called AVashiugton. Of the territory under the 39th° 
ami o8th'\ with some additions under the 37th°; that westward at the confluences of the rivers 
shall be called Polypotamia; and eastward, up the Ohio, shall be called I'alisippia." 

Regarding the motto of Michigan, it has not been borrowed from the tomb of Christojiher 
Wren as stated in former works, bnt rather from that of Giovanni. The most noted of the 
immediate successors of Giotto was this ilaso di S. Giovanni, whose art principles were founded 
on the ancient works of Ghiberti and Dunatello. and his |)erspective on the plan of Erunelleschi. 
aided by the study of remains of ancient sculpture at Rome. Pietro Perugino and Raphael 
studied from his designs; Ghirlandaio. in whose school Michael .\ngelo Buonaroti studied, was 
one of his imitators. lu a word, he must be considered the beginning of the greater art, and 
the introducer of fresco painting. His death occui'red in the year 1443, about forty-fivG years 
after the painting of the walls of the Carmelite Church at Rome. His epitaph is written there, 
'"IE any one seeks to know my tomb, or name, this church is my monument," etc. The idea, 
almost the very words, were borrowed from the old church at Romi\ and inscribed on the tomb 
of Sir Christopher Wren in St. Paul's at London, and in turn borrowed by Michigan. Si 
tliKci'is priiiiisuIcDii, amamatii circiiiiispicc. 

(nooi.ofiv .\.\u .uu'ii.i:oi.i)iiv. 

In tracing the geological history of the country, it will l)e only necessary to revert to the 
era when the accumulated sediments of the ocean were being formed into masses of rock. Ge- 
(dogy teaches that the continents of the world wore once beneath the ocean, even as Scripture 
implies that a sea of mud, resembling in substance a South African river, was arranged l)y an 
Almighty hand, and the liquid separated from the solids contained therein. The iiiecjualities 
in the ocean bed, corresponding with the hills and valleys of our land, [loint out tlie truth of 
geological science. The recent deeji s(>a soundings reveal ni')untaius and hills, valleys and table- 
lands. The greatest de[)th reached was over 29,000 feet, which e.xceeds the height of the loft- 
iest [jeak of the Himalayas. Some of the mountains springing from the bed of the ocean are 
stee])er and more abrupt than any on the face of the earth. In the Irish Sea and the British 
Channel the depth changes, within a radius of ten miles from GOl) to 12.000 feet, and it is very 
common, within a few miles of onr coasts and islands, for the depth of the waters to change 
suddenly from a few hundred to many thousand feet. In other cases, as in the bed of the .At- 
lantic between Spain and the United States, thei'e are plateaux extending huucb'eds of miles, with 
very slight undulations. The mysterious race that once occui)ied this continent may have sailed 
in galloons over the Peninsula of Michigan, and sounded the dei)th of the waters which rosi> 
above it, in precisely the same manner as the marinei's of our day cast the sounding line into 
our groat lakes and the oceans. It may be concluded that the State which we inliabit was to- 
tally submerged at the beginning of the Corniferous period. At the close of that epoch, a great 
u])heaval of sea bottom formed a line of solid earth across the southern counties of .^[ichigan. 
which extended to an older and wider formation in Southern Ohio. The land comprised in the 
original county of St. Clair continued submerged for ages, but bv degrees the southern belt rose 
higher, spread out towanl the northern continent, and actually a[)proached the condition of ibw 
laiul at the beginning of the coal deposit era. At this time. Lakes Michigan, Huron. Ontario 
and Erie were not in (>xistence, their centers forming the channel of a great river, with expan- 
sions at intervals. This torrent swept over this now prosperous district of Michigan. The great 



146 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

geological age — the Mesozoic— dates from this timo. It was marked by activity in the animal 
and vegetable kingdoms; by mild climates and myriads of reptiles, vehich swarmed in rivers and 
over land. 

The Tertiary period succeeded the Mesozoic, It was the age of beautiful climates and high 
development of mammals. Animals, greater than the mastodon, roamed over the land, through 
magnificent forests, meeting their enemy — man — and ultimately falling beneath his repeated 
attacks. The glaciers came to destroy all this gigantic beauty, the snow and ice came on. 
burying all nature in their whiteness, and robbing the land itself of life. It was the begin- 
ning of the Glacial period, the duration of which is lost in mystery. Were it possible to ig- 
nore the existence of a Divine Ai'chitect, and His action in forming the earth we inhabit, the 
continuance of the ice age might be set down at 2.000 years. There is no intention, how- 
ever, to ignore the Omnipotent, and therefore what bears the impress of being the work of 
2,000 years, might have been compassed in a moment. 

Springtime came, and under the influence of its season, the sea of ice which covered land 
and water to a depth of 5,000 feet began to break up — to dissolve, when the solids held within 
its grasp fell down and formed a bed of rocky fragments or bowlder drift. This rockj' con- 
formation must not be confounded with the partial drift of after years, evidences of which are 
given in many sections of our coxinty. 

SUPERFICIAL M.\TERIALS. 

Abundant evidencos are furnished along the shores of St. Clair Lake and River as well as 
those of Lake Huron, of the unbroken continuity of the action of those physical forces which 
have assorted and transported the materials of the drift. From the shingle beach formed by 
the violence of the last gale, we trace a series of beaches and terraces, gradually rising as we 
recede from the shore, and becoming more and more covered with the lichens and mold, and 
forest growths which denote antiquity, until in some cases, the phenomena of shore action 
blend with the features which characterize the glacial drift. These observations tally with the 
views of Pictet on the continuity of the Diluviau and Modern Epochs, as established by psAe- 
ontological evidences. 

So, also, may we behold evidences of the disintegration of strata, which formerly existed 
in this very county; we may see every day the comminuted materials lying round us in all direc- 
tions. The uses of these cobbles are kuovrn wherever a pavement is necessaiy, while on the 
land they keep it warm, as it were, and aid in the growth of grain crops. These remnants of 
comminution are jjrincipally rounded fragments of syenite, greenstone, vitreous and jaspero'is 
sandstones, horn-rock, talcose and of the serpentinous rocks of the azoic series. 

Here are the rocks overspread with blue clay, plutonic bowlders and pebbles. In other 
places those rude materials are often arranged in rude courses, which have a curved dip, and 
appear outcropping on the hillsides and sometimes on the plains. The oiitcrop is very irregu- 
lar in this county. In the deep borings for brine, as well as in the shallow surface water 
reservoirs, these bowlders and pebbles have been found. Again, entire fields bear them upon 
the surface, or so near the surface that each successive plowing brings them more prominently 
into view. In some places a field is found bearing nine and twelve cobble stones on every square 
foot of its surface; such fields are generally very productive, the only fault being in the diflS- 
culty of plowing them. 

A thin series of argillaceous, magnesian limestones and marls, embracing beds and masses 
of gypsum, and, in some regions, strata of rock salt, is known as the saU)^. It is the lowest 
stratified rock known in the Lower Peninsula. Its belt of outcrop stretches across the point of 
land north of Mackinac, from Little Point an Chene to the vicinity of the mouth of Carp 
River, and close to the shore from that point to West Moran Bay. The formation, with the 
characteristic gypsum, is seen beneath the water-surface at the Little St. Martin Island, and at 
Goose Island near Mackinac. Dipping beneath the Lower Peninsula, it re-appears in Monroe 
County, where it has been exposed in some of the deepest quarries. In the well-borings at Mt. 
Clemens, as well as at Alj)ena and Caseville, this formation has been reached, and near San- 
dusky, Ohio, it affords valuable gypsum deposits. At Mt. Clemens, the salt rock was not 



IIISTOI'.V OF ST. CLAIH COUXTY. 147 

roiu'hed, though at Alpena and Cusovillo a thick bed of hucIi rock was penetrated, doubt hiss 
similar, or rather ecjuivalent to the bods at Goderich in Canada. The total thickness of this 
formation is a matter of speculation: but is supposed to bo fifty or sixty feet in depth above the 
salt rock. The stratification based on information obtained from the measurement of remote 
outcrops of the j^roup, may bo placcnl as follows: Calcareous clay, as se(m at Bois ]51aiic; fine 
ash-colorod limestone, with acicular crystals, as at Ida, Otter (Jreek and Plum Creek quarries, 
and at Mackinac, Jtound and Bois I51anc Islands; varioi^atcd (gypseous marls, witli imlxnlded 
masses of jjyp.sum, as at Little Point an Chene and the St. Martin Islands. 

Matt. Porter, writin<i^ from St. Clair, June (5, 1882, says: 
. "A few years ago Professor W'inchell, of the State University, who was at the same time 
State Geologist, made the statement that under the center of lower Michigan there was a great 
salt basin, or strata of salt rock. Since that time I have ])rovon by actual and practical work 
in drilling and boring the rock, that the renowned geologist was correct in his assertions. 

" I hav(> never seen anything printiid from Prof. Wiucholl's p(>n, nor in fact from any other 
geologist, that has placed or given the boundaries of this salt basin. Therefore, having put 
down many wells along the western part of Canada and in Michigan, I have tli(.)ught that it 
would prov(> interi'sting tt> those of your readers who are unacquainted with the work of well- 
boring, and acceptable to those interested in geology, should I write a brief account of what I 
have found iu delving after salt and oil in the rocks beneath, 

" As my purpose in writing tliis communication is mainly to show the results of my laltors 
in relation to the limits of the groat salt basin under the center of the Lower Peninsula of this 
State, I will briefly give the de])ths and kinds of rock passed in reaching the salt and oil rock 
in Canada and Michigan. 

"At Inverhuron, Canada, twelve miles north from Kinkardeu, and on the Lake Huron 
shore, the distance to the salt rock is TOO feet. Here the salt rock is found only fiv(! feet thick, 
autl there is no doubt but what this is the north limit to the great strata of salt rock, as is 
evinced by the way it ci-o[)s out so near the surface, and also by the way it thins up at this 
point. 

"Now notice how, at Kinkardeu, twelve miles south down tlu^ shorci ffom Inverhuron, the 
depth to salt rock increases, and the rock becomes considerably thicker. At this point the dis- 
tance to salt rock is 900 feet, and the rock is found seventeen feet thick. One well at 
this ])lace, the Wrightmyer. produces 700 barrels of salt per day. In this production there are 
used twenty-seven cords of wood at St per cord. Seven men " put" the salt r(^ady for barn'l- 
ing, and 1 i- cents is ]>aid for filling the barrel. The cost of salt barrels is 10 cents a])iece. 
Now this salt is all shipp(!d to the United States at a good profit. No other busine.ss is carried 
on in connection with this salt block, as is done at Saginaw, the owners making tlie production 
of salt their sole business. The way the well is pumped directly from tlie salt rock proves that 
the rock water is stnmger than the l)riue wells at Saginaw and other places in Michigan. The 
way the basin is made is as follows; When the salt rock is reached, a large basin, capable of 
holding a day's jnnuping, is made by letting water in on the rock and then agitating it, and 
finally, by pumping and drilling, a hu'ge basin is made, and then the water is h^t in upon the 
rock every day, thus making the strongest kind as well as the ])urest salt brine, wholly free 
from the mineral deposits found in the water of the common brine wells and salt springs 
throughout the country. 

" At Goderich. thirty miles on the shore south from Kinkarden, the depth to the salt rock 
is abox;t 1,110 feet. A change in the situation of the strata is noticeable at this jioint. for here 
we find the salt rock sj)lit by a stratum of limestone about thirty feet thick. The distances down 
at Godin'ich are as follows; 1,110 feet to salt rock, or the lower stratum. First about 1,0.")0 feet 
to a stratum of salt rock thirty feet thick, then twenty feet of limestone, under which is found 
forty feet of solid salt rock. At this place the same process is gone through iu making and 
pumping the water as at Kinkarden, and at the same cost. 

" The town of Warwick is situateil about eighty miles south and a little east from Goderich, 
Here the salt rock has been struck at adopth of 1,200 feet, and the stratum of salt was found 100 
feet thick. The manufacturing of salt is carried on here with flattering success. 



148 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

" The peculicarity of the different strata of rock passed in getting to the salt basin is al- 
most identical from Inverhuron to Warwick, viz. : First limestowu, then white fiiut rock, and 
then blue shale, which is found very hard and iilled with gypsum; after this is the salt 
rock. Under the salt rock there is found, almost invariably, a soft rock that is full of sulphur 
beds, and this rock smells so disgustingly bad that it would, to use a vulgar yet suggestive ex- 
pression, stink a setting hen from off her nest. 

" At Petrolia. twelve miles south of Warrick, are situated the great oil fields of Canada. 
Here the formation of the rock changes, and we strike strata in the following order: First is 
met limestone, which generally averages forty feet thick; then about 120 feet of soapstone; then 
about thirty feet of limestone; then soapstone again tifty feet; then about sixty feet of very 
hard or close limestone; and then a soft and porous limeroek, in which is found the greatest 
amount of oil, although traces are noticed from the bed rock down. 

" Mr. Englehart, a wealthy gentleman from New York City, who is largely interested in the 
oil business at Petrolia, put down an experimental well (and by the way I would say that all 
good mineral salt and oil wells are struck by test or experimental wells), and he was rewarded 
for his enterprise by striking the salt rock at a depth of 1,2(30 feet, and on boring the strata it 
was discovered to be the enormous thickness of 195 feet, a solid bed of salt rock. Under this 
strata was found the same formation of stinking rock with beds of sulphur as is found at the 
places named above. 

" In Northern Ohio, the salt rock has been found at about the same depth of drilling as is 
necessary at Inverhuron, and the rock was of about the same thickness, thus proving that the 
southern limit of the great salt basin is at that point. 

" Test wells are going down at different places east and west of the St. Clair River, and it 
is only a question of time when we will know definitely the exact boundary of this immense bed 
of salt. At Marine City, ex-Senator McElroy is putting down a well as an experiment and test, 
and already strong brine is found therein. In this city, brine has been found, but not in paying 
quantity, because the drilling did not extend deep enough. Mineral springs are the principal 
waters discovered in boring at this point, and at present I am engaged in putting down an ad- 
ditional well to supply the increasing demands of the large hotel at the mineral springs just 
below the city. 

" I find the difficulty is the same here as at Saginaw, and that is, the wells are not drilled 
deep enough. My theory is that the salt stratum lies in a basin and that it dips down like the 
inside of a tea saucer, and I believe that at a depth of from 1,500 to 2,500 feet the salt rock 
can be found anywhere from London, Canada West, to the shores of Lake Michigan, and, too, 
just as thick (or thicker) as it is twenty miles east from here in the Englehart well at Petrolia. 
The expense in putting down wells is not costly, and when salt, oil or mineral water is found, 
the investment will pay as well as a gold mine, if properly worked. Two dollars per foot and 
four to eight weeks" time will be all the cost and time needed in which to test the rock. 

" But the question remains: Where can be the eastern and western limits of this salt basin? 
Is it possible that it runs parallel with the Niagara limestone (as geology teaches) and finally 
end at or near Syracuse, N. Y. ; or does the mighty Niagara mark its eastern boundary? Can 
it be a fact that the geologist theorizes correctly, when he says that, ages ago, in the chaotic 
birth-making of our beautiful earth, the whole of New York, Western Canada and Michigan was 
one large inland sea, and that with the upheavals and transformation of the face of this land, 
the inflowing of the salt sea and the gradual drying up of this inland water, the great salt rock 
of which we speak was then formed and deposited along parallel, with the Niagara limestone? 
Does the western boundary of this great salt rock lie in Wisconsin, or do the waters of Lake 
Michigan mark its limit?" 

A group of argillaceous and magnesian limestones outcrops along the western shore of 
Lake Erie, and exists beneath the surface in the counties bordering on the Lake and River St. 
Clair. It consists of an argillaceous, chocolate-colored, magnesian limestone in regular lay- 
ers, each layer from four to eight inches thick. This conformation seems to correspond with 
the waterliiie formation of New York. 

The formation known as corniferous limestone is very general in masses of hornstone. 



IIIST( )UY OF ST. CI.AIlt COUNTY. 149 

The dark color of the rock is imparted by tlie presence of bituminous matter, whieli often shows 
itself in the thin partings between the strata. Petroleum saturates the formation, and as the 
bitumen coloi's the rock, so does the petroleum bestow on it its peculiar odor, often oozing from 
the crevices, and showing itself on the streams in the vicinity. The black shale at the bottom 
of the argillaceous strata known as tbe Huron group, is about, twenty feet thick, sometimes 
laminated and fissile. This shale has doubtless been pierced in the borings at Mt. Clemens, as 
it is known to exist in St. Clair, and counties adjoining Macomb. The shale resembles coal, 
and when placed in a stove or grate gives a blaze resembling that of coal. 

We also find here a species of shales more arenaceous than the black shale, which, to use 
the language of geology, terminate in a series of laminated, argillaceous, micac(>ous, friable 
Bandstone. which pass into the Warerly group. 

The black shale, hitherto regarded, holds an important place in the stratification of the 
county. It appears that upon Teeple's farm, a well was sunk twenty-si.x f(>et in iSfii, since 
which time the gas came in in such quantity as to actually blow the eiu'biug out of the well, 
and the men engaged in the work were obliged to abandon it. On Baird"s farm, there are great 
quantities of stone so saturated with kerosene oil as to burn readily. They have a strong odor 
of oil. These stones are conglomerate, partly decomposed, and give strong evidences of vol- 
canic eruption. On Clark's farm, gas has been burning for years. A well was dug by him to 
the depth of a few feet, and a barrel placed over it with a hole in the top, forming a sort of a 
tube, from which the gas, being lighted, burned readily with a clear, bright flame. On the 
Gill farm, a well was dug to the depth of 107 feet, when a volume of gas was struck that blew 
out the drill with a noise that was heai'd a distance of four or live miles; small ])el)l)le stcmes 
were also thrown up as high as the roof of the house. A jiipe was placed in the well, through 
which the gas was conducted to l\Ir. Gill's house, with which it was lighted for over a year. 
In August, 1X75, the people of Cottrelville imagined they had a second Vesuvius in their 
midst, and that Marine City and Algouac were to p'ay the roles of Herculaneum and Pomi)eii. 
The Marine City Gazette gave publicity to the foll()Wing story of terrestrial activity: " Josey)h 
Hahn, who lives some three or four miles west of Marine City, has been for some time engaged 
in sinking an artesian well to obtain a supply of water for his stock and for hoTisehold piu'- 
poses. In sinking these wells, a derrick is used, consisting of three heavy pieces of timber, 
fastened together at the to{), like a tri])od; this derrick was fastened by means of a heavy log 
chain wound around the timbers at the top; the diameter of the well is thirteen inches, and 
the boring was done by means of an auger turned liy horse power. On iNIonday night, the 
auger had penetrated to a depth of 12") feet, and the next morning an air or gas chamber was 
reached; then occurred a phenomenon which the bystanders will not be likely soon to forget. 
In the twinkling of an eye, upon the removal of the auger, the wooden tubing shot out of that 
well like a stone driven from a catapult, followed by a volume of gas, water, gravel and mud, 
that rose full 200 feet into the air. while the trembling (>arth, the roaring torrent, and tlie de- 
scending debris made Mr. H. and his co-laborers think they had struck the r(>gions infernal. 
Stones weighing from ten to twenty jiounds were ])rojected into the air, and som(> of them fell 
crashing through the I'oof of ]Mr. H."s house, standing near by. In fact, the family were 
obliged to seek shelter at a neighbor's, for human life was not safe a moment at the farmhouse 
In the locality of Mr. Hahn's farm, a stone, large or small, was rarely found, but now they can 
be taken away by the cart load. The heavy log chain binding the derrick was cut by the flying 
missiles into dozens of pieces, and one of the timbers blown away as by the breath of a 
cyclone. The discharge of mud and water soon began to overflow the fields, and bring ruin 
ui)on the poor man's crops. It was as if a water spout had burst, and the floods of heaven let 
loose. For eight or ton hours this extraordinary well k(>])t vomiting forth mud. water, gas and 
stones all around. On field, barn and house had settled a leaden hue; the corn was broken ofT 
and uprooted by the Hood: the house and barn wt>r(> riddled with falling stones; destruction 
was visible on every side. It was then noticed that the subterranean monster was pretty well 
blown, and although he still kept up a fimous howling, his force Wiis spent. It is estimated 
that some eight hundred cubic yards of clay and bowlders were cast out of this well." 

In January, 187(), Henry O. Wonsey succeeded in tapping a gas pocket at a depth of 150 



150 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

feeb from the surface. The rush of escaping gas was tame in comparison with that of Hahn's 
well, yet sufficient to make considerable noise, and eject mud and water above the derrick. He 
put down fom'-inch iron pipes, and sulasequently led a small connecting pipe to the street and 
lighied the gas, being the iirst gas lamp Marine Cit} has ever had. The light was white and 
of consideralile brilliancy, although it wavered aud flickered a good deal, being unprotected 
from the wind. The news of Wonsey's success brought large numbers of citizens to the scene. 
There appeared to be no doubt at the time but that the gentlemen had enough gas to warm and 
light his house, and considerable to spare. 

John A. Wonsey's well was only a partial success. He had gas enough, undoubtedly, to 
supply his house, but the pipe soon choked up with thin blue clay, which, forced toward the 
top bv the pressure of the gas. hardened and to a great extent shut off the gas itself. 

In February, l^SO. the oil craze seemed to be on the eve of a I'evival. About the third of 
a mile from Military street, a little stream known as Indian Creek crosses Lapeer avenue. 
Passers-bj' were attracted by the peculiar appearance of the surface of th<^ stream, which VFas 
covered with a dirty yellowish tluid, aud the ri[)pliug of the waters caused this to assume all 
the colors of the rainbow. A peculiar odor also seemed to arise from the water, very much re- 
sembling that produced by crude petroleum oil. Some persons, more inquisitive than the rest, 
followed up along the course of the stream, on the south side of the street, until they reached 
a point where the source of this strange lilm was observed to exude from tfie bottom of the 
creek in quite copious quantities. A handkerchief soaked in the surface of the water smelled 
strongly of oil, and a slight probing caused the flow to increase sensibly. Since that time the 
place has been visited by numerous persons, but no definite conclusion reached as ti) the origin 
or extent of the flow. 

Throughout Wayne, McComb and St. Clair Counties, there are evidences of the existence 
of gas fountains, if not actual oil reservoirs. This fetid gas was undoubtedly the product of 
distilled petroleum lying below the gas fountain in a similar position to the oil reservoirs of 
Petrolia and Oil Springs, in Canada. 

SUBTERRANE.^N CH.\NNELS. 

In consequence of the changes to which the various strata of the county have been suljjected, 
the waters have carved for themselves, even within our own times, a passage through it, and 
find their way to the lower lakes through subterraneous rivulets, causing the diminution and 
sometimes the total disappearance, of ponds aud ci-eeks. This, doubtless, is to- day operating 
against our rivers, and accounts for the visible reduction of the volume of water compared with 
that which marked them in Territorial days. This dimim^tion is partly attributed to increased 
evaporation consequent upon the removal of the forests. 

In the same way we must account for the reports of public officers in the olden times — one 
reports the Huron River navigable for thirty miles; the other reports the brine obtained from 
the springs of the civil district of Huron capable of yielding twenty-five per cent of solid saline 
matter. 

The mouth of Black River, in 1S73, presented the form in which bed changes take place, 
It does not seem to be generally known that for years there was little use in trying to get inside 
the bar at the mouth of Black River with crafts drawing any considerable depth of water. The 
surveys made in 1871 and 1872, and the experience of the Benton and Golden Fleece, proved 
conclusively that the depth of water is growing less and less each year, and that the current 
is constantly changing the conformation of the bottom both above aud below Black River. Of 
coiirse every shipmaster thinks he knows just how the bar lies, but they often find to their sor- 
row that, Mississippi-like, the bar has shifted about a little, and their craft is hard onto it. The 
only certain way to avoid it is to go around it. 

WATF.R KESIORVOIRS. 

The small bodies of water, or lakelets, with which certain portions of St. Clair County 
are diversified, rest in depressions shaped in the layer of modified drift. The remarkable 
group of water fountains in the northwestern townships of the county, together with those in 



HTSTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COFNTV. lol 

the northeastern part of Oakhind, contimies through Livingston, Washtenaw and onward to 
the Lakes of Grattan, in Kent Couoty. They ai'e particularly scattered along the scarcely 
descending banks of the Huron, of Lake St. Clair, or the Clinton and its tributaries, and are 
strung like beads along these streams, many of them, probably, the ancient work of beavers. 
The lakelets of St. Clair County, as of the Lower Peninsula m general, are surrounded by 
gravelly, elevated shores (m two or three sides, with frequently a low, marshy border fringing 
the remaind«>r of the contour. As the streams which feed them are clear, the water of the 
lakes is limpid and healthful, though of the character known as hard. They furnish, there- 
fore, charming places of summer resort. The same species of tish and mollusks inhabit the 
different lakelets of the county, however disconnected. This fact presents an interesting and 
difficult problem to the investigator of the origin of species. The most natural inference is 
that at a former period a general system of water communication existed among the various 
bodies of water in this part of the jieninsula, and at this time one fauna e.\.tended through all 
its limits. A similar problem, but of u larger magnitude, is presented by the similar faunas 
inhaliiting different rivers and lake systems, anil especially when the dift'erent systems dis- 
charge into the soa at the different points, and tlioir liigher sources, as well as their valleys of 
discharge, are separated by elevations too great to admit the hyjjothesis of a general fresh water 
inundation in former times. It requires but a casual observation to become convinced that nearly 
all these lakelets have formerly been of larger size. The shore upon one or more sides is fre- 
quently low and sedgy, and stretches back over an expanse of marsh and alluvial land to a slop- 
ing, gravelly bank, which appears tj have been the ancient contour of the lake or river expansion. 
The lowlanil l)otween the anciinit shore and the modern is composed of a bed of peat, gener- 
ally underlaid by a bed of marl. IJeneath the marl may bo found, in many cases, a deposit of 
blue, plastic clay, which forms a transition to the layer of modified drift, before described. 
Each of these deposits may have a thickness of a few inches or more, uj) to ten or twenty 
feet. That all these formations have been laid down from the flooded or Champlain period is 
evident; first, from their superposition on the modified drift; second, from the fact that the 
lake is performing in our own times, the same work as we see completed in the low-border 
miirsh; third, from the gradual extension of many lake-border nuu-shos, and the corresponding 
diminution of the areas of the lakes. The calcareous character of the water of these lakelets 
makes them a fitting abode for numerous species of lime-secreting mollusks, Th(<se animals 
eliminate the lime from the water and build it into the structure of their shells, B"'inally the 
mollusk dies and its shell falls to the bottom, where it undergoes disint(>gration into a white 
powder, or becomes buried in the progressing accumulation of such material, .\nother portion 
of the marly deposit forming in the bed of the lakes is probably derived from calcareous precip- 
itation directly from the lake wat(^r. Thus a l)od of marl is forming over the whole bottom of 
the lake, in situations sufficiently protected and shallow to serve as the abode of shell-making ani- 
mals. But on the letnvard side, the immediate shoi-e is the seat of a layer of ]H>at. Bul- 
rushes lift their heads through water one or two feet deep. A little nearer the shore, tlags may 
bo seen, and -still nearer, scouring rushes. On the imm(>diate border of the land, willows and 
water-loving sedges hold a place, while farther back, other sedges and grasses take [)ossession 
in varying proportions. This is the leeside of the lakes. Floating leaves, twigs and stems 
therefore find their way among the lake-side growths, and becoming entangled, sink and fall 
into gradual decay. More than this, each autumn's crop of dead vegetation, produced round 
the borders of these lakes, contributes to the accumulation oi vegetable material, which gradu- 
ally changes into the condition of liHmt(s and /»-(?/. This is a work l)egun at the sm-face of the 
water. When the substance sinks, it overlies what the lake hail hitherto accumulated. When 
the peat layer is first begun, the previous accunuilation is marl, and hence the well-known 
order of superitosition of these two deposits. The peat-bed grows lukewarm as the continued 
formation of marl shallows the water. In the course of time, the actual seat of operations be- 
comes removed far from the ancient shore, and a broad marsh comes into existence, with peat 
everywhere at the surface and marl beneath. Almost the entire coiinty may be considered an 
ancient lake aife, yet in a reference here, the writer wishes to deal with the ponds of the county, 
which long years after the ('li(t)itiilain eporli. were large sheets of water, as many existing 



152 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

pouds have obviously been contracted from their ancient limits, as a little reflection makes it 
obvions that many lakes, once existing here have become quite extinct through the completion 
of the process of filling-up. It is probable that every marsh in the county marks the site of an 
ancient lake. Level as the sm'face of the water, which determined their limits and depth, not 
a few of them retain at some point vestiges of the lakes which they have displaced; and others 
exhibit all the transitions from a reeking and quaking bog to an alluvial meadow; while in nearly 
all cases ditching discloses the peaty, marly and clayey materials, in the order in which, under lake 
action, they are accumulating before our eyes along actual lake borders. The absence of any 
marked genei'al inclination of the surface in our Peninsula, has made it the seat of an extraor- 
dinary number of small lakes, ancient and modern, and hence, also a region of small local 
marshes. Some of these may be found on almost every section of land; but the majority of them 
form meadow lands, or even tillable tields, and constitute the choicest patches in the farmer's 
possession. Many of these ancient lake sites, nevertheless, remain for the present nothing but 
swamps, and demand resolute ditching for their thorough reclamation, as is evidenced by the 
old cranberry marsh, so well remembered by the old settlers of Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair and 

Oakland. 

MARSHES. 

One of the geological features of the county was the floating tields in the neighborhood of 
Capac. So recently as 18G"2, this great muskeg was known to the people, and doubtless would 
exist to-day had not the industry of the German immigrants, and the watchfulness of the State 
reduced it to arable land. In 1866, Gov. Crapo appointed George A. Funston, Commissioner, 
and J. S. Kennetick. Engineer, to carry out the plan of the latter for the drainage of this 
swamp. After a series of leveling operations, ample fall was secured for the waters, and a rich 
soil brought into existence, where before was the quagmire. 

A portion of these wastes may properly be termed wastes of ignorance. This ignorance 
does not belong exclusively to any one class of farmers; it attaches itself more or less to 
all. Our ignorance, however, is not always our fault. Many things are beyond the reach of 
human faculties; we never can know them. Some things which we are capable of understand- 
ing, we have never had an op])ortunity to learn; still it is true of every farmer that he might 
and would have Icnown a great many things of which he is now ignorant, if he had only im- 
proved his opportunities as he ought to have done. The cultivation of the Capac Marsh is an 
evidence of progress in this direction. In August, 187u, this marsh, and the measures then 
taken to utilize it, were noticed. It comprises 2.200 acres, and is situated six miles northwest 
of Capac Village. It is owned by G. S. Parks, in company with three or fom- other business 
men, all of whom came from Wisconsin, where they have large investments in the culture of 
the cranberry. This company piirchased the farm in 1S74, and began large imjirovements. 
The part of the farm on which the berries are grown make a held of over 2,000 acres, the re- 
mainder being highlands, and in 23reparation for farming purposes. As is well known, cran- 
berries are grown on marshes and lowlands, which are covered with water a part of the year. 
The marsh is almost entirely surrounded with water, and one side is a chain of small lakes, 
which are skirted with narrow ridjres, covered with beautiful sroves on one bank, and heavv 
growths of timber on the other. Cranberries have for years grown on the marsh, but no ef- 
forts have ever been made toward cultivating them. The work to be done in cultivating the 
vines is to simply supply the land with water at certain seasons of the year, and to drain it at 
others. When this is successfully accomplished, it is all that can be done, as the vines will, 
under proper circumstances, then take care of themselves. The firnt thing the proprietors did 
was to begin extensive ditches on the mai'sh, to facilitate irrigation in the spring, and to drain 
oflf the water later in the season. A gang of workmen constructed a ditch around the margin 
of the swamp, eight feet in width, and over five miles in length. The work was easily accom- 
plished, as the soil was composed of vegetable matter, the surface being but little decayed and 
quite rotten a foot from the surface. This vegetable matter was composed of the heavy growths 
of grass which have been growing and rotting for years. The men piled the soil on the outer 
bank, forming an embankment to hold the water when irrigation commences. The lakes 
around the marsh are much higher than the marsh itself, and with one of them this ditch con- 



HISTOHV OF ST. CLAIi; COrNTY. 153 

nects, thus 'securing an abundant supply of wator. \yliich is necessary to the successful culture 
of the berry. The ditch has a good outlet at the o]>posite end of the field. Several large 
ditches, a foot in depth, were made throughout the li(>ld to divain the surface after the beri-ies 
set and begin to ripen. In 1S73, the marsh was burned over, and since that time but few ber- 
ries have been picked, as the vines were killed. The held was subsocpieutly covered with a thick 
growth of vines, which reached maturity sufficient to bear a heavy cro|). 

MACNCTIC WELLS. 

The discovery of several wells of magnetic or magneiized water, has given rise to a novel 
theory. The fact that wells whose waters have magnetic pn-operties do exist, is now generally 
conceded. That the discovery of these peculiar wells is confined to the central portion of the 
State is also well known, and the [u-obability that l.hey will always be limited to I\[i(!higan is, 
to the mind of every scientific man, a tixed fact. Let a person to whom this idea has occurred 
i.ake the pains to glance at a map of this State, and he will be astonished at the res(>mblance 
which the outlines of the Lower Peninsula have to an ordinary magnet. The great lakes which 
surround it do, in fact, form an enormous horse-shoo magnet, with a proportionate current of 
electricity constantly circulating through those vast bodies of waters, and form the different 
poles of the magnet across the southern and central portions of the State, completely saturat- 
ing, as it were, the earth, air and water with this powerful agent. Science teaches us that when- 
ever two bodies of matter assume certain positions to each other, a current of electricity is im- 
mediately formed, and the intensity of that cm-rent (other things being equal) will be in pro- 
portion to the size of the bodies brought in contact. Now, with Lake Michigan on the west, 
Lakes Huron and St. Clair and the Straits on the east, united at the apex by a narrow strait, 
we have all the necessary qualinoations to form a huge galvanic battery, and the conclusion is 
inevitable. Again, electricity always seeks the best conductors, and in its jiassage across the 
State the water, being a better conductor than eitlier earth or air, is more highly charged. But 
the surface water, having its electricity constantly drawn off by surrounding objects, is en- 
feebled, while the lower strata are powerfully impregnated. On exposure to external influences 
this, however, gradually passes olT, which accounts for persons not finding this quality in 
water which has been transported a distance from the wells 

M1NKK.\L WATER.S. 

The salt springs of this district result from an overflow of the great sal iferous basin of the 
Penin.sula. Tlie wells at St. Clair were bored upon the thinning-out edge of this basin, almost 
one degree of longitude southeast of the highest saturation jwint, and at a ))lace when^ the brine 
would necessarily be diluted with surface water, or with that of subterranean rivers. Conse- 
quently the brine of Mount Clemens must be considered separately from that so prized by salt 
manufacturers, for the reason that it is a medicinal mineral water, rather than a common salt 
brine. The difficulties presented by this water in the manufacture of common salt therefrom, 
ai'e duo to the large (juantity of deli<|uescent parts of calcium and magnesiiuu existing in con- 
nection with the chloride of sodium; but what it loses in this respect is more than compensated 
for by the large quantity of salts present, possessing in connection with the sulphureted hydro- 
gen, a decided medicinal eftect. Chief among the active ingredients, in addition to those men- 
tioned, is iodine, an agent whose value has long been recognized by the medical profession. 

The carbonated waters contain a qtumtity of solubl(< salts; the sulphur waters are of the 
most jironounced character, each irapr(>gnated with mineral substances, which must always 
render them of inestimable value to the people. It is said that the m;ignetic waters of the State 
are not themselves magnetic, but that mai'ked magnetic phenomena are manifested in the vicin- 
ity of the wells — arising through induction from the earth, without regard to the waters; yet 
experiments indicate a power of excitation of magnetism possessed by those waters. 

THE SALT SPIUNG OF 17'.)7. 

The Salt Spring, near the bank of Salt River, in the vicinity of which the squatters of 
1797 located, was considered by them a most valuable property. This spring appeared in the 



15* HISTOBY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

glen, close by the Plank Road bridge of later days— four miles from the mouth of the river. In 
a report tendered to Thomas Jefferson by Charles S. Jonett in 1S04. this agent of the Govern- 
ment makes the following statement: "From experiments which have been made, I am justi- 
fied in saying that this spring deserves the public attention. It was wrought some time by a 
couple of men, who, owing to their want of capital, were incapable of conducting the business 
on an advantageous plan. By these men I am assured that a quart of water did with them turn 
out a gill of salt, and in all their trials with greater quantities, it never failed to produce a like 
proportion. There is a sufficient quantity of water to supply works to any extent." 

From a report made by Douglass Houghton in 1S38 to the Legislatm-e, the analysis of the 
brine, said to be so rich in its saline properties in the report of Jonett to Secretary Jefferson in 
1804. was as follows : 

ANALYSIS OP BRINE, SECTIONS 3 AND U. CHESTERFIELD. 

Specific gravity 1,0057 ' Chloride sodium 0.549 

Chloride calcium 0.013 I Chloride magnesium 0.037 

Sulphate of lime 0.015 Sulphate of magnesia 

Carbonate of lime 0.014 ; Compounds of iron 0,001 

Other constituents I Total solid matter 0.629 

In 1803, D. G. Walker, of Capac, manufactured a small tjuaatity of salt from water pro- 
duced by the well on his farm. The product was analyzed by Chemist S. P. Duffield, of De- 
troit, who pronounced the solid to be sulphate of soda, sulphate of magnesia, chloride of cal- 
cium, and chloride of iodine. 

In May, 188li, the Marine City Stave Company made a deep boring. Geologists are satisfied 
that the Michigan salt-rock has been struck at tbat point. The development of the well rests 
with the enterprising firm of which Crocket McElroy is the head. The success of the industry 
is only a matter of a short time. 

80IL. 

On the ])lains or comparatively level portions of the county, the soil is of a sandy charac- 
ter, with more vegetable mold in its composition than appears from a hasty examination. It 
is formed, for the mo.st jmrt, of decomposed or disintegrated sandstone. The granitic or azoic 
formation occurs ujion the rivers and creeks, but terminates as a surface indication, near the 
confluence of the Black with the St. Clair. The soil on some of the knolls which skirt the 
rivers has a clayey character, which, when it comes to be cultivated, will be found to have stay- 
ing qualities that do not appertain to that of the country in the immediate neighborhood of 
Lake Huron. The particular drawback of the light and easily worked sandy soil, which usu- 
ally produces a good yield in return for the labor and dressing liestowed upon it, is its lack of 
power to resist the effects of a dry time. As the seasons in which there is a severe drought are 
not frequent, this does not seriously depreciate the value of this soil for agricultural purposes. 
The soil and climate of St. Clair generally is eminently adapted to the raising of small fruit- 
and l)errie8, and as the railroads bring the markets so near our doors, this industry must con- 
tinue to increase until the crop becomes a very large one. There are several indigenous fruit- 
bearing shrubs which may one day be cultivated and jiroduce a ben"y as superior to the present 
product as the pippin excels the crab apple. There is also found in great profusion the hazel 
nut, awaiting man's fostering care. There is produced on this soil one or more varieties of 
wild hemp, and the milk weecl (the inspissated juice of which becomes India rubber), grows in 
rank profusion wherever its seeds take root. Indeed, most of the soil in the county whsjtever 
geological parentage it owns, or whatever metamorphoses it may have gone through, is well 
adapted to the easy cultivation of its indigenous productions, and most others from a like lati- 
tude. The general surface appearance is attractive, being generally undulating enough to af- 
ford good draining, without being hilly, presenting a pleasing variety of groves of valuable 
timber and light openings, interspersed with stretches of marsh and meadow lands, beautifullj 
undulated with gentle ascents and declivities, which swell away in the distance, forming many 
truly charming landscapes. But little if any is so uneven or hilly as to render it undesirable 
for agricultural purposes, and a large portion of the flat, marshy land which was originally 
considered worthless, has, at a trifling expense, been transformed into valuable meadows; while 
there are some 3,000 acres of peat marsh, having an inexhaustible sui)ply of peat of a good 



UTSTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 165 

qUeility, ranging from six to t\vt>ut_v f("(>t in dopth, which may. in the not distant i'uturp, become 
a source of wealth to its owner. As to the character of th(> soil, it is unquestionably rich in the 
mineral constituents necessary to tho [jroduction of good crops, but it recjuires to have 
a part of its production, or its ecpiivalent, returned to its bo.som every year. The amount of 
veiTotable mold is not so abundant that one can tjo on croppinir, ceneratiou after sjeneration, 
without exliausting its fertility. 

Some idea of tho salubrity of the atmosphere and [)urity of the water may be formed from 
the healthfulness of the inhabitants. TIk* pale face, sunken cheek, cadaverous countenance 
and hectic cougli are seldom m(>t with in this county. Butchers are patronized far more liber- 
ally than physicians. The tmusual absence of disease in this county was noticed more ])articu- 
larly l)y the early settlers, from the fact that they anticipated the visitation of those bilious 
diseases so common in new countries, and yet failed to suO'er much from malarial attacks. 

.\.RCiLE()LOGlC.VL. 

This county is rich in evidences of the presence here, at some remote period, of the race, long 
extinct, which is the delight of^antiquarian research, and the object of ciu'ious consideration by 
all. Tho Mound-Builders have left inuum(>ral)le tumuli near the river and lakes. The mounds 
possess the varied forms ])eculiar to this class of prehistoric works. Most of them are conical 
or oblong, but some are cruciform, while others resemble birds and animals. The age of the 
mounds is attested by the growth of huge trees on the summits, and by remains of immense 
trees thereon which have liv(!d, died and decayed since the germ was first implanted in the up- 
turned soil by the ordering of that economy of Nature which is at once the soiu'ce of admira- 
tion and marvel to the thoughtful minds. These mounds, like all others constructed by this 
mysterious people, are of surface soil, yet the immediate vicinity shows no disturbance of the 
surrounding alluvium. When, and how, and why were they built':* Exceptional ones on the 
heights at bends in the river, or at the foot of the lake, were perhaps for defense, some possi- 
bly for tombs, as bones exliumed would indicate. Excavations usually yield little resiilts, 
though sometimes are found pieces of coarse pottery and rude implements. The county abounds 
in these antiquarian puzzles. Tho Indian found a home on both river and lake. At an early 
day, this district was a favorite resort for ducks, and also abounded in fish, something like tho 
the St. Clair Flats of a few years ago. The facility with which food could be obtained induced 
tho indolent savage to pitch his wigwam here. As late as a half a century ago, hundreds of 
Otchi[)wes and eveu visiting Menominees fared sumptuously on th(> wild rice and game of the 
regicm. Many Indian graves are still distinguishal)le by their d(>caying ])alings. The pio 
neors of tifty years ago remember tho burial scenes and dance orgies of the tribes which were 
the tinal aboriginal occupants. 

Records of the olden time are very interesting, and are not without their lessons of instruc- 
tion. By the light of the past, we follow in tho foot])rints of the enterprising pioneer. We 
see him amid the labors and struggles necessary to convert the wilderness into a fruitfixl field. 
We sit by his cabin fire, partaking of his homely, but cheerfully granted fare, and listen to 
the accounts he gives of frontier life; of the dangers, trials, hardships, of himself and others, 
in their struggles to make for themselves homes in regions still unexplored, save by wandering 
In<lians and wild beasts. Through th(*se old records, we make oiu' way along to the present, 
showing the mighty achievements of industry, the daring enterprise, the creative energj' and 
untiring perseverance of the early ]>ioneer. I'ollowing im in the path of progress and improvo- 
m(>nt. we see once waste places rejoicing ixnder the kindly care of the husbandman: lieautiful 
farms are spread out before us; villages and cities have arisen, as if by magic; common schools, 
academies and colleges have sprung up, wherein young and ardent minds may i)ress forward in 
the acquisition of science; churches are built, and a Christian ministry sustained; tho press is 
established: railroads ar(> constructed, to bring the (iroduct^s of every clime, and the people from 
afar, to our doors. All this has been accomplished over ton thousand graves. 

St. Clair County was one of the P(i(ii(je)i(laiii<>iri)i(ilci\ or great cemeteries of the aborigines. 
Along the rivers and their tributary creeks, many mounds were found by the early settlers — some 
few still exist — all ofler interesting subject to the anti(iuarian of the present time. From time 



156 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 

to time, the searcher among the bones of the dead was rewarded b}' the discoverj of one or 
other of the many articles placed in the earth with the dead. The number of mounds and 
character of human remains found in them, point out the district as the necropolis of an 
extinct race. Stone hatchets and flint arrow-heads, unnumbered skeletons — all remain to tell 
of their coming and their stay, of their rise and fall. 

The free copper found within the tumuli, from the open veins of the Sujaerior and Iron 
Mountain Copper Mines, with all the modus operaiuli of ancient mining, such as ladders, 
levers, chisels and hammer-heads, discovered by the French explorers of the Northwest and the 
Mississippi, are conclusive proofs that a jire-historic people were civilized, and that many flour- 
ishing colonies were spread throughout the newly formed land. While yet the mammoth, 
the mastodon, and a hundred other animals, now only known by their gigantic fossil remains, 
guarded the eastern shoi-e of the continent, as it were, against supposed invasions of the Tower- 
Builders, who went west from Babel; while yet the beautiful isles of the Antilles formed an 
integral portion of this continent, long years before the European Northman di-eamed of setting 
forth on his voyage of discovery to Greenland, and certainly at a time when only a small portion 
of the American continent, north of latitude 45^, was reclaimed, in the midst of the great ice- 
encumbered waste, a pre-historic people lived and died iipon the land which the American and 
French pioneers of St. Clair rescued from its wilderness state. 

Within the last twenty years, gi-eat advances have been made toward the discovery of 
antiquities, whether pertaining to remains of organic or inorganic nature. Together with 
many telling relics of the aboriginal inhabitanls, the fossils of pre-historic animals have been 
unearthed from end to end of the county, and in districts, too. long pronounced by geologists 
of some repute to be without even a vestige of vertebrate fossils. Among the collected souve- 
nirs of an age. about which so very little is known, are single and ossitied vertebrse. supposed 
to belong to the cretaceous period, when the dinosam" roamed over the country from East to 
West, desolating the villages of the people. This animal is said to have been sixty feet long, 
and when feeding in the pine forests was capable of extending himself eighty-five feet, so that 
he might devour the budding tops of those great trees. 

Other efforts of our antiquarians may lead to great results, aiid culminate probably in the 
discovery of a tablet, engraven by some learned Tower or Mound Builder, describing, in char- 
acters hieroglyphical, all those men and beasts whose history excites so much interest, and trans- 
forms the sjieculative into certainty. The identity of the Mound Bnilder.s with the Mongolians, 
and the closer tie which bound the latter to the Egyptians, might lead us to hope for such a 
consummation — might possibly result in proving that the Egyptian originally migrated from 
Central America, branched out towai'd China, and became the Mongolian, and in tm'n continued 
the travel eastward until the descendants of the first Americans returned to the cradle of their 
race, as set forth in an extract given in this work from the writer's special paper on the JiTound 
Builders. 

Regarding the mounds and garden beds of St. Clair County, little has been written — com- 
paratively nothing done toward their exploration. From a paper prepared by Henry Gillman, 
and i-ead before the Detroit Scientific Association, May (>. 1874, the following extract is made. 
In it occurs a direct reference to the mounds in the neighborhood of Fort Gratiot and Port 
Huron. He slates : "Throughout the region of the great lakes, abundant evidence, often of 
the most interesting character, of the jsresence in by-gone ages of that peculiar race known as 
the Mound Builders, is constantly being brought to light. And our own State of Michigan, 
from the low. monotonous shores of Lake Erie, to the rocky cliffs of Lake Superior, has con- 
tributed, in many directions, some of the most remarkable relics and monuments of a people 
whose cranial affinities and evidently advanced civilization totally separate them from the North 
American Indian, and ally them to the ancient race of men who inhabited Brazil and the re- 
mote past. Along the Detroit and Rouge Rivers, those monuments, in the .shape of the well- 
known mounds, were at one time not infrequent; but in numerous instances, and even within 
our present city limits, they have been destroyed, often without their true character being recog- 
nized; and thus large amounts of valuable relies have fallen into ignorant hands, and have 
finally been forever lost. Even those works which remain are fast disappearing before the march 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 1,57 

of modern improvemout. Imliau tradition says that thescMuonnds alonn; our rivor \vi>n' l)uil( in 
ancient times by a people of whom thoy (tlio Indians) know nothinj^. and for wliom tlioy liave 
no name: that the mounds wore occupied by th(> Tootle Indians, and suhsoijuontlv l)y the \\'yan- 
dots, but were constructed lonj;- before their time. These facts were* ascertained by me in the 
course of some iuvostij^ations which I made several yeai's ago, and at that time I further learned 
that the Tuetle Indians had boon absorbed by the Six Nations, and if any survive, it is there 
they must be looked for. In this connection, it is proper to state that I have lately been in- 
formed, through the instrumentality of Prof. Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution, of the re- 
sult of some incjuiries made at my suggestion in regard to the name Tu(>tle. The copclusion 
arrived at is that the word Tuetle is [)robably a corruption of Tufcelo, a tril)o 'admitted as a 
younger member of a confederacy of the Six Nations, about the middle of the last century,' 
and that the Tuteloes 'are l)olievod to have migrated from Virginia northward, to lands assigned 
them on the Susquehanna by the Six Nations; but very little is known of their early history 
and migrations.' An interesting paper on the Tuteloes was road by the Llov. J. An<lerson, be- 
fore the American Philological Association, in July, 1871. Reporting Mr. H. Hale's discover- 
ies, ho assigns the Tuteloes to the Dakotan and not the Iroquois stock, and gives an account 
of Mr. Hale's visit to Nikungha, the last survivor of the tribe of the Tuteloes. and who has 
since died at the age of one hu'.idred and six years. The establishment of the identity of the 
Tuetles with the Tuteloes, and their residence on these mounds and aloug the Detroit River, 
is not only an interesting addition to local history, but is of special value in view of its 
tending to sustain Mr. Hale's opinion (opposed to the conclusions of others regardino- the Da- 
kotan migration) that ' in former times the whole of what is now the central portion of the 
United States, from the Mississippi nearly to the Atlantic, was occupied by Dakotan tribes, who 
have been cut up and gradually (>xtorminated by the intrusive and more energetic Algonquins 
and Iroquois.' 

'■ The relics exhumed from the mounds consist of str)ne implements, such as axes, chisels, 
scrapers, ai row-heads, spearqioints and knives, fragments of pottery of a great variety of ])attorn. 
including the favorite cord pattern so froijuently seen in such connection, from the juirthern 
lakes to the Gulf of Mexico; and the bones of man, generally much decaycnl, and exliibitini' 
other indications of anti([uity. From the fragments of burned bones and charcoal found, it 
would appear that in the earlier intermeats cremation was practiced. The tibiie present, in an 
extreme degree, the peculiar tlattening or compression pertaining to platycuemic men. In the 
fourth annual repoi't of the Peabody Museum of Archteology and Ethnology, attention is called 
to this, some of the relics which I collected here having been donated to th(> museum by the 
Hon. Robert O. Winthrop, to whom I had presented them. The curator, Prof. Wyraan, says : 
'Of the tibi;c of fort}' individuals from the mounds of Kentucky, one-third presented this 
flattening to the extent that the transverse did not exceed O.Ol) of the fore and aft diameter. The 
most extreme case was from the mound on the River Rouge, in ^Michigan, in which the trans- 
verse was only 0.48. In the most marked case mentioned by Broca, viz. : In the old man from 
the Cro-Magnon (France), it was, as deduced from his figures, O.GO.' Prof, ^\'yman di'aws at- 
tention to certain resemblances in this bone to the same bone in the ape. adding : ' In some 
of the tibiiB the amount of tlattening surpasses that of the gorilla and chimpanzee, in each of 
which we found the short 0.()7 of the long diameter, while in the tibire fr.)in Michigan, it was 
only 0.-^8.' " Subsecpiont to this (in 1870), I discovered in adjacent mounds several instances in 
which'the compression of the til)i;e was developed to even a greater extreme. Two remarkable cases 
of this peculiarity were atlbrded by tibi;o taken by me from a mound on the Detroit Uiver. In 
one of those imique specimens the transverse diameter of the shaft is 0.4'2. and in the other 0.40 
of the autero-posterior diameter, exceeding, I believe, any platycuemism which has been observed 
before or since in any part of the world. In communicating these facts to the American Nat- 
iirafisf, not long afterward, I claimed that the last mentioned case ' may be considered as the 
flattest tibiit! on record. ' {See Amrriccui Nafardlist. October. 1871.) Both of these bones are 
strongly marked with the saborlike curvature, also a characteristic of the chimpanzee, as are 
likewise many others of the tibi;o from the vicinity. The majority of the tibire present the flat- 
tening, which is au exception to the facts as noted in other sections of the United States where 



158 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

it is supposed to pertain to 'only about one-third of all the individuals observed.' In fact, it 
is an exception to find a tibia from our mounds along the Detroit destitute oE this peculiarity; 
and where one is found it is generally of later burial, and consequently of less ancient origin. 
" A few years ago the greater part of this large circular mound in the vicinity of Fort Wayne 
was removed, and most important results were obtained. Eleven human skeletons were exhumed; 
a largo number of burial vases, stone implements in great variety and of superior workmanship, 
consisting chiefly of axes, fleshers, spear-points, aiTow-heads, chisels, drillers and sinkers: pipes, 
a peculiar imjslement of unknown use, formed of an antler, with duplicate perforations at its 
thickest end; and two articles manufactured from copper, one the remains of a necklace, formed 
of a number of beads strung on a two-stranded cord, a few fragments of which remained suffi- 
ciently preserved to satisfy me that it was made from vegetable liber, probably from the bass- 
wood {Tilia Americana, L.). The other article of copper consisted of a needle, or borer, sev- 
eral inches in length, quadrangular at the base, and well wrought. One of the skulls is re- 
markable for its diminutive size, though adult, its capacity being only 56 cubic inches, or less 
than 76 per cent of that of the average Indian cranium, which is given as 8-1 cubic inches by 
Morton andMegis, the minimum observed by them being 09 cubic inches. The measurement by 
Morton of 155 Peruvian crania gives 75 cubic inches, for the average bulk of the brain (no 
greater than that of the Hottentot or New Hollander), the maximum being 101 cubic inches, 
while the maximum sinks to 58, the smallest in a series of 641 measured crania; and yet you 
will perceive this is exceeded in diminutiveness by this cranium from the Detroit River. The 
average volume of the brain in the Mexicans is 79 cubic inches, while in a series of measure- 
ments of 24 crania from the Kentucky mounds it is foiind to be 84. The Teutonic crania gives 
the average of 92 cubic inches. Thus it is seen that while the great volume of the brain is in- 
dicative of power of some sort, the opposite is not always to be regarded as proof of a degrad- 
ed condition. In short, quality may here, as in other instances, compensate for deficiency in 
quantity. So we find the cranium of the Peruvian, who possesses a high degree of civilization 
and refinement, equaled in capacity by that of the New Hollander or Hottentot, while it is ex 
ceeded by that of the degraded, brutal North American Indian to the extent of nine cubic inch- 
es. Still the crania of the Mound Builders, it must be acknowledged, present characteristics. 
which, in the language of Foster, ' indicate a low intellectual organization, little removed from 
that of the idiot.' And this skull from the Detroit River mound must be placed in the same 
category. Prof. Wymau. in his sixth annual report of the Peabody Museum, in referring to 
this skull, goes on to say : ' In ordinary skulls, the ridges of the temporal muscles on the two 
sides of the head are separated by a space of from thi'ee to tour inches, seldom less than two, 
while in the Detroit mound skull this space measures only three-quarters of an inch; and in this 
respect it presents the same conditions as the skull of a chimpanzee.' It is interesting to re- 
member that the 'flattest tibife on record, ' already referred to, were taken by me from this mound; 
and all the tibi;ie had more or less saber-like curvature associated with the platycuemism. It 
remains for me in this connection to call attention to the fact that the perforation of the humer- 
us is another remarkable characteristic which I have observed to pertain to those platycuemic 
men of our region. I refer to the communication of ihe two fossse situated at the lower end 
of the humerus. This is of great interest, as this peculiarity is most frequently met with in 
the negro race; it has also been observed in the Indian, and though not always present, is quite 
general in the apes, while it is very seldom seen in the white races. 

MOUNDS OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

One of the most remarkable and extensive series of tumuli which are known to exist in 
this part of the lake region, it was my good fortune to discover in the year 1872. I refer to 
the mounds situated at the head of the St. Clair River, and at the foot of Lake Huron. They 
extend in continuous succession for about one mile and one- half northward, as I have satisfac- 
torily determined. Strange to say, those who lived in their immediate vicinity knew nothing 
of their character. A paper which I wi'ote on the subject, embodying the principal facts, sub- 
sequently formed a part of the sixth annual report of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and 
Ethnology, and was afterward copied into several of the leading periodicals of the country, in- 



IIISTOltY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 159 

eluding the American .JoitriKil af Science. The (joni-ral [mblieity thus irivon the discoveries 
prechides the necessity of more than a passing notice here. The numerous mounds, with few 
exceptions, are of similar character, havinf^ been lar;^<ily used for burial purposes. One of 
them presented some features distinctive of the ' refuse heaps ' of om- Atlantic Coast, and of 
the north of Europe, a wide area at one end being covered with a solid crust of black ashes 
from eighteen inches to two feet thick, containing the bones of various animals used for food, 
broken pottery and stone implements. The relics from the burial mounds, in addition to those 
usually found, consisted of an extraordinarily large number of broken sione hammers of the 
rudest kind; a j)late of mica live by four inches, and two necklaces, one made of small l)ones, 
mostly cervical vei'tebrii^ stained a beautiful grcnni color, resembling enamel, the other composed 
of the teeth of the moose, finely perforated at the roots, alternating with well wrought beads of 
copper, and the bones of birds stained green as in the lirst instance. In the mound containing 
the last-mentioned ornaments, several interments had been made, an<l the decayed stump of a 
scarlet oak {Quercus cocci nca, Wang.), two feet in diameter, surmounted the summit, the roots 
spreading above the contents in all directions. All the tibire noticed by me exhibited the com- 
pression characterizing platyeuemie men. In dwelling on this circumstance, in connection 
with my previous discoveries in the same direction, I nuike the remark. 'I cannot but believe, 
from what I have seen, that futur(> investigation will extend the area in which this type of 
bone is ])redominant to the entir(! region of the great lake.s, if not of th<^ great West; or, in 
other words, that at l(<ast our northern Mound Builders be found to have possessed this trait in 
the degree and to the extent denoted;" which prediction recent discoveries in Wisconsin and 
Iowa wovild seem in a fair way of fulfilling. 

" On the west bank of the Black River, a tributary of the St. Clair, is a burial-mound, 
which contril)uted some unusual featiues. A road having been cut through the easterly slope 
of this mound, the consequent excavation revealed a large number of human bones, potterv, 
stone implements and other relies. Stone lance or spear lieads of great length were taken out, 
two of them being each over a foot long, and one sixteen inches in length. But the most inter- 
e.sting feature of tliis repository of relics was a grave, the interior of which was d(>scribed to 
me as being lined with pottery similar to that of which the vases, pots, etc., ai'e formed. This 
was so i)eculiar a circumstance, no other instance of the kind having come to my knowledge, 
that, at first, I considered the statement highly improbable. But I availed myself of an oppor- 
tunity of visiting the locality not long after to make a special examination. Though the con- 
struction of the road through the mound had destroyed most of the original features, and 
scattered a multitude of valuable remains, further excavation revealed a considerable (piantity 
of fragments of the ])ottery above referred to as having been said to have lined the grave. 
This certainly ai>peareil to contirm the statement. I found this p.jttery to be of rather a 
coarser description than usual, and marked abundantly with the cord pattern, known to be of 
such frecjuent employment, but in this instance made with a large cord or small rope. The 
side so ornamented was invariably concave, while the other side was ccmvex and tuismoothed, 
different from any other specimens I have seen elsewhere. So rough and tmlinished was the 
unornamented side that it had every appearance of having been pressed upon the ground while 
yet plastic, and sand, and even grav(4, adhering to it, contirnKnl this impression. After havin"- 
viewed the evidences. I had no longer any great ditliculty in receiving the statements previouslv 
made, ily chief informant was perfectly uneducated in such matt(>rs, and even attributed the 
peculiar formation lining the sides of the grave to the coagulation and tinal hardenincr of blood, 
accounting for its presence in such large quantity by presuming a battle to have been fought in 
the vicinity. The few fragments of human bones, which on this occasion were exhumed with 
the pottery, were in the last stages of decay. .\ remarkable series of those works occurs at 
Beaver Harbor, on Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan. A very limited and hurried examination 
which I made of the group in ISTI sufficiently satisfi(>d me as to their ancient origin. Thev 
app(>ar to be of the same character as the mounds on the Detroit lliver, and those at the foot of 
Lake Huron. They were probal)ly largely used for purposes of sepulture. From the su(!cess 
attending my brief labors it would appear that the more valued relics of the Mound Builders 
have been here deposited in. unusual abundance. Highly-wi-ought stone implements, many of 



160 HISTORY OF ST. CLAII? COUNTY. 

them being of uacommoaly skillful workmanship, are frequently encountered. They are 
formed of a great variety of stone, such as diorite, or greenstone, sienite, shale and chert, 
many of them being finely polished. One of the handsomest stone axes I ever saw was taken 
out at this place: it is made from sienite, a favorite material for this implement, and the hand- 
icraft displayed in its ccjnstruction is of the highest order." 

At intervals, residents along the rivers and lake discover relics of the aborigines. June 
29, 1870. a boy named Daniel Tyrell went up the lake shore in June, 1870. to pick strawberries, 
and upon returning homeward, while wading in the lake, he lifted something which he thought 
was a very curious looking stone. Upon examining it, he saw it was the tooth of some enor- 
mous animal, and brought it home. It created much curiosity. The weight of the tooth is 
three pounds and eleven ounces, and seems to have been the back tooth of the lower jaw. It 
ib seven and a half inches in length, and five inches in depth, but the animal seems to have 
been an old one, as the tubercular jjoints are much worn by attrition, similar to the molars of 
an old person. 

Daniel Cottrell, in digging a hole for a fence post, in June, 1875, at a dejith of three feet 
below the surface, exhtimed a tomahawk, the skull of an Indian, and a large number of silver 
ornaments and trinkets, the aggregate weight of which was about two pounds. The ornaments 
found comprise buckles, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and other rude designs, such as were 
worn a century ago by chiefs. The silver is rolled very thin, made as showy as possible; the 
workmanship is that of a white man; the bracelets are two inches in width, and bear the stamp 
of the early American confederation of ten States — the eagle with outsj)read wings, and ten 
stars in the shape of a crescent overhead. 

In Ano-ust, 1875. Mathew Kemp, living on the southwest corner lot at St. Clair, dug down 
in the earth a few feet to get some sand for building purposes, and a day or two afterward his 
little daughter discovered something of a sparkling nature in the earth that had been excavated, 
and brought it into the house to find out what it was. Upon cleaning it up INIi'. Kemp found 
it to be a lump of quartz and copper mixed with stone, in the proportion of two of each of the 
former to one of the latter. The specimen is a very fine one. How it came there is merely a 
matter of conjecture. It may have been dropped accidentally by some joerson — Indian or white 
Qjan — years ago, or it may have been transported thither during the drift period. 

In closing this chapter, it is well to speak a »'ord to those who cannot comprehend fully 
the eccentricities of geology. Recently a foreign author adopted the theory that the days in 
Genesis first are long periods of time, and endeavors to show that the facts of geology corre- 
spond in a wonderful manner with the panoramic description of Moses in a great number of 
particulars. To those who are satisfied with his interpretations of Scriptiu-e the ai-gument will 
seem clear and convincing. There will, however, be others, great numbers, to whom it will 
not appear probable that Moses should have had a scientific revelation of the process of the 
world's creation which could not be understood by a single reader, until, thousands of 
years after his death, the true meaning was developed by modern geology. It will also be 
"regarded as quite incredible that the explicit references to six mornings and evenings point to 
immeasurable periods of light and darkness, contrary to the established uses of these words in 
all lan,o-uao-es. The work, in a scientific point of view, is highly interesting and instructive. 
But its exegetical side seems exceedingly defective. The whole subject of the " days," " even- 
ings and mornings," in Genesis, first demands a renewed examination in the light, not of science, 
but of philology and exegesis. As the matter now stands, it may be well questioned whether 
Hebrew scholars have not too far given up the true principles of exposition for the purpose of 
seeming to reconcile Genesis and geology. It is high time this question should be carefully 
reviewed. Skeptics will never accept unnatm-al and forced interpretations of the Scripture 
as affordino- sufficient answers to their objections. The Uj^per Peninsula of Michigan may be 
taken as a subject lesson by them. That land of iron and copper was fashioned by God in a 
moment to provide for the present time; millions of years could not have formed these iron hills, 
even as time, previous to 1846, never suggested a development of their mineral resources. 



HISTORY OF ST. CJ.AII! COUNTY. 1<!1 

('LIM.VroLOGV AM) MIVrEDUOUXi V. 
The variod climatological clianges resulting from sottlouient, arc many and serions. Tl>erc> 
are many theories afloat concerning the effect of reclaiming the soil and the destruction of its 
forests. To us, a new i)Oople and a new State, tlie <juestion is one of great moment, the more 
BO that it is still in our power not only to watch the ofTects of such changes but still more so to 
control them in a measure for our good. As to the effect U])on animal and vegetable life, it 
would appear that so fur as relates to the clearing away of forests, the whole change of condi- 
tions is limited to the surface, and dependent for the most part on the retention and slow evap- 
oration in the ftirests, in contrast with the rapid drainage and evaporation in the open s])ace. 
The springs diminishing in number and volume iu our more settled parts of the State, do not 
indicate a lessening rainfall. It is a well-ascertaini>d fact that in other places so denuded, 
which have been allowed to cover themselves again with forests, the springs re-a]ipear, iiud the 
springs are as full as before denudation. With us, happily, while the destruction of forests is 
going on in various parts of the State, the second growth is also going on, both in the jiineries, 
where now varieties of hard wood talce the place of the ])in(>, ••mdin the mon; cultivated parts of 
the State, cultivation forbidding, as it does, the practice so much in vogue sonii! years ago, of 
running tires through the undergrowth. Thus, though the nmewal of forests may not be kee]iing 
pace with their destruction, it would seem clear that as time advances the sin-ings and streams in 
the more cultivated parts of the State will till and flow again, increasing in ])roportion as the 
second growth increases and expands. The change, however, from denudation, though strictly 
limited to the surface, affects the surface iu other ways than simply in the retention and evap- 
oration of rain. When the winter winds are blowing, the want of sheltering ])rotection of belts 
of trees is bittcM-ly felt, both by man and beast. And so. too. in the almost li'0|)ical heats of 
summer, both languish and sutTei- from the want of shade. Nor is the effect of demidation less 
sensibly felt bj' vegetable life. Th(> growing of our more delicate fruits, like the jieach, the plum. 

he pear, the better varieties of the cherry and gooseberry, with the beautiful half-hardy flow- 
ering shrubs, all of which rtourisheil so well in a number of onr older counties some twenty 
years ago, are as a rule no longer to be found in those localities, having died out, as is believed, 
from exposure to cold winds, to the southwest winds in ])articular. and for want of the protect- 
ing influence of the woods. In fruits, however, we have this com])ensntion, that, while the more 
tender varieties, especially of ap[)les. have been increasing, while the grape (than which nothing 
speaks better for climatology), of which w(> grow some loO varieties, the strawberry, the rasp- 
berry, blackberry and currant, etc.. hoUl their ground. Nor are the cattle suffering as much as 
formerly, or as much as is perhaps ])opularly believed, from this want of forest or ti'oe shelter. 
With the bettor breeds which our farmers have been able of lat(> years to purchase. witVi better 
blood and better food, and better care, our stock, instead of dwindling in condition, or in num- 
ber, from the effect of cold, has progressed in (|uality and (|uantity. and comjietes with the best 
iu the Chicago and New York markets. There can, however, be no doubt that the planting of 
groves and belts of trees in (>xposed localities would be service.'d)le iu many ways, in tempering 
the air and imparting to it an agreeable jnoisturo in the summer, in modifying the severity of 
the cold in winter, iu moderating the extreme chaug(^s to which our climate is subject, and thus 
in a measure preventing those discomforts aud diseases which occur from sudden changes of 
temperature. Besides, these plantings, when made betwo(m homes or villages and malarial 
marshes, serve (by the aid of the prevailing southwest winds) to break up — to send over, and 
above and bej^ond the malarial substratum of air to which we are otherwise injuriously exposed. 
The effects of reclaiming the soil, or '"breaking," as it is called in the West, have years ago, 
when the State first began to be settled, b(!en disastrous to health and life. The moist sod be- 
ing turned over in hot weath<>r. and left to undergo, through the summer, a putrifying. foment- 
ative in'OC(>ss. gave rise to the worst kind of malarial, typhoid (bilious) and dysenti>ric disease. 
Not, however, that the virulence or mortality altogether depend(>d upon the soil emanations. 
This was UQdoul)tedly aggravated by the condition of the early settlers, who were wanting in 
many things, such as in proper homes, projier food and proper medical attendance, medicines 
and nursing. These fevei's have swept the district years ago. particularly in the autumns of 

18-44 and 18-45, but are now only observed from time to time iu limited localities, following in 

1 1 



162 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUN^TY. 

the autumn the summer's ''breaking." But it is pleasing to be able to add that thi'ough the 
advancing prosperity of the county, the greater abundance of the necessities and comforts of 
life, and the facilities for obtaining medical care, the diseases spoken of are much less common 
and much le^^s fatal than formerly. 

The relations of climatology to sanitary status form a subject for inquiry. One of the 
principal reasons for gathering climatological observations, is to obtain sanitary information, 
which serves to shovy us where man may live with the greatest safety to his health. Every 
country, we might perhaps correctly say every State, has. if not its peculiar diseases, at least 
its peculiar type of diseases. And by nothing is either this type or variety of disease so much 
influenced as by climate. Hence the great importance of the study of climatology to health 
and disease, nay. even to the kind of medicine, and to the regulating of the dose to be given. 
It is, however, best to caution the reader that these meteorological observations are not always 
made at points where they would most accurately show the salubrity of a geographical district, 
by reason of the fact that the positions were chosen not for this special purpose, but for purely 
military purposes. We allude to the military posts, from which statistics for the most part 
come. Another caution, it is also well to bear in mind in looking over the class of diseases 
reported at these stations in connection with their observations, the diseases are those of the 
military of the period, a class from which no very favorable health reports could be expected, 
considering their habits, exposiu'e, and the influences incidental to frontier life. The geography 
of disease and climate is of special interest to the public, and a knowledge especially 
necessary to the State authorities, as it is only by such a knowledge that State legislation can 
possibly restrain or root out the endemic diseases of the State. In connection with the gather- 
ing of vital statistics must go the collection of meteorological and topographical statistics, as 
without these two latter the former is comparatively useless for sanitary purposes. More par- 
ticularly does this apply to the malarial diseases. Acclimation is very rarely discussed, or 
even alluded to, by our people in relation to this State, for the reason that, come from what- 
ever part of Europe men may, or from the Eastern States, acclimation is acquired for the most 
part unconsciously, rarely attended by any malarial affection, unless by exposm'e in such low, 
moist localities, where even the natives of the district could not live with impunity. It seems 
to be well enough established that where malaria exists, whether at Detroit, New York or 
Chicago, where the causes of malarial disease are permanent, the effects are permanent, and 
that there is no positive acclimation to malaria. Hence it should follow that since life and 
malaria are irreconcilable, we should root out the enemy, as we readily can, by drainage and 
cultivation, or, where drainage is impossible, by the planting of those shrubs or trees which are 
f'jimd to thrive best, and thereby prove the best evaporators in such localities. Oui' climate, 
approximating, as it does, the forty-hfth degree (being equidistant from the equator and pole), 
would, a priori, be a common ground of compromise and safety, and from this geographical 
position is not liable to objections existing either north or south of us. 

HISTORY OF DISEASE. 

In searching for historical data of disease, we are able to go back to the year 176(3, com- 
mencing with the aborigines. '' The Indians," says Carver, in his chapter on their diseases, 
"in geniH-al are healthy, and subject to few diseases." Consumption from fatigue and 
exposure he notices, but adds that the disorder to which they are more subject is pleurisy. 
They are likewise alBicted with dropsy and paralytic complaints. It is to be presumed that, 
while Carver is speaking generally, he means his remarks to applj'. perhajjs, more particularly 
to those Indians with whom he lived so long, the Sioux of the Northwest. That they were sub- 
ject to fevers, is gathered from the use of their remedies for fever, the "fever bush" being an 
ancient Indian remedy, and equally valued by the inhabitants of the interior parts of the 
colonies. Besides this, the^- had their remedies for complaints of the bowels, and for all inflam- 
matory complaints. These notices sufficiently indicate the class of diseases which have certainly 
followed in the wake of the Indian, and are still occm'ring to his white brother, making it 
plain enough that lung diseases, bowel complaints, and fevers are in fact native to the State. 
The fact must not be ignored that the Indian is subject to the same diseases as the human race 



HISTORY OF ST. CJ.AIH COUNTY. 10-3 

iu {jenenil. After Carver, wo may quote Maj. Long's expoditiou in l!S'i4. The principal dis- 
ease of the Sacs, appears t(j bo a mortification of the intestinal canal, moi'o common among 
men than women, the disease ])roving fatal in fom- days if not relieved. It is unaccompanied 
with pain, and is neither hernia, dysentery, nor hemorrhoids. Intermittonts were prevalent, 
and smallpox visited theuj at din"erent periods. As the Otchipwes have a common Algonquin 
origin with the Sacs, and as their home and customs wore the same, it may be expected that 
their diseases were similar. The principal disease to which the Otchipwes are liable is con- 
sumption of the lungs, generally afiecting them between the ages of thirty and forty; they 
linger along for a year or t7,"o, but always fall victims to it. Many of them die of a bowel 
complaint which prevails every year. This disease does not partake, however, of the nature of 
dysentery. They are frequimily afl'ected with sore eyes. Blindness is not common. Many of 
them become deaf at an early age. Small pox and cholera have ravaged many an Indian town, 
even as they have stricken the ciiies of the whit(> race. 

Till'; liHi .SNOWS. 

The traditions of the Cldppewas and Wyandots jwint out the yeai's 17r)5 and 177") as the 
winters of the great snows. . Those severe slorms which swept over the Peninsula within two 
decades, destroyed great numbers of forest animals, the bones of which in after years, literally 
encumber(Kl the wilderness. Witiiin the pioneer period, the snow of 1S22 28 was the heaviest. 
It fell to a depth of four feet on the level, and was aci^ompanied with such an icy current, that 
large numbers of deer, wolves and bears [jorished before its withering advance. Inl8;]()";'l, the 
snow storms set in early in November, and continued throughout the month, destroying the 
wild animals in large numbers and inflicting many hardshi])s on the Indians and pioneers. In 
the month of August, 1831, a severe frost set in, which occasioned many serious troubles and 
disappointments 

Till-: ULM'K D.WS. 
On the morning of Sunday. Xovember 8, 181'.), the sun i-ose upon a cloudy sky, which 
assumed, as the light grew upuu it, a strange greenish tint, varying in places to an inky black- 
ness. After a short time, the whole sky became terribly dark; dens(> bl.'ick clouds filled the 
atmosphere, and those changes were followed by a down-pour of rain, which a])i)eared to Ik^ 
something of the nature of soapsuds, and whicli was found to have d(>])Osited, after settling, a 
substance resembling soot. The atmosphere assumed its usual form that afternoon, and the 
following day was dry and frosty. On the morning of Tuesday. 10th, h(>avy clouds again 
appeared, changed rajyidly from a deep green to a ])itohy black, and the sun, when seen occa 
sionally through them, was sometimes of a dark brown, or an unearthly yellow color, and again 
bright orange or a blood red. The clouds constantly deepened in color and density and hiter 
on, a heavy vapor seemed to descend to the earth: the day became as dark as night, and thi> 
gloom increased or diminisheil most fitfully. Tli(> French traders htoked on the phenom(>nou with 
a jxK'uliar curiosity, whihi tlie Indians were actually alarmed. The more sensible concluded 
that tlu! western ])ine woods wore ablaze, others that the recently explored prairies were burn 
ing, while others stated that a volcanic eruption was in progi-e.ss. The Indians quoted the prophecy 
that one day the Peninsula would be destroyed by an eartlujuake, while others looked upon 
the signs as signaling the close of this world. About the middle of the afternoon a great 
body of clouds seemed to rush suddenly across the country, and immediately everything was 
hidden in an ap[>alling darkness. \ pause and hush succeedtHl for a moment, and then a most 
glaring flash of electricity Hamed over the land — next the thundt>r seemed to shake the very 
earth to its center Another pauses followed, and then fell a slight shower of rain similar to 
that which introduced the phenomenon two days previously. After this shower, the day grew 
brighter, but an hour later it was as dark as ev(»r. Another rush of clouds, and another flash of 
lightning introduced the climax of the scene. The sky above and around was as black as ink; 
but right in one spot, in mid air above the Indian village, the lightning danced for some 
minuto.s in a fairy circle, then rushed eastward and was not seen again. The darkest houi* 
had come and gone. The gloom gradually subsided and gave place to dawn, the ])eople grew 
less fearful: the real night c;uue on. and when next morning dawned the elements were at 
peace, and the world seemed as natural as before. 



164 HISTORY OF ST. Cl.AIIl COUNTY. 

INUND.\TION' OF 1827. 
The rise of the River and Lake St. Clair occnrred in 1827. Many farmhouses and two 
church buildinf-s were carried off by the Hood, while large tracts of shore land were submerged. 
Jacob Peer, one of the first settlers of Clay TownsLij). in 1S"21 purchased 300 acres of Andrew 
Westbrook's lands, lying west of Point Aux Tremblez, extending to northwestern inlet of the 
lakes. This land was granted to Westbrook by the United States Congress, as an indem- 
nity for losses occasioned by the war of 1S12. At the time of the St. Clair Flood, Peer had 
sixty acres of those rich bottom lands under cultivation, so that the rise of the waters deprived 

him both of lands and crops. 

T0RN.4D0, 18.3.5. 

Perhaps the best remembered and most extraordinary phenomenon was that which the 
people of the northeastern counties witnessed in 1835. On Christmas Day of that year, an 
exceptionally heavy fall of snow covered the ground, which was followed on the 2Gth by a mist, 
and this was succeeded in turn by a drizzling rain. The rain ceased suddenly, the clouds low- 
ei'ed, o-rew dark, and assumed such appearances as would lead the spectator to conclude that 
this o-lobe was about to eollaiise. The storm king at length broke loose, swooped down from 
the northwest in black night, uprooting trees, sweeping everything -in his track, and bringing 
with him such a current of icy air, that man and beast, not then in shelter, were frozen to 
death. This storm was as sudden as it was phenomenal. It is well remembered by the old 
settlers, and forms for them a mark on the page of time. 

THE METKOR. 
The meteor seen November 1, 1857, passing southward, proved to be a most remarkable 
one; its journey was accompanied by a sharp rambling sound like thunder. 

THE COMET. 

This strange visitor, belonging to that numerous but erratic family whose movements are 
so carefiTlly noted by astronomers, and the time of whose entrances and exits is a matter of 
mathematical certainty, appeared to the people of this county Juno 30, ISGl; whatever may 
have been its attributes and peculiarities, one thing is certain, that it has had no rivals in the 
comet line. Its sudden debut at that time was the cause of much speculation among men of 
letters as well as the people in general. It was tu-st visible in a northwesterly direction, where 
it appeared like a bright star; it attracted but little attention at first, it being sujiposed to be 
a lamp attached to a kite, but directly a train of light shot up, which gradually increased in- 
creased in length until it passed the zenith. The nucleus of the comet, when viewed through 
a glass, presented a very clear and sharply defined outline, shining with the brilliancy of a 
star of the first magnitude. Its motion was m an easterly direction, and exceedingly rapid; the 
train of lii'ht extended beyond the constellation Lyra, and the center of its extremity was di- 
rectly over the star Vega; its length extended over the immense distance of IpO^. being 30^ 
lono-er than the comet of 1813, which extended over a space of only 70^ 

The comet of 1881 remained with us for weeks, and disappeared from the view of citizens 
of this county, a short time after a jsortion of its tail separated from the nucleus and main train. 
It will be remembered as affording much subject for gossip during the latter part of the sum- 
mer of 1881. 

ECLIPSE OF THE JIOON, 1881. 

One of the most sublime astronomical events of 1881, a total eclipse of the moon, occurred 
Sunday morning, June 12. The moon appeared above the horizon at about 8:20 P. M. on the 
11th, in its usual brilliancy. When about two and a half hours high, it received the first con- 
tact with the penumbra of light shadow of the earth upon its eastern limb, which became 
alic'htjy dim, and a loss of lunar light followed as the moon entered the penumbra. Fifty-six 
minvites then elapsed wiihout further change in its appearance, while traversing the partial 
shadow of the earth; but when the umbra or dark shadow of our planet was reached, the east- 
ern limb of the moon again daikened suddenly, almost to invisibility. The circular shape of 
the earth's shadow was distinctly seen when passing over the face of the moon. At 12:38 A. 



HISTOKV OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 165 

M., Jiiue 11!. tho moon was wlidlly within the iiuihra. ;uul tho total eolip-'^o commeucccl. It 
continued in darkness for an hour or so, when all was lii^ht a^ain. 

THE STOliM OF ,)l"LV 6, 1S7:). 

In Port Huron the destruction of the now IMethodist Episcopal Church overshadowed all 
other disasters and damai^es, Tho huildini^ was one of the handsomest in the city, and to-day 
presents a sad picture of shattered timbers and windows, and fallen brick, stone and mortar. 
The front is better preserved than any other part of the buildinj^, but most of this, with the ex- 
ception of the main tower, will have to come down. Most of the basement walls can be saved. 
We give elsewhere an engraving of the church as it stood previous to the storm, with a histori- 
cal sketch of the society. 

C. J. Kathfon had a very narrow escape during the storm. Ho was in the shed in the 
reiU' of -ho Graham Block with his horse, when the tin rooling of that liuilding gave way and 
was precipitated upon the shed in such a manner as to make his escape impossible. It was 
necessary to remove a part of tho shed wall to let him out, and for more than ten minutes ho 
was in danger of being crushed or kicked to death by the frightened horse with which he was 
confined. D. McKenzie, the blacksmith, had a very similar experience in his shoji, immedi- 
ately adjoining, the door being barred by the debris, and the lives of the inmates endangered 
by the rearing and plunging of three horses, which he was engaged in shoeing at that time. 
Fortunately no one was seriously injured in either case. Fred Marontate, who was employed in 
S. L. Uallentine & Co. 's store, had a narrow escape from serious injury. He went out in front 
of th(> store to prevent the awning irons from striking the windows, when the storm was at its 
height, but got a rap from one of them, and was under the immense sheet of plate glass when 
it was broken and fell outwardly. Fortunately the glass struck him tlat, and did not cut him; 
but he acknowledges that he thought the whole front of the building was coming down, and 
was very thoroughly scared. Indeed, the number of ]ieople who were thoroughly scared 
during the storm was nearly as large as the whole population of the section through which it 
passed. Mr. Bottomley's family had a very narrow escape. Their residence is immediately east 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and before the building fell they saw it swaying, and ran 
to the barn, which they reached just as it cam(> down. Fortunately the d(>bris fell mostly in 
the yard just west of Bottoud(>y s house, which was not greatly damaged. Mrs. P. B. Sanburn 
was driving a horse and ciu-riage i)n Military street, when a large tree blew over, striking the 
back part of the carriage with some of its smaller limbs, but doing no damage. At the Port 
Huron JIarble Works on Butler street, a beautiful marble cross, worth STi"), which stood in 
the shop yard, was blown down and broken in three j)laces. T. S. Goodman, the photographer, 
sutTerod some loss, his photograph stand Vieing demolished and a ])ortion oi' the large sky light 
torn from the roof of his gallery. At C. D. Hortou's i-esidence, a large number of shade trees 
were blown down or Ijroken, and the orchard suffered severely, many trees being blown down 
which were loaded with green fruit. The roof of the blind factory of E. B. Taylor \- Co., on 
River street, went ofif just as the workmen in the building were trying to [)rop it up. The loss 
was about §250. At Brooks & Joslyn's mill, there was a swaying of timbers and Hying of lum- 
ber that threatened destruction to life, limb and property, and a man named Line was struck 
by a jiioce of lumber and sufTorod the fracture of the small bone in one of his legs. One of tho 
chimneys on the Second W^ard sciiool building was blown down, and made a hole through tho 
roof. E. R. Seely lost several peach and cherry trees, and a chinmey from his house. 

The body of ;i two-seated buggy at Johnson iV Figg's shop was carried about 100 feet and 
smash(Hl into kindling wood. A large catalpa tree, the only one in the city, which gi'ew on Dr. 
Mills' property, was blown down, and also the large elm tree which stood on the place for 
almost a century. A large and valuable wild cherry tree in front of the residence of C. G. 
Meisol, was blown across the front fence, and a large elm tree was twisted in two about ton feet 
above the ground. No very close estimate of the total loss in the city can be made, but it is 
thought §2."), ()()() will more than cover it. 

Tho storm does not seem to have been severe in the n;)rthern jiart of Clyde, and did very 
little damage at Fort Gratiot. A few shade trees were blown down in tho village, but no buihl 



166 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ings suffered to any considerable extent. On the Lapeer Plank, Harrington's elm grove was 
almost entirely demolished, the trees being twisted off and uprooted, and the barn on the Har- 
rington place unroofed. On jVIi\ Linabui-y's live acre lot, some thirty or forty fruit trees were 
destroyed. On the Kendrick place, occupied by Jarvis, a barn built the previous year was lifted 
live feet off its foundation, and badly wrecked, and a new barn in process of con,«truction was 
nearly demolished. The whole rear portion of Jacob Denlar's house was blown off. On 
William Atkins' place, a falling tree put out one of the eyes of a yearling colt, and broke its 
leg. Prosper La Duke's barn was moved eighteen inches and badly wrecked. On V. E. 
Crane's place, nine fruit and three shade trees were destroyed, a small out building was up.set, 
the roof carried twenty rods away, and 100 rods of fence blown down and scattered. At Jacob 
Wakefield's place eight or nine shade trees were blown down, one of them striking a corner of 
the house and crushing it in. All the chimneys were blown off the Kimball House, at Wad- 
hams, and a house occupied by Van Camp was unroofed. On the Wadhams farm, north of 
Black River, three barns were unroofed and 200 rods of fence scattered. On Frank Kinney's 
place, one barn was unroofed and another somewhat damaged. Barns belonging to Wilkie 
and Mrs. Slingerlaud were also uproofed. John B. Kendall, who resides in Fort Gratiot 
Township, related that he lost sixteen apple and two )iear trees, loaded with fruit. He also had 
half a mile of fence blown down. His wheat was blown fiat, but came up again all right 
for harvest. His oats crop was ruined. Corn was blown flat, but came uji again all right. In 
Clyde barns belonging to Archie Campbell, James Bean and John Welton were unroofed, and 
a granary belonging to Daniel Merritt also lost its roof. Clark's cattle-shed, in Fort Gratiot 
Township, was carried four feet off its foundation. In St. Clair Township, barns belonging to 
John Curry, Walter Hills and Nelson Mills, were nm'oofed, and a dwelling house in process of 
construction a mile north of St. Clair was destroyed. Frank Jackson and another man were 
caught in barn dooi's and seriously injured. Grain and fruit trees were blown down, torn up 
by the roots or stripped of fruit. Erastus Brewer, a laborer -^n the C. & L. H, R. R., on Sec- 
tion 3, was killed between Thornton and Emmett. He went with another man into a sugar 
bush near the road, and was struck by a falling tree. He lived at Thornton Station and left a 
wife and two children to mourn his loss. 

The Catholic Chiu-ch in Kenockee was unroofed. Barns and outhouses between Port 
Huron and Imlay City were nearly all damaged, many being either unroofed or blown down. 
At St. Clair, the roofs were blown off the house and barn of E. T. Solis. and scattered about his 
grain field, doing several hundi-ed dollars' damage. A man named Stein was killed by a falling 
barn a few miles from St. Clair City. At Emmet, two barns were unroofed, and the smoke 
stack of the flouring mill was blown down. The roof of the house of Ennis Worth, near 
Thornton, was blown off. Mrs. Worth had an arm broken, and two children were reported 
killed. At Capac, a terrible storm, with a great fall of rain, hail and lightning, accompanied 
by a frightful gale was experienced. In the village the new Methodist Episcopal Church was 
blown down, the spire and belfry of the Union Church was blown off, about half of the town 
hall was leveled to the ground, and part of the livery stable unroofed. Allen's hotel barn, and 
also Caswell's were minus their roofs. At Walker's house, the lightning entered the I'oof, passing 
through the chamber floor, tearing oft' plasttr and lath, and passed thence to the cellar. Half 
of the shade, ornamental and fruit trees were destroyed. Cavanaugh's stable and storehouse 
were comjiletely destroyed. The brick walls of the new schoolhouse were blown down. Prob- 
ablj' more than twenty dwellings were more or less injvu'ed, and about two-thirds of the houses 
deprived of chimneys. To the north the cheese factory and Downey's saw mill were unroofed, 
and a large wagon shop half a mile north was comjiletoly destroyed. The roof of Downey's 
barn was carried fifteen rods and thrown upon the kitchen, crushing it into a mass of ruins. 
Reports from parties further north state that barns and dwelling houses were down and un- 
roofed. The wh(Mit was badly broken, and in some places beaten into the soil. Fences and 
stacks were leveled to the ground. Such a stoi'm never visited this section before; so says the 
"oldest inhabitant." 

The storm of Juno 8, 1882, was phenomenal in many respects. First, there was a storm 
of wind, rain and electricity, that raged for an hour or two, and which, some hom-s later, was 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 167 

followed by a cyclone. The wind was blowing briskly from the south, and not far to the north- 
west could be seen clouds darting back and forth as though contending for the mastery. Out 
of those contending forces was evolved the cyclone which swept to the southeast with iiu'reas- 
ing fury, leaving nothing hut ruin and destruction in its track, uprooting orchards, and sweep- 
ing away hous(^s, barns, fences, farming implements, sleighs, wagons, household furniture, 
bedding, etc., many things of consid(>ral)le weight being carried for miles along th(> track. As 
it crossed the road one and a half miles north of Memphis, it licked up the mud and water, giv- 
ing it the appearance of rising dust, and the shattered remnants of what were once houses or 
barns, were thrown by centrifugal force beyond the limit of its power, and many fields adorned 
with plank rafters and sj)linterod boards. The individual losses and mishaps are as follows: 
Mr. Draper's orchard and barn and Daniel Cors' house and barn wort* destroyed. Cors, his wife 
and child, were in the house at the time it was wrenched fi'om the foundation timbers, leaving 
the family on the basement floor, with no roof above, and with but little of their worldly ef- 
fects s)iared to them. At Powell's farm, no great damage was done beyond swecjting away 
fences, killing a colt, and severely injuring a mare. At John Jellers', the storm demolished 
things generally, and passed thence to a farm owned by the Dudley estate, ^vi-ecking the house 
and destroying the orchard. The next place in its pathway was George McGuffin's, whose 
house was unroofed, orchard one-third destroyed, and barn totally demolished, one side or end 
of it being carried some rods to th(^ northeast. Here the storm took up a heavy lumber wagon, 
carrying it twenty rods; the tongue running full length into the ground arrested the further 
progress of the front wheels, but not so witii tlu* hind wheels, for they wore hurled off through 
the air into a neighbor's adjoining field, thirty rods or more still further on. The next man to 
suffer was Isaac Hall, whose house just escaped, but his orchard close by was ruined, hardly a 
tree left standing. The old gentleman with his grandson at the time being in his field below a 
ridge on which his orchard was situated, stopped to watch the approaching storm, and the in- 
tervening high ground hid its real character, else he might have readily saved himself by mov- 
ing to the northward. As it was, the storm was upon them before they could realize their dan- 
ger. The boy tli'o})ped down and was saved by clutching his hands into tln> turf, but the old 
gentleman was swept ^'.hmg the ground thirty feet, and ho was found in an uiiconscious state, 
the Hying debris having struck him on the head. The nest man to grapple with the wind-winged 
monster was Charles Mulay, Sr., who hastily gave orders to his family about arranging their posi- 
tions in the house for safety, and then left to care for his horses. When the storm had j)assed, Mulay 
found he had been clinging to the only apple tree there was standing for some rods about, and 
looking in the direction of his house he discovered it a heap of ruins lying eighteen paces 
from where it stood, but fortunately no one of the eight inmates was seriously hurt. The next 
wreck was on the farm of Gavin, w-ho had two barns completely demolished, and a third un- 
roofed. His orchard was also much injured. No more buildings lay in the jiath of the storm, 
and its work of demolition, so f;ir as we know, ended here. The width of the swath it mowed 
vai'ied from thirty to eighty rods, and its direct velocity was variously estimated In' those near 
it t« be from twenty to one hundred miles an houir Probably thirty miles por hour would be a 
high estimate. The center of the tract looked in places like the dry bed of a torrent which had 
passed, leaving behind the debris it could no longer carry. 

The great comet of October, 1882, was the last and most remarkable planetary exhibition. 
On the nights of August 'J, 10 and 11, showers of meteors were more or less abundant, accord- 
ing to the density of the cosmical cloud. The meteoric downfall is thus explained: The earth, 
traveling with a velocity of eighteen miles a second, plunges into a mass of cosmical atoms, 
whose velocity is increased by her attractit)n to thirty miles a second. The meteors impinge 
upon our atmosphere with this tremiuidous velocity, become vaporized liy the concussion, and 
leave a train of luminous matter l)ehind them when thev fall. The ring of meteors was calcu- 
lated to be nearly 11,000,000,000 miles in diameter, and 4,000,000 miles in breadth. In Nov- 
ember, 1S82, the great comet was visible. The transit of Venus was observed December 6, 
1882. 

BOTANY A.ND ZOOLOGV. 
The riora of St. Clair comprises almost all the orders known in the Northern States. Of 
the 180 orders represented in Michigan, fully 107 are common in the country bordering on the 



168 HISTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Black Rivor. The represented genera within this district are estimated at 370, comprising no 
less than 850 species. New and beautiful tiowers are added annually to the pioneer garden 
beds of the valley; wild tiowers appear and fade; many beautiful colors, well remembered by 
the old settlers, have disappeared within the last decade, and thus one of the most beautiful 
features of nature is undergoing marked changes. 

The following paper, by Prof. W. J. Beal, of Lansing, deals in detail with the flora of 
Michigan: 

'■ As might be expected from the uniform surface of the Lower Peninsula, the florals much 
alike throughout. The sandy and stony drift of many river valleys in the Lower Peninsula sup- 
ports a heavy growth of oak, frequently interspersed with black walnut, hickory and white ash, 
while the margins of the streams and neighboring swamps abound in soft maples, swamp and 
chestnut oak, black ash, elm, hackberry, sycamore and butternut. Willows, dogwoods, vibur- 
nums and buttonbush are common shiaibs in swamps, and hazel, hawthorn, wild cherry and 
plum, Juneben-y and witch-hazel are abundant on the di-ier ground. 

" On the uplands and away from the streams, clay loam and a black soil supersede the sands 
and gi-avels of the valleys. The prevailing timber here is beech and maple and oak in about 
equal proportions. Beech and sugar maple generally grow together, forming magnificent for- 
ests of great extent. Tamarack is a valuable timber often found in the swamps of the southern 
part of the State. Farther north, arbor vitte, often called white cedar, takes its place. 

' ■ Immense groves of large, straight, sound sugar maples abound in Grand Traverse County 
and eastward, also deep forests of hemlock and yellow birch, mixed with a tall growth of striped 
maple, having underneath a tangled growth of groimd hemlock, and under all a carpet of hjco- 
podium or club moss. In many places large tracts of upland, and swamps also, produce bushes 
beai'ing huckleberries in great abundance. 

" In many portions of the State north of the central, large quantities of tine blackberries and 
raspberries are produced. 

" The pine coxmtry proper lies between the two tracts described, and affords the leading- 
lumber in the markets. There are two species, Pimis strobus (white or soft pine) and P. reshiosa 
(red or Norway *pine), which furnish all the pine hunber. 

" In the remaining portion of this paper, I have gleaned freely from mj' report on the for- 
ests of Michigan at the centennial exposition, printed in the agricultiu'al and pomological 
reports of oiu- State in 1875. 

" Hickory of three species of the best quality grows in the southern part of the State. Chest- 
nut is found in the southeastern part, and grows well when planted in many other portions. 
Tlie canoe birch is abundant northward; also arbor vitis in the swamps. The latter is very val- 
uable for telegraph poles and fence pos+s. 

"Red cedar in limited quantity is found about lakes and along streams. With cultivation 
it grows quite rapitUy. The most common trees of the State are beech and sugar maple. They 
are all over the Southern Peninsula on what is known as timbered land. Much of the wood of 
sugar majile northward is curly or bird's-eye." It is very useful for furniture and certain parts 
of railway coaches. Large (quantities are exported. The white oak is another valuable tree, 
found in great abundance and perfection in most parts of the Southern Peninsula. It disap- 
pears as we reach the pine to the north. 

" White ash is also widely distributed, of excellent quality, and stands without a rival for 
farm implements, for cabinet ware, oars, floors, and for finishing off churches and dwellings. 
It is remarkable for its elasticity, strength and beauty. It grows rapidly, and often becomes 
a large tree. 

"Black walnut is becoming scarce in Michigan where it was once abundant. It is an indi- 
cation of good land. ■ Black cherry, the timber of which is red, is common, durable, and valua- 
ble. White pine has been referred to as affording all of our soft pine hunber. 

"Rock or white elm, Ulmus raceiiiofta, is abundant and a very valuable timber on account of 
its toughness. 

"It is found in great perfection in the form of large, tall, straight trees in the central part 
of the Soiithern Peninsula. It is now very extensively used in making many portions of farm 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAli; COUNTY. 169 

implements, railway cars, etc. Black ash is valuable, i^rowini^ on bottom laud, aud is used fur 
rails, hoops, baskets, aud lumber for cabinet ware. 

"Lumbering has, in many portions of the State, beeu slovenly aud wastefully carried on. 
Much loss has been received from forest tires. Hereafter, greater economy will doubless attend 
the business of lumbering, 

" High trees are found in some congenial spots which are a little lower than the surrounding 
surface. At CJlam Lake, an old lumberman assured me that he could furnish spars of pine 175 
feet long and not over two feet through at the butt. He had cut them 200 feet long." 

The following table shows the localitv of some of these trees: 



COMMON NAME. DI.VMETER. , COUNTY. 



White a-sh 5* feet Allej;:iu. 

Black iish :5 feet It inches Wayne. 

Yellow birch li feet (i iiielies Siiiiilac. 

Blacli Clicrrv T feet 6 inelies Oaklaiul. 

Button wood." 8 feet 6 inches Lenawee. 

Buttouwood 8 feet 10 inches Ionia. 

Button wood 11 feet Kent. 

Black ualiuit 9 feet 6 inches Hillsdale. 

Black wal luit 1 1 feet .\llegan. 

Balsam poplar 3 feet 7^ inches Oakland. 

Butternut 8feet 9 inches Saginaw. 

Cottonwood 6 feet iKent. 

Cottonwood 10 feet 

American elm f feet Manistee. 

({rape vine 10 inches Lenawee. 

Hickory ,3 feet Calhoun. 

Honey locust 3 feet Lenawee. 

Hemlock spruce 5 feet Allej^an. 

Ironwood 19 inches lAllegan. 

Sugar maple 6 feet Otsego. 

Mulbcrrv 1 foot four inches Wayne. 

White oak 5 feet : Allegan. 

White oak 7 feet Barry. 

White oak 8 feet 4 inches i 

Swamp oak 7 feet 8 inches 'Wayne. 

White pine (>i feet (irand Traverse. 

Red cedar 3"feet Ionia. 

Sassafras 4 feet 4 inches Allegan. 

Tamarack .-8 feet Ingham. 

White cedar 4 feet 

White cedar 5 feet Crand Traverse. 

Tulip tree 6 feet Ingham. 

Tulip tree 6 feet .Monroe. 

Pear tree 3i feet Monroe. 

Weeping willow 4 feet 6 inches Lenawee. 



For lack of accurate records, no doubt we have not given the measurements of the largest 
trees. In Oakland county, a tulip tree furnished r),0()0 feet of lumber. On the Muskegon a 
white pine scaled nearly 9,000 feet. 

Great Britain has about ten species of trees which are natives of her soil. Michigan, with 
much less territory, has abotit ninety species, nine times as great a variety. Michigan has six 
species of maple of tree size, a basswood, a whitcwood, honey locust. Kentucky cofl'ee tree, two 
cherries, a pepperidge, live ashes, a sassafras, three elms, a hackberry, a muibin-ry, a button- 
wood, black walnut, butternut, sis hickories, about twelve oaks, a chestnut, a beech, five tree 
birches, one Uirch. one arbor vit;c. and a red cedar. The Hora of Michigan contains 1,63-i 
species (and prt)bably more w^ill bo found) including 165 trees and shrubs. At least 40 of the 
trees and shrubs are worthy of cultivation for ornament. 

In the tropics of South America, we should lind 6,000 species on a territory where wo 
should find (iO siiecies in ^lichigan. In the tropics, a forest is seldom seen to compare with 
the yrandeiu- of a forest of oiu- white pines. The mi.\ture cf evergreens and deciduous- leaved 



170 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

trees, the shrubs, the autumn tints, the streams, the hills and valleys, oiu' beautiful lakes, with 
the different seasons of the year and different phases of the weather, lend a j^erjjetual charm 
and freshness to our Michigan woodlands. 

There are 139 species of grasses indigenous to Michigan and 176 species of sedges. The 
latter are often mistaken for grasses by those who are not botanists. Many of these on plains 
and in marshes, afford excellent pasture and hay for use bj' the pioneer. The State is 
I'emarkable for the excellent quality of its meadows and pastures, which are seen in the older 
portions. These are made up of several wild and introduced species, the number of which 
can no doubt be largely increased with greater profit to the farmer. 

While we have a good variety which are abiindant enough for the scientist, and some 
kinds more abundant than is desired by farmers and fruit-growers, yet injurious insects are by 
no means so numerous as they are farther west and south. Entomologists assure us that we need 
have no fears of chintz bugs or the Kocky Mountain locust. The army worm is very seldom 
troublesome, and then only in limited localities. 

FOS.'JIl.S. 
The fossil remains found in connection with the rocks of this county, and particularly evi- 
dent in the limestone strata, comprise the Lithostrotion mammillare, the L. longiconicum, the 
Cyathophyllum f uugitus, and the Syringopore, all belonging to the polypi class. The only evi- 
dence of the Echinodermata is furnished by the remains of common species. The Bryoza class 
is represented in this limestone by no less than seven species; the Brachiopoda by eighteen 
species; the Lamellibranchiata by six species; the Trilobites by two very distinct species, each 
showing the tails. The remains of fish and reptiles are found to be very common. Human 
remains are unknown at present to exist in the conformations examined in St. Clair. 

ZOOLOGICAL. 
The changes wrought by time have, as it were, lightened the task of dealing with the zool- 
ogy of this county. All the great animals of the wilderness known to the pioneers have 
ceased long years ago to make their home in St. Clair. The remains of the pre-historic animals 
are hidden beneath the conformations of ages; the millions of reptiles which preceded and 
lived through the long summer, lie bm-ied hundreds of fathoms down. 

BIRDS. 

All that is left to i-emind us of uncultivated nature, are the beautiful birds which visit 
the county periodically, or make it their home. Of these feathered citizens, there are about 
250 species knovrai to the people of this county —a large number have been seen only at long in- 
tervals; others have been seen once and disajipeared, such as the summer red bird. The Con- 
necticut warbler is one of the most recent settlers, and evidently, one which shows a dispo- 
sition to make the county her home. Others have settled here since the county was organized, 
while others still date their advent away in the long past. In the following jiages an effort is 
made to deal with the feathered tribe: 

The robin, or Tiirdiis migraioriris, is a resident during spring and autumn, and even 
throxighout such winters as that of 1881-82. 

The wood-thrush, or Tardus mustrlinus is a common siunmer bird. The hermit thrush 
has been found breeding here during the spring and fall, and is accompanied by the olive- 
brcked thrush. Wilson's thrush visi's (he county in the spring, and sometimes buQds its nest 
here. The thrasher, or bro.'>n- thrush resides with us during the summer months. The cat 
birds come in large numbers during the summer, and build their nests here. All these birds 
hover round orchars, barnyards, willow-thickets berry bushes, and brush heaps, both in the 
villages and in the country. 

The blue-gray guateatcher is a common summer resident. The ruby crovraed kinglet is a 
spring and fall visitor, troincr south in winter. The golden-crowned kinglet is found everywhere 
dtiring the spring and autumn months. All these birds seek a home here for a great portion of 
the year, and create the envy of the other families by the beautiful nests which they build in 



IIISTOIJY OF ST. CLAIi; COrXTV 171 

the groves .and forest patches of the county. The eggs of these birds are throe-eightlis of an 
inch long, white in color, spookled, and dashed with nniber and lilac. The blue bird is found 
everywhere during spring, suiuuier and autiiinn. It uests in di^oaying trees, fence ))osts, and 
feeds upon worms, grasshoppers, spiders and berries. The white-bellied mulhatch is another 
common resident, though originally a Carolinian. The red-bolliod hatch comes here from Can- 
ada to spend the spring, summer and fall, returning to that cold land in winter. These birds 
nest in the holes of trees, and feed upon spiders, ants, insects' eggs and seeds. The titmoviso, 
or black-capped chickud(fe nests in the woods during tine weather, and comes into the village 
to spend the winter. It thankfully receives all the crumbs which may fall in its path. The 
brown creeper is the only representative of the family ('crfJiiaili'^ in this county. It dwells 
hero the year round, hiuling a st(jrehouse in the forest to lay U]) animal and vegetable food in 
the shape of insects and seeds. The wren family, or TnxjJodijIiiUv, has six representatives in 
the couuty. The Carolina wren, though a stragglei', ia well known. 

Bewick's wren, or Tliryotltoruft hewickii, appeared here for the lirst time very recently. 
His advance from the South was gradual. 

The hous(> wren, or Troijloili/Irs: irdon. is found in large numbers in the central townshi]is 
of the county. 

The winter wren is a well known visitor, sometimes spending the winter in tlie valley. He 
is known by the telling title AnortJinra tnvjhxhjti'ft. 

The long-billed marsh wren, or Tclmafodi/teti jiala^tris. builds a suspended nest amqng the 
marsh-reeds or in sand grass. There he remains during the sununer and then migrates. 

The short-billed wren prefers meadow land and builds a large nest in a secure place. 
This family of miniature birds feeds u])on insects, grasshoppers, snails, moths and other 
delicacies. 

The Family Si/lricolickv comprises no less than tliirty-three representatives in this county. 
The black and white creeper nests beside a fallen tree; the blue yellow-winged warbler in the 
tree-tops of swamps and heavily timbered land. The blue-winged yellow warbler is a rare 
visitor. The l)lue, golden-winged warbler remains here during summer and breeds in low, 
damp woodland. 

The Nashville warbler, orange-crowned w'arbler, Tennessee warbler, yellow warbler, black- 
throated green warbler, blue warbler, Blackburnian, yellow-rumi)ed, black-poll, bay breasted, 
chestnut -sided, black and yellow. Cape May, prairie, yellow-throated, Kirtland's yellow red- 
poll, pine cree])er and i)erhaps two or three other species of th(> wariiler family, are well known 
visitors. 

The water thrush, short and long Isilled. and th(> redstart belong t<i tlie family, and are 
common here. 

The Connecticut warbler, a stranger here until ISSl, the Maryland yellow-throat, the 
mourning, the hooded fly-catcher, black-capped fly-catcher, Canada fly-catcher, all favorite 
warblers, are beginning to make th(> county their home. 

This is the second family in im|)ortance among the birds of North America. Their food 
consists chietly of insects, varied with fruit and berries. They ])eep into crevices, scrutinize 
the abodes of the insect world and never sufTer from want. This family is the scourge of the 
orchard and ofti>ntimes destroys fruit lields of great value. 

The horned lark, or Krcinopliild (tljM'stris, is a winter dweller here and nests during the 
close of the cold season. There is another species of thi> horned lark, which leaves on the ap- 
proach of winter. Both build their nests on the gi'ound, breed in April, and play around the 
farm yard or over gravelly soil. 

The titlark belongs to the family MotaciUidiv. They flock hither in tens of thousands dur- 
ing spring and often remain until fall. 

The scarlet tanager, or Pi/ninga ruhra, is a common visitor. The summer red bird 
hitherto referred to as a recent explorer of the North, is very rarely seen here. 

Th(< Bohemian wax-wing, or Aiiijx'liji (/arruhttt, is a recent and rare visitor. The cherry 
bird, or Carolina was wing, breeds here in August and September. They feed upon apples. 
cherries and berries, but are not numerous enough to cause any great anxiety to the pomolo- 
gis(. 



l'^2 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

The Family Hiritndinida' comprises the barn swallow, the white bellied swallow, the eave 
swallow, the sand swallow aud the pm-ple martin. These birds destroy myriads of winged in- 
sects, and make them their principal food. The swallow, though not so s'howy as her gaudy 
neighbors, confers more real benefit upon the i)eople than any other member of the bird tribe. 

The Family r/ccoH/r/a' comprises the red-eyed vireo, brotherly - love vireo, or Vireo pliila- 
delphicus, warbling vireo, yellow- throated vireo, solitary vireo and white-eyed vireo. They 
feed chieHy on insects, dwell in the forests, and seldom as they come to town, are in a hurry to 
return to their rustic homes. 

The great northern shrike, or CoUnrio borealis, sometimes remains here to breed, but is not 
such a permanent settler as the loggerhead shrike which makes its home here the year round. 
The white rumped shrike is seen here during the summer months. They are very quarrelsome 
among tbemselves, and savage toward other birds. They impale their victims on thorns and 
leave them there until driven by hunger to eat them. 

The Family Corrida' is becoming extinct, or at least, veiy uncommon here. Dm-ing the 
present year the few which visited left suddenly, contrary to all precedent. These birds are 
omnivorous, and comprise among others the raven, crow and blue jay. Their evil ways are al- 
most compensated for by their good qualities, and some are inclined to believe that the benefits 
they confer ai-e far in excess of the damage they do. 

The Family FritigiUida' is the most extensive known in the States of the Union. It is 
graminivorous, except during the breeding season, when it feeds itself and young on insects. 
The rose-breasted grosbeak is the only member of the family which feeds upon the potato bug. 
The white-crowned sparrow's food is the grape-vine flea beetle; the fox-sparrow and the chewink 
search out hybernating insects and snails; the English sparrow, a recent immigrant, feeds on 
seeds; the purple finch and, crossbills feed on oily seeds and the seeds of pine cones. 

The names of the varied representatives of this tribe, are: The pine grosbeak, pm-ple finch, 
white-winged cro.ssbill, red crossbill, red poll linnet, mealy red-poll, pine linnet, goldfinch, 
snow bunting, Lapland longspur. Savanna sparrow, bay-winged Inmting, yellow-winged spar 
row, Henslow's, Lincoln's, swamp, song, chipping, field, clay-colored, white- throated, white- 
crowned, fo.x, aud English sparrows. The latter bird was introduced here in 1873-74 The 
blue-bird, martin, swallow, and other sparrows have to fly before the approach of their legions. 
The lark, finch, black -throated bunting, rose-breasted grosbeak, the indigo bird and the Towhee 
bunting, or chewink, are not so destructive as the English sparrow; they have their uses; but it 
is likely that when the people realize the importance of the destruction of the imported spar- 
row the whole family will fall with that branch. 

T}ie Family Icfi'ridw. — The bobolink, cow-bird, red-winged black-bird, meadow lark, rusty 
grackle, crow black-bird, Baltimore and orchard orioles belong to this family. The cow-bird 
destroys the eggs and young of stranger birds. The oriole feeds on hairy caterpillars dm-ing 
the s^eason of breeding; this bird is of service in the orchard, and for this service she accepts 
the first small fruits and other luxuries of the garden. The other members of the family 
may be termed gregarious; they feed on the seeds of weeds, oats, wheat, corn, and on flies 
and insects. 

The Tyrannidce Family subsist almost altogether on flies, which they pursue and capture 
in the most open places. The pewee and king-bird pursue their victim in the light of day, 
and even should it escape for a time, it eventually falls before the lance of its pm-surer. The 
family comprises the king-bird, wood pewee, phcEbebird, together with a half dozen flycatchers, 
variously named. 

The Caprinmlgida' Family comprises the whippoorwill, or Antrostomus vociferus, which 
is a common summer resident here, and the night-hawk, another well-known summer bird. 
They are given to " jay-hawking," and select the night for seeking their prey. Then thou- 
sands of grasshoppers, moths, beetles, winged insects and flies become their prey. The chimney 
swallow captures its prey upon the wing in a similar manner; but it belongs to the Cypselidue 
family. 

The Alcedinidcp. — The only representative of this family in the county is said to be the 
belted king-fisher, which comes here in summer to spend the fishing season." If it does not at 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COl'XTV. 173 

once succeed in catching one of the linny tribe, it is fa|)able of alistaiiiiii;^- until success 
crowns its efforts. 

The Tmrliiliild'. — This family is well represonted hero liy the hunimini^-hij-d. This is an 
animated cluster of emeralds and rubies, which comes to delight the poojile in May, and con- 
tinues with them until September. 

The only member of the CucitUda- residing here during the summer niouths is the black- 
billed cuckoo, which comes to visit the woods and orchards of the State in the middle of June, 
and remains until harvest time. 

The Pickhr Family, as represented here, is composed of seven species of woodpecker, 
known as the downy, the hairy, the Arctic black-back, the yellow-bellied, red Ixdlied, red-headed, 
and golden winged. The family subsist on timber insects, fruit, berries and green coi'n. The 
yellovv-bellied woodpecker is very destructive to apple tr<!Os; he sucks the sa]) of trees in some 
"parts of the Union, but owing to the length of winter in Northeastern Michigan. h(> has no time 
to do much mischief hero. 

The Sfri(ii<l<r Family comprises the barn owl, gi-eat horned owl, long-eared owl. short -eared 
owl. snow owl, hawk owl sparrow owl and Acadian owl. A few of thesejare verv common 
residents here; the last named is an immigrant which settled here in 1879. All form the noc- 
turnal branch of the raptorial species, and select for tluMr prey rats, mic(>, lish. frogs, chickens, 
birds of all kinds, and sometimes young pigs. They have their xises. 

The Falcon idir Family is comjiaratively e.xtensive. and is fully re])resentod here. It in- 
cludes the marsh hawk, white-tailed kite, sharp-shinned hawk, goshawk, Co0])er's hawk, pigeon 
hawk, sparrow hawk, red-tailed hawk, rod-shouldered hawk, broad winged hawk, Swainsou's 
hawk, rough-legged hawk, the lish-hawk, and the bald eagle. They are birds of prey that select 
day-time for carrying on their operations. The fish-hawk will eat only fish. The bald eagle's 
favorite food is carrion and fish. When his taste leans toward fish, he genei'ally makes a de- 
scent upon the fish-hawk. 

The turkey buzzard, or Cdflinrfcs anrn, is common in the county during July and August. 
They are entirely carnivorous, and come here after the period of incul)atiou has been ])assed in 
the Southern States. 

The Family MuleagriiUr is re])resonted hereby the wild turkey. This bird was well known 
here in olden times, but has now almost ceased to be a resident. 

The Family Tcfraoiuda' is ])Oculiarly one of game birds. It includes the partridge or 
rufted grouse, the quail and the )>rairie chicken. The ijuail is a common resident of the countv. 
and appears to attain its greatest size here. These birds sulisist on the vai'ious grains, seeds, 
berries, buds, grapes and chestnuts. They form a fanuly of large and beautiful i)irds. Imt in- 
capable of being thoroughly domesticated. 

The Family ('o/i((»/)/(/(r iucludi^s the wild pigeon and Carolina dov(v The lattei' resides 
here during the greater portion of the year. The jiigeon is thoroughly graminivorous in its 
tastes, and in this respect difl'ors from the family Tel raonidw. 

The Family Phaluroitodidw comprises the northern phalaro]io and Wilson's phalarope. 
two migrants which build their nests here at long inteiwals. 

The Family Chant'lridir. or the plover tribe, is represented hero by the killdeer. semi- 
palmatod, pii)ing. golden and black bellied plovers. They feed ui)on mollusks, water insects, 
grasshoppers, beetles, etc. This family is inferior in size to its Eurojiean kindred. 

The Family Ank'id(r includes the groat bittern or Indian hen. the little bittern, the groat 
blue, great white, green and night herons. These birds are summer residents, with the excep- 
tion of the night heron, which dwells here the year i-ound. 

The Family Grniila; represented here by the sandhill crane and the whooping crane. 
Neither of these • birds breeds here, and they may bo set down as common stragglers or 
" tramps." 

The Family Coli/mhidcr is very small. Only two representatives are found here, viz., the 
common loon, well known for many years, and the black-throated loon, a recent visitor. To 
form an id(>a of the (piickue.ss of this apparently unwiel ly bird, one must make an attemj>t to 
captur(> him alive or even shoot him. During travels in the Northwest, 187U-S(). the writer 



Hi HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

found three specimens of the family living quietly in a lakeside nest, and left them undisturbed. 
The Rail tribe is comijaratively well known here. It includes the Carolina and Virginia rails; 
the Florida guIUnule and the cool, all common summer birds. The rare summer visitors of the 
tribe comprise the black, yellow, king, and clapper rails. 

The tcrebe tribe or Family Podicipida', comprises the horned grebe, the pied-billed grebe, 
as common residents; and the red-necked, and i-ed-eared grebe which come here at intervals. 

The Family Ana/irffP is perhaps the best known and most useful of the feathered race. 
It comprises the goose, duck, widgeon, teal and merganser. The birds of the tribe common to 
the county are the brandt and Canada goose, the mallard, black, pin-tail, gadwall, wood, big 
black-head, little black-head, ring-necked, poachard, canvas-backed, golden-eye, butter-ball. 
lono--tailed, Labrador, ruddy and tish ducks, the red-breasted merganser, the hooded mergan- 
ser, American widgeon, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, and the shoveller teal. 

The Family Scolopacidie includes the woodcock, American snipe, red-breasted snipe, up- 
land plover, long-billed curlew, stilt sandpiper, semipalmated, least, pectoral and red-backed 
sandpipers, Willst, greater yellow-legs, lesser yellow-legs and solitary, spotted and buff-breast- 
ed sandpipers. All these birds are common here. They are all " waders," and su.bsist on aqua- 
tic insects, grasshoppers, mollusks, crustaceans, etc. 

The Laridw Family comprises all the terns and gulls known in the temperate zone of our 
continent. The birds of the tribe common to St. Clair County, are the herring gull, the ringed- 
billed, the lauo-hing and the Bonaparte gulls. The forktail gull is an uncommon visitor. The 
terns best known here include the Ai-ctic, marsh. Forster's, Wilson's, the little and the black 

tern. 

A man by the name of Conant speared a large eel in Sarnia Bay, May, 1852, the first of 
the kind, we are informed, ever caught in these waters. It was four feet in length, eight inch- 
es in circumference in the largest place, and weighed six pounds. The old French settlers, to 
whom it was exhibited, looked upon the eel with perfect astonishment, never having seen the 

like before. 

MA M.MALI A. 

Amonc the many papers on this subject presented to the writer, there is one specially aj)plicable 
prepared by J. S. Tibbits. It does not mention the New York and brown bats, the shrew and moles 
which were once known here; yet it deals fully with the larger mammalia, known to the first 
settlers of the districts bordering on Lake St. Clair. The contributor states : 

"Most of the wild animals common to the State were found in great numbers by the early 
settlers of this county, and the descendants of Nimrod and Esau found abundant material upon 
which to exercise their favorite pursuit. The animals mostly to be foiTnd here were the deer, 
bear", wolf, lynx, wild cat, fox, coon, badger, fisher, porcupine, wcodchuck, rabbit, mink and 
weasel. The skunk and rat did not make their appearance in the rural districts for nearly ten 
vears after the first settlements were made. They were both as great curiosities to me then as 
the mermaid would be now. My first experience with a skunk was a sad, though I think a profi- 
table one. A neighbor, having an open cellar wall, ascertained one day that a skunk had taken 
refuse in the wall, and he offered me ten cents to kill and skin him. Being anxious to gratify 
my curiosity to see a skunk, and my ambition to earn an honest p)enny, I readily undertook the 
job. Ascertaining the locality of the animal, I proceeded with a sharpened stick to dislodge him. 
Getting down on my knees, I peei'ed into the hole and gave him a sharp punch with my stick. 
He immediately resorted to his usual mode of defense, and discharged a full battery square in 
my face. I retreated in good order, though in very bad odor, and have wisely concluded ever 
since to let every man skin his own skunks. 

"The birds common in these early days were the eagle, hawk, tiirkey-buzzard. raven, owl, 
crane, turkey, partridge, duck, wild goose and a variety of the smaller birds. The crow, like 
the skunk and rat, did not make its appearance till a number of years after the first settlements 
were made. The turkey-buzzard, so common in those eai-ly days, is seldom or never seen now. 
This bird resembles the wild turkey more nearly than any other bird, though by no means so 
laro-e. It is not a bird of prey, but, like the raven, lives on carrion. It is a powerful bird on 
the wino-, and soars to great heights, sailing seemingly for hours without a movement of the 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIK rOUXTY. 175 

wingB. The quills are very valiiablo for writing purposes, and the [wasession of one was con- 
sidered a treasure, inasiuueh as with careful usage one would last through a sciiool term of three 
or four months. 

" The wild turkey was very common, and vast flocks of several hundred were frequently to 
be met with. The usual mode of hunting them was for two or three persons to proceed cau- 
tiously through the woods till they came upon a flock, then suddenly fire at random amongst 
them, the object being to scatter them in all directions. When thus scattered, they will inva- 
riably return to the same spot to get together again, the old ones coming first to call their 
young together. The hunters, hid in some .secluded place, with their "turkey calls" ready for 
use, would wait patiently for the return of the old birds. These turkey calls consist of the 
hollow bone of the turkey's wing, and, in the mouth of an experienced hunter, can be made to 
exactly imitate the piping sound of the mother bird when calling her brood together. Soon the 
maternal notes of the old Viirds are heard, and the hunters respond with their "calls," luriniT 
them on to cei'tain destruction. After the old birds are killed, the young ones fall an easy prey 
to the uneiTing aim of the skillful marksman. The flesh of the wild turkey is esteemed a great 
luxury, and one of the most delicious meals I think I ever ate was made from steak cut from 
the breast of a young tiu'key, fried in butter, and partaken after a hard day's hunt, in which a 
companion and myself killed seven large, fine birds. 

" The wild turkey is sometimes caught in [)ens made of poles, some five or six feet in height, 
and covered over the top to prevent their escape. A covered passage way is made under the 
pen large enough for the turkeys to crawl through. Corn or other grain is scattered in the 
passage way and inside the pen. The unsuspecting birds, seeing the grain, commence picking 
it up, and thus one after another ci-awls through the hole into the open pen. 'Once in. forever in,' 
for they never think of putting their heads down to crawl out again. 

" Deer were also very abundant, and scarcely a day passed but more or less of them were 
seen in and about the clearings. But little skill was required in killing them, the principal 
<[ualification being a steady nerve. During the hot days in the summer, when the mosquitoes 
and gnats were troublesome, the deer would resort to the streams and ponds of water during 
the night to get rid of their tormentors. Here they would fall an easy prey to the hunter, who. 
in his canoe, with a torch at the bow. would row noiselessly about. The deer, seeing the light, 
would remain as it were entranced, presenting to the unerring aim of the hunter two small 
bright globes of light, between which the fatal bullet was sure to be lodged. Another mode of 
hunting the deer, which frequently occasioned rare sport, was by watching for them on their 
run-ways. and shooting them down as they passed. One or two persons wei-e stationed on the 
run-way. while others with the hounds would scour the woods to scare up the deer. Wlien- 
ever one was started, it would invariably make for the run-way. the hounds and the men or 
boys following in hot piirsuit. l\Mr(>ly, indeed, was it the case that he was successful in run- 
ning the gauntlet, but usually fell a victim to his ruthless pursuers. A laughable incident oc- 
curred at one of these hunts, which is too good to be passed by unnoticed. A young man came 
on from an Eastern city to visit his country cousins at the West. Having never seen a deer, 
and being vei-y anxious to engage in a hunt before his return, it was soon arranged to have one. 
Proceeding to the forest, the young man was stationed on the run-way, with strict instruc- 
tions to shoot the deer when he ])assed. The boys, with their hounds and guns, commenced 
scouring the woods. Soon the de(>p baying of the hounds was heard, denoting that the game 
hail been started. Nearer and nearer came the pursuer and the pursued. Suddenly a fine buck 
made his appeal ance. with his noble antlers laid back upon his shoulders, and his white tail 
aloft in the air. On ho sped past the affrighted youth, who stood with his rifle cocked, his 
eyes and mouth wide open, the embodiment of wonder and astonishment. Hai-d U))on the heels 
of the deer came the dogs, and soon the boys, who, seeing their coiisin in this ludicrous situa- 
tion, asked in amazement. 'Why he did not shoot the buck I " 'Buck!' said he, 'I haven't 
seen any buck. I only saw the d — 1 coming down the hill with a rocking chair on his head, 
and his white handkerchief sticking out behind." Wolves and bears were more ninuerous than 
agreeable. They were very destructiv > to the few flocks of sheep and herds of swine then in 
the county. They were caught in traps and in dead-falls, and sometimes wolves were inveigled 



176 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

into the folds with the sheeji, and captured in that way. A large pen was made of poles, and 
so constructed that it was narrowed up at the top, leaving an opening only a few feet square. 
This afforded an easy ingress to the hungry wolf, but an effectual barrier to his escape. He 
would thus be found in the morning, having done no harm, and looking very sheepish indeed. 

A novel mode of trapping the bear was sometimes adopted which proved successful. A 
hollow tree was selected into which a hole was cut of a triangular shape, with the acute angle 
at the lower side. The hole was made some seven or eight feet from the ground, and just large 
enouwh for bruin to squeeze his head through. Inside of the tree, some two or three feet be- 
low the hole, was suspended a piece of meat. The bear, scenting the food, would climb up the 
tree, and, in his eiforts to get at the meat, would get hung in the acute angle of the hole, from 
which it was impossible to extricate himself. 

" Occasionally a lynx was seen in the swamps in the western part of the county, but they 
were extremely shy, and it was rare indeed that one was killed. The porcupine was more com- 
mon; and they proved very troublesome to the hunters' dogs, which would frequently retm-a 
from the chase at night with their mouths full of their sharp quills. It is supposed by many 
that the hedgehog and porcui-)ine are identical, but this is a mistake. The only point of resem- 
blance is in their coat of armor, which consists of long, sharp-pointed quills. Whenever these 
animals are attacked, they double themselves up into a ball, and thus present a formidable de- 
fense. Their quills ai-e easily detached, but I think it is a mistaken idea that they have the 
power of throwing off their quills, as some supi^ose. The hedgehog is a native of the old 
world, is small in size, aud carniverous; whereas the porcupine is a native of the new world, is 
about the size of the woodchuck, and lives on roots, vegetables and wild fruits. The badger 
and the lisher were occasionally seen, but they were by no means common. Most of these wild 
animals, like the aborigines of the country, have receded before the march of civilization and 
improvement, and but few of them can now be found within the limits of the county." 

A soft-shell turtle was caught in the Belle River District in the summer of 1881. It has 
been said that a few of these creatures were seen in St. Clair County previously, but this of 
1881 is the first of which there is any record. 

RELATIONSHIP OF lURDS AND REPTILES. 

We have now passed in review various remarkable forms, separated by an immeasm-able 
distance from each other, and forms which have so mingled the characters of both as to present 
great difficulties to their being included among the members of either group. Starting from 
the o-roveling crocodile, we have seen that there existed gigantic crocodile-like forms; such 
as the giant-lizard and the iguanodon. that walked, sometimes at least, on their hind limbs; 
others, like the long-necked, long-tailed compsognathus, from the Soleuhofen states, that 
hopped on the ground after the manner of a bird: then •• flying dragons." with bird-like 
brain and bones, that cleft the air with their twenty-feet expanse of wing; next undoubted 
birds, with toothed bills, the one with reptilian vertibra\ the other, with a beaver-like tail; 
while, last of all, omitting the imperfectly-known Sheppey fossil, the feathei-ed archseopterox, 
whose twenty caudal segments bar its entrance to every existing family of birds. 

Without by any means asserting — what is not only far from being ascertained fact, but 
is, indeed, very improbable: for we are not in a position to state that they appeared on the earth 
intermediately between the two groups — that these forms are the direct terms in the series of 
progressions from reptiles to birds, we can, in their intelligent contemplation, without over- 
straininof the imagination or violating our reason, picture still more modified forms wherein the 
reptilian and the aviariau types would so harmoniously blend that we should find it imjwssible 
to say, "'At this point the line between reptiles and birds must be drawn."' There can be no 
reasonable doubt but that the remains, which only through the circumstance of a happy bm-ial 
have been preserved to us from the second great era of the world's history till now, are no 
more than a very few examples, with many a blank between, of the fauna which have lived 
and died, whose tombs no man knowetb- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



THE INDIANS. 



rriHE Indians having no literature, and of course no written history- of tiicir own, have a reniom- 
I liranee of events more clear and distinct tlian tliose wiio depend upon the written or prinli'd 
page for their preservation. And any one wlio has never given tiie sui)ject attention would lie surprised 
to see how long a time can be (-overed bv tradition, tluough a single intervening witness between 
the occurrence and the one r(>latingthe incident. To illustrate this point, a man who lost his arm 
at the storming of Quebec, 1750, repeated the story of that conflict in lS31_t, the old soldier lieing 
ninet}'-nine years of age. Now should the boy who heard the story live to be ninety and tell it to 
another of ten, he living eighty years afterward and repeating the tale from one who got it from 
the man participating in the event, it would l)e 240 years after the battle, with a single intervening 
witness. Now the Indians have a language quite complete in words representing natural objects 
and describing events and names of places, although delieient in terms to describe mechanical 
works, arts or science, or any of the concomitants of civilization ; and their traditions must have a 
certain amount of value to the historian, and a few of them will be here presented. The name 
Otchipwe, which the English tongue has transformed into ('hi|)pewa. signilies, "the dwellers in a C(jn- 
tractcd ()lace," evidt-ntly applied to these people during thiir long residence at the foot of Lake 
Superior, or ''Le Sault de St. Marie." It is supposed that this tribe, coming from the northern part 
of the New England Slat,es, struck the great lakes on the north of Lake Ontario, following along 
Lake Erie, without having touched Niagara Falls, as they make no mention of that, and via the 
coast of Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron to JIackinaw, or Mee-she-mee-ke-nak the "(ireat Turtle," 
as they called the island ot Mackinaw. The Oh-dah-wa (Ottawa) branch of the Odjibewa tribe took 
its course up Lake Michigan (Me-slu'-gane), the great lodge of the Great Turtle or "Manitou." The 
main body of the Odjibewas or Otchipwes must have lingered a long time around the shores of 
Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, until (inally reaching the Sault St. Marie, having been in a more or 
less constant state of warfare on the journey, which must have been much slower than the children 
of Israel. The scene of their principal traditions is about this place and up to the head of Lake 
Superior, having gradually moved along the south shore, making fretpu'ut excursions down the 
Sautern or Chippewa River. Another branch, the '-Bois Forts," of the Algomiuins, as they were 
called by the Euglish, whose native name was Sha-guan-ila-gawin-eua, or "men living in thick 
undergrowth of timber," proceeded on the north of Lake Superior, 'i'heir baiuls had few warlike 
experiences compared to those south of the lake, who encountered tlie iNlis-cpiakee. or Sacs, and the 
Oda-gali-mee, or Foxes, and gradually crowded their way, linally reaching the Apostle Islands. On 
one of them, Madiline, they located, not daring to locate on the main land for fear of the Dacotas 
or Sioux. These people were at that time in what might be called a nourishing condition. It was 
many generations ago. From tlie colony at Madiline Islands, many bands proceeiled to Brule 
River, and thence down the St. Croix, while to the southeast they spread out to Saginaw and 
Lake Krie. The reasons for believing the Atlantic Coast the original home of this tribe, are the 
manv names of Eastern lan<lmarks referred to in their language, the alliuity of the language itself 
to the Algoiuiuiu. These facts, together with the legends of the Ani-chi-na-be, or Od jih-wa, or 
Chippewa, lead us to believe in this account. 

TIIK OTCIlirWK 1N\".\SI()N. 

During the second decade of the sixteenth century, about the years 1510-20, the Otchipwes 
or Chip|)ewas gained possession of the district from the mouth of the Kawkawlin to the ri\er — 
now kuowu as the Clinton — called by the French, Riviere aux Ilurons. At this time the great 
struggle for tril):il suprcmie3- took place, and the last Sank warrior fell before the advancing 
Chippenvas in thj valley of the Siginaw. Throughout all this district, particularly along its rivers 
and streams, may Ijl' found mounds tilled with human bones, scattered round in all directions, 
showing, umaistakably, that they were cast together without regularity, and telling of tier<;e and 
sanguinary battles. So early as 18;U. a few aged Indians resided on the shores of Lake Huron : 

12 



178 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

each of them was questioned regarding the ancient history of his nation, and each of them was not 
slow to relate the tradition of his tribe, so far as it related to the Chippewa conquest of Northern 
and Western Michigan. At length the old chief, Puttasamine, was interviewed in the presence of 
Peter Gruette, a half-breed, well known from Detroit to Mount Clemens, and westward still to 
Mackinac. Gruette acted as interpreter, and, as a result, the following valuable legendarv sketch 
comes down to us: Puttasamine said the Sauks occupied the whole country, from Thunder Bay on 
the north to the head-waters of the Shiawasse, and from the mouth of Grand River to that of the 
Huron, north of Detroit. The rest of the country was occupied by the Pottawatomies, the Lake 
Superior counti'y by the Otchipwes and Ottawas, the Menomonees round Green Bay, and the Sioux 
west of the Messipi. The main village of the Sauk nation stood on the west side of the Saginaw 
River, near its mouth ; and from that place were accustomed to rush forth to war with the Chip- 
pewas on the north and the Pottawatomies on the south, and also with other nations in Canada. 
At length a council was called, consisting of Otchipwes, Pottawatomies, Menomonees, Ottawas, and 
Six Nations of New York, which council assembled on the Island of Mackinac, and where it 
decided on a war of extermination. The chiefs summoned the warriors, a large army was organ- 
ized, and, embarking in bark canoes, started down the west shore of Lake Huron. Arriving at 
Saginaw Bay, the warriors sailed over the waters by night, lay concealed during the day, and so 
continued their advance until they arrived at a place called Petobegong, about ten miles above the 
mouth of the Saginaw River. There the_v disembarked a portion of the arm}-, while the main 
division ci'ossed the Baj-, and made a landing on the east bank of the estuary of the Saginaw, in 
the night. Nest morning, both divisions started up the river so as to attack the eastern and west- 
ern towns at the same time. The warriors on the west bank attacked the main village, surprised 
the inhabitants, and massacred almost ever}' man, woman, and child to be found there — the few 
survivors escaping across the river to another village, which occupied the site of Portsmouth. 

The eastern division of the allies came up to the village, which then occupied the site of Bay 
City, where a desperate battle was fought. Notwithstanding the favorable position held by the 
Sauks, the}' were defeated and great numbers slain, the survivors retreating, some into the eastern 
wilderness, others seeking refuge on Skull Island. Here the refugees considered themselves safe, 
as the enem}' did not appear to possess any canoes ; but the season offered the invader that which 
art denied, for on the next night, the ice was found sufficiently thick to warrant a crossing, which 
circumstance enabled the allies to advance on the island. Here nothing was left of the Sauks, 
save twelve women, and those who fled eastvvard to the river country. The victorj' was as decisive 
as it was bloody. The victors reviewed their forces and then divided, some proceeding up the Cass 
(formerly the Huron), and the Flint; others up the Shiawassee, Tittabawasink, and so spread over 
the land. The most important battles were fought against other tribes in the neighborhood of the 
Flint Blurt's, and eastward to Detroit ; but of such Puttasamine could recount very little. 

After the extermination of the Sauk warriors, the twelve women referred to remained for dis- 
posal, and, so important did they appear, that a council of the allies was held to decide their fate. 
Some were for torturing them to death ; others recommended mercy ; while others still argued that 
they should be sent west of the Mississippi. The last proposition was carried, and an arrangement 
made with the Sioux that no tribe should molest them ; that they should be responsible for their 
protection. The Sioux warriors and women kept their promises faithfully. 

The conquered country was divided among the allies, as a common hunting ground ; but great 
numbers of them who engaged in the chase never returned, nor could any tidings of them be found, 
for which reason it became the settled opinion of the Indians that the spirits of their victims 
haunted the hunting grounds, and were killing off their warriors. In reality, the disappearance of 
many a warrior was due to the fact that a few Sauks. who had escaped the massacre, still lingered 
around the old and well-known hunting grounds, watching for the straggling conquerers, and slay- 
ing them whenever opportunity offered. 

Tondogong, an Indian chief, who died in 18-tO at a verj' advanced age, has left the record 
behind that, in his boyhood, about eighty years ago, he killed a Sauk. Even up to the year 1850, 
the old Indians of the northeastern counties of Michigan believed there was a solitary Sauk still 
to be seen in the forests of their land ; they had seen the place where he had made his fires and 
slept. For da3's after such a discovery they would not leave their camp-grounds — " there is a 
Sauk in the woods, and the}' had seen where he built his fires and slept." 

The close of the drama is within the history of our own times. We have seen the Otchipwes 



HISTORY OF ST. ("LAIU COUNTY. 179 

ill :ill tlioir vilhijics. Tlic sixteenth cciitury had not closeil wlien this ti'ilic boasted of power in 
iuiinl)er and inteliiijtenee ; linally the ()tchi|)\ve iantiiiaj^o predominated, until at the pn^sent time it 
is spoken amon^ Indians from the Arctic Circle south to latitude 40''. Pall<is<imiiie, or I'attacjuasa- 
mine, horn about the year 1729, stated that the tradition was related to him when a boy, by his 
graudCather, ninety years previous to 1834 ; and further that it had been handed down to his grand- 
father from his ancestors, and it was a custom with him to repeat it often to his people, so that their 
tradition or history should not be lost. 

Till'. MIAMIS AND I'OTTAWATOMIKS. 
Western Ohio, Southern .Michigan and the country now comprised in the State of Indiana, 
wen^ once in possession of the .Miamis. one of the branches of the [jowerful Algoncpiin tribe, that 
int(M-|)osed lietweeu the tribes of the Six Nations of the northern lake shores and the .Nlobilian 
tribes of the Atlantic slopes. Their claim to this territory was proven in the, great conclave at 
Greenville Ohio, in 171>."), immediately prior to entering into the treaty. On that occasion, 3Iaehi- 
kinaipia, a chief and orator of the .Miamis, addressing (len. Wajiie, said. •• My forefather kindled 
the first tires at Detroit ; thence he extended his lines from the heail-wnters of the Scioto l!iver ; 
thence to its mouth ; thence down the Ohio to the mouth of the Wabash ; thence to (Jhicago and 
Lake Michigan ; these are tlu- boundaries wherein the prints of my ancestors' houses are every- 
where to be seen." Historians have acknowledged the truth and claim of the Miami chief, con- 
firming manj- of his statements regarding other peoples inhabiting his territory. The Delaware 
Indians driven before the incoming Kuropean colonists; the Shawanoes from the south forced to 
move northward l)y the Aztecs of the southwest or the .Mobilians of the southeast, and the Otchip- 
wes and I'oltawatomies of the nortlnu-n regions Lago, an [ndian chief, referring to the immi- 
gration of the latter, maintained that a very long time since the Great Spirit sent upon the I'otta- 
watomies a severe winter, and they came over the hard water of Lake .Michigan an(v asked the 
privilege of hunting until spring; that the .Miamis granted it ; that they returned home in the 
spring, and the next winter came back, and would never return to Lake Superior again. 

THE HURONS 

This tribe of Indians was also culled Wyandots. They were dispersetl by the Iroquois in 1(340. 
A fragment of the llurons settled at Detroit in 1680, The phrase •• QurlUa hunx" (what heads) 
was applied by an astonished L'rench traveler to the Wyandots on seeing their fantastic mode of 
dressing the hair. From hnrvs was derived Huron. After the (h^parture of Jean Nicolcl from their 
territory, now bounded south by Lamblon County in Canada, and north I)y French River and Lake 
N'ipissing, those savages were attackeil by the bloodthirsty Iroquois, and driven to now luinling- 
grounds^some tinding a home in Michigan, others in Wisconsin. 

Early in the spring of 1712, a number of Foxes and .Masc'outins encamped close to tln^ fort at 
Detroit, holding the country along the St. Clair in check. This post was commanded by M. Du- 
buisson. His garrison numbi'red only thirty French soldiers. Tlic Foxes and their allies, the Mas- 
coutins, soon l)ecame insolent, calling themselves owners of all the country. It seems to have been 
a plan laid bv them to burn the fort, but their purpose was communicated to the commandant by 
a friendly Fox. An express was immoiliately sent to the luuUing grounds of the Ottawas and 
Hurons l>y Dubuisson for aid. The Clii|>[iewas and another tribe, upon the other side ol' the lake, 
were invited to join with him in defending his post. The connnantlant took such measures of tle- 
fense as his limited forc^e would permit. On the 13th of .^lay, he was re-enforced by sevcsn or eight 
Frenchmen. Happily other aid arrived — quite a number of Indians from various nations aroiuul. 
who, joining the Hurons, entered the fort to assist in defending it. This brought matters to a 
crisis, and tiring commenced between the besiegers and the besieged. With undaunted courage. 
Uubuisson for nineteen dajs continued to defend his post. The assailants were linally obliged to 
retreat, tlu'ir provisions becoming exhausted. Some of the Frenchmen, with the Indians, sfxm 
started in pursuit, overtaking the enemy near St. Clair, where they had erected intrenchments. 
They held their position for four days, fighting with mneli courage, when they were forced to sur- 
render, receiving no quarters from the victors. All were killed except the women and children. 
whos(! lives were spared, and one hundred men who had been tied, but who escaped. Then! were 
a few Sacs engageil in this attack on the fort, but more, perhaps, were fighting upon the other side. 
The Foxes were incensed ratlu'r than weakened by the severe loss they sustained near Detroit; and 



180 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

their hostility continuing, not only against the French but the Indian tribes in alliance with them, 
caused a proposition to be brought forward by the Marquis de Vandreuil to commence a war of ex- 
termination against the Foxes. To this most of the friendly nations readily assented. A party of 
French troops was raised and put under the command of DeLouvigny, a Lieutenant, who left Que- 
bec in March, 171 G. He ascended to Detroit in canoes, with all possible dispatch; there he received 
re-enforcements, and thence urged his wa}' to Mackinac, where " his presence inspired in all the 
Frenchmen and Indians a confidence which was a presage of victory." With a respectable force — 
said to have been eight hundred strong — DeLouvignj* entered Green Bay and ascended Fox River, 
to what point is now uncertain, when he encountered the enemy in a palisaded post, and won what 
was reported to be a decisive victor3'. 

SUNDRY SKETCilKS. 

The Nippercineans. who are called the true Algonquins by old writers, resided at Lake Nipis- 
sing, while the Otchipwcs resided on Superior, and at the Sault de Ste. Marie. Tradition states that 
these tribes came into collision with a tribe who were their predecessors on occupation of the lake 
region. This contest took place at Portagunassee, now Drummond's Island, and at Point de Tour, 
which resulted in the defeat of the aborigines. To those the Otchipwes gave the name Jlliisko- 
dainsug, or people of the Little Prairie. Chusco, the old Ottawa of Mackinac, states that this race 
were the bone cave builders of Menissing or Round Island, and also of the garden beds in the 
Grand River Valley, and are supposed to be identical with the Mascoutins. The traditions of the 
Saginaw Indians in 1821, and of Ishquagonabi, of Traverse Baj', seem to agree in this matter. 

When the Wyandots of the St. Lawrence, in the middle of the seventeenth century, formed a 
close league vvith the French, and also with the Adiroudacks or Algonquins, they were brought 
into violent hostilities with the New York Iroquois confederacy. This led to a perfect separation, 
which has ever since existed. The Wyandots asserted seniority in membership, and were certainly 
living at Hochelaga, now Montreal, when Cartier visited that place in 1534. Driven from the St. 
Lawrence by the confederates, the^' fled by the Ottawa River to Lake Huron, and thus became the 
means of giving their name to that lake, as the French gave thera the name Huron, from the style 
in which they wore their hair. The Irocjuois called the lake Coniatare. 

The Wyandots, driven from the valley of the St. Lawrence up the Ottawa, and thence to Lake 
Huron about the middle of the seventeenth centur}-, took shelter on Mackinac Island. There they 
cultivated large fields in the center of the island, which the French called Les Grandes: Jardiiis. 
Hill and dale were cultivated; loose stones were gathered and piled up in heaps, and the island was 
their happy home. Dltimatel}' they were driven from it by the Ticdonderaghie to Lake Superior. 
The Iroquois pursued them to St. Joseph's Island, where the Chippewas met the invaders. Again, 
above St. Mary's Falls — at Nadowegoning, the place of Iroquois hones — the Chippewas succeeded in 
driving the confederates back. 

In 1634, two Jesuits, Breboeuf and Daniel, established a mission on Lake Huron among the 
Hurons, a party of whom they accompanied on n^turning from Quebec. 

In 1641, Rov. Chai'les Raymbault arrived at the Sault de Ste. Marie, attended by some Hurons, 
and there he heard of the powerful Nadowesies, who lived eighteen days' journey westward. Subse- 
quently the Huron country was invaded l)y the Mohawks, their villages as well as the Jesuit mis- 
sion houses, burned, and the venerable fathers mentioned subjected to death. This failed to deter 
the Jesuits, and as a consequence their missions were established by other fathers at Keweenaw 
and Chegoimegon. 

Bishop Laval, of Quebec, commissioned Pere Mesnard to preach to the Inilians of Lake Supe- 
rior and Green Bay. He reached St. Theresa's Bay, supposed to be Keweenaw Bay, where he 
remained eight months. Ultimately he wished to visit the Hurons ot St. Michael's Island, and 
started for Chegoimegon Bay. At Keweenaw Portage he missed his attendant, who carried the 
canoe, and lost himself in the wilderness. In later 3'ears his cassock and breviary' were found 
among the Sioux, and the traditions of the tribe say that the first white man who visited them was 
killed. 

Pere Claude AUouez reached Lake Superior in September, 1665. He passed Keweenaw Bay, 
and October 1, 1665, arrived at La Pointe, in the bay of Chegoimegon — the old home of the 
Otchipwes. He remained on the south shore of Superior for two j'cars. In 1667, he returned to 
Quebec, and two days after his arrival there, entered on his return journey, accompanied by Pere 
Tjouis Nicolas, to labor among his Indian friends from the Sault de Ste. Marie to the Messij)pi. 



UISTOHY OF ST. GLATH COUNTY. 181 

Peres James Marquette and Claude Dablon arrived at Sault de Ste. Marie in 1GG8, where 
the}- established Stc. Mary's Mission. They visited the surroundint; nations up to lG7o. In ICtil*, 
Pcre l\[ar((uette conceived the idea of exploring the Mississippi, and in 1G78 entered on that duty 
in company with M. Louis Joliet. 

TUB Cllll'I'HWAS. 

Accordinij to Bishop Baraga, and other lexicographers, the Otchipwcs, of the great .Mgonciuin 
race, were the inhal)itants of the Lake Superior district from the beginning of the historic pi!rioil. 
The name was tirst given to a band of Nippercineans, and ultimately was applied to all l)ands 
speaking the language of the Xippercineans, who sul)seqiientl\' were driven before the Iro(iuois to 
the Sault Ste. JLirie. This dialect was the most refined of all the Indian tongues, and won the 
praise of the great students among the earlj' French missionaries. The old chief village of tlie 
tribe was at Chegoimegon, now La I'oinle, near the Apostle Islands. There, their principal chiefs — • 
Mii(/Jrlccnn's, W<inh<ijuci. Andaigwcos, .and Oitchee, Waiskee ruled, and kept the lire of the tribe 
burning per[)etually. 

Long before the coming of the white man, there was a town at the inoiilh of the .Meuomonee 
River, governed by a great chief. In the interior were four Otchipwe towns governed also b}- a 
renowned chief 

The Meuomonee chief ortlered the river to be stojiped at its mouth, so that the sturgeon could 
not go up the stream. This course resulted in a famine in the Otchipwe villages, whicli resulted 
in a war. The ^^Ienomonees had as allies, the Sioux, Fottawatoraies. Kickapoos, Wabauakees, Win- 
nebagoes, Opauaugoes and Shawnees, while the Otcliii)wes relied upon the valor of tluiir chiefs and 
their own renown. This war raged from 1G27 to 1 God without intermission. From that time to 
1830, the memories of that sanguinary struggle were treasured by the children of the respective 
tribes. Even the venerable missionaries of the Catholic Church were tniable to conciliate the 
enemies. Within our own times, in 1830, the factions renewed their war of hate, so that the 
Hnitcd States (roverninent had to interpose. The treaty of peace between the tribes was solemnly 
signed in 1857, since which time they have cast aside their discords. 

In 1730, the number of Chippewas reported to the French Government was ."),0()0, exclusive 
of bands exalted to tribes. When a garrison and Indian agency were established at the Sault in 
1822, there were 8,"i00 reported within tlu' boundaries of that agency. In ISOt;, I'ike reported an 
Otchipwe population of 12.00(1 ; tln' report to (,'ommittee on Indian Cohniization in 1825, placed 
the number at 18,00(1 including Saginaws. In 1820. the\- nnmberei, 15,(10(1 ; in 1832, 0,-(20, and in 
1S50, 10,0(10. 

1)E.\TII OF THE IN'I)I.\N MlvClSH. 

At the iH'gimiing of the war of 1812, the Indians of the Sluuiawa family resided on 15ear 
Creek, near the spot where John Riley shot James Ilarsen in 1810-11. The family circle claimed 
five strapping braves, brothers, among whom was Megish. the Britisher, who fell before the Ameri- 
can charge at the battle of Lundy's Lane. Old squaw Megish often related the story of his death, 
always maintaining that her son got between the opposing whites, was llicd ui)on I)y the Americans, 
and slain. Capt. Chesby Blake, one of the pioneer lake captains, w-as then mate of a brig lying at 
Newbury|)orl, waiting an opportunity to run through the blockading British squadron. He was 
not aflbrded a chance, however, and so he, with his crew, joined the American troops, and was 
present at Lnntly's Lane, with a division of Scott's brigade. In 1810, Blake came to Harsen's 
Island for the purpose of getting out choice lumber for one of the Newbury boats. On this occa- 
sion the O'Blake was the guest of Capt. John II. Stewart, of Harsen's Island. In conversation 
with Aura 1*. Stewart, he related the story of the death of an Indian at liUndy's Lane, saying, that 
as the two armies were approaching, and a little while before the action, an Indian was scon 
running swiftly between the opposing lines. The Captain of the company said : •• Blake, can't you 
kill that Indian '■' " Blake fired, but without efl'ect ; reloading, he took steady aim, fired, and the 
lleeing savage was seen to leap upward, and then to fall dead. This imdoubtedly was Megish, an<l 
his executioner was Capt. Blake. 

HKOWNING OF INDIAN HKFIGFKS. 

At the outbreak of the war of 1812. the British Oovernraent secured the services of almost 
all the Indians from Detroit to Mackinac. A large number accompanied the British troops, and 
were present at the assault on Fort Sandusky. The defense olfered by the .Xmericans under Capt. 
Crogan was so spirited and destructive, that the Britisji uiade a hasty retreat toward Maiden. 



182 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

which caused a panic among their Indian allies, causing man}' of them to desert. Two large 
canoes burdened with Indian refugees were passing up the St. Clair in the night, and when near 
the Harsen homestead on Ilarsen Island, a thunder-storm burst upon them, upsetting one of the 
canoes, and casting sixteen warriors into the water. The night was verj' dark, so that those who 
succeeded in reaching the island shore, after much difficult}-, shouted to their struggling brothers 
in the river. This shouting was continued until all who were not drowned reached the shore. To 
Mrs. Gravcraet the howls of the savages were dreadful. In her anxiety, she seized her brother's 
infant, rolled it in a blanket, and was in the act of seeking shelter in a wood near bj-, when her 
brother prevailed upon her to stay. At dawn next morning, two birch canoes filled with Indians 
were seen to leave the opposite side of the river and approach the island. Twent_y strapping 
warriors lauded, and as the}' approached the whites saw that their faces were painted with char- 
coal. They looked very solemn; said they mourned lost friends ; that they were induced to go to 
war by the British, who told them that the Kit-che-mocomans (Long Knives) were great cowards 
and easily whipped ; but they found the statement untrue. They stated that the Long Knives had 
killed a great man\- British at Lower Sandusky, and themselves had to retreat to save their lives. 
They described the bursting of the storm, the loss of two warriors by drowning, and advised 
Graveraet to leave quickly, as the Long Knives were coming. 

CU.M-E-KU.M-E-NON. 
About the center of the eastern boundary of the town of Chesterfield, on the shore of 
Lake St. Clair, stood the Indian reservation, where resided for many years the chief of the 
tribes, Macompte, or Cum-e-kum-e-non. This chief was well beloved by his nation; in fact, his 
voice was the oracle of his people, his nod the law of his empire. There was, however, in 
this region a king greater and mightier to destroy than he. This king still reigns, while the warrior 
of the Indians '■ sleeps the sleep that knows no waking." He was slain by this king, whose name is 
Alcohol. His death was a tragic cme. It seems that Macompte had been paying a familiar visit 
to his bosom friend, the king, and had partaken too freely of the hospitality of his host Toward 
evening, the chief went down to the river, and, with a precipitous rush, glided down its banks into 
the water and was drowned. In his suicidal intent, he passed the residence of Stockton and 
Clemens. The wife of the former gentleman heard the hurried tread of the unfortunate chief as he 
passed on to the river, and heard the splash when he struck the water. Mrs. Stockton's testimony 
was the only direct evidence that tended to convince the Indians that his melancholy death was 
voluntary — that he had not been murdered by the white man. as the ever-suspicious nature of the 
Indians led them to suppose. The event caused considerable excitement throughout the entire set- 
tlement. This reservation was located in the southeast part of the township of Chesterfield. The 
body was found the day after the suicide by John Tucker and the Indians. It was buried in the 
orchard of John Tucker, on P. C. 129, Harrison. It was wrapped in a blue broadcloth blanket, 
l)ound by silver brooches, while his hat was ornamented witii silver bands. A string of sixteen 
silver crescents and silver arm bands completed the ornamentation of the dead chief's body. All 
that has been disturbed in connection with this grave is a small piece of the enwrapping blanket, 
taken as a curiosity by David Tucker about the year 1840-4L All stories of other interference 
are without foundation. 

Old Macompte, father of Cum-e-kume-nou and Francis, died about ISIG, and was buried in 
the sand bank beyond New Baltimore. Two men — Van Eff and Beebe — visited the grave, 
exhumed a brass rifle, and eloped with the prize. Shortly after this, Francis Macompte and other 
Indians, who had gone West with Henry Tucker to select a reservation, i-cturned to this point. 
The former found his father's grave tampered with ; he discovered who were the actors in the 
affair, brought them before the court at .Mount Clemens, where the matter was settletl on payment 
of *60. 

Francis Macompte then became chief, with Truckatoe as sub-chief. The latter became dis- 
satisfied about the Indian reserve, and moved with several members of the band to Lakeville about 
.18:^0. Next under him was Kanobe, said to be implicated in the abduction of the Finch child — a 
saying without any foimdation whatever, beyond the fact that the Indian loved the boy, and seemed 
determined to atlopt him. Those Indians were generally peaceful, and were present at almost all 
the hres of the olden time, not to labor by any means, but to run pony races and trade with the 
Americans. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 183 

CIIIKF WI.NO. 

Among the savages of 1812 were to be found a few so cIgvoIcmI to [frinciplc Uiat neither Kn- 
glish gold nor specious promises could draw lliem away from tiieir lidelity to the Repul)lic. The 
Indian chief, Wing, of Mackinaw, was one of the few. When tlie British and Indians look posses- 
sion of the post, in 1812, Wing refused to aid them in anj^ way, and intluencod iiis band to such a 
degree that each member refused to take even a present of tobacco from tix; garrison. So marked 
was iiis fidelity that lie selected eight powerful warriors to man iiis laige ctanoe. and without loss of 
time, puddled down the lake to Detroit to inform Hull of the capture of Mackinaw. For this act 
and his well-known attachment to the American cause, he became a great favorite in every Ameri- 
can settlement, and was a welcome visitor to the (iovernor's house at Detroit, until age put an end 
to his travels. 

Wau-he-ke-nisli, an early visitor to the St. Clair, later of the Northwestern tribes, was a most 
ancient specimen of aboriginal senility. Formerly he was large and plump and had the reputation 
of being overbearing and insolent. One day, having made an assault on a white man, lie was most 
unmercifull}' pounded, and, although he lived many years afterward, he never cjuite recovered. 
His hair was bleached, he was shriveled and vi-rinkled, and his form so doubled up that his ajipear- 
ance gave little suggestion that he was ever " big Inguii me," as was his former boast. He claimed, 
in the most earnest way, to be one hundred and fort}' years of age, but this must have been an 
exaggeration, although he had a son who was called " Big Papoose," who was an old man. 'I'liey 
are both dead now. The old man would surround a large ration up to the day of his death. His 
skull was secured and it measured l)ul twenty inches around, and only twelve and one-half over 
the t(H) I'rom ear to ear. 

.lake Balise, a Winnebago, was another character. In earl^- years, he was an annual visitor to 
the Indians of Ira Township. He once got some kind of work, and went to a white woman to get 
her to bake some bread ft)r him to live on while (k)ing the job. She said, " No, Jake, you are a 
bad Indian ; I once loaned you $2, and you have never paid me as you promised. I shall 
tell everybody that you are not honest, and no one will trust you after this." 

" Ah," says Jake, ■'! never see it that way. Don't tell it that way, and I pay you." Which 
he did, and got his bread baked. It seems it had never occurred to him that wrong-doing would 
injure his reputation. He was quite a good Indian afterward. 

Wittaniss was one of the sub-chiefs of the Huron Indians as early as 1T7(). He was a 
devoted attache of the British commandants of Detroit, and shared with his brother Indians and 
the British soldiery in all the dastardly acts which marked the great effort to sustain the reign of 
t3'ranny and persecution on this continent. This cowardly redskin and his band made many 
attempts on the life of Richard Connor some years later. The American pioneer was compelled to 
be always on his miard against the treachery of those savages. After the purchase of the Mora- 
vian village by .\skins and .Vncram, the latter appointed Wittaniss care taker. In his new otHee, 
the Indian chief essayed to act the Irish laud agent, and acc'ordingly tried to evict (\)nnor ; but the 
new settler frustrated all his designs, treated liim to a severe Ideating, and otherwise made life so 
hideous for the malicious savage, that he was glad to seek refuge in the grave a day or so after the 
British power was forever broken in the (hiited States. 

Kanobe, of Romeo, was present on the treaty ground at Saginaw, in September, 1819. The 
harsh statements made regarding his connection with the abduction of the Finch boy have long 
since been proven without foundation. In 1827, Kanobe moved into Canada, stayed some time 
there, and returned t6 give assurances that the reports concerning him were without foundation. 
He was a savage of good parts, and an earnest friend of the American settlers of ^Macomb and 
St. Clair Counties. 

An equally bad Indian, bearing a similar name, succeeded Wittaniss, Senior. The circum- 
stances which surrounded this fellow urged him to adopt a [lolicy of conciliation toward the Ameri- 
can settlers, which policv was carried out, The last Wittaniss was an old man when he lel't the 
county in 1830. 

Tipsikaw was the athlete of the band near Romeo. He was a powerful savage, well built, and, 
it is said, capable of runniiig down wolves, boars, and, in some instances, deer. While hunting in 
the neighborhood of Almont, lie ilislocated his shoulder. Dr. Gleason was called to his aid. All the 
Doctor's physical power vv-as not sullicient to replace the dislocated bone, so he tied the arm of the 
warrior to a tree, and then directed him to draw his body forward. This plan was successful, and 



184 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Tipsikaw was again ready to resume the chase. This Indian left the county in 1837 or 1838. In 
1874, he revisited his old hunting-grounds, and was found weeping by one of the early settlers, 
opposite the site of his former village. 

Tipsikaw was well known to the settlers of St. Clair. He was a man of great speed and skill 
in wrestling, his principal feat being to run to a stake ten rods away and return before a horse and 
rider could make a like trip. This Indian is still living in Isabella County. 

JOHN RILEY. 

Especial mention is made of the good qualities of John Riley, the Otchipwe chief His family 
and that of Black Cloud, with some others, were leading spirits among the savages. At this time 
(1835), the former owned a tract of land granted l)y (lovernment at what is now Port Huron, on the 
south of Black River. Only two houses, one log and one frame, were to be seen at that point. 
John Riley was born in the Mohawk Vallej' of a German father and Indian mother, and possessed 
greater intelligence than the full Indian. He, with many of his tribe, made annual visits to the 
woods near the village for the purpose of making maple sugar, coming in February or March, and 
returning when the season was over. In the spring of 1836, he came earl}- for this purpose, and 
one pleasant Sunday, as he would not allow any work to be done that day, he took a walk in the 
woods accompanied by a boy. Coming upon a large hollow log, which had the appearance of being 
the home of some animal, he said to the boy "Abs-co-in liash-a-pun" (John, a raccoon), directing 
the boy at the same time to crawl into the log and investigate. The young Abs-co-in soon came out 
with great speed shouting "mo-g-uash! mo-g-uash" ("a bear, a bear!") Riley drew his hatchet, 
and as the bear's head appeared, struck her a powerful blow with the edge of the weapon, burying 
it in her brains. She weighed over 400 pounds and furnished material for a continuous feast. 

The Indians gave names to the whites to correspond with some habit or to commemorate some 
gift. The elder James Wells they called Mo-gu-ash (bear), because he was a hunter of that animal. 
Abram Wells was Caw-ke-chee (porcupine); he had given them a porcupine, the flesh of which they 
relish. Anthony Wells was Mish-a-wak (Eliv); William Wells, Waii-wa-cash (deer); Mr. Welch, 
Mus-eo-dance (Indian hole or clearing) from the fact that he bought land on which there was an 
Indian field on which there were bearing apple trees when the whites arrived. Riley afterward re- 
tired to the Saginaw country where he died in 1802. His first wife was buried on land since known 
as the "Fitz Patrick place," and as the roads came to be straightened and worked her body was 
exhumed and stolen away. 

Tonadoganow was the head chief of the Otchipwe nation. This honor belonged to him on 
account of his debating powers, acute understanding, and great prowess in the hunt. He was ugly 
in ever}- sense. He wore only a hunting shirt from April until September, and this hung loosely 
from his hunchback. This Indian was accustomed to make periodical visits to the bands in 
St. Clair County, was a great factor in the negotiation of two of the treaties referred to in this 
chapter, and well known to the first French and American settlers from Mackinaw and Detroit. 

0-GE-MA-KE-GA-TO. 
At the time (xen. Cass was negotiating the treaty of 1819, 0-ge-ma-ke-ga-to, although only 
twenty-five years of age, was head chief of the Chippewa nation, and as such was the central In- 
dian figure at the council. He was over six feet in height, and in his bearing graceful and hand- 
some; and although in the later years of his life he was often seen intoxicated, he never fulh- lost 
a look of conscious dignity which belonged to his nature as one of the original lords of the soil. 
In true elegance he was probably hardly surpassed by the Seneca chief Red Jacket. His band 
lived at the forks of the Tittabawasse, and like Red Jacket, he wore upon his breast a superb Gov- 
ernment medal. This medal was of an oblong shape, fully five inches in length and one quarter of 
an inch thick, and was composed of pure silver. On one side was the figure of an Indian chief in 
full dress, and on the other what was intended to represent the President of the United States, with 
the following inscription: "Presented to 0-ge-ma-ke-ga-to by Thomas Jefferson." The treaty of 
1819 was a very important one, as this portion of the State was then in Indian possession, and the 
object of the Government was the cession by the natives of the vast tract in which was included the 
rich and flourishing valleys of the Saginaw and its tributaries. The chief speaker for the Indians 
was O gema-ke-ga-to, and he opposed the proposition of Gen. Cass with indignation. The treaty 
was finally- made, and tiie Indians returned to tlie lodges. The Chippewa nation was then composed 



, HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 185 

of ten or twelve bands, each governed liy a liereditarv cliieftain. These chiefs formed a council 
which governed the nation and elected the ruling chief aiHUially. O-ge-uia-ke-ga-to was not a chief 
by blood, but his remarkable intellectual ciualitics, as well as his undaunted courage, niad(> him a 
power among his dusky people, and at the early age of twenty-five he was the leading spirit. Gen. 
Cass was surprised at the remarkable brain power of the man, and remarked that he was "the 
smartest, and most eloquent Indian he had ever met." His administration of the affairs of his peo- 
ple was so satisfactory that for over thirty consecutive years lie was annually re-elected to the posi- 
tion of head chief lie never rulefj a single band until in the later years of his life, when he be- 
came chief of the Tittabawasse band, to which he belonged. Ilis power of oratory made him a 
great favorite with his people, and the I'amo of 0-ge-raa-ke-ga-to spread far and wide. 8ubse(iuently 
at the ratifying of the reservation treaty, at Detroit, many learned and able lawyiirs were present, 
not one of whom, after hearing his great speech interpreted, dared to accept iiis challenge to dis- 
cuss the questions affecting the Indian's welfare with him. After the treaty of Saginaw had been 
ratified and the Indians had become reconciled to the encroachment of the white man, O-ge-uia-ke-ga-to 
was (piite friendly, and, like an honorable man, endeavoreil to fullill his obligations to the new-com- 
ers under the treaty. Many astounding stories are told by the old settlers regarding his bravery 
and fortitude, some of which surpass belief Mr. McCormick says tliat about the year ISISf) two 
members of the Tittabawasse band had a disagreement vvliile under the influence of liquor, and 
drew their knives for a settlement of the difficulty acconling to the aboriginal code. 0-gc-ma-kc- 
ga-to, who was standing near them, immediatel}- jumped between the combatants and received a 
knife thrust m his side. The cut was so large and deep that a portion of his liver protruded, and 
in this condition he lay for several days. One afternoon he took a knife laying bj' his side, and in 
the presence of several Indians, ulicid off n portion of lii.i oivii livrr, tlirew the piece on the coals and 
roasted it, and then ale -it. Turning to those present, he said: "If there is a braver man in the 
Chippewa nation than I am, I should like to see him." This story, incredible as it is, can bo well 
attested by Joseph Tromliley, K. S. Williams, of Flint, and IN^fer Grewett, now of Gratiot County, all 
of whom were Indian traders at that time. Judge Albert Miller, now of Bay City, also recollects 
the circumstance at the time. 0-ge-nia-ke-ga-to ruled the Chippewas until 18H9 or ISIO, when 
death stepped in and robbed the dusky nation of its wisest, most eloquent and bravest member. 

Negig, an Indian chief, lived on the Baby farm, on the River Gervais, for six years previous to 
his death in 1807. A saw mill was erected on the Iliver (jcrvais in 1788, on claim G7G, in which 
this Negig was a most industrious workman. 

Xotaquoto, a short, ugly, powerful savage, was well known to all the early settlers. To give 
an idea of this Indian. William J. Tucker relates, that a few Indian ponies happened to stra^- into 
Sterling Township, where they w(>re stabled by Jim Bruce. This settler was unaware of the danger 
of such a proceeding, and his murder for the act was only avert(?d bj- the timely interference of C. 
G. Cady, then residing at his present home in Sterling. Mr. Cady was returning from church, 
when he met the Indian. Asking him where he was going, the savage played with the tomahawk, 
and replied that he was going to see Jim Bruce. "He has my horses," said Notai|Uoto, "and I 
will murder him." Cady prevailed upon the Indian to wait, while he, himself went to Brucc's. He 
advised Bruce to set the animals at large, which advice was taken, and Notaquoto returned to his 
Reserve with his property. 

Wemekeuns was one of the Huron chiefs on the St. Clair at the time the first French settlers 
made their locations. The story of this savage, as related by Mrs. Brandemour, is substantially as 
follows: Wemekeuns was chief and prophet of the tribe, a position given fo him on account of his 
prowess in the chase, his words of wisdom, and his peculiar physiognomy. His face was supplied 
with a trio of noses, one small one on each side of the large central nose. Previous to the war of 
the Revolution, he was asked to urge his band to operate with the English allies among the Canadian 
Indians; but this he refused to do, sayiui; the new Americans would drive their enemies across the 
ocean, and drive their enemies' friends from their hunting groiuids. 

Old Mother Rodd. an Indian woman well known to the early settlers of Port Huron, was one 
iiundred and four yc^ars old in 1870. She died in the fall of that year, on the Indian Reserve, on 
the Canadian side of the river. The following poem was written .Alareh 1, 18GS, two years before 
her doalli. and liftv-six vears after the murder of her husband bv the Canadian Indians. 



186 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 



OLD MOTHER RODD ! 

'Old Mother Rodd ! Old mother Rodd ! 

When elements combine together. 
To drive poor Christians from the road 

By this hard snap of wintr}' weather — 
What drives thee from thy wild bush home, 

And thy camp-fire across the river. 
Port Huron's snow-wreathed streets to roam, 

When white folks round their stoves' do shiver? 



"Old Mother Rodd! Old mother Rodd! 

Th}- ancient Indian face is roughened ; 
One hundred years, thej' say, the rod 

Of time, thy coppery skin has toughened. 
Let me observe that rounded pile 

Of bones in British blanket muffled. 
In hand a long stick all the while 

To guard them when her temper's ruffled. 

"Old Mother Rodd ! Old Mother Rodd ! 

Thou lik'st to drain a sonsy bicker, 
Although thy race might pray to God 

In wrath to curse the white man's liquor. 
Alas ! just so it is— we see 

Men stagger thro' the earth and cherish 
The fitful cup with childish glee — 

They kiss, although they know they perish. 

"Old Mother Rodd ! Old Mother Rodd I 

Since first those small black eyes were open'd, 
Here in thy birthplace and abroad 

How man}' wondrous things have happen'd I 
Thy sire, when lie first saw the light. 

At council fires gave his opinion ; 
No white man then usurped his right, 

No chain surve}'ed his liroad dominion. 



"Old Mother Rodd! dost thou e'er frown,— 

And thiukest thou, it is a pity 
Thy solemn woods have been cut down. 

To make room for our bus}' city '! 
In summer, when the peach trees blow. 

Where thou had'st made some paltry scratches 
With tree-top when thou wish'd to grow 

Thy native maize in Utile patches. 



'Old Mother Rodd! the river true 

Rolls on as then with rapid current. 
As when thy famil_y's birch canoe 

Skimm'd lightly o'er the sky-blue torrent. 
Thy friends roamed here and wauder'd there. 

With sharpened stone, with bow and quiver, 
Before the wandering brave, St. Clair. 

Becpieathed his name to this proud river. 



'Old Mother Rodd! Old Mother Rodd ! 

Does power of steam affect thj' senses ? 
Thou art. old Dame, a living link, J 

Connecting past with present tenses ; I 

For thou wert mother 'mongst the squaws, ' 

With dark-skinned lover in attendance. 
When silly George's cruel laws. 

Drove our brave sires lo independence. 



liISTOHY OF ST. CJ.AIK COUNTY. 187 

"01(1 Mother Rodrt ! Old Mollicr Rodd ! 

Il is, dear dame, beyond conji'c-ture — 
Death soon must lay iliee 'iiealh the sod, 

And s|ioil thy ancient ai-ehiteiliire. 
Enieri;e(l from war ! Thanks be to (xod, 

With no domestic brawl among lis. 
We shall l)C kind. Oh! Mother Kodd. 

So long's thou'rt left to crawl amonj,' ns." 

Shabliona, or OliarboniK'aii, a warrior almost equal to Tocuinsoli or Black Hawk, was horn at 
the Kankakee lliver about the jear 1775. In 1812, he, in corainand of liis band, joined Tecumst'h, 
and thus became known among the Indians of Michigan — from Nilos to Detroit and Black River. 
He acted us aid to Tocumseii, and stood by his side when he fell at the battle of the Tiiames. At 
the time of the Winnebago war, in 1827, he visited almost ever_v village among the i^ottawatomies, 
and by his persuasive arguments prevented them from taking part in the war. By re(iuest of the 
citizens of Chicago. Sliabboua, accompanied by Billy Caldwell (Sanganasli), visited Big Foot's vil- 
lage at Geneva Ijakc. in order to pacify the warriors, as fears were entertained that they were about 
to raise the tomahawk against the whites. Here Shabbona was taken prisoner by 15ig Foot, and 
his life threatened, but on the following day was set at liberty. From that time the Indians (liirough 
reproach) styled him "the white man's friend." and many times his life was endangered. Before 
the Black Hawk war, Shabljona met in council at two different times, and by his inlluence pre- 
vented his i)eoi)le from taking part with the Sacs and Foxes. After the death of Black Partridge 
and Senaehwine, no chief among the I'ottawatomies exerted so much inrtuence as Shabbona. 
Black Hawk, aware of this influence, visited him at two difl'erent times, in order to enlist him in 
his cause, but was unsuccessful. While Black Hawk was a pri-soner at Jefferson Barracks, he said, 
had it not been for Shabbona, the whole Pottawatomie nation would have joined his standard, and 
he "could have contiiuied the war for years. To Shabbona, many of the early settlers owe the pres- 
ervation of their lives, for it is a well-known fact, had he not notified the people of their danger, a 
large portion of them would have fallen victims to the tomahawk of savages. By saving the lives 
of whites he endangered his own, for the Sacs and Foxes threatened to kill him, and made two 
attempts to execute their threats. They killed Pypeogee, his son, and Pyps, his nephew, and hunteil 
him down as though he was a wild beast, 

Shabbona had a reservation of two sections of land at his (Jrove, but by leaving it and going 
west for a short time, the Govi'rnmeiit declared the reservation forfeited, and sold it the same as 
other vacant land. On Shabboiia's return, and linding his possessions gone, he was very sad and 
broken down in spirit, and left the (Jrove forever. The citizens of Ottawa raised money and bought 
him a tract of land on the Illinois Kiver. above Seneca, in Grundy County, on which they built a 
house, and supplied him with means to live on. He lived here until his death, which occurred on 
the 17th of July, ISoO, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, and was buried with great pomp in the 
cemetery at Morris. His squaw. Pokanoka, was drowned in Mazen Creek, (5rundy County, on the 
SOth of November, 18(14, and was buried by his side. 

In 1801, subscriptions wei-e taken up in many of the river towns to erect a monument over 
the remains of Shabbona, but the war breaking out the enterprise was abandoned. Only a plain 
marble slab marks the resting-place of this friend of the white man, 

HL.u'K lu.u K mui;ih;ks a i'.i;iri.s» inui.vn. 
The Sun Dinicr. held near the mouth of Black River in ISlil, proved one of the most refrac- 
tory gatherings of savages since the downfall of the British power in America, The history of 
the meeting was obtained from Willis Stewart, and written in the pioneer records by Miss L. S. 
Carleton. •' Among the numerous families of Indians, " says the relator, '• that dwelt on Black 
River, was that of the old Indian, Black Snake. lie had a numerous family, and was related to 
the half-breed, John Rilej-, referred to in Indian history. Among the band was a strong-built 
savage named Black Duck, who was married to a daughter of the chief Black Snake. The Duck 
was strongly attached to the Americans, and seldom sufl'ered a word against them to go 
unchallenged. On this occasion, he was the guest of the Indian circle at Black lliver, whither, 
also, many British Indians were invited. Whisky was plenty, and the noble red men failed not to 
appreciate it. The feast went forward merrily, speeches were made, and the morning promised 
peace ; but to the surprise of all. one of the British Indians concluded his speech with a boast of 



Ib8 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUIiTY. 

his prowess, und of all the American scalps he took during the war. Black Duck was silent until 
this unfortunate boast was finished. Rising to his feet he dealt very logically with the defeat of 
the Britisli, and then approaciiing the Canadian, with raised tomahawk, said; 'You are a great 
brave ; you have killed manj- Americans ; you have taken their scalps. They whom you have 
killed were my friends, and you shall kill no more ! ' This said, the irritated savage buried the 
weapon in tiie boastful speaker's brain, and thus ended the feast." 

The avenger of the slain Americans, knowing that the friends of the slain savage would seek his 
blood, hastened to lay his case before Gen. Cass, and to seek his protection. He was placed in the 
fort for safety, while the Governor acquainted John Riley of the facts. Through Riley, a propo- 
sition was made to settle the matter bj' granting a sum of money, equivalent to his worth, to the 
relatives of the deceased. The proposition was discussed by the council of relatives, in presence 
of (len. Cass. The Indians appeared with their fiices and bodies painted black, in token of mourn- 
ing ; but their sorrow was onl}' skin deep, as they made the simple demand for forty quarts of 
whisky, and canceled all engagements to take the life of Black Duck. The Governor acceded, and 
directed the Secretary to draw an order on Aura P. Stewart to supph' the whiskj* demanded. 

Fisher, a half-breed, who married a sister of Francis Macompte, committed suicide aliout 1832. 
It appears he made a cruel husband, so that Macompte took his wife from him, and presented him 
with an English rifle as better suited to him than a wife. Fisher and the rifle lived quietly 
together for some years, when he returned to the Salt River Reserve, and there shot himself 
through the heart. About the same time a dog feast was held by the Indians on the Tucker farm. 

Neome, the chief of the largest division of the Chippewas, occupied and assumed to control the 
southern portion of the tribal domain. The Flint River, with its northern affluents, was left a little 
north of the border in full Indiau possession by the treaty of 1807. It was called by the savages 
Pewonunkening or the River of the Flint, and by the early French traders. La Pierre. The latter, 
also called the ford, a few rods below the present Flint City bridge. Grand Traverse; while to the 
village in the neighborhood of the ford, the Indians gave the name — Mus-cu-ta-wa-ingh — which 
translated means " the open plain burned over." 

In point of geographical location, the chief Neome and his powerful band stood on the very 
threshold of the trail leading to the Northwest. To any one standing at Detroit and looking 
northerly to the land lying west of the Lake and River St. Clair, it was plain that Neorat, stood 
indeed a lion in the path, unless well disposed toward the American settlers. The old chief was 
honest and simple-minded, evincing but little of the craft and cunning of his race; sincere in his 
nature; by no means astute; firm in his friendships; easy to be persuaded by anj- benefactor who 
should appeal to his Indian sense of gratitude; harmless and kind-hearted. In stature, he was 
short and heavily molded. With his own people, he was a chief of patriarchal goodness, and his 
name was never mentioned bj^ his people except .with a certain veneration, and in more recent 
3'ears with a traditionary sorrow, more impressive in its mournful simplicity than a labored epitaph. 

In the month of April, 1825, the Saginaw savage — Kish-kaw-ko — killed a Huron warrior at 
Detroit, on the spot now forming the center of the D. & M. R. R. depot. The dead Indian was 
taken to a blacksmith's shop, then occupying the site of the Russell House, where the Coroner — 
Benjamin Woodworth — hehl an inquest. Kish-kaw-ko and his son were interred in the old fort, 
after the jury declared the older savage guilty, and the Coroner sent him to await trial; a squaw 
brought the chief some hemlock, which he drank eagerly, and died. His son, who was no party to 
the deed, escaped. He sought a trail homeward by the Clinton River, was recognized by some of 
the Hnrons, and pursued almost to the camping ground of his tribe. This Chippewa desperado 
and his son Cliemick, were among the principal allies of the English in the war of 1812. Both 
were known to the pioneers of St. Clair, for in that quarter of the peninsula those ruffians, with 
their followers from the Saginaw, attacked men, women, and children indiscriminately. They did 
not enter into any battles, their warfare being only against the defenseless or unwary. 

OKE.MOS. 
This well known Indian, a nephew of Pontiac, and once the head chief of the Otchipwe nation, 
was born near Knagg's Station, on the Shiawassee, about the year 1763. The earliest account of him 
states that he went forth on the war-path in 1793. In the •' Legends of the Northwest," by Judge 
Littlejohn, the old chief is intioduced in 1803. Okemos took a prominent part in the battle of 
Sandusky, which won for him the name of the greatest warrior and the chief of his tribe. It appears 



HISTORY OF ST. Cr^AIl! COIXTY. 189 

that liiinsoir, his cousin. Man-i-to-corl)-w;iy. vvitli sixteen other warriors, enlisted iimler tlie Hrilisii 
flag, tbrined a seoutinsi party in search of American scalps, and ultimately reached the British ren- 
dezvous at Sandusky. S|)eaking of this period, the old scalp-taker said: "One morning wiiile 
lying in amlinsh near a road lately cut for the passage of the American array and supply wagons, 
we saw twenty cavalrymen approaching us. Our aml)ush was located on a slight ridge, with brush 
directiv in our front. We immediately decided to attack the Americans, although they oulntim- 
hered us. Our plan was first to lire and crip[)le them, and then make a dash with the tomahawk. 
We waited until they came so near that we could count the buttons on their coats, when firing 
commenced. The cavalrymen, with drawn sabers, immediately charged upon the Indians. Jlie 
plumes of the cavalrymen looked like a flock of a thousand pigeons just hovering for a lighting. 
Myself and my cousin fought side by sidiN loading and tiring, while dodging from one cover to 
another. In less than ten minutes after the firing began the sound of a bugle was heard, and cast- 
ing our eves in the direction of the sound, wo saw the road.s and woods filled with cavalry. The 
Indians were immediately surrounded, and every man cut down. All were left for dead upon the 
tield. Myself and my cousin had our skulls cloven, and our bodies gashed in a fearful manner. 
The cavalrymen, before k-aving the field, in order to be sure life was extinct, would U'an forward 
froni their horses and pierce the Itreasts of the Indians, even into their lungs. The last I remem- 
ber is, tliat after emptying one saddle, and springing toward another soldier, with clubbed rifle 
raised to strike, my head felt as if pierced with a red-hot iron, and I went down from a heavy 
saber-cut. All knowledge ceased from this time until many moons afterward, when I found myself 
nursed by the squaws of fricMids, who had found me where f fell, two or three days after the 
engagement. The squaws thought all were dead ; but upon moving the bodies of myself and 
Manitooorbway, signs of life appeared, and we were taken to a place of safely, where we were 
nursed until restored to partial health." 

Okemos and his cousin never took part in a battle since that time, having salisfied themselves 
that they were wrong then. 

Shortly after his recovery, he asked Col. (xaln-iel Godfroy, father of Richard (lodfroy, of Grand 
Rapids, to intercede for him with (ten. Cass, which resulted in a treaty between the United States 
and himself and other chiefs, a treaty faithfully observed. In 1837, the small-pox an<I other 
<:auses tended to sc^atter the band near Knagg's Station, where they were located. I'revious to this 
time, he was accustomed to wear a l)lanket-coat with belt, steel pipe, hatchet, tomahawk, and a long 
Knglish hunting knife. He painted his cheeks and forehead with vermilion, wore a shawl round 
his head <i l<i Tare, and leggings. Th(> old scalp-taker for the English died in his wigwam, a (evii 
miles from Lansing, and was liuried at Shimnicon. in fonia County, December 5. 1858. 

rNDIANS IN ISI-J. 
The peaceful relations of the settlers remained undisturbed until the war of 1812. In the 
summer of 1813, the hostility of the savages began to manifest itself. One night the whites 
received warning, through a friendly squaw, that a massacre was meditated.' and to esca|)e this im- 
pending danger, they tied to Detroit. Before reaching Lake St. Clair, they met a pioneer named 
King, and Rodd, the husl)and of Old .Mother Rodd. These men were cautioned not to proceed ; 
but heedless of the friendly warning l)oth urged their canoe up the St. Cl.iir, and the day following 
were massacred by the infurialciil savages of the Canadian shore, the principal murderer being 
Wawanosh, who died near Sarnia a few years ago. Other Indians, such as Wapoose. Old Salt, and 
Black I'oot, were prominent among the allies of the British. 

i:.\Rl.V TK.VDEKH .\.\D INTERPRETERS. 
Henry Connor, or Wah-be-skeu-dip, was superior to all the traders of that period in disposition 
and maimer. He was a man possessing great muscular strength, yet gentle as a child, and oidy 
physically powerful where justice should be enforced or some important point carried. lie was a 
faithful interpreter between the Indian councilors and United Stales Commissioners during treaty 
negotiations. After the treaty of 1810. he entered on a trader's life, and continued to the close to 
merit the confidence and esteem of the savages. Frenchmen and Americans. Connor was present 
at the death of Tecumseh October 5, 1813, when James Whitty encountered the great Indian and 
killed him. Whitty and Gen. Johnson, he stated, attacked the warrior simultaneously, but the 
former betran and ended that act in the battle of the Thames. 



190 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Henrv Nelson, another Indian trader known to the old settlers of St. Chiir, removed from tbe 
Huron tothe Saginaw district in 1820, and thence with the Indians to Isabella County, wiiere he 
died a few 3-ears ago. 

Tlie St. Martins were an old and respectable family. The first of the name who came to 
America was Adhemar Sieur de St. Martin. He settled in Quebec, and held the office of Royal 
Notary as early as 1660. One of his grandchildren came to Detroit in 1740. In April, 1750, is 
recorded a grant of laud (a portion of the now Cass farm) to Jean Baptists Labutte dit St. Martin. 
It was his son who became interpreter of the Huron language, and who figured conspicuously 
during the Poutiac conspiracy in 1763. His services were highly appreciated bj- Gladwyn, who, 
in his sweeping denunciation of the inhabitants during the siege, always excepted his interpreter, 
St. Martin. In 1760, he married Marianne, the second daughter of Robert Navarre (Tonton, the 
Writer, as he was called, to distinguish him from his son Robert, whose soubriipKt was Robishe, the 
Speaker). At the marriage of St. Martin and Marianne Navarre, De Bellestre, the last French 
commander of Fort Pontchartrain, was present. His family history was closelj' woven in the 
destin}- of this fort of La Mothe Cadillac. De Tont^- and another De Bellestre, uncles of his, had 
been among its first commanders. It was a melancholy ironj- of fate, that he should be obliged to 
resign to the English the post which his ancestors had struggled so noblj' to retain. De Bellestre 
organized the first militia in this part of the country, and gave the command to his brother-in-law, 
Alexis de Ruisseaux. who had married a Godfrey. St. Martin died a few years after his marriage, 
leaving a young widow and three children — one boy and two girls. 

Dr. George Christian Anthon, or Anthon3- as he was called hy his French relatives, and who 
married in 1770 Marianne Navarre, the widow of St. Martin, was born August 25, 1734, at 
Salzugen, in the Duchj- of Saxe-Meiniugen. His family was a ver}- old and distinguished one. He 
devoted himself to surgery, passed two satisfactory examinations, the second before the College of 
Surgeons in Amsterdam. He left Germany in 1754, and sailed as Surgeon in the Dutch West India 
trade. The vessel was captured by a British privateer and he was brought to New York. Though 
in a strange country, without means or acquaintances, iiis abilities were recognized and he was 
appointed Surgeon to the First Battalion, Sixtieth Regiment, Royal Americans. In 1760, he was 
detached with the battery which, under Maj. Rogers, took possession of Detroit. Here he met his 
fate in Marianne Navarre, the young widow of St. Jlartin. They were married in 1770. 

Jean Proven<;al, or Awishtoia, appointed Indian blacksmith Idj' Gen. Cass, possessed many 
good qualities which endeared him to the whites as well as to the Indians. William Tucker and 
other old residents of St. Clair remember him well, and substantiate what has been said of him. 
Edward Campau, or Now-o-ke-shick, lost an arm from the accidental discharge of his rifle 
while hunting in this county. Notwithstanding the rude surgical operation, which only the 
medicine man of that time could perform, he survived and continued among the most active and 
popular trappers of this district, until his journey to the Northwest. 

Gabriel (iodfroy, known as Menissid, was a trader from the lower Huron country. He was 
one of the family to whom was deeded the land where Ypsilanti now stands. His visits to the 
upper Huron or Clinton were few, yet his acquaintance among the French and American pioneers of 
St. Clair was extensive. Richard Godfroy, his son, now dwells at Grand Rapids in this State. 

Archibald Lvons was, like many of the white inhabitants of the country bordering on Lake 
St. Clair, engaged in trapping. In 1818, he left the district (now known as JIacomb and St. Clair 
Counties) for the Saginaw Valley, where he married the beauty of the tribe, Ka-ze-zhe-ah-be-no- 
qua. This woman was a French half breed, peculiarly superior to all around her, highly intelli- 
gent, and in possession of principles which could not sanction a wrong. Lyons, while skating 
down the Saginaw River, in 1827, to play for a dancing party, fell through the ice and was never 
seen again. After the death of her husband, the widowed Ka-ze-zhe-ah-be-no-qua married Antoine 
Peltier, who moved from Harrison Township to Lower Saginaw. 

Franrois Tremble, grandfather of the Trembles referred to in this section of the work, was 
well known from Montreal to Detroit and the Riviere aux Hurons so early as 1782. Ten years 
later — 1792 — he visited the Saginaw Indians, which proved to be his first and last explorator3' trip. 
It appears this adventurous Frenchman was drowned while Hying far away from an Indian camp. 
The story of his death states that he made a spear-head for an Indian, to be used in killing musk- 
rats ; another Indian came forward to beg a similar favor, and for him Tremble made still a better 
spear-head. Indian No. 1 grew jealous, abused the good hunter, and ultimately stabbed him in 



HISTOI!Y OF ST. CLAIK COIXTY. 191 

the back. Retiring to his boat, he sot sail for his liome on Lake St. Clair, but never reached the 
place. It is supposed he was kiioekcd overboard by ilio boom of his boat, and was drowned in the 
waters of Lake Huron. 

Capt. Joseph F. Marsac was born near Detroit on Christinas !)ay, 17!ir!, and was known from 
his native place to Fort St. .Joseph or (Jratiot, and thence to Michiliniackinac. Marsac was the 
happiest model of the Franco-American. Genial as man could l)e, he endeared himself to all 
around him, to all with whom he came in cotitact. During the 15lack Hawk war excitement, he was 
one of the lirst to organize a military company and take the Held, with tlu; rank of ('aptain. 

Capt. Leon Snay, a hunter and trapper of great repute, belonged to the betler class of French 
traders, and held the military commission of Captain. Like JLirsac, he was well known to all the 
old American settlers of St. Clair, as well as to the Lidians and his own people. 

Peter Gruette, Francois Corbin, John Harsen, with other traders, hunters, trappers and inter- 
preters, who established temporary jjosts on the Clinton, Flint, Shiawassee, Black River, etc., made 
this county a rendezvous, and won the res|)ect of the AnK^rican pioneers. 

Alexander St. Bernard, Anselm Petit, George Mc!)ougal and many others mentioned in this 
history were all known to the Lidian inhabitants. 

Harvey Williams, of Detroit, now of Saginaw, one of the few survivors of the Detroit settlers oi 
1818, in his journey to Saginaw in \H'2'2. with supplies for the troops stationed there, had to ford 
the Clinton River at fiveditferent points. The Indians and first .Vinerican settlers of St. Clair knew 
Uncle Harvey well. Though not a trader in the full sense of tlie term, his dealings with the savages 
as well as with the civilized inhabitants were extensive and honoralile. 

Dunoir or Pu Nor, was one of the lirst and licst known interpreters under American rule. His 
order to the Indians was a law. It is related that upon one occasion, he visited the house of John 
Tucker and asked him to tell the chief of the Salt River band to meet him at the Tucker House on 
Friday night. Onowisickaw, brother of Francis iMacompte, met him as appointed, and both went into 
the forest in the darkness of that winter's night. This visit resulteil in finding a United States 
cavalry horse stolen from Detroit. 

Leon St. George, born at Montreal, Canada, in 1774, came to Michigan in his youth and made 
a settlement between Detroit and the Clinton or Reviere Aux Hurons. This French Canadian after- 
ward removed to Detroit, and ci(!ared the land where the city hall stands, as well as many 
■ acres in the vicinity. When the war of 1812 broke out, St. George joined the American troojis, and 
fought through it to its close. After the close of the (^timpaign, he became a trader among the 
Hurons and Chippewas, and was well known to the pioneers of St. Clair County. His death took 
place in 1880. 

Oliver Williams settled at Detroit in 1807, where he engaged in mercantile life, and became one 
of the largest dealers then in the Peninsula, bringing at one time from Boston a stock of goods valued 
at $()-l,00(). In 181 1, the sloop — Friends' Good Will — was built for him, which was captured by the 
British and called the Little Belt. 

Capt. .[ohn I'arley, of the United States Artillery, was among the early visitors to this section 
of the State. 

Michel, Medor, Josepii, Benoit, Leon and Louis Tremble, whose grandfather is referred to in 
this chapter, were among the traders known to the Indians, French and Americans of this count}- 
previous to and for 3"ears after its organization. 

Benjamin Cushway was l)orn at Detroit in 18(l!t, and dicil at Saginaw. .May '_'5, 1881. In 1832 
he was ai)p()inted Indian blacksmith at Saginaw. He was known among the early settlers of the 
district, particularly among the French. 

Kdwanl ^IcCarlhy. an Irish revolutionist of 1708, came to Di'troit in 1829, passed some time 
near Mt. Clemens, and ultimately continued his travels to the Northwest, where he died. 

Baret Le Paries, Dominiiiue Snav, Louis Du|)rat. William Thelio, Joseph Alloir, Antoine 
Tremble, John Tremble and Francois G. Tremble, were among the (•hildrcn of the county when it 
was organized. 

Whittemore and James Knaggs, brothers, of French Canadian or French- Rnglish descent, were 
among the early wliite inhabitants of the Huron country, and, if friendships, dealings and period- 
ical stays in the neighborhood of the Riviere aux Hurons could bring the title, they were among 
the first white settlers of tlu^ country north of the Huron. Judize Withcrell. in referring to these 
Frenchmen, says : '' Capt. Knaggs was a firm and untlinching patriot in times when jiatriotism 



192 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

was in demand, daring the war of 1812. He was one of tlie Indian interpreters, spoke freely six 
or seven of tlieir languages, together with French and English, and exercised great influence over 
many warrior tribes. On the surrender of Detroit to the enemy, he was ordered by the British 
commandant to leave the territory, and did so, of course ; but joined the first corps of United States 
troops that advanced toward the frontier. He acted as guide to the division under Gen. Winches- 
ter, and was present at the bloody defeat in the valley of the Raisin The British Indians discovered 
him after tlie surrender and (letennined to kill him. There happened to be present an Indian, 
whom Knaggs had defended in former years, who resolved to save the pale-face at every hazard, 
but the savages would not listen to him. Nothing daunted, however, the brave red warrior placed 
himself between Knaggs and his foes, and succeeded in keeping them off for some time. The sav- 
ages pressed closer, and as a dernier resort the friendly' Indian seized Knaggs round the waist, kept 
his own body between the white man and his enemies, and so prevented the repeated blows of toma- 
hawk and war club from taking effect upon the head of Winchester's French guide. This means 
of defense continued until both Knaggs and the Indian sought refuge among a number of horses, 
which stood harnessed close by. Here Knaggs was enabled to avoid the blows aimed at his head, 
until a British officer, not so savage as his Indian allies, interposed, and saved the guide from a 
cruel death." Knaggs survived this terrible trial for many years, and rendered good service to the 
United States in the negotiations of Indian treaties. James Knaggs was present at the death of 
Tecumseh, and was considered one of the most unflinching and honorable supporters of the Ameri- 
can troops. A member of the Avery family of Monroe County, Mich., bears the highest testimony 
to the Knaggs brothers. 

Jacob Smith, or Wah-be-sius, settled with his parents in Northern Ohio, whence he pushed for- 
ward to the Detroit and Huron district, where he remained some j'ears. During the rambles of 
the Young Swan he won the friendship of the Hurons and Otchipwes, and as his intercourse with 
them became more extensive, he entered into all their manners and customs, sympathized with 
them, and claimed in return tlieir earnest friendship. After some years passed among the Indians 
of the Clinton or Huron River, he moved to Flint, where he died of disease, in 1825. Baptiste 
Cochois, or Nickaniss, was the only white friend present at his death — Annemekins, the Indian 
boy whom he adopted, was the onlj' red man who witnessed the dying struggles of this popular 
trader. To Smith is due the rescue of the Boyers of Mt. Clemens. 

Patrice Reaume, or Wemitigoji, was a native of Quebec. For a period of eight years he^ 
traded among the Indians of the St. Clair and Huron and Raisin districts, where he was well and 
favorably known. Ultimately he was appointed factor for the American Fur Company at the post 
near Pontiac, and subsequently at the Tittahavvassee and Saginaw. 

Louis De Quindre, named Missabos, was a friend of Reaume, and like him, a trader. He, too, 
was known to the pioneers of this county, where he made his home for some j'ears. 

Jacob Graveraet, husband of the daughter of the fierce Kiskawko, was a German, who settled 
for awhile at Albany, N. Y.; moving West, he settled at Detroit, next to Harsen's Island ; moved 
to Harrison Township in Macomb, again to Harsen's Island, and thence to what is now called Bay 
County. 

Louis Bcaufait, or Wagash, was one of the most favorably known and 'genial men in the 
Michigan of 1800-1820. He was much younger than Smith or Reaume; was a friend of each 
and all of his fellow-traders, and being so, was the great peace-maker in the traders' circle — his 
calm, gentle and sound reasoning always prevailed. 

Barney Campau, a nephew of Louis and Jose()h Campau, better known as Oshkinawe, was 
well-iitted for the life of a trader or hunter. He was honest in all his dealings with the savages, 
and on this account the3- styled him Young Man, and acquiesced in all his propositions. 

JOSEPH REVKUR. 
In the biographical relations of J. R. Bancroft, of Batavia, N. Y., the following notice of an old 
trapper of the St. Clair district is given : •' Samuel de Champlain was the ' Father of New France,' 
or Canada, by gaining and keeping a foothold near the St. Lawrence, and, in 1G08, in laying the 
foundations of Quebec. He was followed by missionaries, one of whose servants was Jean Bap- 
tiste Reveur, who died near Lake Champlain about 1(165. His great-grandson, Peter Reveur, was 
an engineer in the French forces in America, and of the part}' that built the sixty forts from the 
mouth of the St. Lawrence to that of the Mississippi, about 1725, and which included Detroit. 



IIlsroKY OK hT. CLAIi; COUNTY. 193 

The name of Louisiana vv:is eai-ly nivoii that- vast rcifioii claiincd liy l''ranci'. Ijotweeii tbe AilegLiaii_v 
and Rock}' Mountains. Wiien tlio Kinji; of Franco iiail dominion in Norlli .America, all the domain 
northwest of the River Ohio was included in the I'rovince of Ijouisiana, the north honndarv of 
which, by the treaty of Utrecht, concluded between F'rance and I'lniijland in 17U!, was fixed at the 
forty ninth parallel of latitude north of the equator. After the conquest of the French possessions 
in .\inerica bj- (Jreat ]5ritain, this tract was ceded by France to the English by the Ireatv of Paris 
in 17(18. Peter Kevour had a son. Jean Reveur, who became a trapper and hunter, and married, in 
177ti. a woman of French-Indian extraction, attached in domestic service to the Brilish garrison at 
Detroit. Jean was away most of the time hunting and trading with the Indians, but his wife 
remained at her old place at the Ibrt in Detroit, wliere her son Joseph R(!veur (now Anglicized into 
Kevore) was born July 4, 1777, one hundred and six years ago. 'The babe grew up into a hearty 
lad and learned the trade of a l)ak(!r from the British baker at the post. B}- the treaty of peace, 
signed at Paris, Soptemlier 15, 17S:i, the claim of the English monarch to the Northwest Territory, 
including Detroit, ceased. Jo.seph Revore plied his trade of a baker, at Detroit and other (lovern- 
ment military posts on the lakes, until the ontVireak of the war of 1812. The Indian allies of the 
French did not at once accept the peace of 1703, and Pontiac, the great Ottawa chief, incensed at 
the transfer of his lands from one Euroijean power to another, stirred up a great conspiracy of the 
tribes of the lakes for the destruction of all the British garrisons. Detroit eiulnretl an eight months' 
siege, but was saved by a half-breed Indian girl, the little sister of Joseph Revore's mother, who 
revealed the plan in time. Peter Reveur, the grandfather of Joseph Revore, was a Lieutenant of 
the French forces under Montcalm, and was killed with his commander at Quebec in 17r)9. Jean, 
the father of Joseph Reveur (or Revore, as now spelled), adhered to the British in the Revolution, 
but rendered no special service; l)eyond those of scout and pilot near the great lakes. He died 
near where Chicago is, in 181).'), aged seventy years, and was with the Indians and their Britisli 
allies when defeated by Gen. .Mail Anthony Wayne at Fallen Timbers, August 20, 1704. Joseph 
Revore, in the war of 1812, joined the American forces and was with Gen. Hull when lie ignol)lv 
surrendered his army, the Detroit post and all .Michigan to the British. He witnessed the galliuil 
Col. Lewis (,"ass break his sword rather than deliver it up to the English commander. During the 
war, he was at Fort Meigs, .Maiden, and on the River Raisin. The exjiloit of that war in which this 
aged veteran takes the most pride, was his participation in Harrison's victory over the allied British 
and Indians under Proctor and Tecumseh, on the River Thames, where not ten feet away he saw 
(jol. Richard M. Johnson shoot Ti'cumseh. At the close of the war. he remained in the neighbor- 
hood of Fort Meigs, working fin' a Mr. Mcintosh in a tavern, and then a Mr. For.sytli, who kept a 
store. Finally he drifted to Pittsburgh, where he married and where ho kept a barber-shop and 
bakery combined. In his young days, ho was a famous athlete and boxer, and even after he was 
fifty years old he could throw any man in Pittsburgh or that region. His four children having 
died, he came down the Ohio River with his wife, and about 1850 settled in Felicity, where for 
manj- years he followed his trade of a baker. Here, during the late war, his wife died and the old 
man was left without a known relative in the wide world. Finally time made its cruel advances on 
him, his iulirmities increased, and in 1879 he came to the County Infirmary, at Clermont, Ohio, 
where he still resides." 

DISTINGUISHED E.\KI-V Vl.siTOIi.S. 

.\mong the pioneers of Michigan liest known to the early settlers of St. Clair, the first was un- 
doubtedly Jjewis Cass. The first Chief Justices — A. B. Woodward and Judge Witherell— were equal- 
ly well known; while to the first French settlers of this county, all the members of the Carapean 
family were linked by innumerable interchanges of service. 

Augustus Brevoort Woodward was a native of Virginia; was appointed a Judge of tlu; Terri- 
tory in 1805. His term of ollice expired on the 1st of F'ebruary, 1824. He was soon after aj)- 
pointed a Judge of the Territory of Florida, and died three years thereafter. 

John Griffin was a|)pointed one of the Judges of Michigan in 1807. His term of otiice expired 
February 1, 1824. He was also a native of Virginia. He died in Philadelphia about fortv years 
sin('e (about 1840). 

James Witherell was a native of Massachusetts, and was appointed a Judge of the Territorv of 
Michigan on the 2od day of April, 1808. His term of office expired on the 1st day of Feljruary. 
1824, when he was re-appointed for four years, and on the 1st of February, 1828. he was appointed 
Secretary of the Territory. He died on the IHli of January. 1838. 



194 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

James May never held the office of Judge of the Territorv, but was for some j-ears Chief Justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas, about the year 1800. 

Gen. Lewis Cass, successor of the inglorious Hull in the governorship of the Territory of Mich- 
igan, 1813, held his high office until appointed a member of the United States Cabinet, as Secretary 
of War, in 1831. In 1836, he received the portfolio of Minister to France, which office he filled until 
1842. In Januar}', 1845, he was elected member of the United States Senate. Throughout his 
public life, from his efforts to combat Hull's treachery, in 1812, to the close of his career, he was 
one of the first citizens of the Union. His death brought mourning not only into the homes of the 
Michigan people, but also into the villages of the Otchipwes, Pottawatomies and Ottawas, whose 
admiration he won during the earlier years of his service in Michigan. 

Gen. Cass was born at Exeter, N. H., October 9, 1782, and died at Detroit. Mich., June 17, 
1866. Gen. Cass was known to the Indians, French and Americans from the establishment of the 
Territory forward. The services which he rendered this State particularl}' can never be over-esti- 
mated. 

Gabriel Richards, of tBe order of St. Sulpice, was born at Saintes, Charente Inferieur, France, 
October 15, 1764. His mother was a relative of the illustrious Bossuet. He arrived at Baltimore 
June 24, 1792, and at Detroit in June, 1798. He was the first Delegate of Michigan to the Con- 
gress of the United States, being elected in 1823. His death took place at Detroit, during the 
cholera plague, September 13, 1832. 

Marquis Jacques Campeau was born at Detroit in 1730. He was the son of LaMotte Cadil- 
lac's secretary, a soldier who accompanied the French troops to that post in 1701. Manjuis J. 
Campeau may be considered the first white settler of Michigan. He sought a home be3-oud the 
fort in 1757, just one j-ear before Nicholas Patenaude began a squatter's life in the district now 
known as Macomb Count}'. He erected the Catholic Church near his home in 1778. 

Joseph Campeau was born at Detroit February 20, 1769. In 1786, he commenced trading 
in real estate. This fact, together with his various commercial enterprises, made his name a house- 
hold word in the homes of the early French settlers. 

Christian Clemens, John Stockton, Gen. Brown, and a number of other pioneers of the State, 
noticed in other sections of this work, are well and favorably remembered by the pioneers of this 
county. 

Robert Abliott, son of James Abbott, of Dublin, Ireland, was born at Detroit in 1771. He is 
said to be the first man speaking our language who opened business at the old post of Detroit. 
His fatiier and himself were identified with the early fur traders, and were known from Detroit to 
Mackinac and thence to Chicago. The dealings of Robert Abbott with the early settlers of 
St. Clair come next in importance to the business connection of the Campeaus. 

MA-'INER.S AND CUSTOMS. 

The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, like that of war, was a means 
of gratifying his love for distinction. The male children, as soon as the\- acquired sufficient age 
and strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to shoot birds and other small 
game. Success in killing a large quadruped required years of careful stud}- and practice, and the 
art was as sedulously inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are the elements of read- 
ing, writing and arithmetic in the common schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the 
forest and the dense, tall grass of the prairies, were the best fields for the exercise of the hunter's 
skill. No feet could be impressed in the yielding soil but that the tracks were the object of the 
most searching scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the direction it was 
pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it had passed. In a forest country, he selected the 
valleys, because they were most frequenth' the resort for game. The most easily taken, perhaps, 
of all the animals of the chase, was the deer. It is endowed with a curiosity which prompts it to 
stop in its flight and look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of this oppor- 
tunity to let &y the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. When in council, they 
usually sat in concentric circles around the speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding that 
rankled within, preserved an exteriou as immovable as if cast in bronze. Before commencing busi- 
ness, a person appeared with the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being lighted 
t was first presented to heaven, secondlj' to tiie earth, thirdly to the presiding spirit, and lastly 



IIISTOr.Y OF ST. CLAll! COUNTY. 195 

the several councilors, each of wliora took a whitt'. Tliose formalities were observed witli as close 
exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts. 

The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest character. On some pleasant 
spot by the bank of a river, or near an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, 
constructed of the bark of trees and easily taken down and removed to another spot. The dwell- 
ing places of the chiefs were sometimes more spacious, and constructed with greater care, but of the 
same materials. Skins taken in the cliase .served them for rei)Ose. Though principally dependent 
upon hunting and fishing, the uncertain supply from those sources led them to cultivate small 
patches of corn. lOvery family did everything necessary within itself; commerce or an inter- 
change of articles being almost unknown to them. In cases ol'disi)Ute and dissension, each Indian 
relied upon himself for n'taliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and the relatives of the slain 
man were bound to obtain bhjoily revenge for his death. This princi|)le gave rise, as a matter of 
course, to innumerable bitter feuds and wars of extermination, where such were possible. War, 
indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's glory and delight — war, not conducted as civilization, 
but war where individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelt}- were prime requisites. For such 
a purpose as revenge, the Indian would make great sacrifices, and display a patience and perse- 
verance truly heroic ; but when the excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, unoccupied, 
well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his more exciting pursuits, the Indian occupied 
his time in decorating his person with all the relinement of paint and feathers, and in the manu- 
facture of his arms and of canoes. These were constructed of liark, and so light that they could 
easily be carried on the shoulders from stream to stream. Tlis amusements were the war dance, 
athletic games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the oratory of the chiefs ; but during 
long periods he remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly uiion the trees of the forests and 
the clouds that sailcnl above them; and this vacancy imprinted an habitual gr;ivity and (>ven mel- 
ancholy upon his general deportment. 

The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon the women. The planting, 
tending antl gathering of the crojjs, making mats and l)askets, carrying burdens — in fact, all 
things of the kind were performed by them, thus making thcnr condition but little better than that 
of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of bargain and sale, tlu^ husband giving presents to the 
father of the bride. In general they had but few children. They were subjected to man}- and 
severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine and iiestilence swept awa\- whole tribes. 

TIIK G.\ME OK L.\ CltOSSI-; 
The earliest notice of this game as played by tlu; Indians is probal)ly that of ('apt. Carver, 
who visited the State in ITtid. and may l)e found on page 804 of his book entitled ■' North Amer- 
ica," and is as tbllows : •■ Tliey amuse themselves at several sorts of games, but the princij)al and 
most esteemed among them is that of the ball, which is not unlike the Huropean game of toiniis. 
The balls they use are i-athor larger than those made use of at tennis, and are formed ol' a piece of 
deerskin, which, being moistened to render it supple, is stulled hard with the hair of the same 
creature, and sewed with its sinews. The bail-sticks an; about three feet long, at the end of which 
there is a kind of racket, resemlding the palm of the hand, and fashioned of thongs cut from a 
deerskin ; in these they catch the ball, and throw it to a great distance, if they are not prevcnlx;d 
by some of the opposite party, who tly to intercept it. This game is generally played Ity large 
companies that sometimes consist of more than three hundred, and it is not uncommon for different 
banils to play against each other. They begin by fixing two |)oles in the ground at about six 
hundred yards apart, and one of these goals belongs to each party of the combatants. The ball is 
thrown up high in the cent(a- of the ground, and in a direct line between the goals, toward which 
each party endeavors to strike it, and whichever side causes it to reach their own goal, reckons 
toward the game. They are so exceedingly dexterous in this manly exercise that the l)all is 
usually kept llying in different directions by the force of the rackets, without touching the ground 
during the whole contention, for they are not allowed to catch it with their hands. They run with 
amazing velocity in pursuit of each other, and when one is on the point of hurling it a gre:U. 
distance, an antagonist (nertakes him, and by a sudden stroke dashes down the ball. They play 
with so much vehemence that they frequently wound each otiier, and sometimes a bone is broken ; 
but notwithstanding these accidents, there never appears to be any spite or wanton exertions of 
strength to effect them, nor do any disputes ever happen between the parties." 



196 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

VISIT TO THE INDIAN VILLAGE. 

Previous to the departure of the Hurons, it was certaiul}' worth one's while to visit one of 
their villages. A Frenchman who visited them in 1808 or 1810 described their villages on the 
Clinton at that time. lie says: '' I remember one fine afternoon, about ten 3'ears ago, accompany- 
ing an old Indian trader thithei'. Seated in a light canoe, and each armed with a paddle, we started 
from the mouth of the river for the ostensible purpose of bartering with the Indians for furs, etc., 
etc. For my part, I was perfectly delighted with the idea, as I never had an opportunity hitherto 
of seeing the Indians at home, at least during the summer season. The river was sutHciently 
agitated to cause our tinj- boat to rock dreamily, and as we sped onward the rich wavelets leaped 
and sported against our canoe's prow and sides like sportive kittens, ever and anon greeting our 
faces with a damp paw that was b}' no means unpleasant. On, on we sped, now under the 
shadow of the green woods, now by the fringed, rich border of the clearings, or by the grass-covered 
marsh. We could see from a bend in the river the Indian village, and hear the wild, joyous shouts 
of the dusky juveniles as they pursued their uncouth sports and games. As we approached their 
camp, what a busy and exhilarating scene was presented to our view ! I clapped my hands in the 
exuberance of my spirits, for never before had I witnessed a scene so full of real, unaffected, 
natural happiness as there greeted my senses, ^ly companion did not appear to share in my 
enthusiasm, owing, doubtless, to the fact that he was accustomed to such scenes. Little Indian 
boj'S and girls could be seen prowling around like little cupids — some wrestling, some shooting 
with tiny bows and arrows, some paddling their toy canoes, while others sported in the waters of the 
river like so many amphibia, each striving to excel the other in the manner and demonstration of 
its enjoyment. 

" Superannuated Indians and squaws sat by the tent doors, looking on with a quiet, demure 
pleasure, or arranging some toy or trinket for a favorite little toddler, while the more efficient were 
engaged in various occupations. Oh ! how I longed for an artist's skill, that I might sketch the 
wild and picturesque scene ! Here, thought I, is human nature in its free, untrarameled state. 
Care seemed to be a stranger to those children of nature ; no thought of sorrow seemed to engross 
their minds ; and the world, with all its vicissitudes and vexations, was allowed to pass along 
unnoticed by them. Buoyancy of spirit was a striking feature in their character. As we drew our 
canoe out upon the beach, the Indians came forward to greet us, and with a hearty shake of the 
hand, wished us a cordial bon.Jour. The dusky urchins left their sports to take a full survey of the 
visitors ; which having done, they returned to their games with a yelp and a bound. 

" Situated upon the greenest and most beautiful portion of the camp ground were a number of 
white and neat-looking tents, which were closed, and isolated from the dingy, smoky tepees of the 
village. The trader, who seemed a sort of privileged character, was entirely at home ; while I, 
considering myself among strangers, clung to him, and followed him wherever he v?ent, not ventur- 
ing to throw myself upon my own responsibility. I was therefore pleased when I saw him start 
toward the white tents, for I was curious to know what tiiey contained. Drawing aside the canvas, 
he entered vvithout ceremony, I, of course, following after. Seated upon beautiful mats of colored 
rushes, which served as carpets and divans, were some three or four good-looking squaws, very 
neatlj' and even richly attired in the fanciful style of the native, busily engaged in embroidering 
and ornamenting moccasins, broadcloth leggings, and blankets with variegated beads and porcupine 
quills. Everything around evinced the utmost onler, neatness and taste. No bustling nic/ice or 
dirty urchin was allowed the freedom of those apparently consecrated tents ; but all was quiet and 
calm within ; and if converse were carried on it was in that calm, soft, musical tone so peculiar to 
them. So, so, thought I, here we have a sort of aristocracv — a set of exclusives, and a specimen 
of high life among the natives ; yet it was just that kind of high life, in many respects, after which 
their white sisters might take pattern. No idle gossiping or scandal was indulged in ; they quietl}' 
plied their needles, and kept their counsel to themselves. If they had occasion to visit their 
neighbors' tents, it was done quietly and pleasantly, after which bu.siness was resumed." This 
description of the Indian villages on the Riviere aux Hurons or Clinton is based upon fact. Though 
the W3'andot or Huron is now far away from his olden land, his wife, or sister, or mother may look 
back with pride to their settlements by Lake St. Clair, and in charity wish that the new Americans 
there will be as happy as their fathers were. 



IIISTOHV OF ST. CLAIH COUXTY. 197. 

THE S.\IAI,L-roX. 
From time to time (luring the lialf-ccntiiiy oiuliiig in 1837, the .siniill-pox and i<in(hccl 
epidemics created sad havoc among tlic Indians. ' Tlie sto'ry ol' those dreadful times ol' famine and 
fever is taken from W. H. .McC'ormick'.s descriptions ; 

I. 

" A broad, grccti belt of fertile bottom l.-nul, 

Convcrfi'cs j^ciitly from the golden strand ; 

Its borders frinyed with .stately elm and willow. 

While fur as tbe eye can reach around is seen, 

Wavinj; hi.xuriaiitly the prairie green. 

A scene more .sylvan 1 never viewed before. 

So elo(|uent with savage legendary lore. 

It was tlie month— fairest of all — lovely .Jinie, 

When tbe sweet air wa.s laden with perfume 

<'l liudding lloweret, gorg<'ous prairie rose, 

\\ liic li round the seene in wild profusion flows, 

And many a feathered .songster perched on tree, 

W.irbled in sweetest .strain its minstrelsy. 

Tbe tinud deer emerging from the wood, 

(!.i/ed on his sliadow in the crystal flood ; 

Or his lithe limbs in playful sport did lave. 

Or drink refreshment from ils livid wave. 

On wing of gossamer the hu.sy bee. 

From forest home, in distant "hollow tree, 

(iatlutred the sweets from many an open flower, 

To deck with wealth his home" in sylvan bower. 

Amid a grove of elms in the coo! shade. 

An Indian band its rude eneam]niieut made ; 

And in I lie shadows of its liranebcs green, 

Were warrior, ehieflain, children and maidens seen. 

Here were old braves in social eirele met. 

Smoking in silenee grave the ealumet; 

Or h(a-e on withes distended dressed the skin 

For hunting shirt or graceful moccasin. 

The infant savage rocking to and fro. 

Its cradle [lendant from o'erhanging bough, 

Fann'd by each gentle zephyr that passed by. 

While murnuiring breezes sung its lulluby. 

The ])aticnt wife toiling over mortar rude, 

Crushing the grain to foim their simple food ; 

While other forms the hn-id fires revealed, 

Prei)aring for llie tribe their evening meal. 

Suspended from the bough, o'er rustic couch, 

Hang the ibcaded ritle. tomahawk and ]iouch, 

And implements for tishing lying near — 

The glillciing. the net, the barbed spear. 

The warrior eirele seated on tbe ground ; 

The frugal meal was served, the pipe passed round. 

The shades of evening gathered o'er the W^est, 

And chieftain, maid and warrior sank to rest. 

II. 
It was a soft ami solemn hour. 
When silence reigned o'er lake and bower, 
The silver moon in gr<indeur led 
The starry host, and mildly shed 
Its refluent and unclouded light — 
Resplendent on the trancpnl night. 
And myriad> of stars that move. 
Obedient to the power aliove. 
Holding their silent intercourse 
Onward in their ai'Ti.al course, 
Forever sparkling pure and bright, 
'Mid regions of crystal ligbl. 
The hour when lovers love to meet, 
In sweet embrace, in converse sweet ; 
Whispering love's tale to listening ears 
Their fondest hopes, their wildest fears ; 



198 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Whea lips meet lips in raptured bliss, 
In passion's deep and fervid kiss ; 
When hearts in rapture fondly blend, 
And dream not that such moments end ; 
The swelling breast, the bursting sigh,. 
Love wildly beaming from each eye ; 
Hand clasped in hand and heart to heart, 
In smiles to meet, in tears to part. 
Alas! They cannot last forever ; 
Time, chance, or fate may soon dissever ; 
Then in those eyes we love are starting 
The pearly tear-drops shed at parting. 
Gemm'd like the morning Hower witTi dew. 
One last embrace, one kiss — adieu ! 

III. 
" It was the hour when, on his cot. 
No more repining o'er his lot. 
The toil-worn lab'rer in repose. 
Forgetful of his many woes, 
And every sense is buried deep 
In sweet forgetfulncss of sleep ; 
No saddening ti. ought obtruding there, 
To foster with corroding care ; 
No dreams of dark ambition wake 
His senses from their tranquil stale. 
Sleep on! Let no fear beguile. 
For vice would quail beneath that smile, 
Which on his lips rest playfully — 
Proof of the heart's tranquillity. 
Not so with those who nursed in power. 
Who boast a kingdom for a dower. 
The wealthy poor, the poorlj' great. 
The beggar kings of many a state. 
Boasting a long ancestral line, 
And ruling by a right dimiie; 
Tlie slaves of fortune or of power. 
But seldom realize an hour 
Of gentle peace, of tranquil rest. 
Like that which tills the poor man's breast. 
Sleep on! sleep on! The eye of heaven will keep 
Its guardian watch upon th}' sleep. 

IV. 

" The moon shone soft from his meridian height, 
Bathing the Indian camp with humid light. 
When on the night air wildly there arose 
A shriek that startled each from his repose. 
Some danger threatened their beloved chief. 
And each in haste drew near to his relief. 
Stricken and low by some strange malady, 
To them unknown, and knowing not the remedy. 
In vain their prophet chanted incantations, 
Or in their mystic rites performed oblations ; 
In vain their medicine man his knowledge tried. 
The strange disease his remedies defied. 
And 'ere the morning dawn the chieftain died. 
In consternation dread they formed his bier. 
And o'er his grave in silence shed a tear. 
But 'ere another sun had pass'd away, 
The chieftain's wife and children stricken lay. 
Each day increased the horror and the dread. 
As through their camp the dire contagion spread ; 
It seemed that fate, with unrelenting hand. 
Had doomed the remnant of their fated band. 
In vain, when racked with pain, the sufferer cried 
For help from those untouched — it was denied. 
Fear held them spell-bound, palsied every sense ; 
To aid was to incur the pestilence. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIll COUNTY. 199 

V. 
'■When wriihrd tlie warrior, hadst thou srcn 

The conqiKM-int;- ausui.-;li on his mifii! 

In the la.st. struggle of his stalwart frame. 

His dauntless cbura.^e not e'en death eould tame ; 

Ilis lonjiiiijr eyes fixed on his fragile wife. 

So loved, alas ! the dismal wreek of life ; 

How as his glazing eyes met hers in death. 

He heaved a bitter si.gh with his last breath ; 

The last fond look l)estowed on things below. 

He winged his spirit flight to M.vnitou. 

And near him his attenuated wife, 

In the last struggle of departing life, 

With deep despair, tore from her anguished breast 

The lovely bal)e that knew no other' rest ; 

Lest tlie toul breath of dii'e pestilcnct — 

As yet uiislricken— soon might lie,-ir it hence ; 

While others prayed for death in shrieking prayer. 

And olliers raved— the matlness of despair ; 

And many a wandering brain by fever wrought, 

The Inirnin.'r tongue the crystal waters .sought ; 

Exhaust<'d fell 'ere they could reach the wave 

No hand to help them and no friend to save. 

Ill vain the mother cried, the child, the daughter. 

For one sweet drop —a simple cup of water ; 
While those who reached it with remaining breath. 
Took their last drop and quivering sank in death. 
To us in health, it seemed a little thing, 
To have some friend a eup of water bring : 
Yet when 'tis proffered unto feverish lips 
Worn by disease, and these its coolness sips, 
Of sweet rerreshment. it will give 
Strength to the weak, and make the eye revive ; 
Will give a shock of pleasure to the frame. 
Robbing disease of many a throbbing pain. 
It is a trilling thing to speak a phrase 
Of common comfort, or of little praise ; 
By almost daily u.se its sense nigh lost '; 
Sweet drops of comfort at but little cost. 
Yet on till' ear of him who thought to die 
Without one gentle word, one pitying sigh. 
To perish by himself, and mourn, alone— 
On such an ear will sympathy's sweet tone 
Fall like swi'ct music from the distant spheres. 
And the glazed eyes o'erflow with crystal tears- 
Release the knotted hand, and i>alsi<"d frame, 
To feel the lionds of fellowshi]) .again. 
And e'en when death its sad pilgrimage seals, 
'Tis joy to know tliat there is oiie wlio feels— 
That one of the great family is near 
To shed a tear of pity o'er "his bier. 
Not thus the dying savage that lay 
Upon the river shore on that day. 
Those left untouched bv r.-iginir pestilence, 
Dreading the awful malady" tied hence; 
Shed on the sufTi'rers one pitving siirh. 
One frenzied look, and left tiieni there to die 
And when the da;^ was ended, and the night. 
Refulgent with the moon's unclouded light. 
And twinkling stairs that gemmeil the heavens above. 
Looked down upon the scene with eyes of love. 
The solitude was broken liy the howling 
Of the fierce wolf, around "the stricken prowling. 
These, and the noisomi- buzzard of the wood. 
Feasted on those unburied by the Hood. 

VI. 
'And thus they died I the beautiful, the brave! 
Some on the river-bank, some in its wave ; 



200 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

No kindred arm ontstretcbod to aid or save ; 

No liand, alas ! to furnish even a grave ! 

And now an Indian maid or children glide 

In light canoe upon the river tide ; 

In solemn silence and witli recumbent head, 

They pass the spot with undissembled dread. 

And" to the Oreat Spirit, ascends a prayer 

For those who suffered, they who perished there." 

LETTER FROM GEN. ARTHUR ST. CL,\IR TO THE INDIANS, 1799. 

This letter was read in every Indian village from the Ohio to the Saiilt de Ste. Marie in 1800. 
It was written at Cincinnati, October, 3, 1799, and dispatched per courier to the homes of the 
Indians: 
To THE Chiefs of the Pott.a.w.\tomies, and Chippewas, and Ottawas: 

My Sons:— I send you this by Nangg, who has been here to pay me a visit. It gave me great pleasure to 
see him; but it was little we could say to each other, because there was not anybody here that could well 
speak your language. 

I was able to learn from him, my sons, that you have been, and still are, anxious to see me._ It was my 
design to have met you when your goods were delivered, but they were so late in coming that it is now out 
of my power, as our annual council is now sitting, and I cannot leave it, but I will send some persons in my 
placeon whom you may depend. 

Believe me, my sons, I wish well, as they do themselves, to all my red children; and the President of the 
United States will continue to love them and do them good; but there are people that make you uneasy: they 
love nobody but themselves, and because some of them have prevailed on individuals amongst you to make 
grants of lands to them, contrary to our laws and to all your former practice, that are not approved of, they 
give you no rest, but are always saying some disagreeable things or other to you. I tell you, and I tell the 
truth", that it is for your interest the United States do not apjirove those grants of land. Only consider a 
little: if every one of you, of yourselves, without the con.sent of the nation, may give away the lands that 
belong to you all. and at times when, perhaps, you have been made drunk on purpose, what will become of 
vour wives and children? 

Do you not see that it is to prevent your being cheated by bad men, who, if they can get your lands, do 
not care" if you were all to perish with" hunger, that the United States will not allow o' their people to buy 
them but at a public treaty with the nation, when you are all solier, and know that you are not wronged nor 
wronging yourselves ? If those private sales were countenanced, must not war be the certain consequence 
when^you found your lands gone, and that you have got nothing of v.alue for them ? You would kill some 
of the people who lived upon them, who had, "perhaps, no hand in cheating you; some of you would be killed 
in return, and all the mischiefs of war would follow. 

As to the Canadians, my sons, who are living on lands which you have given to them, you need not be 
unea.sy about them, neither'need they be uneasy about the land. The United States will not tiike their farms 
from them; but they will not allow anv of their people to be Inlying from you, in a private manner, the lands 
which are to support you and your families, and your children after you, by thousands of acres, and cheating 
you in the price at the same time. 

I find it to be your wish that some person may be appointed at Detroit, to whom you may speak occa- 
sionally. Such agents can be appointed by the President only, and when he knows how much you wish for 
one, I do not doubt that one on whom yoii may depend will be appointed. 

It is a great satisfaction to me, my children, that there is a peace between you and us; I am sure that it 
is best for both that it should continue forever. On our parts, nothing will be done to weaken it. But I 
know there have been people amongst vou stirring you to take up the hatchet on account of the French. I 
do not believe that you will listen to them, because you will see the consequence; and if they should succeed 
in* misleading you," the whole burthen must fall upon vourselves. for they cannot help you. The English 
will not, and the Spaniards are too far off to help you. and too weak to do it if they were willing. Drive, 
then, those persons away; they are your worst enemies, whatever they may say. On the friendship of your 
American brothers, who sprung out of the same soil with vourselves. you may safely depend. This is from 
your friend and father. Akthdr St. Clair. 

TREATIES WITH THG OTCHIPVVES. 

The first treaty between the United States and this tribe was signed at Hopewell, November 
28, 1785, assigning boundaries. They were represented at Greenville in 1795; in 1805, they made a 
large cession of land, and again in 1808 extended this cession. In the inter-tribal council of pacifi- 
cation, held at Detroit in 1815, they took an important part. By the treaty of 1816, they ceded all 
their reserves in Ohio. The inost important treaties, however, were those of Saginaw in 1819, of 
Saultde Ste. Marie in 1820, of Chicago i.i 1822, and of Detroit in 1854-55. By the latter treaty, all 
their lands in the Upper Peninsula, in Wisconsin, and Minnesota, were ceded to the United States. 
This gave to Michigan the great mineral region of the Northwest, and opened up to enterprising 
men a world of iron and copper. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 201 

TIU'.ATY OF DETROIT. 
This tre:it\- was negotiated at Detroit November, 17, 1807, by Gen. William Hull, ilnited States 
Commissioner Under it the lands from tiie Miami to the Great Aucjlaize River, and north t(j a 
line drawn west from the head of the St. Clair River; thence northeast to the White Rock in Lake 
Huron; thence east to the national boiuKhxry line; thence south by that line to a point east of the 
Miami, and west to tlie mouth of that river, were ceded to the United States. In consideration of 
this cession, the sura of $:!,:!.'!:!. .'!:! was paid the Otchipwes; $3,B3B.P>H to the Ottawas; $l,()U(i,(J(J to 
the Wyandots; and .isl.litid.lii) to the I'ottawatomies, Tlie annuities granteil, t.ogether with the above 
sums, 'were $800 to the Ot.chipwcs: .^SilO to the Ottawas; S-IOO to the Wyandots, and $400 to Potta- 
watoniies residing on the Huron and Raisin of Lake Erie. Under this treaty tracts of three miles 
square on Lake St. Clair, including .Machonce's village, together with six scjuare iniU^s at other 
points to be selected by the Intlians, were reserved. The Otchipwes who attached tlieir totems to this 
treat}-, were: Ma-man-she-gau-ta, or Bad-legs; Poo-qui-gau-boa-wie, Kiosk, Peewanshemenogh, 
Poquaiiuet, or the Ball, See-gau-ge-wau, Quit chon-e-quit, or Big Cloud, Qui-con-quish, Puck-e- 
nesse. or Spark of Fire; Negig, or the Otter; .Me-a-si-ta, Tonquish, Macquettequet, or Little Rear; 
Miott, Nemekas, or Little Tliunder; Meu-e-tu-ge-sheck, or the Jjittle Cedar; Sawauabenase, or 
Grand Rlane. The Wyandots were: Ska-ho mat. Micro, or Walk in the Water; I yo nayo-ta-ha. 
Tlie witnesses were George McDongall, C. Rush, Jacob Visger. Joseph Watson, Abijah Hull, 
Harris II. Hickman. A. R. Hull. AN'hitmore Knaggs, an<l William Walker. 

TKi;.\Ty OF W.ASHINGTON. 

This treaty was negotiated at Washington, I). C. Maj', 9, 183(i, by Henry K. Schoolcraft, United 
States Commissioner, and tlie chiefs of the Swan Creek and Black River Indians of the Chippewa 
nation. The object of the treaty was to relocate the Indians, or rather to exchange their reservation 
in the vicinity of St. Clair lake; and river, as granted to them by the treaty of Detroit. November 
17, 1807, for other lands. The articles of this compact set forth, firstly: That the Swan Creek and 
Black River bands of Indians cede to the United States one tract of three miles square, or 5.700 acres, 
on Swan Creek of Lake St. Clair; one section and three-quarters near Salt Creek; one-fourlh of a 
section at mouth of Riviere an \'asseau; and one tract of two sections near the mouth of Black 
River, containing in the aggregate al)out 8. 320 acres. In consideration of these cessions of land, the 
Indians were promised the net prot'ceds of the sale of these, except the cost of survey and expenses 
of the treaty. On the ratilication of the treaty, the Government advanced to the Indians $2,500 in 
cash, and $4,000 in merchandise, which sums, together with treaty expenses, were deducted from 
the moneys realized from the sale of the reserves. 

Together with this monc}' consideration 8,320 acres of land west of the Mississippi, or north- 
west of St. Anthony's Falls, were distributed to the bands. 

. The chiefs whose signatures or totems were Eshtonoqnot, or Clear Sky ; Na^'-gee-zhig. or Driv- 
ing Clouds ; Mayzin, or Checkered, and Kee-way-gee-zhig, or Returning Sky. The otlicials and 
witnesses present were Sam. Hiinu's Porter, Secretary ; Stephen T. .Mason, Governor of Michigan; 
Lucius L^'on, John llolliday, Joseph V. Maisac, and George Moran. 

CESSION OF LANU.S lU" CIIII'PEW.V-S, OTT.\WA.S AND I'OTTAWATOMIES. 

In 181(1, 1,418,880 acres were ceded for $12,000. In 1830, 4.1 00.000, except 16,640 acres 
reserved, were purchased by the United States for §54,000. In 1835, 5,104,960 acres were ceded, 
5,000,000 acres of which were reserved, valued at S6, 250, 000, and 81,374,289 granted in money and 
goods. 

OTTAWAS AND nilPPEWAS. 

In 1820. St. .Martin's Island was ceded in consideration of merchandise. In 1821, 5,500,000 
acres, save 14,000 acres reserved, valued at $17,500, were purchased for merchandise, valued at 
$150,000. Chippewas, in 1807, ceded 7,862,400 acres in consideration of $100,400. In 1819, they 
ceded 4,321,280 acres, except 10.240 acres reserved, valued at $12,800, in consideration of $41,200, 
or a total of $54,000, In 1820, they ceded 10,240 acres in consideration of merchandise. In 1836, 
they ceded 8,320 acres, for which they were to receive the net proceeds of the sale of lands. Tn 
1838, they ceded 7,000,000 acres in consideration of $870,000 in money and goods and a reserve 
valued af 812,800, 



202 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



At the outbreak of the war of 1812, tbere were 1,000 warriors inhabiting the shores from 
Lake St. Clair to Michiliinackinac. The Indian population of this district was about 5,000 souls. 

In 1847, there were only 208 Indians of the Chippewas at Swan Creek and Black River, of all 
ages and sexes, subsisting by agriculture and fishing. 

OTCHIPWE NAGAMON. 
The following is the national hymn of the Otchipwes : 

I. 

O, ye Indians, 

Come, draw near; 

Sing a song ! 

As many as there are of you, 

Standing around, 

Who can sing well. 

Draw near ! 



II. 
The land of the Otcbipwe^ 
Come, let us praise. 
As we are singing. 
Indeed, beautiful is 
This, our country. 
Our good Father 
Has given us. 

III. 

For the eminently 

Large Big Water 

Here is found. 

There is fish in abundance; 

The lake trout is here; 

Ah, how well tastes 

The whitefish ! 

IV. 

When the weather is fine, 

We sail about; 

It is pleasant. 

When it blows, aha! 

There are big waves. 

There is a great sound of waters; 

It is dreadful! 



I. 

Auisbmabedog, 

Ambe bi-jaiog, 

Nagamoiog! 

Minik endashiieg, 

Bemigabawiieg, 

Netanagamoieg, 

Bi-ijaiog! 

n. 

Otchipwe waki sa, 
Ambe wawindanda, 
Negaraoiang. 
Gcgct guawatchiwan 
Ow kidakiminan, 
Ki-mino-kossinan 
Gamininang. 

III. 
Mi sa maiamawi 
Mitchag Kitchigami 
Oma eteg. 
Gigo bataiui, 
Namegoss sa abi, 
Waw, minopogosi 
Atikameg. 

IV. 

Menogipigakin, 

Ki-babauiashimin, 

Minwendagwad. 

Nevadingin, ataia! 

Kitcbimamangashka, 

Kitehimadweiashka; 

Gotamiguad. 



But back in the woods there are 

Divers animals 

That are useful. 

The beaver is dwelling there. 

The otter, the marten. 

The bear, the deer — 

The beautiful. 

VI. 

In the field also, 

There is no scarcity 

Of things to eat: 

The potato, the Indian corn, 

Whortleberries, raspberries, 

And sundry other 

Fruits of the earth. 

VII. 

But under the ground 
The German, the Irishman, 
Are working. 
They are gathering metal; 
They are hired laborers; 
The Big Knives (Americans) 
Are carrying off the spoils. 



Nopiming dash abi 
Bebakan awessi 
Uenijishid. 
Amik ima abi, 
Nigig, wabijeshi, 
Makua, uawashkeshi, 
Gwenatchiwid. 

VI. 

Kitiganing gaie 
Manciw.-id wamge 
Gewissiiiing. 
Opin, mandaminag, 
Minan, miskwimiwag, 
Anotch go bekawak 
Netawiging. 

VII. 

Awamakamig dash 

Maiagwed Jagawash, 

Anokiwag. 

Biwabikokcwag, 

Anonigosiwag; 

Kitchimokomawag 

Mamigewag. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 208 

VIII. VIII. 

Tliou. who art. wliitr, raiabi.shkisiiiin, 

WfU, tliou Shalt liave Mniio Ui gadaiaii. 

What tliou wouldst liave. Uaaiamaii. 

For the Indian Anishiiiabr ia 

Is, neviTthele.ss. well off; Minotcli ininoaia; 

A little reserved patcli only Ishkonigans eta 

Shall be his own. " O gadaian. 

IX. IX. 

Our Father, Thee No.ssiinan, kin igo 

We implore Ki wandotamago 

At Die top of our voices; Epitowenij; 

We who serve Thee, Enokitagoiang, 

That Thou be merciful to us, Yclii .lawenimiiang 

Who are living in poverty Ketiniagisiiang 

Here on earth. ' Oma aking. 

INDIAN ORATOHV. 

The following brief speech w;is made b}' Sastarcxy, chief of tlic Ilurons, to La Molte, the 
French Commandant at Detroit. It had reference to the giving up, on the part of the Outawas, of 
Le Pesant, called The Bear, to atone for his murderous acts among the Miamis. Sastarexy did not 
believe that this great bear, so dreaded by the Indians, would be given into their hands. He was 
for wreaking his vengeance on some of the enemy that were at hand. Le Pesant was at Mackinac. 
He adddressed La Motte as follows: ''My Fatlter — Let us say to you that we cannot believe 
that the Outawas will do what they have promised ; for who is he that can overturn so great a tree 
(Le Pesant), whose roots, they tluimsolves say, are so deep in the earth, and wiiose branches extend 
over all the lakes? There is meat here ; why go farther to seek it ? One is certain, the other is 
uncertain." 

The following is the closing of a speech made b\' Logan, a chief of the Cayugas, after all his 
relatives had been murdered in cold blood, without provocation, b^- Col. Cresap, a white man : 

" There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called on me for 
revenge. I liave sought it. I have killed man}'. I have fully glutted m}- vengeance. For m}' 
country I rejoice at the beams of peace ; but do not harbor a thought that mine is the joy of fear. 
Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn 
for Logan ? Not one !" 

The following is Black Hawk's speech, after he had failed to effect the deliverance of his people: 
" Farewell, my nation ! Black Hawk tried to save you. and revenge your wrongs. He drank the 
blood of some of the whites. He has been taken prisoner, and his Hames are stopped. He can do 
no more. He is near his end. His sun is setting, and he will rise no more. Farewell to Black 
Hawk.' 

[?ei»;n of the cholera. 

The cholera entered the Indian settlements in lS2,}-24, and tended to increase the prevailing 
dread of some impending disaster. Providence, however, ruled that the pioneers should suHer 
alone from iinancial reverses, while the Indians should be carried away by disease. A large num- 
ber of the doomed race then dwelling in the county perished; many fled to the wilderness to seek a 
hiding (ilace, where the (ireat Spirit could not lind them to pursue thi'in with his vengeance. Kven 
the wild woods did not shelter the poor savages from the terrible scourge. Throughout the forest, 
along the banks of each river and sli-c;im. the echoes of their dismal shrieks resounded, for a short 
while, and then died away in deatli. Happy Indians! They survived not to witness the sacred 
circles of their fathers, the burial grounds of their race, upturned by tiie plow, or covered with the 
homes and factories of civilized man: they were spared at least this last and most terrible adliction. 
The soldiers were attacked by the disease at Fort Gratiot in 18;52. Tlie poor fellows, flying from the 
pestilence, found a resting place near the houses of the settlers, while many died in the forest. 



204 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



PIONEER MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 



''T^HE fii-st and most important business of the pioneer upon his an-ival was to build a house. 
M. Until this was done, some had to camp on the ground or live in their wagons — perhaps the 
only shelter they had known for weeks. So the ja'ospect for a house, which was also to be a 
home, was one that gave courage to the rough toil, and added a zest to the heavy labors. The 
style of the home entered very little into their thoughts. It was shelter they wanted, and 
protection from stress of weather and wearing exposures. The poor settler had neither the 
money nor the mechanical appliances for building himself a house. He was content, in most 
instances, to have a mere cabin or hut — some of the most primitive constructions of this kind 
were half-faced, or as they were sometimes called "cat-faced sheds or wike-ups," the Indian 
term for tent or hut. It is true, a "claim" cabin was a little more in the shapH of a human 
habitation, made, as it was, of round logs, light enough for two or three men to lay up, 
about fourteen feet square — j)®rl'^ps a little larger or smaller — roofed with bark or clapboards, 
and sometimes with the sods of the prairie, and floored with puncheons (log split once in two, 
and the flat side laid up), or with earth. For a tire-place, a wall of stones and earth — fre- 
quently the latter only, when stone was not convenient — was made in the best practicable shape 
for the purpose, in an opening in one end of the building, extending outward, and planked on 
the outside by bolts of wood notched together to stay it. Frequently a tire-place of this kind 
was made so capacious as to occupy nearly the whole width of the house. In cold weather, 
when a great deal of fuel was needed to keep the atmosphere above freezing point — for (his 
wide-mouthed tire-place was a huge ventilator — large logs were piled into the yawning space. 
To protect the crumbling back-wall against the eifects of fii'e, two back logs were jolaced against 
it, one upon the other. Sometimes these were so large that they could not be got in in any 
other way than to hitch a horse to them. The animal was di-iven in at the door, when the log 
was unfastened before the fu-e-place. It was afterward put in position. The horse would be 
di'iven out at another door. For a chimney, any contrivance that would convey the smoke out 
of the building would do. Some were made of sods, plastered on the inside with clay; 
others- — the more common, perhaps — were of the kind we occasionally see in use now, clay in 
sticks, or " cat in clay," as they were sometimes called. Imagine, of a winter's night, when 
the storm was having its own wild way over this almost uninhabited land, and when the wind 
was roaring like a cataract of cold over the broad wilderness, and the settler had to do his best to 
keep warm, what a royal fire this double back-log and well-tilled tire-place would hold! It 
was a cozy place to smoke, provided the settler had any tobacco; or for the wife to sit kuitting 
before, provided she had any needles and yarn. At any rate, it gave something of cheer to the 
conversation, which very likely was upon the home and friends they had left behind when they 
started out on this bold ventiu-e of seeking fortunes in a new land. 

For doors and windows, the most simple contrivances that would serve the piu-poso were 
brought into requisition. The door was not always immediately provided with a shutter, and 
a blanket often did duty in guarding the entrance. But as soon as convenient, some boards 
were split and put together, hung iipon wooden hinges and held shut by a wooden pin inserted 
in an auger hole. As a substitute for window glass, greased paper, pasted over sticks crossed 
in the shape of a sash, was sometimes used. This admitted the light and excluded the air, 
but, of course, lacked transparency. In regard to the furniture of such a cabin, it varied in 
proportion to the ingenuity of the occupants, unless it was when settlers brought with them 
their old household supply, which, owing to the distance some of them had come, was very 
seldom. It was easy enough to provide tables and chairs-, the former could be made of split 
logs — and there are instances where the door would be taken from its hinges and used at meals, 
after which it would be rehung; the latter were designed after the three-legged stool pattern, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 205 

or benches served their purposes. A bedstead was a very important item in the domestic com- 
fort of the family, and this was the fashion of improvi.sini^ one: A forked stake was ch'iven 
into the ground diagonally from the corner of the room, and at a proper distance, upon which 
poles reaching from each other were laid. The wall ends i)f the poles either rested in the open- 
ings between the logs, or were driven into auger holes. Bark or boards were used as a substi - 
tute for cords. Upon this the tidy housewife spread her straw tick, and if she had a home-made 
feather bed, she piled it up into a luxurious mound, and covered it with her whitest drapery. 
Some sheets hung behind it for tapestry added to the coziness of the resting-place. The house 
thus far along, it was left to the deft devices of the wife to complete its comforts, and the father 
of the family was free to superintend out-door affairs. If it was in season, his first impor- 
tant duty was to prepare some ground for planting, and to jilant what he could. The first 
year's farming consisted mainly of a "truck patch," planted in corn, potatoes, turnips and other 
vegetables. Generally, the first years crop fell short of supplying even the most rigid economy 
of food. Many of the settlers brought with them small stores of such things as seemed indis- 
pensable to frugal living, such as flour, bacon, coffee and tea. But these supplies were not 
inexhaustible, and once used were not easily replaced. A long winter must come and go before 
another crop could be raised. If game was plentiful, it helped to eke out their limited s>ip- 
plies. But even when corn was plentiful, the preparation of it was the nest difficulty in the 
way The mills for grinding it were at such long distances that every other device" was re- 
sorted to for reducing it to meal. .Some grated it on an implement made by punchino- small 
holes through a piece of sheet iron or tin, and fastening it iipon a board in concave shape, with 
the rough side out. Upon this the ear was rubbed to j^i'oduce the meal. But grating could 
not be done when the corn became so dry as to shell off when I'ubbed. Some used a coffee mill 
for grinding it; and a very common substitute for bread was hominy — a palatable and whole- 
some diet — made by boiling corn in a weak lye till the hull or bean peeled off, after which it 
was well washed to cleanse it of the lye. It was then boiled again to soften it, when it was 
ready for use. as occasion required, by frying and seasoning it to the taste. Another mode of 
preparing hominy was by pestling. A mortar was made by burning a bowl-shaped cavity in 
the end of an upright Idock of wood After thoroughly cleansing it of the charcoal, the corn 
could be put in, hot water tiu'ned ujion it, when it was subjected to a severe pestling by a club 
of sufficient length and thickness, in the largo end of which was inserted an iron "wedge, 
banded to keep it there. The hot water would soften the corn and loosen the hull, while the 
pestle would crush it. When breadstuffs were needed, they had to be obtained from long dis- 
tances. Owing to the lack of proper means for threshing and cleaning wheat, it was more or 
less mixed with foreign substances such as smut, dirt and oats. And as the time when the set- 
tlers' method of threshing and cleaning maybe forgotten, it may be well to preserve a brief ac- 
count of them here. The plan was to clean off a .space of ground of sutticient size, and. if the 
earth was dry, to dampen it and beat it to render it somewhat compact. Then the sheaves 
were unbound and spread in a circle, so that the heads would be ujipermost, leaving room in 
the center for the person whose business it was to turn and stir the straw in the jDrocess of 
thi-eshing. Then as many oxen or horses were brought as could conveniently swing around the 
circle. and these were kept moving until the wheat was well trodden out. After several " floor- 
ings " ,n- layers were threshed, the straw was carefully raked off and the wheat shoveled into 
a hea]) to be cleaned. This cleaning was sometimes done by waving a sheet u]i and down to 
fan out the chaft' as the grain was dropped before it; but this trouble was often oliviated when 
the strong winds of autumn were all that was needed to blow out the chaff from the "-rain. 
This mode of preparing the grain for flouring was so imperfect that it is not to be wondered at 
that a considei-ablo amount of black soil got mixed with it, and unavoidably got into the bread. 
This, with an addition of sr"ut, often rendered it so dark as to have less the appearance of 
bread than mud; yet. upon such diet the people were compelled to subsist for want of a belter. 
Not the least among the pioneers' tribulations, during the first few years of the settlement, was 
the going to mill. The slow mode of travel by ox teams was made still slower by the almost 
total absence of roads and bridges, while such a thing as a ferry was hardly ever dreamed of. 
The distance to be traversed was often as far as from sixty to ninety miles. In dry weather 



206 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

common slouirbs and creeks offered but little impediment to teamsters; but daring floods and 
breakino- up of winter, they proved exceedingly troublesome and dangerous. To get stuck in 
a slouo-h, and thus be delayed for many hours, was no uncommon occurrence, and that, too, 
when time was an item of grave import to the comfort and sometimes even to the lives of the 
settler's family. Often a swollen stream would blockade the way. seeming to threaten destruc- 
tion to whoever would attempt to ford it. With regard to roads, there was nothing of the kind 
worthv of the name. Indian trails were common, but they were unlit to travel on with vehicles. 
Thev were mere paths about two feet wide — all that was required to accommodate the single hie 
manner of Indian traveling. When the early settlers were compelled to make these long and 
difficult trips to mill, if the country was prairie over which they passed, they found it compara- 
tively easy to do in summer when grass was plentiful. By traveling until night, and thence 
camping out to feed the teams, thej' got along without much difficulty But in winter such a jour- 
ney was attended with no little danger. The utmost economy of time was, of course, necessary. 
When the goal was reached, after a week or more of toilsome traveling, with many exposures 
and risks, the jsoor man was impatient to immediately return with the desired staff of life, but he 
was often shocked anil disheartened with the information that his tiu-n would come in a week. 
Then he must look about for some means to pay expenses, and he was lucky who could find 
employment by the day or job. Then, when his turn came, he had to be on hand to bolt his 
own flour, as, in those days, the bolting machine was not an attached part of the other mill ma- 
chinery. This done, the anxious soul was ready to endure the trials of a retui-n trip, his heart 
more or less concerned about the affairs of home. Those milling trips often occupied from 
three weeks to more than a month each, and were attended with an expense, in one way or 
another, that rendered the cost of breadstuffs extremely high. If made in the winter, when more 
or less grain feed was required for the team, the load would be found t(^ be so considerably 
reduced on I'oaching home that the cost of what was left, adding other expenses, would make 
their trrain reach the high cash figure of S3 to $5 per bushel. And these trips could not always 
be made at the most favorable season for traveling. In spring and summer, so much time could 
hardly be spared from other essential labor; yet, for a large family, it was almost impossible to 
avoid making three or four trips during the year. 

Amono- other things calculated to annoy and distress the pioneer, was the prevalence of 
wild beasts of prey, the most numeroixs and troublesome of which was the wolf. While it 
was true, in a figurative sense, that it required the utmost care and attention to " keep the wolf 
from the door," it was almost as true in a literal sense. There were two species of these ani- 
mals — the large, black timber wolf and the small gray wolf that usually inhabited the prairie. 
At first, it was almost impossible for a settler to keep small stock of any kind that would serve 
as a prey to these ravenous beasts. Sheep were not deemed safe property until years after, 
when their enemies were supposed to be nearly exterminated. Large numbers of wolves were 
destroved durino- the early years of settlement. A\' hen they were hungry, which was not un- 
common, particularly during the winter, they were too indiscreet for their own safety, and 
would often approach within easy shot of thesettters' dwellings. At certain seasons, their wild, 
plaintive yelp or bark could be heard in all directions and at all hom-s of the night, creating 
intense excitement among the dogs, whose howling would add to the dismal melody. It has 
been found by experiment that but one of the canine species — the hound- -has both thefleetness 
and the courage to cope with his savage cousin, the wolf. Attempts were often made to capture 
him with the common cur, but this animal, as a rule, proved himself wholly unreliable for such 
service. So long as the wolf would run, the cur would follow; but the wolf being apparently ac- 
quainted with the character of his pursuer, would either turn and place himself in a combat- 
ive attitude, or else act upon the principle that -'discretion is the better part of valor," and 
throw himself upon his back in token of sirrrender. This strategic performance would make 
instant peace between these two scions of the same house; and not infrequently dogs and wolves 
have been senn playing together like puppies. But the hound was never known to recognize a 
flag of truce; bis baying seemed to ''signify no quarters," or, at least, so the terrified wolf un- 
derstood it. Smaller animals, such as panthers, lynxes, wild cats, catamounts and polecats, 
were sufficiently numerous to be troublesome. And an exceeding source of annoyance were the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. _ 207 

swarms of mosquitoes that aggravated the trials of the settler in a most exasperating degree. 
Persons have been di-iven from the labors of the Held by their unmerciful assaults. The trials 
of the pioneer were innumerable, and the cases of actual suffering might till a volume of no 
ordinary size. Timid women became brave through combats with real dangers, and patient 
mothers grew sick at heart with the sight of beloved children failing in health from lack of com- 
mon necessaries of life. The struggle was not for ease or luxury, but was a constant one for 
the means of sustaining life itself. 

PIO.VEER MOTHERS. 

What shall we say of the true women — the pioneer women of this county? Ah! the past, 
with its lights and shadows, its failm'es and its successes, its joys and its privations, is well 
remembered by the surviving pioneer, and happily in many instances b}- his children. Many a 
pioneer of the township of this county has already gone to his rest on the hill that gave to those 
near and dear to him a first outlook upon the pioneer life that was to come — a life destined to 
develop these forces of the head and heart — forces which, in the luxury and ease of an older 
civilization, rarely appear upon the surface of society. 

It was not always the dark side of the facies which was turned toward the pioneer, for 
though many of the immigrants were rough, and in many instances ungodly, yet manhood 
and womanhood were here in all their strength and beauty, and nowhere in the world of created 
intelligence did God's last, best gift to man more clearly assume the character of a helpmate 
than in the log-cabin, and amid the rough and trying scenes, incidental to a home in the wil- 
derness. Ever foremost in the work of civilization and progress, the pioneer woman — the <rue 
woman — was to-day physician, to-morrow nurse, and the following day teacher of the primitive 
school. Withal, the woman was busily engaged in that wearisome round of household work which 
knows no cessation. Early and late, all the year round, the pioneer woman acted her part 
well. From year to year, as through many privations and much new and strange experience of that 
necessity which is the mother of invention, wife and husband joined hand to hand to work 
out imder the gi'een arches of the wilderness the true beginnings of St, Clair County, To 
the pioneer mothers of St. Clair honor belongs. The many who are gone to their rest loft a 
memory to honor — treat the living mothers well and tenderly. 

Till-; DLL) WIliri'lMM'OST. 

There seems to be some misapprehension among "the old fellows'' as to when "the 
cat-o' -nine-tails," as a punishment for certain crimes and offenses, was authorized by law in the 
Territory of Michigan, and when it was abolished or prohibited. 

1. By an act of the Governor and Judges, approved November 4, IS 15, any negro. Indian, 
or mulatto slave, who should be convicted of any offens(> (»xcept murder, might be sentenced 
to any corporal punishment, not extending to life or limb, as the court or justice trying the 
case might in their discretion direct. This meant the "cat," if adjudged pro])('r. This law was 
re-enacted on May 17, 1820. 

2. Next came the act of July 27, IS 18, adopted from the laws of Vermont. Especial at- 
tention is invited to the comprehensive list of offenses contained in the act that might be pun- 
ished at the whipping- post and by the "cat " well laid on, that is to say: Vagrants; lewd, 
idle and disorderly persons; stul)b(>rn servants; common tkunkards; common night walkers; 
pilferers; persons wanton in speech, conduct or bohavior; common railers or brawlers: such as 
neglect their calling or employments, mis-spend what they earn and do not ])rovide for them- 
selves or families. This is the luxurious list of petty offenses named, and it came from the 
State of Vermont, too. And how a v(>in of bi'utality and meanness runs through the list, which 
the " nine tails" was so well calculated to oxpeland thoroughly eradicate from the sneaking per- 
petrator, Detroit must have been rather an unwholesome place for tramps in those days, and 
how would such a law and punishment now clear the city, very soon, of sneaks, vagrants and 
disorderly persons, 

3. The " cat" seems to have been exercised in Woodward avenue, a little south of Jeffer 
son avenue, between the old Central Market which stood ther(>, and King's corner, so called. 



208 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Some of " the old fellows" say that a post stood there near the curb-stone, as a " standing ad- 
monition " to all evil-disposed persons. And some say that the offender was sometimes tied up 
to the corner post of the old market, where he received his blessing; but, however the thing 
was done, all agree who saw and remember it, that the cat, in the language of some of the stat- 
utes, " was well laid on. " In conversation on the subject, there are found many persons who 
think that this punishment ought to be restored, and that it would soon clear the country of 
tramps, vagrants and other pests of society, who, now, as a punishment of crimes, find com- 
fortable quarters in houses of correction and in other places of confinement. 

4. The statute of 1818, was in substance re-enacted by an act approved April 27, 1827. 

5. Finally, by an act approved March 4, 1831, the punishment of whipping was abolished. 
While the last-named statute is repealed by an act approved November 25, 1834, the prohibi- 
tion of the punishment by whipping is re-asserted in the act of repeal. 

6. According to this record, the authority for punishment at the whipping-post was con- 
timied until March, 1831, since which time no such authority has existed in this State. The 
operation of the " cat " in one of the principal streets of a village is said to have been a 
subject of general attraction. Hundi'eds gathered round to see the sight, while adjacent win- 
dows were tilled with spectators. The performance meant business, and there was no boy's 
play about it. It was a salutary and earnest admonition to all evil-doers. 

Slavery was introduced into this district about 1794. At that time, an imitator of Jacob 
worked seven years in Mekh'um & Park's mill to earn one of that firm's female slaves for his 
wife. 

SEASONS OF SICKNESS. 

Among the numerous troubles which the pioneers and old settlers of St. Clair had to en- 
counter, was the common ague, generated by miasmas arising from the low lands along the shore 
of the lake, and from the decaying vegetable matter in the swales of the interior and along the 
Riviere aux Hurons. This disease, known also as the chills and fever, formed, as it were, a 
stumbling block in the way of progress, and one of the great arguments presented by the trad- 
ers against the settlement of the district by the American ^^ioneers. The disease was a terror 
to the people who did make a settlement here. In the fall of the year, every one was ill — every 
one shook, not hands as now; but the very soul seemed to tremble under the effects of the mal- 
ady. Respecting neither rich nor poor, it entered summarily into the system of the settlers, 
and became part and parcel of their existence — all looked pale and yellow as if frost bitten. It 
was not literally contagious; but owing to the diffusion of the terrible miasma, it was virtually 
a most disagreeable if not dangerous epidemic. The noxious exhalations of the lake shore 
and inland swamps continued to be inhaled or absorbed from day to day, until the whole body 
became charged with it, as with electricity, and then the shock came. This shock was a regu- 
lar shake — a terrific shake, with a fixed beginning and ending, coming on each day or alterna'e 
day, with an appalling regularity. After the shake came the fever, and this last phase of the 
disease was even more di'eaded than the first. It was a burning, hot fever, lasting for hours. 
When you had the chill you could not become warm, and when you had the fever you could 
not get cool — it was simply a change of terrific extremes. 

This disease was despotic in eveiy respect If a wedding occiUTed in the family circle it 
was sure to attack a few, if not all, of those participating in the festivities. The funeral pro- 
cessionists shook as they marched to some sequestered spot to bury their dead friend. 

The ague commonly had no respect for Sunday or holidays. Whether the peojale were en- 
gaged in the sacred, profane, or ridiculous, ague came forward to the attack, and generallj' suc- 
ceeded in prostrating its victims. 

After the fever subsided, you felt as if you had been some months in the Confederate Hotels, 
known as Andersonville and Libbj' Prisons, or as if you came within the influence of some 
wandering planet — not killed outright, but so demoralized that life seemed a bui'den. A feel- 
ing of languor, stupidity and soreness took possession of the body — the soul itself was sad, 
and the sufferer was driven to ask himself the question: What did God send me here for, 
anyway ';" 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 20y 

Your back was out of fix, your appetite crazy, your head ached, and your eyes glared. 
You did not care a straw for yourself or other people, or even for the dogs, which looked on 
you sympathetically. The sun did not shine as it used to — ^it looked too sickly by half — and 
the moon, ble.ss your soul ! tlio sufferer never ventured to look at her — but rather wished for 
the dissolution of himself, the sun, moon, earth and stars. 

EVENING VISITS. 

The evening visits were matters long to be remembered. The chores of the day i>er- 
formed, it was common for the farmer to yoke his cattle, hitch them to a sleigh, and drive the 
whole family over the snow-covered land to the fireside of some well-known friend many miles 
distant. Perhaps by agreement several families met, and then were such chattings of politics, 
of live-stock affairs, of tradings made or prospective, in fact of the past, present and future. 

There were all those interesting matters of household care and labor as held the mothers 
in breathless and rapid conversation. The shying and blushing of the older girls, because 
some boys, just about as big were there; the nervous pinchings of fingers and pulling of coat 
tails, told plainly that big boys, too, were ill at ease — boys and girls were bashful, blushing 
creatures in those olden days. In the back room, how the little folks did play blind man's bufl, 
how they were joined by their seniors, and how the game went on until supper was announced 
at about the hour be fore midnight. Such setting out of all the substantials would be a sight to 
day. Then came the sauces of all sorts, the pies and cakes, and cookies, and honeys, till all 
cried, enotigh. Then came the counter-iuvitations, the good-byes and leave-takings, after every 
and all approved styles. This performed, the guests started for home to enjoy sleepiness and 
slight headaches the next day. These were good old times. Social life at that day was 
eminentlv sincere! 

NUITl.AI, FE.\STS IN KAVAA' TIMES. 

The festivities attendant on the union of two souls in pioneer days formed a great attrac- 
tion There was no distinction of classes, and very little of fortune, which led to marriages 
from the first impressions of that queer idea, called love The family establishment cost but 
little labor — nothing more. The festivities generally took place at the house of the bride, and 
to her was given the privilege of selecting the Justice of the i'eace or clergyman whom she 
wished to officiate. The wedding eugaged the attention of the whole neighborhood: old and 
young, within a radius of many miles, enjoyed an immense time. On the morning of the 
wedding day, the groom and his intimate friends assembled at the house of his father, and 
after due preparation set out for the home of his girl. This journey was sometimes made on 
horseback, and sometimes on the old- time carts of the early settlers. It was always a merry tour, 
made so by the bottle, which cheers for a little time, and then inebriates. On reaching the 
house of the bride, the marriage ceremony was performed, and then the dinner or supper was 
served. After this meal, the danciug commenced, and allowed to continue just so long as any 
one desired to step jauntingly about to the music of the district violinist. The figures of the 
dance were three or four handed reels, square sets and jigs. So far the whole proceedings 
were, in the language of our modern aj.sthetic girls, too utterly utter. The commencement was 
always a .square four, followed by what pioneers called jigging; that is, two of the four would single 
out for a jig, and their example be followed by the remaining cou])le. The jigs were often char- 
acterized by what was called the cutting out. that is wlien either of the parties became tired 
of the dance, on intimating a desire to retire, his place was supplied by some one of the com- 
pany, without int(>rrupting the dance for a moment. In this way the reel was continued until 
the musician himself was exhausted. 

About niiui or ten o'clock in tli(> evening, a deputation of young ladies abducted the bride, as 
it were, and ])laced her in her little bed. In accomplishing this, they had usually to as- 
cend a ladder from the kitchen to the upper floor. Here in this simple pioneer bridal chamber, 
the youngs simple-minded girl was put to bed by her enthusiastic friends. This done, a dep- 
utation of young men escorted the groom to the same apartment, and placed him snugly by the 
side of his bride. Meanwhile the dance continued. If si>ats were scarce, which was gener- 
allv the case, everv vouni' man, when not engasred in the dance, was obliiied to offer his lap 



210 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

as a seat for one of the girls — an offer sure to be accepted. During the night's festivities, spirits 
were freely used, but seldom to great excess. The iufair was held on the following evening, 
when the same order of exercises was observed. 

FORM OF MARRIAGE RECORD. 



Territokt of M1CHIGA.N, / ^ ^ J jn^.^ Co.ncern: 

County of St. Clair, f 



Know ye that on this day, the twenty-sixth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty, Louis Bertrand and Maria Petit have been joined in the holy bonds of matrimony, 
according to law, at St. Clair, by the undersigned. 

F. J. B.1.DIN, Catholic Missionary in the Territory of Michigan. 

LETTER OF INQUIRY. 

The following is a verbatim copy of the letter, with no alteration in the orthography or 

punctuation : 

April the 8 1870. 
Squire miney Sir about eight yeares ago Susanahn burse was mearriil to augustus Christy I sed eight but 
It Is nine was marrid by Squire miuey now what I want to know If our mearrig was recordiid it will be a to 
youre inrest to informm mee of the particklars i want to know emadialy if you please. 

Please direct LGrensburg 
Susanahn Christy India 

If this leter does fall in in Squire mineys hand eney Squire will do please informe me if to parties is will 
to be divorse how much will cost to get it. 

Some lawyear of port huron i dont care hoo that will take it upon his self to in formm mee of the pear- 
tikalars i will rewarde him also. 

THE PIONEER FUNERAL. 

The occurrence of religious worship was a stated means of friendly meeting, so that most 
of the settlers were in the habit of attending, although they were not all professors of religion. 
To enjoy such meetings many came long distances. Nor were they so delicate or so daintily 
dressed that a threatening cloud kept them at home. Perhaps it was on funeral occasions that 
social sympathy found most conspicuous expression. Few of the settlers were absent at such 
times. There was no officiating sexton, no pall, no hearse, then. The people met at the house 
of the bereaved, then formed in double tile, and slowly wended their way to the schoolhouse, 
where services were held. In procession the able bodied meo went first as bearers, and by 
successive changes carried on their shoulders the rude bier on which rested the colfin. The 
services over, the processionists resumed the march, and with silent tread proceeded to the open 
grave. Here thanks were given to the attendants by the clergy in behalf of mourning friends. 
Then followed timely admonition, and the fervent prayer, the tilling of the grave by the same 
strong hands, then the benediction, and then the wending of ways to the sad homes of those 
who mourned, and of those who most sincerely sympathized. 

THE OLD PO.ST OFFICE. 

A special event was the arrival of the weekly mail. The old red chest, upon which the con- 
tents of the pouch were cast, was often surrounded then, as such a one might be now, with pal- 
pitati'.:g hearts, waiting to be glad or sad, as something or nothing was in store for them. There 
were lovers then, as now, and to them as these, the mails were slow coaches. There were poli- 
ticians, too, panting for the latest news, all alive to learn whether Adams or Jackson was the 
victor. And then there were those lonely hearts who had left the dear old homes far away to 
the eastward, who never ceased to dwell upon the memories of their childhood, and to think 
of dear ones left behind. At even-time in more tlian one little hamlet, when the tinkling of 
the cow-bell and the song of the whip-poor-will wore just beside the door, and the cricket sang 
his hearth song, dew drops were falling outside, and tear drops within. Usually a visit after- 
ward to the old homestead was a panacea for all these ills, and most returned from the east 
em visit weaned from the old home and ever after happy in the new. 

Letters in such days as these, how precious they were, read and re-read, worn out by read- 
ing, worn into the memory. Letters then were of joyful import, and then, as now, letters breath- 
ing saddest sorrows, telling them as only stricken hearts can sometimes write when griefs are 
too gi-eat for other utterance. 



[IISTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COrXM'V "211 

RETROSPECT. 

How natural to turn our eyes and thoughts back to the loij; ealjin days, and contrast ilicin 
with the homes of the present time. Before us stands the old lo^ cabin. Let ns enter. In- 
stinctively the head is uncovered in token of reverence to this relic of ancestral beij;innin(;s and 
early struijgles. To the left is the deep, wide llre-])lace, iti whose coruiuodious s|)ace a grouj) 
of children may sit by the tire, and up throuoh the chimney may count the stars; whih^ ghostly 
stories of witches and giants, and still more thrilling stories of Indians and wild beasts, arc 
whisperingly told, and shuddoringly heard. On the great crane hang the old tea kettle and 
the gi-eat iron pot. The huge shovel and tongs stand sentinel in either corner; while the 
great andirons patiently wait for the huge back log. Over the tire-place hangs the trusty 
rifle; on the right side of the hearth stands the spinning wheel; while in the-further end of the 
room, is the loom, looming up with a dignity peculiarity its own. Strings of drying appl(>sand 
poles of drying pumpkins an* overhead. Ojiposite the door by which you enter stands a huge 
deal table; Ity its side the dre.sser, with pewter plates and shining delf catching and retlect- 
ing the hreplace flame, as shields of armies do the sunshine. From the corner of its shelves 
coyly peep out the relics of former china. In a curtained corner, and hid from casual sight, we 
find the mother's bed; and under it, the trundle bed; while near them a ladder indicates a garret 
where the older children sleep. To the left of the fire-place, and in the corner o]iposite, the 
spinning wheel forms the mother's work-stand; upon it lies the Holy Bible, evidently much 
useil — its family record telling of j)arents and friends a long way off. and telling, too. of 
children 

" Scattered like rosc.-i in t)liioni; 
Some M tlic bridal, and sonic in tlie tonih." 

Her spectacles, as if just used, are inserted between the leaves of her Bible and tell of her 
purpose to return tt) its comforts when cares p(>rmit and duty is done. A stool, a bench, well 
notched and whittled, and carveil. tind a few chairs, eomplet(^ the furniture of the room. All 
these articles stand on the coarse, but well scoured floor. Let us for a moment watch the city 
visitors to this humble cabin. The city bride, innocent, thoughtless and ignorant of labor 
and cai-e, asks her city-bred husband, "Pray, what savage has set this up .'" Honestly confess- 
ing his ignorance, he replies, "I do not know." Then see the couple ujion whcm'ao-e sets 
frosty but kindly. First as they enter, they give a rapid glance about the cal)in heme, and then 
a mutual glance of eye to eye. A\ hy do tears start and fill their eyes? Why do lips cniiver? 
There are many who know why: Imt who. that has not learned in the school of exi)erience the 
ftdl meaning of all these symbols of trials and privations, of loneliness and danger, can com- 
prehend the story they tell to the pioneer ? Wilhin this chinked and mud daubed cabin, w-e 
read the tii-st pages of our history, and as we retire through its low doorway, and note the 
heavy battened door, with its wooden hinges, and its welcoming latch-strintr, is it strange that 
the outside scenes would seem to be but a dream ? The cabin and the jialace slandino- side by 
side, in vivid contrast, tell the story of the peojile's juogress — they are history and prorhecv 
in one. 




212 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



FRENCH PIONEERS, 



THE history of the French in Michigan begins with the coming of Joseph Le Carron, a 
French Recollet priest, in 1015, to St. Joseph Island Mackinac, the Sault, and southward to 
the foot of Lake Huron. In 1623, Rev. Nicholas Veil and Frere Gabriel Sagard — the first his- 
torian of Michigan — traversed the country bordering on Lake Huron In 162S-3(\ JeanNic- 
olec, the explorer of Wisconsin, traversed the upper lake region; afterward Peres Isaac Jacques 
and Raynibault visited the Indians along the western shores of the lake, as recorded by Peres 
Druillets and Marest. Then came Marquette, Joliet, La Salle, Hennepin. To those early ex- 
plorers we must look for the foundation of the history of the great West, and of Michigan in 
particular. 

L.A. SALLE AND HENNEPIN. 

The Griffiu was finished August 4, 1679, and her sails set. a trial trip made, and the 
name she bore bestowed upon her by Father Hennepin. On the 5th, five small cannon were 
placed in position. The 7th was the day appointed for entering upon that voyage over the 
Gifi'hi Gomee, or great inland seas. The morning arrived, the sun shown forth as it were 
a sea of gold, a favoring breeze played upon the waters, the cataract of Niagara, six miles 
below, reduced its roar to music, while from La Salle's new fortre.ss the song of the Te Dciim 
swelled upon the morning air. The sails were set. Robert de la Salle, commander of the Grif- 
fin, Father Louis Hennepin, historian and chaplain, with the pilot, and a number of hunters 
and trappers, were embarked, the cables which kept the little vessel fast were unloosed, and their 
voyage toward the setting sun entered upon. 

]Three days after setting out, the vessel was anchoi'ed opposite Teiichsagrondie, a Huron vil- 
lage then occupying the site of the present city of Detroit. From this point to the head of the St. 
Clair River, many Indian villages were found to exist, all of them unacquainted with the white man, 
save that small knowledge of him which they might have gained during the brief stay of the 
Jesuit fathers. Seven years after the Griffin succeeded in battling with the tierce cm'reut 
which then swept past the present site of Fort Gratiot, M. du Lhut caused the position to be 
garrisoned, and a strongly fortified trading post to be erected. This was completed in the fall 
of 1686, and the name of Fort St. Joseph conferred upon it, but its possession was so opposed 
to the ideas of French economy, that in July. 16SS, the garrison received orders to evacuate 
the post, and to report at Michilimackinac. 

On July 24, 17(11, Monsieur de la Motte Cailillac. Capts. Tonti, Chacornacle and Dugue. 
in command of fifty regular troops, arrived at Detroit. The expedition was accompanied by a 
itecollet Chaplain and a Jesuit Father, who had come as a missionary priest, together with 
fifty trappers, traders and hunters. Before the close of August, 1701, the first fort erected in 
Michigan, if we except Du Lhut's fortified trading post, at the head of the St. Clair, was a real- 
ity. This occupied the ground extending from the Joseph Caiupau homestead to Shelby, and 
thence to Woodbridge street, a point now removed from the river bank, but which at that time 
would represent the head of the bank itself. Thii position was called Fort Pontchartrain. 

Within a few years, 1703, thirty Hurons from Michilimackinac became settled at De- 
troit. Between 170l and September, 1703, the settlement was further strengthened by bands 
of Ontawa-Sinagos, Miamis, Kiskakons and Loups, all flocking to Fort Pontchartrain, to wit- 
ness the magnificence of La Motte Cadillac and his command. Previous to 1700, the number 
of enemies made for himself by Cadillac among his own countrymen brought many and serioiis 
troubles into the very heart of the French posts at Detroit and at Michilimackinac. During 
the troubles at Detroit, Rev. Father Constantine and Jean la Reviere were stabbed by the Ont- 
awas, during their circumvallation of the fort, which continued forty days; until they raised 
the siege. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIll COUNTY. 213 

In 1707. Jean lii Blanc, second chief of the Ontawas, with Lc Brochet, Me\liaonl<;i, Fakinm, 
Kinongi'\ ]Moaninaii, Monekonniak and another chief visited the Governor of Montreal, and of. 
fered to make restitution; hut the officer ordered them to rej)0)-t to Cadillac. The dejuilaliou 
retiu'ned to Detroit. August (>, 1707, when the commandant, ('adillac, adth-essed tlut Ontawas, 
Hurons, Miamis and Kiskakons in turn; the council was in session four days; but at the close 
the Indians agreed to deliver Lo Pesant, the gi'eat disturber, into the hands of the French. 
He was handed over to the garrison: but unfortunately received a full pardon from Cadillac. 
This created a want of conlidence in the French among the Miamis, Hurons and Iroquois, re- 
sulting in the killing of three Frenchmen, and created much disaffection in every Indian 
village. 

In September, 1708, there were only twenty-nine inhabitants of Detroit who were the 
actual owners of lots and houses within the stockade. Of the entire number of acres surveyed 
at that time— 353 roods in toto — those twenty-nine freeholders owned only forty-six roods, the 
Hurons one hundred and fifty roods, and the Chevalier de Cadillac 157 roods. The entire num- 
ber of Frenchmen at the post then was sixty- three, of whom thirty-four were traders, who sold 
brandy, ammunition and trinkets in that and the neighboring Indian towns. During the war 
between France and England, which terminated in 1713. troulile after trouble surrounded De- 
troit. In 17ri. Outagamies and Maseoutins laid siege to Fort Pontchartrain. then in charge 
of M. du Buisson, with thirty soldiers. The church and other buildings outside the stockade 
wer(> pulled down, lest the besiegers would set tire to the pile with a view of burning the fort 
itself. The circumvallation of the post and hourly assaults on it, were kept nji for a jiei'iod of 
thirty days, when the Indian allies of the French arrived from their hunting expeditions — 
both Hurons and Miamis. drove the Outagamies and Maseoutins to their intrenchments, and 
conlined them there for nineteen days, until in the darkness of night they withdrew to Presijue 
Isle, twelve miles above Detroit. Thithej- the Hurons and Miamis pursued them, and 
forced a capitulation, which resulted in the massacre of all the men of l)oth tribes, and the 
captivity of their wives and children. The Outagamies and Maseoutins who were not actually 
killed on the Island, were brought to Detroit, where the Hurons continued to destroy four, live 
and six per day, until the last of those warriors who laid siege to the post were no more. The 
massaci-e resulted in the death of 800 men, women and children belonging to the besieging 
tribes at the hands of the Hurons and Miamis. 

The decade closing in 1724 was one which tried the souls of the French inhabitants of 
Detroit. The sale of brandy and other abuses were ])rohibited and a great moral change eflected 
in the manners, customs and habits of the white gari'ison and settlers. A council of the Hu- 
rons, Ottawas and I'ottawatomies'was held near the I'oit June 7, 1721, under Capt. Tonti, then 
commandant. The great Indian Sastarexy of the Huron tribe was the j)rincipal speaker, and 
the results obtained were of a comparatively conciliating charactei', so nuicli so that by the 
year 1725 the Outagamie savages acknowledged the French king in precisely the same manner aa 
did the other allies of the French. .-Vbout this period, also, the log house, known as St. Anne's 
Church, was built, new barracks erected, aboiit forty-live dwelling houses brouglit into exis- 
tence, and the new stockade, with liastions and blockhouses rais"d. The circular road or 
clieiniii (In roiidc was laid nut, and numerous improv(>ments made in the vicinity of the Gov- 
ernment House. In 17-I:G, the old Freuch^war may be said to r(>new itself; l)ut not until 1749 
did the contest with the English soldiers take any regular form. A decade latei', the French 
power in Ciinada was destroyed, and in 17(')() all the Fnmch possessions, fiom Lake Michi- 
gan to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, were in the hands of the conquering Xormans and AngloSax- 
ons. Capt. Bellestre. then commandant at Detroit, surrendered to Maj. Robert liogei-s in 
October, 17 (JO. 

In 1702, the famo"s Indian, Pontiae, called a council of the tribes at La Riviere a 1' Ecorse 
near Detroit, at which council the Ottawas. Chi]>pewas and Pottawatomies, of Grand. Sagi- 
naw, Clinton. Black and St. .loseijh Rivers, were jiresent, together with the Indians of Detroit 
and bands of Delawares, Irociuois. Illinois and Senecas. Minavavana, head chief of the Ojib- 
was, adopted a [)lan similar to that of Pontiae, and succeeded in destroying the soldiers of 
the Enjilish garrison at Michilimackiuac. Pontiac's strategv failed at Detroit. 



214 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The historian, Baacroft, referring to Detroit and St. Clair districts as they appeared to the 
settlers of 1763, just previous to Pontiac's military enterprise, says: "Of all the inland settle- 
me.its. Datroit was tlie largest and most esteemtid The deep, majestic river, more than a half 
mile broad, carrying its vast flood calmly between the straight and well defined banks, im- 
parted a graadeur to a country whose rising grounds and meadow.-i, plains festooned with pro- 
litie wild vines, woodlands, brooks and fountains were so mingled together that nothing was 
left to desire. The climate was mild and the air salubrious. Good land abounded, yielding 
maize, wheat and evory vegetable. The forests were natural parks stocked with buflfalo, deer, 
quail, partridge and wild turkey. Water fowl of delicious flavor hovered along its streams, 
which streams also yielded to the angler a large ([uantity of fish, particularly white fish. There 
every luxury of the table might be enjoyed at the sole expense of labor." 

This cheerful region attracted both the barbarian and the child of civilization: the French 
had so occupied both banks of the river that their numbers were rated as high as 2,50;), of 
whon 5'JJ were liable to and able for military service —representing 301) or lOi) French fami- 
lies. However, an enumeration made in 1701 points out just sufficient white men there to form 
three military coiapanies; while four years later the census of the place places the entire popu- 
lation at 572. The French dwelt on farms which were about three or four acres wide on the 
river front, and eighty acres deep. 

The fort, then under Mij. Gladwyn, did not vary much from that kaown in the days of 
French dominion. Close by, Catharine, the Pocahontas of Detroit, lived. She it was 
who informed Gladwyn of the intentions of the Indians; she, who related to William Tucker, 
one uf the soldiers at the fort, the story of Poniiao's plot, and made him acquainted with the 
designs of that Indian chieftain, and to hur is due in full measui'e, the averting of that terrible 
doom, which hung so heavily over the Euglish garrison of Detroit, May 6, 1763. The death 
of,|.Vraj C.impball at the haads of an ladiau, whose uncle had bean killed by the Euglish at 
Michilmaokinac, the sixty days' siege, the capture of the English supply convoy, within sight 
of the fort, and the round of duty imposed upon the soldiers, are all characteristic of that time. 
William Tucker, one of whose descendants has taken a deep interest in the history of this 
district, states; "I was a sentinel on the ramparts, catching a few hours' sleep, with my 
clothes on and a gun by my side, for sixty days and nights." During the last day of July 
and the 1st of August, 1763, Capt. Dalzell's force was surprised near Maloche' house, and lost 
seventy men killed and forty wounded. For some years after this afl'air, Detroit was free from 
Indian assaults, treaties of peace were negotiated, and everything resumed that happy stand- 
ard reached vmder the French. Now, however, the echoes of the Revolution were heard at 
Detroit; Maj. Le Noult. a Frenchman in the Euglish service, built Fort le Noult in 1778 in antic- 
ipation of the American siege, and this name the new fortress bore until 1812, when the name 
Fort Shelby was conferred upon it. Soon the American General St. Clair, Anthony Wayne, 
Karmar, and the soldiers of the Revolution came to claim the Northwest Territory as organized 
by Cono-ress in 1787. The treaty of Greenville negotiated, August, 1795, with the Indians, 
conveyed Detroit and the entire Northwest to the United States, and one year later, Capt. Por- 
ter, in command of a company of United States troops, entered Detroit, and placed the stars 
and stripes and fleur-de-lis where the Euglish flag so recently floated. Previously, the 
British garrison evacuated the post, after comnitting many acts of the lowest description, and 
placed it in possession of an old African, with whom the keys were subsequently found. 

From this period until 1805, the settlement of Detroit and the lake and river shore grad- 
ual ly^advanced, which the fire of 1805 did not retard. In 1S06, Tecumseh and Ellshwatawa, 
at the head of the Indian confederacy, threatened Detroit and the settlements along the lake 
and Riviere au.x^ llurons, or Clinton, as far north as Mackinac, but the treaty of 1807 between 
that enigmatical Governor — Hull —and the Ottawas, Chippowas, Pottawatomies and Wyandots, 
was effective in allaying excitement, and in conferring a spirit of confidence on the settlers. 

The war against the British, declared by Congress June 18, 1812, was uufortunate for 
the Northwest in many respects, as there was nothing in readiness to meet the well-organized British 
troops. All this resulted in the scandalous, if not treacherous, surrender of Hull. Gen. Har- 
rison's command eventually took possession of Detroit; Col. Lewis Cass was commissioned 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 215 

Governor, aud under his able administration, Michigan entored upon that political, social and 
commercial course which led her to hor pre.sent greatness. 

PKIV.'VTE CLAl.MS. 

Soon after the organization of the Northwest Territory, the subject of claims to private 
property therein received much attention. By an act of Congress, approved March 3, 1805, 
lands lying in the districts of Vincennes, Kaskaskia and Detroit, which were claimed by virtue 
of French or British grants, legally and fully executed, or by virtue? of grants issued under 
the authority of any former act of Congress by either of the Governors of the Northwest or In- 
diana Territory, which ha<l already been surveyed, were, if necessary, to be re-surv(*yed; and 
persons claiming lands under these grants were to have until November 1, ISO.'), to give notice 
of the same. Commissioners were to be apppointed to examine, and report at the next session 
of Congress. An act was also passed, approved April 25, 180(5, to authorize the granting of 
patents for lauds, according to Government sm-veys that had been made, and to gi-ant donation 
rights to certain claimants of land in the district of Detroit, and for other piu"poaes. Another 
act was approved May 11, 1820, reviving the powers of the Commissioners for ascertaining and 
deciding on claims in the district of Detroit, and for settling the claims to land at Green Bay and 
Prairie du Chien. in the Territory of Michigan: the Commissioners discharged the duties imposed 
on them, and in their report to Congress in reference to the claims, they said that the antiquity of 
settlement being, in their view, sufficiently established, and that they being also satisfied that the 
Indian title must be considered to have been extinguished, decide favorably on the claims presented. 
About seventy-five titles were confirmed, and patents for the same were sent to the proper parties by 
the Crovernment. In relation to the Prairie dn Chien titles, they reported "that they mot few 
difficulties in their investigations; that, notwithstanding the high antiquity which may be claimed 
for the settlement of that place, no one perfect title founded on French or British grants, legally 
authenti'^ated, had been successfully made out; and that but few deeds of any sort have been ex- 
hibited." This they attributed to the carelessness of the Canadians in respect to whatever con- 
cerned their land titles, and accords with whatever is known in this regard, of the French pop- 
ulation throughout the country. They therefore came to the conclusion that whatever claims 
the people of the place possessed, and might have for a confirmation of their land titles, they 
must be founded upon proof of continued possession since the year 1796. The Commissioners 
further say, that "since the ancestors of these settlers were cut off, by the treaty which gave 
the Canadas to the English, from all intei-course with their parent country, the peojjie have 
beea left, until within a few years, ([uite isolated, almost without any govormnent but their 
own; and, although the present population of these settlements are natives of the countries 
which they inhabit, and, consequently, by birth citizens of th(' Northwest yet, until a few 
years, they have had as little political connection with its government as their anoestcirs had 
with the British. Ignorant of their civil rights, careless of their land titles, docility, habit- 
ual liospitality, cheerful submission to the requisitions of any government which may be set 
over them, are their univei-sal characteristics." In reference to grants by the French and En- 
glish Governments, the Commissionws say they " have not had access to any public ar- 
chives, by which to ascertain with positive certainty whether eith(>r the French or 'English ever 
effected a formal extinijuishment of the Indian title at many points, which also may be said 
of th(> land now coveretl by the city of Detroit, that the French Government was not accus- 
tomed to hold formal treaties for such purposes with the Indians, and when the lands have 
been actually procured from them, either by virtue of the assumed right of conquest, or by 
purchase, evidence of such acquisition is rather to be sought in the traditionary history of 
the country, or in the casual or scanty relations of travelers, than among collections of state 
papers. Tradition does recognize the fact of the extinguishment of the Indian title by the 
old French Government, before its surrender to the English: and by the same species of testi- 
mony, more jiositive bocauso more recent, it is established also, that, in the year 1781, Pat- 
rick Sinclair. Lieutenant Governor of the province of I'pper Canada, while the English Gov- 
ernment had jvu'isdictiou over this counti'v, made a formal jiurchase from the Indians of the 
lands comprehendiog the settlments at St. Clair and in the vicinity of Mackinac. 



216 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

MICHIGAN IN 1805. 

From a report made to the Congress of the United States, October 10, 1805, by Judge A. 
B. Woodward, and William Hull,' Governor up to the period of his treason, a fair idea of Slich- 
igan Territory of that date may be gleaned. It also deals very clearly vrith the law of 
right upon which the private claims were granted. 

By the act of the Congress of the United States, establishing the ten'itory, the government 
thereof was to commence from and after the 80th day of June, 1805. The Presiding Judge 
an'ived at Detroit on Satmxlay, June 29, and the Governor on July 1, 1805. The Associate 
Judge, who was previously a resident of the Territory, was already there. July 2, the Gov- 
ernor administered to the several officers the oaths of office, and on the same day the operation 
of the (jovernment commenced. It was the unfortunate fate of the new tjovernment to begin 
in a scene of the deepest public and private calamity by the conflagration, which destroyed all 
the buildings of Detroit, June 1], 1805. On the arrival of the new government, a part of the 
people were f(iund encamped on the public grounds in the vicinity, and the remainder were 
scattered through the neighboring settlements both on the American and British teiTitory. 
The place which bore the name Detroit was a sjjot of about two acres, completely covered with 
buildings and combustible materials. The narrow intervals of fourteen or fifteen feet used as 
streets or lanes only excepted, and the whole was environed by a strong net work of jjiquets. 
The circumjacent ground, the bank of the river excepted, was a wide common, and though 
assertions are made regarding the existence among the records of Quebec, of a charter from the 
King of France confirming the common as an appurtenance to the town, it was either the 
property of the United States, or at least such as individual claims did not pretend to cover. 
The folly of attempting to rebuild the town in the original mode was obvious to every mind; 
yet there existed no authority either in the country or the new government to dispose of the 
adjacent ground; hence bad already arisen a state of dissension which required the interposi- 
tion of some authority to quiet. Some of the inhabitants, destitute of shelter and hopeless of any 
prompt arrangements of government, had re-occupied their former ground, and a few buildings 
had already been erected in the midst of the old niins. Another portion of the inhabitants 
had determined to take possession of the adjacent public grounds and to throw themselves on 
the liberality of the United States Government, either to make them a donation of the ground 
as a compensation for their sufferings, or to accept a very moderate price for them. If they 
could have made any arrangements of the various pretensions of individuals, or could have agreed 
on any plan of a town, they would have soon begun to build: but the want of a civil authority 
to decide interfering claims or to compel the refractory to submit to the wishes of a majority, 
had yet prevented them from carrying any particular measm'e into execution. On the 1st of 
July, the inhabitants had assembled for the purpose of resolving on some definite mode of pro- 
cedure. The Judges prevailed on them to defer their intentions for a short time, giving them 
assurances that the Governor would shortly arrive, and that every arrangement in the power .of 
their domestic government would be made for their relief. On these representations thej- con- 
sented to defer their measure for fourteen days. In the evening of the same day, the Governor 
arrived; it was his first measure to prevent any encroachments being made on the public lands. 
The sitiiation of the distressed inhabitants then occupied the attention of the Executive for two 
or thi-ee days. The result of these discussions was to proceed to lay out a new town, embracing 
the whole of the old town and the public lands adjacent; to state to the peoj^le that nothing in 
the nature of a title could be given under any authorities then possessed by the new govern- 
ment; and that the Executive could not bo justified in holding out any charitable donations 
whatever as a compensation for their sufierings; but that every personal exertion should be 
used to obtain a confirmation of the arrangements about to be made and to obtain the liberal 
attention of the Government of the United States for their distress. A town was accordingly 
surveyed and laid out, and the want of authority to impart any regular title without the 8u.b- 
sequent sanction of Congress being first impressed and clearly understood, the lots were ex- 
posed for sale under that condition. Where the purchaser of a lot was a proprietor in the old 
town, he was at liberty to extinguish title to former property for his new acquisition, foot for 
foot, and was expected to pay only for the surplus at the rate expressed in his bid. A consider- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 217 

able portion of the inhabitants were only tenants in the old town — there being no means of ac- 
qiiiring any new titles. The sale, of course, eonkl not be confined merely to former projirie- 
tors; but as far as possible was confined to former inhabitants. After the sale of a considera- 
ble part by auction, the remainder was d-sposed of by private contract, deducting from the pre- 
vious sales the basis of the terms. As soon as the necessities of the immediate inhabitants 
were accommodated, the sales were entirely stopped until the pleasiu'e of the government could 
be consulted. As no title could be made, no payments were required or any moneys pei'mitted 
to be received until the expiration of one year, to aflbrd time for Congress to interpose. Tiie 
remaining part was stipulated to be paid in four successive anntial installments. The highest 
sum resulting from the bids was seven cents for a square foot, and the whole averaged at k-ast 
four cents. In this way the inhaliitants were fully satisfied do commence their buildings, and 
the pretensions of all individuals were immediately reconciled. The validity of any of the 
titles was not taken into view. The possession under the titles was alone regarded, and the 
validity of title left to wait the issue of "such measures as Congress might adopt relative to 
land titles in the new Territory. It, therefore, now remained for the Congress of the United 
States either to refuse the sanction of the arrangement made, or by imparting a regular author- 
ity to make it, or by some other mode to relieve the inhabitants from the immediate distress 
occasioned by the calamitous cunflagration, strongly impressed with the worth of the people, 
and deeply commiserating their suft'erings, of a great part of which they were eye witnesses, 
the officers of their local government could not refrain from adding their warmest degree of 
recommendation to forward the liberality the Congress of the United States inclined to ex- 
tend, and the disposition, which prevailed toward attaching their affections, promoting 
their interests and relieving their distress. "AVhether, " says the report, "a donation of the 
acquisitions which have been stated, or of lauds more remote, or the application of the pro- 
ceeds to public purposes within the country would be most acceptable, the undersigned pre- 
tend not to say: but whatever relief may be extended to them on the part of the United States 
Government, they hesitate not to assert will be of the most essential utility, and rendered to 
objects of real merit." 

The oi'ganization of the courts next demanded consideration. A judicial system was estab- 
lished on principles of convenience, economy and simplicity. Courts were held under it and 
all existing business settled; every subject i-equiring to be legislated upon, was acted upon as 
far as the government was competent to act. At the close of the other arrraugements. the 
militia of the Territory were completely organized and brought into the field. The various 
acts both of legislative and executive character apjiear in the annual report, which the gen- 
eral law requires. Grand juries constantly presented addresses to the courts on the subject of 
their land titles. Several comjtanies of militia elected delegates to a general meeting, which, 
among other objects, addressed the government on the subject of their titles, and earnestly re- 
quested the personal attention of the Governor and one of the Judges during a part of the ses- 
sion of Congress. " Indeed," continues the report, " the ccmfnsed situation of land titles diu"- 
ing the nine or ten years the United States have had possession of the county, has been such, 
and is so increasing by la])se of time, as now loudly to call for a definite adjustment. It is 
now nearly a centmy and a half since the first settlements were made in this country under the 
French, in the reign of Louis XIV, whose name it then bore in common with what has since 
been exclusively termed Louisiana." 

In 1(578, an officer commissioned by the French Government explored the waters of the 
West; taking his departiu-e from Lake Michigan, he penetrated to the Ouisconsin Eiver and 
subsequently to the Mississippi, and returned to the Illinois country, after having sailed down the 
Mississippi within one degree of latitude of the southern boundary of the United States previous 
to the late treaty of Paris. April, 1S08, and that anterior to the discovery of the mouth of the 
Mississippi by La Salle. Prior to tnis era. the settlements of the straits had commenced, and 
Detroit claims an anti(iuity of fiftet'u years superior to the city of Philadelphia. The few ti- 
tles granted by the French Government were of three French acres in front on the bank of the 
river by forty acres in depth, subject to the feudal and seignoral conditions which usually 
marked titles in Franc(>. The aucient code, the contume de Fai-is, was the established law of 



218 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ths country, and the rights of land were made strictly conformable to it. All these grants, 
however, required the grantee within a limited period to obtain a conhrniation from the 
King, and with the exception of a very few, this confirmation had never been made. On the 
conquest of the French pospessions by Great Britain, iu the war which terminated by rhe treaty 
of Paris in the year 1763, as well as in the original articles of capitulation in 1759 and 1700, 
as in the subsequent treaty itself, the property of the inhabitants of the country is confirmed 
to them. The expression in the original is leitrs biens, nobles et ignobles, meiibfe et immeuble ; 
it is therefore conceived to comprehend these lands. On the ac(]uisition of the Dnited States 
of America of that portion of Canada, which is now comprehended within the limits of the 
territory of Michigan by -the treaty of Paris, 1783, the subjects of his Britannic majesty are 
secured from loss or damage in person, liberty or property, and in the treaty of London, 
November, 1794, they are still more particularly confirmed in their i^roperty of every kind. 
However defective, therefore, the class of original proprietors may be with respect to the evi- 
dence of title, according to the American forms, it is conceived their rights are extremely 
strong. The British Government granted few titles, and these were generally mere permissions 
of military officers to use or occupy certain pieces of land, often unaccompanied with any writ- 
ten evidences, but assuming, from long-continued possession, an appearance of right. Under 
the American Government, no titles of any kind have been granted. From this state of things, 
some conseqviences resulted which, if not difficult to foresee, were yet difficult to remedy. One 
of the'fee consequences, and perhaps not the least important, is the effect it had on the destiny 
and moral character of the progeny of the original colonist. When it is remembered that the 
troops of Louis XIV came without women, the description of persons constituting the sec- 
ond generation will not be difficult to conceive. When it is considered at the same time that, 
destitute of titles to land, they were pi-ecluded from the means of acquiring them, it will be 
obvioLis that an entrance into the savage societies or at mo.st employments m the commerce 
carried on with them, were their only resources. AVhile, therefore, the American colonizations 
of the same and subsequent date had grown into regular agricultural ana opulent States, these 
countries were destined to anarchy, to ignorance, to poverty. The immigrant, whom 
curiosity or enterprise at any time brought into the country, was either attracted to the British 
side of it or disappeared in some mode less easy to account for; accession by a foreign popula- 
tion and by a natural increase, being thus at once cut off, the fate of this tine region had been 
that insignificance which still belongs to it. "The British Government,' ' says Judge Woodward, 
has confirmed original proprietors, made a donation of a quantity equal to the original grant, 
termed a continuation, and has granted lands to settlers, without any other price than com- 
mon fees of office attending such acquisition. Such, however, is the inestimable value of lib- 
erty to man, th at notwithstanding these, and i f possible greater inducements to the settlers, the un- 
dersigned ventured to predict a n^arlsed superiority to the American side, even at the prices at 
present required by the United States Government, or a slight variation of them, if the old 
claims are at once adjusted, and the country laid open to the acquisition of new title. 

" From the state of the country which has been represented, another consequence has re- 
sulted. The encroachments in some instances grafted on original titles and in others without 
a semblance of title have been made on lands, which are, or ought to be, the property of the 
United States. Individuals have proceeded to extinguish the native right, conti-ary to the reg- 
ulation of all tlie governments, and in some in.stanoes extensive settlements have been made on 
titles thus acqiiired. What arrangements the United States will make on this land is not for 
us to anticipate; we shall only recommend a liberal and merciful disposition to the people of 
this country, of whom it may l)e safely asserted they are less to be charged with depravity of 
character than their governments have been with cruel neglect and indifference. 

" The claims of the present inhabitants reijuire to be considered under one more aspect, 
novel, indeed, but not the less founded on truth. When the American comes into contact 
with the aboriginal, if he is not considered as an enemy, he is at least regarded as a character 
with whom they are to struggle, and, if in no other, certainly in a pecuniary view. But the 
Canadian, allied by blood, l)y long established intercourse, by countless reciprocity of services, 
their native claims having long, as to time, been extinguished, and their honor and good faith 



liISTORY OF ST. CJ.AIR COUNTY. 219 

having been repeatedly pledged for his protecf-ion, is uniformly regarded as his brother, and 
with him ai'e disposed to make a common cause. Hence, justice to the Canadian inhaljitant is 
an important point of policy in the conduct of the United States Goverumout toward the. ab- 
original inhabitants. 

" The extent of the Canadian extinguishment of Indian title, though in itself indefinite, 
appears first to have received limits in the treaty of Fort Macintosh, 178-1. Wo there find a 
written dereliction of Indian claims in a breadth six miles from lo liii-iere au.v Raisiiift. now 
called Rosine, on Lake Erie, to the lake St. Clair. In the subsequent treaty of Fort Harmar. 
in 1789, the same dereliction is confirmed. In the ulterior treaty of Gref^nville, the confor- 
mation is repeated and additions made. 

"The treaty with (rreat Britain, in 1783, and that of 17'.)4 were made for the accomplish- 
ment of great national objects, having very little connection with Canadian and Indian claims. 
The ti-eaties of Fort Macintosh, Fort Harmar, and of Greenville, were all formed on far 
more important points and the quantity of extinguished Indian title in Michigan, recognized 
by them is less to bo considered as an aC([uisition of new title, than a definition of the old. 
The expense of these negotiations, therefore, can scarcely be said in any sense to attach to 
this country, and it may be said that all of the Indian title at present extinguished within the 
territory of Michigan has not cost the United States a single dollar, but is entirely a recogni- 
tion of a previous but indefinite title extinguished by the Canadians. Hence, the question 
will arise, whether it is more than barely justice to the inhabitants to allow them the -rfhole 
of this j)art, or otherwise to permit the proceeds of it to be applied to their benefit in the ed- 
uc'ation of their youth, in the erection of public btiildings, such as cottrt houses and jails, which 
the recent conflagration destroyed, and in laying out roads and other improvements in their 
country. Next to the adjustment of old titles comes the acquisition of new. It is believed, 
that at this period, and in a parti(Mdar mode, a very large portion of Indian title may be short- 
ly extinguished; but, as this part of the subject may hereafter be deemed confidential, it is 
made the subject of a distinct rejiort. ***** 

"The case of the Wy;indotte Indians deserves the consideration of the Government. They 
live in two towns, Maguaga and Brown's town, within the limits of the American title. To 
the treaty of Fort Harmar, a clause was annexed, stipulating that thoy might remain unmo- 
lested. In the treaty of Greenville this provision is omitted. They constantly assert, and 
there are not wanting rejmtable citizens who join them in the assertion, that they wore sol- 
(>mnly promised by Gen. Wayne a continnance of the indulgence. It may, thor(>fore, be worthy 
of serious consideration, whether it may not be advisable, in the adjustment of titles, to recog- 
nize their possessions anil invest thom with the character of citizens." 

THE PIONEKH LAN'D liUYERS OF ST. CI,A1K. 

This is a most important portion of the historj' of St. Clair ('ounty, and iiido(>d one well 
worthy the attention of every citizen of the State, since most of the names mentioned wore house- 
hold words in the homes of the American pioneers from Miohilimackinac to Saginaw, to 
Detroit, to Grand Rapids, to Chicago, to Milwaukee, back to the St. Joe River, u|i the Elkhart, 
and the Kankakee, down to the old ])cst of Vincennes. It is impo.ssiblo to calculate the re- 
sults of settlement here by those early French, American, and Franco-Anu-rican ])ioneers: bur 
it is within our power to learn who thoy were, and the vej-y location of their humble cabins. 

Before entering upon the history of their times and settlement, let ns first inquire into the 
origin of the names given to their locations. The first and most prominent name is Im. Ririere Sic. 
Claire. 

St Clair and Siiiclnir. — In the year 1705, Patrick Sinclair, an Ii-ish officer in the service of 
Great Britain, and commandant of Fort Sinclair, ])in-chased (,001) acres of land on the river 
above Lake St. Clair, and aft(>r him the river was named the Sinclair. In a report made January 
17, 1806, by Augustus A\'oodward. to the Secretary of the Treasury, it is said that this officer 
was a distinct character, differing ])hysically and morally from St. Clair, of the American serv- 
ice. In his honor, the lake at tiie mouth of the Clinton was named St. Clair by his contempo- 
raries, unaware of the antiquity of the application of such name. The claim of Sinclair 



220 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

i-emained in his possession seventeen years, utilizing the large pine timber, and deriving heavy 
profits therefrom. 

The rivers, creeks and points of land were named in accord with some physical character- 
istic or otherwise in honor of one of the first settlers in the neighborhood. 

It is said that this name was conferred on Lake St. Clair in 1679, by Rev. Louis Hennepin; 
but its application to the river is of far more recent date. In 1765, the river was called Sin- 
clair in honor of Patrick Sinclair, a military officer in charge of a British post, where now 
stands St. Clair City. This name was applied until the name of the American officer, Arthur 
St. Clair, was made known, when the Indians and French settlers honored him by substituting 
his name for that of Sinclair. 

Belle Kiver. Black River and Pine River have borne Indian, French and English names 
successively, as shown in other j^ages. 

The villages of the Hurons were above Detroit. The name Huron, derived from the 
French Hure. a head, meaning a wild boar's head, was applied to this tribe of Indians by the 
first French missionaries, for the reason that their hair sprung from the head in bristles, a la 
porcupine. The French called them Hurons, but among the Indian tribes they were known as 
Wyandots, or Onendats. 

In the succeeding review of claims, presented by the land holders of St. Clair, or the civil 
district of St. Clair, as the territory constituting the county in 1818 was called, it will be ob- 
served that the result of the examination before the board is not given, in the greater number 
of cases. Now, such a course was. made necessary by the fact that, almost in every instance, the 
claimant's title was proved to the satisfaction of the Land Commissioners who ordered a record 
to be made of such nitles in the Land Office at Detroit and subsequently recommended the issue 
of United States patents. The report of this board was made in ISlO-ll, and patents were 
granted in the year 1812 and years immediately succeeding. 

SQUAn'EU.S' CLAIMS. 
In 1782, there were nineteen settlers living adjacent to this tract; a year later, twenty set- 
tlers located on Lake St. Clair near the mouth of the Huron. In 1788, twenty settlements 
were made on the Riviere aux Hurons, or Clinton; in 17U(), a few more settlers located at Point 
au Tremble. 

In 1793. ten families located on lands on the Huron of Lake St. Clair, or Clinton. Seven 
years later, four families joined the settlement. Sis families joined the settlers at the head of 
the lake, while the salt springs began to attract attention of the people from the mouth of the 
Huron to the River St. Clair. In ISOl. one settler located at these springs, and he was soon 
joined by others. In 17U7, no less than thirty families located lands along the banks of La 
Riviere au Lait, or Milk River, and nortliward to the Riviere aux Hurons. These settlers 
founded their claims on actual settlement and improvement, without any further title. Of this 
class there were about four hundred on the borders of Lake St. Clair, Rivers Huron, Ecorces, 

Rouge and Raisin. 

LAND BOAUD, DETROIT DISTKICT, 1807. 

The following extract from a report, dated Detroit, September 1, 1807, deals with the old 
settlements in the vicinity of Detroit. It suggested that the old farms on the Detroit, the 
greater number of which contained two or three arpents in front by forty in depth, be extend- 
ed to an equal depth of eighty arpents. In examining the records of former Commissioners, 
it is found that all the old farms on that river were mostly granted by the French Government, 
and that, with very few exceptions, they were of the extent or area referred to above. These 
farms were itnder cultivation from 40 to 100 years previous to 1807; so that, at that time, the 
arable land was entirely exhausted, and minus timber for fences or firewood. For this reason, 
the Commissioners asked Congress to extend the farms to eighty acres in depth so that the 
settlers could continue to live on the old ground. It was further shown, that this extension of 
farms was necessary along the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, to enable the original settlers and 
their descendants to reap equal advantages with the new settlers on the Riviere aux Hurons, 
now the Clinton, and on St. Clair Lake and River, above Detroit. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



221 



CHRONOLOGY OF SETTLEMENT. 



(iic(ii;i;ai'HI<-ai, I'hsition. 



« 2 

c 

17.")S 
1703 
170.-> 
1771 
177ii 
177ii 
177it 
17S(t 
17«() 
1780 
1780 
1783 
178.3 
1784 
1785 
1786 



La Riviere aux Hurons iWitliout.. 

Detroit or the Strait iWithin. . 

La Riviere de Sinclair Witliout.. 

Detroit or the Strait Within. . 

La Riviere a TEcoree Within. . 

I^a (rros.se Isle Within. . 

La Cri(|:-.e aux Lontros Witliout.. 

La Crique a Sahle \Vithin. . 

Detroit Within. . 

La Riviere Rouge l Within. . 

Point au Tremble [Doubtful. 

La Riviere de St. Clair IWithout.. 

Lake St. Clair DoubtfuL 

La Riviere aux Raisins Botli .... 

Point au Trenibli" ;Doul)tful. 

La Riviere aux Roches iWithin. . 



1 

77 

1 

7 

10 

10 

1 
1 

3 

38 

4 

19 

30 

121 
4 
2 



«2 

C 



(iEIK;R,\PlIl('.\l, I'dSIXruX. 



1786 L'Isle a Cochon 

178S Ija Riviercaux Huron.sor Cl't'n. 

1788 La Riviere aux Roches 

1700 PoHit au Tremble 

1793 La Riviere a I'Kcorce 

1793 La Crique a. Sable 

1793 La Riviere auxllurons or Cl't'n. 

1794 La Riviere a rEeorre 

1794 La Cri(iue aux Lonlres 

1797;La Riviere au Lait 

1797 La Riviere a I'Ecorce 

1 798 La Riviere Rou^c 

1800 La Riviercaux HuronsorCl't'n 

1801 La Riviere de St. Clair 

1801, Salt Springs, town Chesterfield. 



Whether with 
in or withou 
the Ameiiciii 
title. 


5S 


Within... . 


1 


Without... 


20 


Within.... 


1 


Doubtful.. 


4 


Within. ... 


2 


Within. . . 


1.5 


Without... 


10 


Within. . . 


3 


With()\il... 


22 


Doubtful.. 


30 


Within. . . 


3 


^\"illlin. . . 


5 


Without... 


4 


Without... 


6 


Doubtful.. 


1 



To point out the manner in which these pi-ivate claims were dealt with, the f ollowino- mem- 
oranda will be sufficient: The claim of Francois Fontenoy (642) was brought before the United 
States Land Commissioners at Detroit, December 14, ISOS, when Col. George Cotteral said 
that in 17U3 one Indian man was placed on the premises by Garret Graveraet. and remained 
thereon until 1798, since which time several people have worked the laud, off and on; that 
the premises remained idle two or thrpe years at a time: that no improvements were ever made 
by the claimant, or by any of his parents: that, in 1797, a schoolhouse was erected on the 
premises by the neighbors, who had stibscribed for the same, by permission of Charles Moran, 
then guardian of the claimant. 

Ignace Moross deposed that, in 1797, oue Antoine Mini, Jr., a[)plied to Josette Fontenoy, 
then guardian appointed by the court to the claimant and other younger chilch-en, and offered to pur- 
chase the premises now claimed; that she answered, if she could find the deed, she would sell; 
but she did not know where it was. Then Mini began to cultivate the land, and continued 
about throe years. 

Jean Baptiste Comparet swore that, in 1790, previous to Jitly 1. he saw Antoine Mini, 
Sr., planting Indian corn, who told him that he had to pay rent to an Indian, who thou held 
the land as the property of the claimant. Upon this evidence thi> Commissioners rejected the 
claim, December 31, 1808. 

PKlVATt: Cb.Vl.MS IN ST. I'LAIR. 

No. 186. — George Cotterall claimed 400 acres, bounded in front by the River St. Clair, on 
one side by J. Baptiste Datmay's claim, on the other by the lands of Widow ^liiii, and in rear by 
uuconceded lands. Capt. .\lexander Harrow appeared, as a witness, before the Laud Commis- 
sion, June 29. 1808, and stated, on oath, that George Cotterall was in possession of the lands 
previous to and since 1796. 

No. 187. — -The Cotterall brothers claimed 400 acres fronting on Kiver St. Clair, be- 
tween the lands of Pierre Letiiay and J. B. Daunay; the claim resting on a deed made by Col. 
George Cotterall, October 8, 18(U. in presence of R. H, McNifT, and J. B. Don;irt, and proved 
before James Abbot. Judge of the District Court of Huron and Detroit, June 29, 1S08. <j-rant- 
iug to Henry. John. James. David and (T(>orge, Jr., the 400 acres in question. Capt. Alex- 
ander Han-ow proved possession by Col. George Cotterall previotis to 1796. 

No. 188. — Alexander Harrow claimed 640 acres, fronting on St. Clair River, between the 
lands of Totissant Chovin and James Harrow, proved by Col. George Cotterall to be in Harrow's 
possession j)revious to July, 1796. 



222 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

No. 189. — Alexander Harrow claimed a second tract, of 640 acres, fronting on River St. 
Clair, between the lands of John Harrow and a small creek on the south. Col. Cotterall 
proved that the claimant used the lands as meadow previous to 1796. but without making 
improvements. Claimant's title set aside July 2. ISOS. 

No. 190. — Alexander Harrow claimed 320 acres fronting on the St. Clair, extending back to 
the unc.onceded lands, and bounded south by William Hill's tract. Ignace Champagne, as wit- 
ness, stated that Louis Champagne was in po.ssession previous to July 1, 1796; that in 1797 he 
sold to one Pratt, who sold the lands the same year to Alexander Harrow. 

No. 191. — Samuel Cribble claimed 160 acres between the lands of James Cartwright and 
William Thorn, fronting on the river. Col. Cotterall proved that Alexander Harrow was in 
possession previous to 1796, and continued so until he sold to the claimant. 

No. 19(1. — The heirs of Jacob Hill: William Hill claimed 2-10 acres, between the lands 
of George Meldrum and Joseph Bassinet, fi-onting on River St. Clair, proved by Ignace Cham- 
pagne to be in possession of Jacob Hill, deceased, previous to July, 1796, and until his death. 

No. 197. — William Hill claimed, for himself and brothers. 120 acres, fronting on the St. 
Clair, between the lands of Alexander Harrow and George Meldrum; Ignace Champagne 
proving ownership by Jacob Hill before 1796. 

No. 198. — Ignace Champagne claimed 160 French acres fronting on river, between land of 
Pierre Dolorme and Francois Chortier. proven by William Hill to be in possession of Cham- 
pagne previous to 1796. 

No. 200. — James Harrow claimed 640 acres fronting on the St. Clair, between Alexander Har- 
row's claim on the northeast and John Harrow's on the southwest; stated by Col. Cotteral to be 
in possession of Alexander Harrow j^revious to 1796. In a deed dated June 28, 1808, this land, 
known as Petit Claris, was given to James Harrow. 

No. 201. — John Harrow claimed 640 acres at Point Office, fronting on the St. Clair. In June 
1808, according to testimony of Col. Cotteral, there were no improvements made on this tract, 
although in possession of Capt. Harrow previous to 1796. 

No. 202. — Pien-e Mini claimed 240 French acres, south of Joseph Bassinet's tract, north of 
F. Chortier's and fronting on river, in his possession since 1786, or for over twenty years pre- 
vious to July 1, 1808, according to Col. Cotteral. 

No. 203. — Pierre Mini claimed 240 arpents fronting on river, below Francois Chortier's lauds, 
proven by Autoine Nicholas Petit to be in claimant's possession previous to 1796. 

No. 204. — The widow and heirs ot Antoine Mini claimed 325 acres on St. Clair River, between 
George Cotterall's and Francois Fontenoy's lands, proven to be in the possession of the de- 
ceased Antoine for over twenty years, or since 1786. 

No. 206. — Antoine Nicholas Petit claimed 210 arpents on river fi'ont, between the Widow 
Mini's lands and James Robertson. Joseph Mini witnessed that these lands belonged to An- 
toine Mini previous to July, 1796; that he sold to Robert McNiff, who sold to Joseph Rowe, 
from whom A. N. Petit purchased them October 26, 1807. McNiff received 50 pounds. New 
York currency, from Rowe foi' this tract, I'ebruary 10, 1807. 

No. 243. — Jean Mario Beaubien claimed 640 acres on St. Clair River, bounded on north by 
lands of Meldrum and Parks, south by the farm of the negro Harry Sanders, and in rear by 
unlocated lands; proven by Toussaint Chovin to be in possession of Beaubien previous to 1796, 
and up to date of claim, July, 1808. 

No. 244. — Francois Bonome claimed 640 ai'pents, on Riviere de Dulu, proven by J. M. Beau- 
bien to have been in possession of Pierre Bonome, previous to 1796, and of the claimant since 
1802, with 18 arpents, cultivated. 

No: 245. — Toussaint Chovin claimed 120 acres on the River St. Clair, between the lands of 
Capt. HaiTow and James Cartwright, proven by Jean Simare to have been in Chovin's posses- 
sion previous to 1796. 

No. 252. — The widow and heirs of John AVright, deceased, claimed 120 arpents on St. Clair 
River, between the lands of William Thorn aud James Robinson. George Meldrum proved 
that, or many years previous to 1796, the late John Wright was in possession of these lands, 
and that since his death his widow and children have occupied them. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. '22^ 

No. 253. — William Thorn. Sr., claimed 290 acres on tho St. Chiir River, between the Alex- 
ander Harrow and John Wright farms. ()ccupatit)n previous to 1790 was proven by George 
Mel drum. 

No. 255. — Meldrum ami I'ark claimed tract No. 3, ()4() acres, fronting on River St. Clair, 
bounded on Btmth by Mill Creek, and on north by lauds belonging to claimants. J. M. B(>au- 
bein witnessed that claimants planted apple trees, built houses, erected a saw^ null and culti- 
vated 3 or 4 arpents in 1790. 

No. 301. — Joseph Bassinet claimed 120 arpents on St. Clair River, between the farms of AN'ill- 
iam Hill and Pierre Mini, proven by J. M. Beaubien to have been in possession of Bassinet 
previous to 1796. 

No. 302. — Joseph Ricard claimed three one-half arj^ents fronting on St. Clair River, extend- 
ing back forty arpents to Belle Kiver. between the farms of Oliver Ricard and Jean Marie Beau- 
bien. George Meldrum witnessed that previous to 179(). tme- Lariviere was living th('n\ as a 
tenant of deponent, and remained three years ; afterward one Girard lived on the farm for three 
years as tenant, and since that time Ricard has held )iossession of the farm, purchased froin 
Meldrum & Parks, June 2, 1806. 

No. 303. — Jean Marie Beaubien claimed 640 arpents bounded in fnmt by St. Clair, between 
the lands of Mekhnim & Parks, and Ricards. George Meldrum proved Beaubien's ])ossession 
previous to 1796, save 160 arpents sold to Oliver Ricard. 

No. 304. — John'Steldrum claimed 640 acres on St. Clair, bounded north by Pine River, east by 
St. Clair, south and west by ileldrum & Parks' lands. Beaubien proved that previous to 
1796, the lands were rented bv Meldrum & Parks, and that their tenants held the lands to 
1808. 

No. 305. — James Meldrum claimed 040 acres on St. Clair River, bounded si mth by Pine River, 
north and west by Meldi-um & Parks' farm, and east by St. Claii'. Beaubien proved that pre- 
vious to July, 1796, George Knaggs was living on the premises as tenant of Meldrum and 
Parks, and that tho owners put the premises in charge of their tenants, who lived in a big house 
opposite and across the river; that those tenants cttltivated or caused to be cultivated, eight 
or ten acres and a large orchard. 

No. 306. — William Meldrum claimed 640 acres, bounded north by Pine River thence mnining 
east from west end of portage on I'ino River, south and west by lands of Jleldrum & Parks. 
J. M. Beaubien proved that Meldrum & Parks" tenants cultivated live or six acres, and that 
Meldrum & Parks have caused their hay to be cut on the lands since before 1796. 

No. 307. — David Meldrum, son of George Meldrum, claimed 640 acres, bounded north by Pine 
River, and on every other side by Meldrum & Parks" lands. Jean Marie Beaubien juoved that 
Meldrum & Parks were in possession previous to 1796. and that premises were kept by tenants 
until 1803, when the grist and saw mills, and many other valuable buildings were Ijurned to 
the gi-ound: since which tim^- the lands were unoccujiied up to 1809. 

No. 308. — Jean BaptisteDauiiay claimed 120 ar|>"nts, fronting on St.. Clair River. between the 
lands of George Cottcral, Sr, . ami George Cotteral, Jr.. proven by Jean Ba[itiste Comjiaret to 
be in possession of Joseph Ambroise Tremble previous to 1796, who sold to Jean Marie Beau- 
bien, who sold to J. B. Yax, who sold to Daunay October 31, ISOC). 

No. 309. — Francois Chortierclaimedl20 arpents fronting on St. Clair River, extending back 
to unconcoded lands, between the farm of Pierre Mini and the United States uiilocated lands. 
J. M. Beaubien proved that seventeen years previous to J'me 21, 1808, Chortier was in ]>os- 
session of the premises. 

No. 310. — Oliver Ricard claimed 160 arpents. fronting on the Kiver St. Clair, extending back 
between the farms of J. M. Beaul)ien and Joseph Kicards. F. Chortier proved original occu- 
pancy by Beaubien, and sale to the claimant October 4, 1802. 

No. 311. — Pierre Delorme claimed 120 arjients, fronting on St. Clair River, between the farms 
of Iguace Champagne and John JIcGregor. F. Chortier proved that, previous to 1796. Jacques 
Toulouse was in possession; he sold to one Reynier. who sold to Brindamour, who sold to De- 
lorme September 26, 1807. 

No. 318. — James Cartwright claimed 240 acres, fronting on St. Clair River, extending back to 



224 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Alexander Harrow's claim, south of Samuel Cribbe's, and north of Toussaint Cbovin's lands. 
William Thorn proved Cartwright's occupancy previous to and since July, 1796. 

No. 357. — Antoine Lasselle, Jr., claimed 640 acres, fronting on La Riviere ;i Dulu, between 
the Francois Bonhomme or Bonome farm and the United States lands. Charles Pouier stated 
that in 1785, Alexander Bouvier was in possession, and continued so until he sold to Lasselle, 
November 17, 1808, for the sum of 150 pounds. New York cuiTeney. 

No. 358.— Meldi-um & Parks claimed 300 acres, fronting on St. Clair River. The negi'O, 
Heni-y Sanders, proved occupancy previous to 1796, and also that 50 acres of land were en- 
closed. His testimony was corroborated by Peter Curiy. John Shaw proved that, in 1801, 
one Joseph Rigby was living on the premises; next, Joseph Weaver, and after him Alexander 
Woillett. who continued to live on the lands iintil the fall of 1808. 

No. 361. — Jean Baptiste Roe claimed 1 20 arpents, fronting on Otter Creek, between the farms 
of Joseph St. Bernard and Jacques Prudhomme. Francois I^ionard witnessed that Roe was in 
possession of the lands previous to and since J 796. 

No. 406. — Meldrum & Parks claimed 600 acres, bounded east by River St. Clair, and west, 
north and south by their own lands. The lauds were in possession of Rene Tremble, Ignace 
Krisler and Jean Baptiste Descharap, tenants of Meldi'um & Parks, from 1796 to 1808. 
Twelve acres were inclosed and cultivated, and a house and barn erected. 

No. 457. — John McGregor claimed 240 arpents, fronting on River St. Clair, between the lands 
of Jacques Toulouse and Jacob Thomas. 

No. 568. — James Robison claimed 270 acres, fronting on St. Clair River, between the farms 
of Antoine N. Petit and the Widow Wright. William Hill proved that claimant was in posses- 
sion previous to 1796; that nine acres were under cultivation, and a house erected on the farm 

No. 598. Jean Lemay or Dumay, deceased, bought the lands from the original occupier. 

Joseph Robitaille. Since the death of Lemay, George Meldrum, as administrator, caused the. 
cultivation of fourteen arpents to be continued, and the house and stables to be cared for. 

No. 614. Capt. Francois Marsac claimed a tract of land on Swan Creek of Lake St. Clair, 

in possession of Pien-e Yas previous to July 1, 1796, deeded to Francois Yax, his son, from 
whom it was purchased by Capt. Marsac, Feln-uary 18. 1808. 

No. 627. Pierre Yax claimed 480 arpents. fronting on Lake St. Clair, lying north of Capt. 

Marsac's claim. Louis Champagne j^roved that Yax had been a resident and a cultivator of 
five acres previous to July, 1786, down to 1809. 

No. 642. — Francois Foutenoy claimed a tract of land situate on St. Clair River, between the 
farms of the Widow Mini and James Robison. The evidence given by Col. Cotteral, Ignace 
Morass and others resulted in the rejection of this claim. See general history for reference to 
settlement of Fontenoy. 

No. 676. James Babv claimed eight acres on each side of his saw mill, situate on Riviere ii 

Gervais, by forty in depth, bounded in front by River St. Clair, and on all other sides by un- 
located lands. Also 640 acres, bounded in front by River St. Clair on the upper side by the 
Riviere '.i Dulu, and on the other sides by unlocated lands. 

George Meldrum proved that in 178S. a saw mill was erected on the premises, and that 
since July 1, 1796, James Baby kept tenants thereon. Negig, an Indian chief, lived there for 
six years previous to his death in 1807. 

No. 677. James Baby claimed 640 acres, bounded in front by the St. Clair, on upper side by 

River Dulu, and on the "other sides by unlocated lands. Fj-ancois Rivard proved that for 
many years previous to July, 1796, claimant was in possession of the lands, and that he was a 
tenant of Babv's in 1795 and 1796. Jean Marie Beaubien deposed that the premises were 
called Baby's Mills by whites and Indians, and always heard that the property belonged to the 
Baby family. 

No. 732. — Meldrum & Pai-ks claimed 120 acres on north side of the St. Clair, extending 
back between the lands of Joseph Hill. Jean Simare testified that the claimants were in 
possession of the lands previous to 1796. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COrXTY. 225 

Cr.AIMS Al.ONC, ST. CLAIR I.AKK To MII.K lilVKR. 

To render this record of tlie first settlers along the river and Lake St. Clnir more perfect, 
the followini;' review is given: 

No. 121). —James Connor claimed thi> tract of land on the north bank of the Clinton, con- 
taining 510 acres, of which thirteen and three-fourth acres fronted on the river, extending back 
forty acres, and bounded on the west by William Tuckar's land. Henry Connor's testimony 
before the Laud Board was to the effect that the claimant had possession, and b(>gan to improve 
the property before July 1. 17U(), since which time he has been in possession of the land. 
Thia formed Claim 121), which was granted June, 1808. 

No. 180. — Joseph CamiJCj^u, Claim 180. was granted on the same daU\ The tract lies on 
the south bank of the au.r l/iiroiis. contains (UO acres, bounded in front by th(^ river, in rear 
by Lake St. Clair, on one side by the land of Lnurente Maure, and on the other by a second 
tract entered by him. Baptiste Comparet and Heury Connor testified that Joseph Campoau 
was in possession of this tract jjrevioiis to July 1, 171)0. (!ampeau's fourth and fifth claim. 
No. 138. containing 640 acres, was purchased from Louis Maure. This was bounded in front 
by the River Huron, on the east by Jacques Loson's land, on the west by the land of Hyacinthe 
Deaitre, and in the rear by the lake. Claims 181 and 182 were his also. 

No. 184. — Joseph (^ampeau's claim, No. 134, of 010 acres, is bounded in front iiy the river, 
in rear by the lake, on the west northwest by Louis Fetifs lands, and on the east by a tract 
claimed liy .lose[ih Campeau. Henry Connor testilied in this case that the land so descril)ed 
was purchased from Jean Baptiste Connellier previous to July 1, ITDO. 

No. 185. — The Joseph Campeau claim, No. 135, is located south the Riiiiereaux Hunms 
or Clinton, bounded in front by the river, extending to the lake between Pierre Phenix's land 
on one side, and Antoine Peltier's land on the other. Henry Connor testified that this tract was 
in ))ossession of the claimant, and that a house was erected thereon previous to July 1, 1790. 
which house was then standing (iS08). 

No. 18r). — James Connor, in his hotter to the Land Board, June 13, 1808, claimed 040 
acres on the north side of the Huron, it biung sixteen acres river front, forty acres in depth, 
Ijouuded on the east by the ('hatron farm, and in rear and on the west by unlocated lands. 
Baptiste Comparet proved that previous to July, 1790, James Connor was in jjossession, that 
therc! was a cabin erected and two or three acres of land cultivated and fenced before he, Com- 
paret, left la Riviere aiix Hi(rons. in 1804. 

No. 137. - Richard Connor. The widow and heirs of Richanl Connor ap])lied to the Board 
to have their title to (500 acres on the south sid(? of the Huron confirmed. IJaptiste Compar(>t 
gave proof that the deceased Richard Connor was in ])ossessiou of the land and premises previ- 
ous to July, 179(), \ip to 1804, when he left the district. A.ugustin Langdon deposed that the 
family of the deceased oicupied the holding since 1801. Another tract, fifteen acres in front 
and forty acres in depth, of (iOO acres, commencing at a ])lace called Deer Lick, and bounded 
in rear, on the east and west by unlocated lands, was shown to be in possession of Richard 
Connor, previous to July. 1790. 

No. 189. — Henry Connor claimed 48() acres on the north side of the Huron, bounded in 
front by the river, east by Christian Cleimms' farm, and west and rear by wild lands. Com- 
paret stated (hat William Dawson was the owner of this tract j)revious to .Inly, 179(), and re- 
mained so until its sale to Richard Connor, deceased. 

No. 140.- Joseph Robertje.-in's claim regarded eighty-one arpents of land on the north side 
of the Huron, boanded in front by the river, in the rear by Lake St. Clair, on one side by the 
lands of the 'ate Alexis Peltier, and on the other side lay the lands of Robert Robertjean. 
Comparet witnessed that Robertji>an was in possession of said tract ])revious to 1790. and 
Christian Clemens proved the claimant's ])osaession in the year 1799. 

No. 141. — Christian Clemens' claim for 500 acres, beginning at the high bank of the Hu- 
ron, and running down this bank about fourteen acres to a small run or marsh then emptying 
into the river, running north forty acres; bounded in front by the Huron, on on(> side by Henrj' 
Connor's lauds, on the other by the tract of James Abbott: and in rear by unlocated lands. 
Comparet' .-> evidence was that John Connor was the owner of tliis tract previous to July, 1790, 



226 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

who permitted Nathan Williams and Jared Brooks to build a still-housf on the premises about 
1797 or 1798. In 1801, John and Richard Connor sold the tract to Christian Clemens. 

No. 144. — John Tiickar's claim, No. 144, was bounded in front by the Hui-on, in rear by 
Lake St. Clair, above by James Connor's lands, and below by Edward Tuckar's, bequeathed to 
the claimant by his father — the pioneer, William Tuckar. Comparet and William McScott 
proved possession previous to July, 1790. 

No. 156. — Edward Tuckar's land was bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, 
above by John Tuckar's farm and below by Michael Tremble's laud, which was also a bequest 
of the late William Tuckar. 

No. 146. — William Tuckar claimed a tract bounded south by the River Huron, east by 
Francois St. Obin's land, north by the lake, and west by William Tuckar's (senior) original 
farm, afterward in possession of the Widow Tuckar. 

No. 147. — Catherine Tuckar claimed, in trust for her sons, Jacob and Charles, 640 acres, 
bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, below by Claim 146 of William Tuckar, 
proved to be in possession of William Tuckar. deceased, previous to July, 1796. 

No. 148. — Phillis Peltier's claim. 480 acres, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by hunt- 
ing grounds, below by Nicholas Chapaton's farm, and above by a creek or coulee, called ventre 
de boeuf. Jean Bajjtiste Pare proved occupation by Peltier, fifteen years previous to 1808. 

No. 149. — Jean Baptiste Pare claimed a tract bounded in front by the lake, in rear Dy In- 
dian lands, above by Joseph Dube's farm, and below by Louis Laforge's claim. Phillis Peltier 
proved that fifteen years previous to June, 1808, one Cayet was owner of this tract. He sold to 
Francois Dupre, vrho in tiu-n sold to Pare. Dupre confii-med this statement. 

No. 150. — Francois St. Obin's tract northeast side of the Huron, containing about 640 acres, 
bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, above by William Tuckar's farm, and below 
by Michael Tremble's lands, was known to be in possession of Louis St. Obin, father of Fran- 
cois, many years previous to July. 1796. Christian Clemens and B. Comparet were the wit- 
nesses. 

No. 151. — Claim No. 151, by the same party, of 640 acres, bounded in front by the river 
in rear by the lake, east by Chapaton's lands, and west by those of Jacques Loson, was origin- 
ally settled by Michel Comparet, who sold to Louis Bandin, and he in tui'n to St. Obin. Chris- 
tian Clemens also proved continuous possession since 1800. 

No. 157. — Francois Ambroises' 140 acres, on the northwest side of Lake St. Clair, bounded 
in front by the lake, in rear by Indian Grounds, on the north by Brazil Criqui's claim, and on 
the lower side by that of Jean Baptiste Vernier, dit Ladonceur, was settled by Etienne Duchene 
in 1795, who built a small house thereon; he sold his interest to Michel Duchene, who in turn 
sold out to Ambroise. 

No. 156. — Jean Baptiste Vemiei", rf/< Ladonceur, claimed 240 acres, bounded in front by the 
lake, in rear by non-ceded lands, on the northeast by Pierre Bonhomme's farm, and on the south- 
west by the lands of Laurent Griffard. Possession was proven, and title granted. 

No. 199. — Francois Ambrois Tremble claimed 140 acres fronting on Lake St. Clair, be- 
tween the lands of Bazile Crequi and J. Bte. Vernier, originally settled by Etienne Duchesne, 
who presented them to Michel Duchesne, who sold to Tremble. 

No. 163. — J. Bte. Nantay claimed '200 arpents fronting on the lake, between the lands of 
Phillis Peltier and Pierre Lanone, possessed by him fourteen years previous to June 18, 1808. 
No. 207. — Laurent Mauro claimed 200 arpents fronting on the Huron, extending back to 
the lake between the farms of Joseph Robertjeau and Joseph Campeau, in his possession some 
years previous to 1796. A certificate of title was granted to him in 1809, and a patent issued 
"in 1811. 

No. 162. — Jean Marsac's claim, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by Indian lands, 
northeast by Charles Chovin's farm, and southwest by Louis Leduc's, dit Perez, claim, containing 
160 acres, French measurement, was confirmed June 20, 1808. 

No. 163. — Joan Baptiste Nantay claimed 200 acres bounded in front by the lake, in rear by 
non-ceded lands, above by Phillis Peltier's farm, and below by that of Pierre Lanone. 

No. 164. — Joseph Mitresse, di/ Sansfacon, claimed 360 arpents, French measurement, bounded 



;oded lands, northeast by l<"'rane()is Amliroise's farm, and soutliwost by 
0. Alexis Cociiiillard beard Robert Thomas acknowledjre himself as 



IIISTOHY OF ST. CLAIIJ COUNTY. 227 

in front by the lake, in rear by Indian lauds, above by Baj)tiste Ble's farm, and Inilovv by 
Charles (Jhovin's claim, was in possession of Nicholas Patenande previous to 171)(). He sold to 
Autoine Ceeillesix arpeuts in front, who in turn sold to Sansfacon. Pierre La]>arleowneil three 
arpents in front, which he gave to Louis Champagn(\ and which h<' in turn sold to the claimant. 

No. Ifit"). — Joseph Dube. claimed 1'2() arpents. bounded in front by the lake, in rear by tho 
hunting grounds, on one side by Baptiste Pierre's farm, and on the other by that of Pierre 
Lanone. This [iroperty was in possession of Nicholas Value previoiis to Julv, 1790, and con- 
tinued so until sold to Charles Chovin. who transferred it to Dube. 

No. 107. — Joseph Howe claimed 240 arpents, bounded in front by the lliver Huron, in rejir 
by Indian Grounds, on the west by Bazile Laforge's farm, and on the east l)v that of Pierre 
Phenix. This property was proven by Loui.s Cam])eau to be in jiossession of A. N. Petit before 
and after 17'.t(). until he sold to the present claimant. 

No. 108. — Louis Cam|)eau. the pioneer of Saginaw and Kent (bounties, was also amoncr the 
first l.-ind-owners in Macoml) County. In 1808, he claimed 2>^0 ar[)ents, bouiuhd in front by 
the Huron, in rear by non ceded lands, west by the Josejih Campeau claim, and east by B. 
Laforge's farm. 

No. 170. — Jean B. Vernier, dil Ladonceur, claimed 200 ar[)ents. Imunded in front liv Fiake 
St. Clair, in rear by non-ce( 
that of Nicholas Patenande. 
tenant of Jean B. Nantay. 

No. 172. — John Askin, Jr.. claimed 02.-) acres, bounded in front by the River Huron, in 
rear and on one side by United States Lands, and on the other by the Christian Clemens 
property. Hem'y Tuckar, witness for the claimant, proved that one Descoteaux improved and 
cultivated the lands, by order of, and for the claimant, previous to July, 1790; that the claim- 
ant had a house built some time after Descoteaux went there, and afterward Christian Clemens 
tenanted the premises, cultivated the lands, erected fences, and continued to improve the prop- 
erty until 1808. Mr. Clemens substantiated this statement, and a title was gi-anted. 

No. 17:1 — James Abbott claimed O);]!,) acres, bounded in front by the river, in rear by United 
States Lands, above by a buttonwood tree, one acre above a small creek, and below by nnlocated 
lands. Edward Hezell built a house on this claim, and raised two crops |)revious to 179(5. 
Hezell sold his interest to James Abbott (father of the claimant), deceased, since which tim(! uj> 
to 1808, Christian Clemens im])roved and cultivateil the lands, paying to the claimanl an an- 
nual rent from 1799 to 1808. 

No. 174. — Jacob Thomas' widow and heirs claiminl a tract at L'Ance Creuse of 100 arpeuts. 
bounded in front by the lake, in rear by non-ceded lauds, on one side by Baptiste Nantav's 
farm, and on the other by that of Jean Baptiste Dabe, all |)r(}perty in possession of Jacob 
Thomas previous to 1790. 

No. 175. — Louis Petit's tract of 120 arjjents was bounded in front by the River Huron, in 
rear by non-ceded lands, on one side by P. Phenix" s farm, and on the other by that of Joseph 
Campeau. One Cannellior was in possession previous to 179(), and continued owner until lie 
sold out to L. Petit, May 8, 1797. 

No. 176. — Pierre Phenix claimed 240 ar])ents, bounded in front by the Huron, in rear by 
non-ceded lands, on one side by ,h)se]ih Rowe's farm, and on the other by that of Josej)h Cam- 
peau. This territory was partly in possession of one Lai)aline and one Provost The former 
sold to Nathan Williams, who sold to Jos Bonvouloir, who sold to Jos. Cherbonneau, from 
whom J'henix purchased. 

No. 183. — Laurent (Irifl'ard chiinuHl r20 arpents fronting on Lake St. Olair, extending back 
ward to the non-ceded lands, to the .1. B. Vernier farm, on the northeast, and to the Henry 
St. Bernard farm on the southwest. Louis Monet testitied that GrifTai'd was in possession of 
this land in 1788. 

No. 184. — Jacques Allard's 120 arpents fronting on the lake, bounded by the Indian 
grounds in the rear. Bt(>. Celeron's farm on one side, and Louis (Iriffard's on the other, was 
settled by the claimant several years previous to 1790), as sworn in the evidence of Charles 
Poupard. 



228 HISTORY or ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

No. 192. — Meldrum & Parks claiming 030 acres, hounded northeast by the River Lassaline, 
southwest by other lands of the claimants, in front by the lake, and in rear by other claims. 
This laijd was tenanted by Antoine N. Petit previous to 1790, who rented it from M. & P. 
One Durocher rented it for one year, and Dupre for two one-half years subsequently. 

No. 193. — Another tract of 030 acres, bounded southwest by Ririere anr Vases, northeast 
and rear by other lands of Meldi'um & Parks, and in front by the lake; was first rented in 
1795 by Baptiste Lotourneau. Louis Barret and Derocher then rented the place. Francis 
Berian lived there for three years and one Dupre for two years. 

No. 194. — Michel Tremble claimed a tract on the Huron, bounded in front by the river, 
in rear by the lake, above by F. St. Obin's farm, and below by R. Robertjean. Nicholas 
Chapaton was in possession of this property previous to 1790. 

No. 195. — The second claim of Tremble related to lands bounded in front by the Huron, 
in I'ear by non-ceded land, above by Edward Tuckar's farm, and below by the property of the 
widow and heirs of William Tuckar, deceased. Henry Tuckar was the owner of those lands 
before and after 1790, until he sold to Christian Clemens, from ivhom Tremble purchased 
them. 

No. 190. — Jacob Hill's heirs claimed 240 acres fronting on the River St. Clair, between 
the farms of George Meldrum and -Tos. Bassinet, of which land Jacob Hill was in possession 
previous to 1790, as proven by Ignace Champagne 

No. 197. — Another tract between the farms of Greorge Meldrum and Alex. Harrow, front- 
age on the River St. Clair, was also claimed. 

No. 207. — Laurent Maure claimed 200 arpents fronting on the River Huron, extending 
back to the lake, between the farms of Jos. Robert and Jos. Campeau, of which he was owner 
previous to 1790. 

No. 213. — Nicholas Chapaton's claim, founded on a deed, given by the Indians — Vouista- 
nanre and Nanguy — dated Detroit, May 8, 1795, contained about 100 acres. The area was 
disputed, and the evidence before the Board was so contradictory that the Commissioners 
rejected the claim. The description points out that this claim fronted on Lake St. Clair, and 
extended back to the non-ceded grounds, between the lands of Phillis Peltier and Jean Bte. 
Nantay. 

No. 219. — Pierre Gritfard claimed 1()0 arpents fronting on Lake St. Clair, between the 
farms of Jos, GrifiCard and J. B. N. Petit. His po.ssession, previous to 1790, being proved by 
J. B. Nantay, the claim was allowed. 

No. . — Isadore Morain settled on claim 221 in 1795; but, during his absence, Pierre 

Cham])agne took and held forcible possession for one year from 1790; afterward one Goulet 
lived on it, whose widow sold the claim to Bte. AUoin, who was in possession July, 1808. 
This land fronted on the lake, between the lands of Michel Duchesne and Bte. A. Tremble, 
and measured 120 arpents. 

No. 222. — Antoine Reneau purchased from William Forsythe 120 arpents fronting on the 
lake, between the claims of .Joseph Campeau and Pierre Tremble, May 3, 1800. The location 
was known as Pointe Guinolet. originally settled by Francois Ble, who sold to William 
Forsythe, 

No. 223. — By Louis Reneau, comprising 120 arpents, fronted on Lake St, Clair, between 
lands of Louis Griffard and Francois Bonhomme, was conceded. 

No. 224. — By Jacques Allard, Jr., containing 120 arpents, fronted on the lake, between the 
lands of Colas Rivard and Jacques Allard, Sr. This land was originally settled by J, Bte, 
Dumas, who transferi'ed it to Bte. Celeron, who sold to Jacques Allard in 1807. 

No. 225. — By Michel Duchesne, containing 120 arpents, fronted on the lake, between the 
lands of Bte. Lapierre and Bte. Petit. Louis Thibault was the original grantee, who sold to 
F. Bernard, who sold to J. B, Comparet, Jr. , who in turn sold his interest to Duchesne. 

No. 229. — By Joseph Robertjean, containing 300 arpents, fronted on the Huron between 
the lands of Joseph Rowe and James Abbott, was settled in 1795, by John Loveless, who sold 
to the claimant in 1798. Christian Clemens testified that Robertjean cultivated a portion of 
the claim since 1801, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 229 

No. 231. — By Alex. Grant, containing 0;]*) acres fronting on Lake St. Clair, between the 
claims of William Forisvth and Gregor McGregor, was, as stated liy J. Bte. Campeau or I'eiiisli, 
in possession of grant previous to July, ITUC). 

Louis Chapaton's (claim 33S) land. 1'2() arpents in area, fronted on the Huron, extending 
to the lake between the farms of F. St. Obin and Louis Maure. Sera])hin Leson testified that 
such land was in possession of Jos. Campeau previous to July, 1796, who disposed of his 
interest therein to Chapaton. 

No. 239. — Jean Bte. Marsac claimed 120 arpents fronting on th(> lake at Grosse Point, 
between the farms of Pierre Yax and Charles Gouiin, iu jiossession of Joseph Seire previous to 
July, 179().— i<:,r. Co. 

No. 240. — Marsac also claimed 120 ar]K>nts fronting on the lake, between Capt. Fleming's 
and Francois Tremble's holding, originally settled by Louis Billon; (/// I'Esperance, and con- 
veyed by him to Marsac, August 17. ISOl. — J£x. Co. 

No. 242. — Robert Kobertjean claimed forty-live arpents, fronting on the Huron, extending 
to the lake, and lying between the land of Joseph Kobertjean and Michel Tremble, in his pos- 
session previous to 1796. 

No. 243. — Jean Marie Beaubien's claim <.)f 640 acres, fronting on the River St. ('lair, 
between the lands of Meldrum it Park and those or the iieyro. Harri/ Sanders, was allowed. - 
£■.(•. Co. 

No. 249. — Francois Bonhnmme. or Bonome. claimed 200 arpents fronting on the Lake at 
Poiute ;i Guinolet, between the lands of J. Bte. Vernier and Louis Reneau. Sr., which he was 
in possession of previous to July, 1796. 

No. 250. — Nicholas Patenande. Jr., claimed 160 arpents at L'ance Creuse, on the lake 
shore, between the farms of ^'ernier or Ladoncenr, and Bte. Socier, occupied by Francois Am- 
broise Tremble jirevious to 1796. 

No. 261. — Jean Baptiste Creipii's widow and heirs claimed 40 arpents, fronting on the lake, 
between the holdings of Meklruui it Parks and .losejih Allair, which land was in their pos- 
session ])revious to July, 1796. 

No. 262. — Meldnini & Parks claimed 80 arpents. fronting on Lake St. Clair, between claim 
261 and that of Nicholas Patenande. 

No. 236. —William Connor claimed 600 acres fi-onting on the Huron, between the lands of 
John Askin, Jr.. and James Coinior, improved in 1794 by William Connor and his sons, and 
now* claimed by James Connor. 

No. 272. — William Robertson's heirs claimed 300 acres fnmting on the lake between H. .St. 
Bernard's and Francois I'renible's farms — land purchaseil originally by ^\ illiam Groesbeek 
from the Indians, and deeded by him to the deceased William Robertson January 15. 179(5. 
Groesbeek made the first imj>rovements here so early as 1 (SO, through his tenants, who remained 
there until 1785, when George Bak(>r contracted to buy the land. Baker remained on it many 
years, but made no payments — Baki-r being content to inform him that L'Esperance would pay 
the .£100 due on it. In 1805, Groesbeek found the land vacant, and with the permission of tf. 
Bte. Marsac and William Robertson's agent, both claimants, he went to live on his old proper- 
ty, where he lived up to ISOS without paying rent to any party. L'Esperance stated to the 
Board August 18, 1808, that he purchased from .lacob Baker the tract in question, and sold it 
to J. Bte. INIarsac, for a plantation, on the British side of the Detroit River. Nicholas Pat- 
enode, Sr. (claim '^73), bought twenty four arpents fronting on Lake St. Clair, between the 
Robinson and Martin and the Meldnim & Parks (trojierties in 1778. and claimed to have im- 
proved such lands so early as 1758. 

No. 27().— Julien Forton claiminl 160 arpents fi-onting on the lake, between the farms of 
Pierre Ambroise and Gabriel Reneau Seraphin Leson testified that Forton held possession of 
this tract previous to 1796. 

No. 277.— ('harlesChovin claimed 220 arpents fronting on the lake between tholandsof Jo- 
seph Sansfacon and J. Bte. Marsac. which he located previous to 1796. He also claimed a 
tract (278 1 containing 110 arpents fronting on the lake, between the farms of J. Bte. Lapierre 
and Etienne Sieur, also possessed by him previous to 1796. 



2-30 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

No. 31(3 — Louis Le Due claimed 1 20 arpeiits fronting on the lake between the claim of Pan- 
acha and that of Francois Duchesne, at L'ance Creuse, in possession of one Champagne previ- 
ous to 1790, transferred to Jean Sunare, and by him to Le Due. 

No. 319. — Joseph Campeau claimed, as the grantee of Louis Maure, a tract of land fronting 
on the Huron, extending to Lake St. Clair, and lying between the lands of Louis Chapoton, 
Jr.. and another claim of Joseph Campeau. Louis Manre possessed those lands previous to 
1790, and continued in their ]>ossession until the execution of the deed, September 10, 1808, to 
Joseph Campau. 

No. 320. — Jean Bte. St. Laurent claimed I'iO arpents fronting on the lake, between the hold- 
ings i)f Baptiste A. Tremble and Francois A, Tremble. Gabriel Reneau was the possessor of 
those lands previous to 1796, and continued so until the transfer of the property to his brother 
Louis, who sold to Bazile Crequi, from whom J. B. St. Laurent purchased, July 15. 1808. 

No. 343. — Pierre Yas claimed 4S0 arpents at La Pointe aux Carapaux, fronting on Lac St. 
Clair, in his j)Ossession jirevious to, and since the year 1796. 

No. 502. — Rene Marsac's title to 80 ar[)ents. fronting on Lake St. Clair, and lying between 
the lands of Francois Marsae and Nicholas Fatenaude, was confirmed December 14, 1808. 

No. 505. — Jean Bte. Petit claimed 160 arpents at L'ance Creuse, fronting the lake, and 
lying between the lands of Michel Duchesne and Mr. Bellenger. F. St. Bernard was the pos- 
sessor of this tract in 1796; he sold to Louis Petit Clair, who sold in tm-n to Louis Maure, and 
he sold to J. Bte. Petit. 

No. 513. — Louis Laforge, possessor of a tract of 160 arpents, fronting the lake at L'ance 
Creuse, between the farms of J. Bte. Parw and Ba2itiste Dube, was confirmed in his title. Mr. 
Cady states that this jiioneer was a centenarian, and remained on his old homestead until ten 
or twelve years ago. 

No. 541. — James Connor and Christian CUemens, associate owners of a tract of laud situate 
on the north side of the River Hm-on, containing 640 acres, fronting on the river, and lying 
between the lands of Peter Dowman on the east, and John Connoi'on the west, claimed a title 
thereto on account of possession, occupancy and improvement, previous to, and since 1796. 
Henry Connor testified that John Chartion was possessor of those lands for live years previous 
to 1796, when he sold to the claimants. They cultivated six acres of ground, built a house 
and planted an orchard previous to December, 1808. The claimants exhibited a deed made by 
Henry Tuckar March 4, 1808. 

No. 542. — Christian Clemens claimed 640 acres south of, and fi-onting on the Huron, next 
above the land of James Abbott. James Connor testified that a long period prior to 1796. Ed 
ward Hazel took possession of the tract, and held it until the sale to James Abbott, and he in 
turn was the owner until the sale to his sou — James Abbot, Jr., under whom Mr. Clemens 
went into possession. 

No. 544. — Joseph Campeau claimed 80 arjients fronting on the lake, between the lands 
of Thomas Tremble and Etienne Duchesne, a Point a Guinolette, originally in possession of 
Pierre Duchesne. In 1808 twenty arpents were cultivated, and a house erected. 

No. 545. — Joseph Campeau claimed a tract on the south side of the Huron, three arpents 
of which fronted on the river, extending in depth to Lac St Clair, between the claims of Louis 
Campeau and Louis Maure. Michel Diiehesne proved occupancy by the claimant previous to, 
and since 1796. In 1808. thirty arpouts were under cultivation. 

No. 546. — Henry Connor claimed 640 acres on the north side of the Huron, fronting on the 
river, and running up the main river sixteen acres. James Connor testified that, several years 
prior to 1796, he saw the claimant plowing the land, and when retiirning from the Indian 
counlry in 1804, a house was erected, and the claimant was engaged in making other improve- 
ments. Francis Guy's testimony was sulistantiatory. 

No. 559. — Israel Ruland claimed 640 acres lying on the south and north sides of Salt 
River, of which thirty-two acres fronted on the south bank of the river, and extended back- 
wards twenty-two acres between the lands deeded to him September 29 (also claimed by Mel- 
drum & Park), while five acres fronted on the north bank, extending back twenty acres, 
between the lands of George Meldrum on the east, and the wild lands on the west and north. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 231 

Previous to 1796, M. Petit and A. Prevot were living on tliose lands as tenants of Meldrum & 
Park. They evacuated the place in 1797, when John Bto Nantay took posso.ssion for 
the claimant. In 1802 he saw John Lagord, Pierre Champagne and Joseph Socier on the 
premises. During his first stay there were old houses. He aided in building new houses, 
cleared three or four acres, and made and inclosed a garden. John Ijiigord also repaired an 
old house and built two new (mcs for the ])laiiitiff. 

No. r)()4. — Jean Baptiste l\ivard claimed 240 arponts, Imundcd in front by the lake, north 
east by Jean Grecpii's former claim; southwest by the land of Joseph Socim-, and in the rear by 
the unlocated lands. 

No. 505. — Etienne 8ocier claimed 160 arpents fronting on the lake, between the lands of 
Jean Bte. Lapeer, and J. Bte. A. Tremble. Joseph Laforet was in possession of this tract ])re- 
vious to 1796; he sold to Bte. Cochois in July, 1M96, who exchanged with Ignace Sene, who in 
a few months after sold to Henry Campeau, who in turn sold to I. A. Tremble. Tremble 
sold to Amable Latour, from whom it passed into the hands of Socier in 1804. 

No. 5(56. — Jean Bte. Ambroise Tremble claimed 160 arpents fronting on Lake St. (^lair, 
between claim 505 and the lands of Bte. Celleron. Ignace Sene had possession previous to 
1796, who sold to Cochois, who in turn sold to Tremble. 

No. 576. -Jean Bte. Sone claimed 252 arpents fronting Lac St. Clair, between the lands of 
Jacques Alliard and Louis Reueau. This tract was owned \>y Louis (Jrift'ard, Jr. , previous to 
1796, and continued in his ])osscssion until he sold to Sene, December 23, 1808. 

No. 577. — Henry St. Bernard claimed 120 arpents fronting on the lake, between the lands of 
Laurent Gritlard and Julian Campeau. Capt. ^Villiam Fleming was the owner previous to 1796 
and subsecpiently until he sold to Joseph Elliar, from whom the claimant purchas-^d September 
12. 1808. 

No. 584. — Alexander Ellair's widow claimed 120 arpents fronting on the lake between the 
lands of George McGregor and Madame Criqui, by virtue of possession, etc., previous to 1796 
The widow's name was Josette Galinion. 

No. 585. — Joseph Socier claimed 120 arpents fronting on the lake between the lands of 
Bte. Rivard and John Litle by virtue of occupation and improvement since 1788. 

No. 599. — James Abbott's legal heirs claimed litO acres fronting on Lac St. Clair, between 
Duchesne's land on the south and southwest, and the unlocated lands on the north and north- 
west, on account of improvements mnde previous to 179('). 

No 601. — Bte. Dubay claimed a tract of land fronting on the lake, between the claims of 
Louis Laforge and Simon Landri, originally settled by Joseph Garand, purcliased by Seraphin 
Leson, who sold to the claimant in 1802. 

No. 602. — Alexis Dubay claimed 160 arpents at L'ance Creuse, extending from the lake 
between the lauds of Simon Landri and Michael Comparet, settled ju-eviously to 1796 by Dubay 
Fere, who sold to Alexis in 1802. 

No. (503. — Cecille Campoau's heirs claimed 640 acres, fronting on the Huron, between the 
lands of Jos(>ph Caiupeau and Michael Comparet, extending to the lake front Cecille was the 
widow of Tliomas Williams, and at th(> period preceding immediately her demise was the wife 
of Jacques Leson. 

No. 604. — Joseph Campeau claimed the land fronting on the Huron, between his own 
lands above and those of F. St. 01)in below, by virtue of possession, occupancy, and improve- 
ment made by Thomas Edwards, and Jacques Leson previous to 1 796. Leson sold this tract to 
Joseph Campeau, but Mrs. liesim refused to sign th(> deed. In this state the claim was alk.wed 
to rest for some time until finally adjusted. 

No. ()05.~ Pierre Mayet's heirs claimed 160 arpents fronting on Lake St. Clair, between 
the lands of Bto. Chovin and Jc>an Louis Tremble, settled previous to 1796 by the .deceased 
Pierr(>. 

No. 610. — John Connor claimed 640 acres on the North Branch of the Huron, extending 
from the north bank of the river along the James Connor claim on the east, and bounded by 
the unlocated lands on the north and rear. Henry Connor proved possession previous to 1796. 
In 1797, John Connor went into the Indian country, leaving the land and improvements in care 
of the witness. 



232 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

No. 611. — Julian Campeau claimed 120 arpents fronting on Lake St. Clair, between the' 
lands of Henry St. Bernard and Jean Baptiste Marsac. of which Capt. William Fleming was 
the first owner. He sold to Joseph Elliar, and he, in turn, to Julian Campeau, September 10, 
1808. 

No. 613. — Francois Marsac claimed a tract on Tremble's Creek, bounded in front by the 
creek, originally settled by Andrew Baker, who sold it to John Litle, May 7, 1796, from whom 
it was purchased in 1801, by Marsac; was allowed. 

No. 614. — Was granted to Capt. Marsac. This land was in possession of Pierre Yax previous 
to 1796. and until he sold it to his son, Francois Yax, who disposed of it to Mai'sac, February 
18, 1808. This claim was bounded in front by Swan Creek, and on all other sides by wild 
land. 

No. 616. — Nicholas Campeau claimed three tracts in one farm, fronting on the Huron and 
extending to Lake St. Clair, between the claims of Joseph Campeau. John Tucker proved that 
those lands were in possession of N. Value, Augustin Charon and Leboeuf, previous to or after 
the year 1796. 

No. 624. — Gaget Tremble claimed a tract of land, possessed previous to 1796 by Maison 
and Antoine Larabelle, who sold to the claimant February 4, 1801, their interest therein. The 
tract comprises 600 arpents fronting Lake St. Clair, and extending northward to Milk River, 
between the Joseph Campeau claim and the wild lands. In ISOS. 200 arpents were under cul- 
tivation. 

No. 625. — Pierre Duchesne claimed a tract of land southwest of L'ance Creuse, bounded 
on the northeast by Jacques Alliard's former claim; on the southwest by the Long Meadow; in 
front by Lac St. Clair and in the rear by unlocated lands, ia virtue of his possession thereof be- 
fore July, 1796. 

No. 626. — Christian Clemens claimed 280 arpents fronting on the Huron, between unlo- 
cated lands in rear, the claim of John Askin, Jr., on one side, and claimant's laud on the other. 
John Askin. Jr. , was the owner of the land in 1796. 

No. 627. — Pierre Yax claimed 480 arpents fronting on Lake St. Clair, extending back to 
the unlocated lands along Francois Marsac's claim on the south, to the wild lands on the 
north, which he continued to cultivate from 1796 down to 1808. 

No. 628. — Margaret Connor, widow of Richard Connor, claimed for herself and children 
a tract one mile south of the River Huron fronting on a small creek called Big Run, which, 
for several years prior to 1796, was improved annually by the deceased Richard Connor and her- 
self. 

No. 630.— Baptiste Socier claimed 240 arpents fronting on Lac St. Clair above the lands 
of Nicholas Patenande, belonging to James Garand in 1796, and subsequently sold to Socier. 

No. 631. — Francois Ambroise Tremble claimed 120 arjjents at Pointe Guinolet. fronting 
on the lake between the lands of Benjamin Marsac and Francis Forton. in his possession pre- 
vious to and since 1796. 

No. 633. — Joseph Campeau (eighth) claimed a tract fronting on the Huron, between the 
claims of Pierre Phenix, by virtue of possession and improvement previous to 1796. 

No. 650. -Pierre Tremble claimed a tract of land at Pointe Guinolet, fronting on the 
lake, and running along the northeast side of Antoine Reneau's claim, bounded on the south- 
west by Julian Forton's farm. 

No. 656. — Nicholas Rivard claimed a tract fronting the lake between Bte. Celleron and 
Louis Tremble's land. 

No. 657. — Gabriel Reneau claimed one arpent fronting on the lake at Pointe Guinolet, 
rimning back forty arpents, between the lands of Julian Forton and Nicholas Rivard, trans- 
ferred from Colas Rivard, the owner, in 1796. 

No. 692. — Abraham Fournier claimed a tract bounded on the northeast by Widow Am- 
brose Tremble's land; on the southwest by Rene Marsac's; in fi'ont by the lake, running back 
forty arpents to the non-ceded lands, all in iiossession of the deceased luisband previous to 
1796. 

No. 693. — William Connor claimed 600 acres on the north side of the Huron, bounded on 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAU? COUNTY. 233 

the upper side by -John Askin, Jr.'s, claim; on the other by that of John Connor; in front by 
the river, and in rear by the unlocated lands, which tract waw taken possession of two years be- 
fore the Americans took ]iossession of the country. 

No. 09;"). — Ambroise Tremble's widow and heirs claimed the homestead on which the hus- 
band and father lived since 1774, until he died in 1805. 

No. 668. — John Askin, for William Ancram, claimed a tract of land on the Huron, which 
claim was supported by Robert Dowler, who said that in the year 1786, he rented from Askin 
a part of this tract, and cultivated nearly sixteen acres thereof during the succeeding two years. 
John Cornwall lived there some time before 1788, as agent for Askin; forty acres were under 
cultivation by tenants of Askin, and there were a number of cabins erected on the lands by the 
Movarian ministers and Indians. 

Claim No. 73() was granted to Joseph Laurent, in 1810, V)y a certificate of the Board of 
Land Commissioners. 

NORTHERN CLAIMS. 

To render the history of the pioneers of Michigan more complete, the following record of 
claims at Mackinac. St. Ignace and Sault de Ste. Marie, is given : 

No. 101. — Toussaint Potliier claimed a lot between the lands of Rocheblane and Porlier in 
his possesssion previous to July, 17U6. 

No. 102. — Rosseau and Bailly claimed a lot between the lands of Dousman. Rocheblane 
and Porlier, originallv in possession of Charles Maiilet, who sold to the claimants June 26, 
1802. 

No, 103. — Jacob Franks entered a lot of ground at Mackinac December 24, 1805. In prov- 
ing his claim, he produced John HcGulpin, who said that previous to July 1, 1796. Alexis La- 
framboise was in ]iossession. Josiah Bleakley was appointed Curator, and he sold to Jacob 
Franks July 17. 1802. 

No. 1()4. — Dominick Rosseau claimed a lot of land between the lots of Jacques Vasseur, 
Simon Champaigne and Pierre Lacroix. Joseph Yaillancourt was in possession previous to 
July, 1796. He sold to Michael Dousman, who sold to Jacques Viaux, who sold to Rosseau, 

No. 105. — Ezekiel Solomon's widow and heirs claimed a lot fifty feet square between the 
lots of Angus McDonald, Joseph Greville and Andi'e Sareri'e. Solomon was in possession 
previous to July, 1796. 

No. 106. — Pierre Lacroix claimed a lot between the lots of Simon Champaigne. Joseph 
Guy and Dominick Rosseau. This lot was in possession of Andi-ew Rov previous to July, 
1796. 

No. 107. — Robert Dixon claimed a lot between the lots of Lewis Crawford and Jean Bap- 
tiste Thibault, formerly in possession of Charles Morrison. 

No. 108. — John McDonald claimed a lot held by him since a time previous to July 1, 1796. 

No. 109. — Michael Dousman claimed a lot between the lots of Jacob Frank and Joseph 
Bailly, purchased from Nicholas Marchessaux, the original possessor. 

No. 110. — David Mitchell claimed a piece of land on the island containing about 140 
acres, near the farm of Charles Gaulteer. John McGulpin proved possession previous to July 
1. 1796. 

No, 229, — Robert Dixon claimed the John Ogi Ivy lot. located by the latter previous to 
1796, sold by him to John Campbell, who sold to Dixon. 

No. 280. — Robert Dixon claimed a lot between the lands of Dr. Mitchell and Gabriel Cote. 
This lot was in possession of Antkew Todd previous to 1796. He sold to David Mitchell, 
from whom the title came to Dixon. 

No. 281. — James Aird and the heirs of George Aird claimed the old Myers Michael lot. 

No. 282. — John Ogilvy claimed a lot on the south side of Mr. Davenjwrt's grounds, said to 
belong to Pierre Gi iguon previous to July, 1796, and u|) to th^ period of its sale to Ogilvy. 

No. 283. — Lewis Crawford claimed a lot on the south side of Adam Laframboise's, east of 
the Government Field and north of Dr. Mitchell's grounds. It was originally occupied by 
John Ogilvy. 

No. 284. — Lewis Crawford claimed a lot north of Robert Dixon & Co's land, which be- 



234 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY 

longed to J. B. Thibault in ] 796 and until sold to C!rawf ord. The latter sold to George Hoff- 
man; >he sold to Mm-docb Cameron, who was the real owner in 180S. 

No. 285. — David Mitchell proved his possession of a lot at Mackinac previous to July, 
1796; he also claimed a lot which was in possession of Forsyth, Richardson & Co. in 1796, 
subsequently in that of Capt. Wiley, from whom Mitchell purchased it. Three other claims 
of his in the immediate neighborhood were considered. 

No. 290. — Muixloch Cameron claimed a lot originally occupied by Alexis Campion next by 
Toussaint Pothier, next by Boutheillier, who sold to Cameron, who sold to George Hoffman, 
■who sold to Cameron. 

No. 291. — Toussaint Pothier claimed a lot adjoining Patrick McGulpin's lands, originally 
occupied by Victor Lagaterie 

No. 292. — Josiah Bleakley claimed a lot in the village fronting on Lake Huron, extend- 
ing to Lavictoire's lot, between Market street and Lapoint lot. 

No. 293. — Giasson & Berthelot claimed a lot adjacent to Davenport's, originally belonging 
to Andre Todd. 

No. 294. — The heirs of Jacques Giasson claimed the old Giasson property, occupied by him 
until his death, and subsequently by his children. 

No. 295. — Toussaint Pothier claimed a lot, south of of Samuel Lashley's, north of Adhe- 
mar St. Martin's, extending from Main street to the Government Field. In July, 1796, 
William Burnett was in possession of the place and continued occuiaancy until he sold it to the 
claimant. 

No. 296. — Charles Chandonet claimed a lot held by Thomas Lisbey in 1796, subsequently 
by Lacroix, and in 1808, by Chandonet. 

No. 297. — The heirs of John Campbell claimed two lots, one occupied by Gabriel Cote pre- 
vious to July, 1796, the other by Robert McKensie. 

No. 323. — Michael Dousman claimed a tract of land on Bois Blanc Island of 640 acres. 
Daniel Daly proved that this land was in possession of one Lagaree, in July, 1796, that in 
1797, when Daly left Mackinac, there were six or eight acres improved. 

No. 324. — Michael Dousman claimed 200 acres in the center of Makinac Island. Daly 
and Thomas Cowles proved Dousman's occupancy since 1803. 

No. 325. — Samuel Abbot claimed the original location of James Aird in 1796, who sold to 
Bartholomew Noble, who sold to Abbott. He also claimed the old Rene Nadeau place, by 
right of pui'chase. 

No. 327. — Ambroise Davenport claimed a lot bounded in front by Main Street, on one side 
by the Giasson and on the other bv the Ogilvy lot originallv occupied by David McCrae, in 
1796. 

No. 329. — Louis Gravelle claimed a lot extending from the lake to the hill, the same as 
occupied by Patrick McGul]5in in 1796. 

No. 330. — Gillory & Brisbois claimed a lot running between John McNamara's and John 
Gregory's lots, proved by Daniel Daly to be in possession of Gillory in July, 1796. 

No. 331. — George Shindler claimed 640 acres formerly occupied by one Cadieu, who 
improved the place previous to 1790. 

No. 332. — Michael Dousman claimed a lot granted to Charles Galtier by Gov. Patrick St. 
Clair in 1781, ultimately sold to Noel Rocheblave and Jacques Porlier, in l805, and by him to 
Dousman August 28, 1807, for the sum of $300. 

No. 333. — Josiah Dunham claimed a lot which formerly belonged to the Aird Brothers, who 
sold to Forsyth & Richardson, who sold to Rochblave & Porlier. On the death of Rochblave, 
Porlier sold to Samuel Lashley, who disposed of his interest to Josiah Dunham. 

No. 334. — The representatives of Robert Campbell, deceased, claimed 640 acres on the 
island, said to belong to the deceased previous to July,* 1796. 

No. 335.— -Patrick McCTulpin claimed 640 acres at Old Michilimackinac, said to be in pos- 
session of his father from 1796 to the time of his death, 1802. 

No. 336. — Mm'doch Cameron, as grantee of George Hoffman, claimed a lot on Water 
street, south of his own lot, east of Main street and north of R. Dixon & Co's location in the 
village. 



HISTOliY OF ,ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 235 

The claims of the heirs of Adhemar St. Mai'tin, Frederick Graeter, Jean B. Carrou, Frot- 
tier & Lapoiute, Buisson & Laroche, Andrew Sarree, Simon C^hampaifne, George Shindler, 
Daniel Bourassa, Jacob Franks, David Mitchell, the trustees of the widow, Anne Coates, Joseph 
Guy, Joseph Laframboise, Alexis Laframboiso, the heirs of Jaccpies Giasson and the settlement 
of the estates of Benjamin Lyons, Eustache Sansquartier and others, wei-e considered dm-ing 
the fall of 1810, and the claims conceded generally. 

No. 715. — Jean Baptists Nolan claimed 210 acres on the south side of the Sault de Ste, 
Marie, December 80. 1808. His settlement there before ]79(') was proven by George Meldrum, 
Samuel Abbott and Capt. Jonathan Nelson. 

No. 716. — John Johnston claimed a tract of land at the Sault, where he had a dwelling, 
store-house and a large and well-cultivated garden previous to 1796. 

In the history of Mackinac Island and the Sault de Ste. Marie, full references are made 
to the early settlers; so, also, with the more recently organized divisions of the Upper Penin- 
sula. 

Aaron Greeley surveyed all those claims, reported to the United States Land Department, 
and the General Government issued patents in 181'2 on the strength of certificates of title, 
issued by the Land Board of Detroit 1808-10. 

The following review refers to the patentees of lands reserved to the Indians in the 
treaties, and held by them until their piu'chase immediately after the treaty of Detroit. A few 
hundi'ed acres of these lands are outside the county line, yet considered in the county records. 

L.\ UIVIKKE AU VASES AND .MACONCE RESERVES. 

Francis Yax, .")',). 79 acres, Section 18, Township 8 north, Range 14 east, May 18, 1889: 
William Darrell, T). 88 acres, Section 14, Township 8 north, Range 14 east. May 18, 1889; Leon 
C. RiviU'd, 74.80 acres. Section 28, Township 8 north, Range 14 east. May 18, 1889; James H. 
Cook, 79,40 acres, Section 28, Township 8 north, Range 14 east, May 18, 1889; Jonathan Koars- 
ley, 65.85 acres. Section 28, Township 8 north. Range 14 east. May 18, 1889; Paul Cir. Cayen, 
20.18 acres, Section 28, Township 8 north, Range 14 east, May 18, 1839; Paul Cir. Cayen, 
55.26 acres, Section 28, Township 8 north. Range 14 east. May 13, 1889; Jonathan Kearsley, 
17,90 acres. Section 28, Township 8 north. Range 14 east. May 18, 1889; James H, Cook, 48 
acres, Section 28, Township 8 north, Range 14 east, May 13, 1889; Joseph Socier, 78.32 acres, 
Section 24, Township 8 north, Range 14 east. May 13, 1839; Francis Yax, 18.80 acres. Section 
24. Township 8 north. Range 14 east. May 18, 1889; AVilliam Darrell, 56.60 acres. Section 24, 
Township 8 north. Range 14 east, May 18, 1889; Lauring B. Mizuer, 81.<54 acres. Section 2(), 
Township 8 north. Range 14 east. Jlay 18, 1889: Francois Yax, 80. (il acres. Section 28. Township 
3 north. Range 14 east. May 18, 1889; Lansing B. Mizner, 88.70 acres, Section 29, Township 
3 north. Range 14 east, May 18, 1839; Jonathan Kearsley, 33.35 acres, Section 29. Township 3 
north. Range 14 east, October 18, 1841; John B. Socier, 56 acres. Section 29, Township 3 north, 
Range 14 east, Januaiy 2, 1841; Jonathan Kearsley, 7.06 acres, Section 32, Township 3 north, 
Range 14 east, May 14, 1839; Jcjnathan Kearsley, 88.07 acres. Section 83, Township 8 west. 
Range 14 east. May 14, 1889. 

The patentees of the United States lands of this county, who were settlers here or became 
settlers after purchase, will be regarded in the pages devoted to township history. 

Before closing this chapter, it is deemed advisable to give the following letter, addressed 
to the United States Land Commissioner. In a measure, it shows the progi'ess made in the set- 
tlement of this portion of the State between the years 1812 and 1828 : 

IjAnd Office, Detroit, August 30, 1828. 
Sir — In conipli:iiii'c wit.li your letter of the '.ilUli of April hist, auil the uecmnpanying resolution of the 
Senate of the 2.5th of the .same montli, we have the honor to state that tliere has l>een offered for sale within 
the pre.sciit limits of this district alioiit :i,5t)(),()00 aeres; of this qiiaritity :{:i7,l)7;i.()G are sold, leavinj;- ahout 
3,l()2.i)26.:34 aeres unsold. In regard to the proportion whi(-h the quantities of the ditTerent qualities of soil 
bears to the whole, we could otter nothing but vague conjecture. It possesses, probablj-, less of what would 
be considered first-rate land than would be found generally in tracts of similar extent in the country north- 
west of the Ohio Kiver. Pew districts, on the other luuuf, of the same magnitude, present so little that is 
unfit for cultivation. There is no part of the district which is either hilly or roeky: nor are there, to our 
knowledge, any extensive marshes. There are, throughout the tract, numerous " tamarack swamps;" but 



236 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



owing to the facility with wliich these are drained, and their value afterward as grass land.*;, we do not know 
that they can be considered as diminishing the aggregate value of the lands. The only tracts which can 
properlybe called refuse are small ones, occasionally occurring where the soil is too sandy to be productive. 
But we are unable to give even a conjectural estimate of the quantity or proportion of this description of soil. 

The public lands in this district were first offered for sale by the United States Government in July, 1818. 
To the quantity then put into market, additions have been made from time to time. 

This Territory, as is well known, came under the jurisdiction of the United States in the year 1796. The 
few legal titles which existed previously appear to have been grants made by the French or British author- 
ities. "Upon what principle these grants were made, we are not able to say, nor how far the conditions of the 
grants, which appear to have been held under a .species of feudal tenure, would warrant the assumption that 
the lands were subject to be given away. We have the honor to be, your obedient servants, 

JouN BiDDLE, Register. 

Hon. George Graham, Commissioner of the O. L. Office. J. Kearsley, Receiver. 

Many of the descendants of those lirst settlers are still residents of the county. From that 
time the county increased in population so rapidly that it will be impossible to mention indi- 
vidual names without lengthening this sketch to tediousness. Since that time the Indian has 
disappeared. The land he had inherited from a long line of savage ancestors passed fi'om his 
possession. Savage and civil life could not exist together. The Darwinian theory of the sur- 
vival of the fittest prevailed. On every hand were evidences of civilization. On blufl' and in 
valley could be heard the sturdy blows of the pioneer as he felled the huge trees for his rade 
cabin, cleared the fields for the golden harvest, and thus laid with an honest hand the founda- 
tion of the present prosperity. 




HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 237 



THE PIONEER SOCIETY 



ASIERICAN settlements had <^frowu up in the retrions adjoining Detroit at a date anterior to 
the year 1800, notably at Monroe, Mt. Ch^uens, St. Clair, Port Hnron and other points, 
which afterward became sources of supplies to pioneer husbandmen and lumberers, who in those 
early days ran the gauntlet of the pine district. Indeed it would seem strange, but is neverthe- 
less true, that the settlement of St. Clair by Americans was delayed beyond that of other 
points possessing no more fruitful sources of wealth or advantages for settlers. Roving traders 
and agents of fur companies who operated throughout the Northwest could hardly have over- 
looked the value of sites since fringed with flourishing cities and villages that have been 
built up and have become the homes of intelligence, enterprise and wealth. They may have 
come into the wilderness annually, and, remaining long enough to exchange their commodities 
for fiu'S; retm'ned to their abiding places without leaving any trace of their temporary existence 
here to guide the historian in his pui-suit of facts. Thus far, records of such occupation have 
been discovered, and positive evidences of settlements are available after decades have elapsed. 
In this connection the surprise is expressed that among those who came during the first years of 
the building up of the county, a greater number of them have not put in permanent and endur- 
ing form a reliable record of events as they trans]nred here in those days. Possessing leisure 
which they have justly won, literary tastes and devoted attachments to the county to whose 
growth and prosi)erity they have so lilierally contributed, familiar with early historj', ra{)idly 
passing into tradition, it is truly strange that they have not })erpotaiated the material in historic 
form which they could successfully command. At the date when the first American settlement 
of St. Clair was ventured, the present county was almost an uninhabited wilderness, possessing, 
as would seem from the presumed refusal of tradei's and strollers to remain within its interior, 
but few attractions, and those few of the most limited character. The nearest towns were 
Detroit, Monroe and Mt. Clemens, at that time landings of some importance, hut struggling for 
existence. The population of Chicago was then less than nothing, while Detroit was yet in its 
infancy, giving few promising indications of what was reserved for the future to disclose. There 
was little then, as compared with the ]iresent, between the fiourishing cities of tho East, and the 
impromptu municipal weaklings in the great West, which since reflected back the star of em- 
pire. The confines of civilization were then limited to the towns and settlements along the 
lakes of the \\'est, and he who struck out for a home in the Territories was regarded as an ad- 
venturous soldier of foi-tune whose retui'n was a question of chance rather than prol)ability 
This, then, was the condition of atl'airs as they existed long years ago, according to sources of 
information in that behalf, presumably correct. There was little to attract save the intrinsic 
merit of the location anil surroundings, which, combined with the hopes of a future, were suffi- 
cient to direct the residents of the l'";astern States to this Territory. To those at. home who 
were independent, the country furnished inducements that would enable men of means to add 
to their accumulations; to the imprudent or impoverished, pulling with steady stroke against 
the current of adversity, both pitiless and uncompromi-.ing, a hope for better days; to the 
speculator, it appeared a field of o])erations incalculably valuable; to the scientist, an opportu- 
nity for discovery; to the scholar, the ("hristiau and the husbandman, the occasion for labors 
that have since returned to bless their inventors. As a conse(]m<nce the class of people who es- 
tablished themselves in St. Clair County, and have since been identified with its growth and the 
development of its wealth, generally were men of rare excellence. Earnest, frank and kind, they 
made all men fi'iends by being the friends of all men. Illustrating by example rather than pre- 
cept, they bridged the brief interval between purity and sin. In' the power of kindness, and looked 
with eyes of charity ujwn the mistakes and failings of their fellows. Brave, but tender, tliey 
were, in short, the most generous of men who have ever loft " the shore touched by a mysterious 



238 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



sea that has never yet borne on any man the image of a homeward sail," their deficiencies made 
up by the recording angel, from the love they bore humanity. And so, too, the pioneer women, 
those wlio braved the absence of home, friends and congenial associations to accompany their 
fathers, husbands and sons into the trackless waste of the Northwest, and contemplated the 
present as also the future, the horizon of which was darkened by discouragement and gloom. 
And yet they faltered not. but sustained their husbands by a trust in the outlook that was con- 
stant, and bore an abundant harvest. As wives, they were the most agreeable of companions; 
as friends, the most affectionate; as mothers, gentle as children ever had the misfortune to lose, 
who corrected the most pernicious of evils by the most tender management. Prudent from af- 
fection, though most liberal by nature, they practiced economy from the love they bore their 
husbands, and at critical periods, preserved order in affairs from the care of which those hus 
bands weie relieved; they reclaimed their husbands from despair, urged their indolence to exer- 
tion, and constantly admonished them to industry, integrity and manhood. In the accounts fur- 
nished regarding the iii'st settlements of the county, it is found that the principal events have 
ever kept pace with the rapid improvements of the age. The site of the city seeii;s to have been 
a resort for the Indians from time immemorial, and this is said to have induced French traders 
to meet them there, at an early day, for the purpose of trade. Who they were, where they ob- 
tained supplies, and other factors of importance, regarding the occupation of the present county, 
either permanently or as transients, are all noted in a former chapter. The names of those 
pioneers, and their relation to the county the day it was organized, may be gleaned fi-om the 
following valuable paper, taken from the public records: 

ASSESSMENT ROLL OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY FOR 1831. 



NAMES. 


K 


WILD LANDS. 
HOUSES. 


K 
< 


% 
o 


5 >• 

ai ci; 


1^ 


X 




1 

3 


< 






g^ 




2 

> 






1 


$ 34 








2 


i 
1 
1 
1 

1 


3 

"4" 
3 

""2' 

6 

2 

"2' 

2 

■■2' 
1 
2 
2 
2 
2 








^n 


Moses Birdsall 

Lambert Beaubien 

Willi '1 Til Rrown 


9' 181 1 
16 104 1 
30 71 1 




i 

i 

1 


1 
3 
5 
5 
1 
3 
5 
3 
1 
3 
2 
3 
1 
2 
3 
4 
3 
3 


2 
2 
9 

4 

"2 

1 

2 
"i 

3 
3 

"2' 

2 


"3' 
23 
3 
■3 
6 
4 

t 
.... 

4 
4 
5 
5 
6 
3 
5 


? 60 

20 

100 

35 

5 
10 

5 

50 
10 
10 
13 

5 
10 
35 
25 
40 

5 
10 


588 
568 

1235 




30 
30 


71 


..!....:[.... 


14a 


Joseph Bounlman 


7ll.... 


....L...I.... 


36 


30 
30 
55 
9 
9 
9 
9 
S 


71i 




111 


Z W Rimrp 


71 ... . 
325 3 
111 1 
130 ... . 
130 


1 


1 

4 

"i' 
4 
1 
2 

'2' 
1 


304 


Proiicois (^hortier 




i\ 3 
i,... 


1732 




224 


T'lmps Piirtwrifht, 


300 


Louis Chortier 




1 


15?. 


130 






73 




187 1 




1*1;::: 

..,.j 1 


689 


D.ivifl Oottrell 


30 130 1 
13, 313^ 1 
38: i29i 1 


789 




781 


Heury Cottrell. 


1212 






65 




' 




1 i 


74 






i2o; 




1 




MO 






. 1 i 




1 


1 

2 
2 
1 


"2' 


3 


■■3' 


1 
3 


6 
8 


68 














148 


Willii'ini l)iiv:ill 












40 


.1 B Dirliard 












"2 


1 
3 
1 
3 
3 
1 
1 


■3' 

. . . . 

. . . , 

1 


■'5' 

2 
5 

"7' 
5 


5 
25 

10 

40 

8 

8 

12 


40 


Jolui Elliott . 




:::'}'.::'. 








150 


.John Elliott .Ir 




.•..!..,. 










28. 


.John S Fisii ... . 




■■■■]■■■• 








2 

1 


2 

2 
4 


187 


John Plvriii 








. 


1 


104 


N. Frederick 

F. Fleuver 


10 
6 


210 i 
154 1 


.... 


. . . . 





580 

385 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ASSESSMENT ROLL OP ST. CLAIR COUNTY FOR 1821 — CONTINTJED. 



239 



NAMKS. 



.lames Fulton 
Jacob Guy. . . 
Josepli G 



501230' 2 





Us 










, 




g <i 


tf ^ 












Q a 


^ c2 






Eh 




s 

< 


« >< 


"■ a 






r1 




y< •=•■ 


tn K 






























w 


^ 






gn 


gs 


S 


S 


s 


o 


o 


1 e; 




O 


o 


> 


s 


— 


!' — 


"" — ■ 








1 



■ar. 



li 

i . 



Estn'tr iif Alexander Harrow 171263 

Willi.iin Hill 16 144 

David Hill f> 7.-, 

Francis Harscu , 1 2 

William Ilarsen ;........| 1 1 

Jacob Hansen ■ ■ ■ • '. . . .| ; 2 

Robert Hamilton j. ...... . 

Phillip Jarvis i. ...... . 

Jaques Leeson .|. . . . 

Geor;;e Little ' 

Charles Larned 640 

Mariann Minnie 28 732 12 J 3: 4 4 

Ira Marks 1 

Jo,seph Minnie 12 163 1 1 1 .... 2 2 

Angus McDonnall .' i. 1 1 2. 

Silas Miller I ! 1 . . . .' 

Archibald McDonnell i. . . .i 2 

David Meldrum ' i 640 

Park & Meldrum \ i 

Pascal Podvant 9 111 1 1 i 

.Iosei>h Pennock 1 

Anselm Petitq 1 



18 2.5 



1 1 



4 



James Robertson 

Thomas Robertson ; 

Sarah Roliertson i 1 

David Robertson 1 ,. . . 

John Robertson 1 

Ekien Russell I ; 1 4 

Peter Rice ' 6 1 

Oliver Ricard 20 127 2 1 i 3 2 

John K. Smith 1 ... 

Richard Sausburv I |....|....l 2 

Henry Saunders." I 12 288 1 i' 1 I 4 i 6 

Louis St. Bernard ! 2 ... 

Seth Tafts I |....] 1 , 2 



William Thorn I 35; 25.5 1 1 



1 



1 



1 



.John Thorn 1 

Louis Thebault I 12,107 1 

Vanwagenan & Jersey ! 

Romulus Van Wageiiaii 

James B. Woolverton ' 

Samuel Ward ' 

Andrew Wesbrook 100 700 2 

Jean B. Yax ! 

Harvey Stewart .1. ...,...:... .1 .. .! 1 



1 3 

4 8 

3 2 

1 3 



1 
4 
10 
3 
9 



S 
13 



4 
16 
8 
4 
5 



i4 U 



50,2941 
10, 64 

5 24 
20 2357 

5i 659 
... 191 
45 165 
10 120 
18 72 



20 
15' 



62 

55 

5 30 

8' 75 

. ..: 300 

20197.5 

40 130 

25 768 

20 144 

5 104 

20 134 

. . . SOO 

. . . 1600 

. . . 529 

5 43 

5 41 

20 949 

10 80 

10 1.50 

22 

'.'.'. 40 

. . . 100 

5 183 

:!0 1(104 



1 


1 







5 


s 


6 


8 


50 




•> 




10 


4 
1 




i 


30 
10 



89 

96 

871 

100 

59 

479 

90 

562 

80 

24 

45 

80 356 

130 3.540 

10 173 

28 315 



In addition to the property named and valued in above list, there were four wooden clocks, divided between T,. Heauhein, 
William Hrown, John Klliott and Joseph IMinuio: William Hrown. IK Cottrell, V. Ilarson, Mariann Minnie, W. Thorn and Andrew 
Wesbr0(»k owned each a cariole ; William Hrown. Samuel Wiird and Harvev Stewart had each a wa^'on; J. S. Fish, Sanniel Ward and A. 
Wesbrook had eueh a silver watch; F. Chorlier, I'avid. <ieorge and Henry Tottrell, Mariann Minnio. Joseph Minnie, O. Hickard, Will- 
iam Thorn and A. Wesbrook owned a pioneer cart each. All these articles were valued and taxed l»y James Wulvcrton and Joseph 
Minnie, the Assessors of the county. 

This record of the original ]n-operty owners in the county has an e(jually valuable se(iuel 
in the transactions oE the pion<>er society and the varied reminiscences given in this chapter. 

ST. CLAIII COUNTY TIONEKR SOCIKTV. 
October 14. 1875, was selected as an appropriate day for the rneoting of the pioneers of 



240 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the coiTnty for the organization of a county association, because it was thought that it, being 
the last day of the county fair, would insure a large attendance, but the I'esult showed that though 
there were a great many old settlers in the city, the fair proved a counter-attraction. At the morn- 
ing meeting at the court house the attendance of pioneers was very small, and though larger i n 
the afternoon, not as many were present as it had been hoped would turnout. At the morning 
meeting Samuel Russell, of Algonac, had been chosen temporary chairman, and B. C. Far- 
rand, of Port Huron, Secretary. When the meeting re-assembled at 1 :30, a committee was ap- 
jDointed, of which Col. Wesley Truesdail was chairman, to report permanent officers for the asso- 
ciation. The committee reported recommended the following as officers of the society: 

President, D. B. Harrington; Vice Presidents, W. B. Barron, of St. Clair; A. P. Stew- 
art, of Algonac; Solomon Kingsley, of Clyde; Secretary and Treasurer, B. C. Farrand. 

Mr. Stewart said that he believed active men ought to fill all the positions of the society, 
and on account of ill health asked to be excused from serving, and that Mr. Samuel Russell, 
his townsman, be substituted in his place. With this amendment the report of the committee 
was adopted. 

Mr. Harrington then assumed the chair, making a few appropriate remarks, thanking the 
society for the compliment, and pledging himself to do all he could to aid in building up a 
strong and prosperous organization. 

Mr. W. B. Barron, of St. Clair, moved that besides the other Vice Presidents at large, al- 
ready elected, a Vice President be chosen for each township, who should be charged with the 
duty of enlisting the interest of his locality in the association. The motion passed, and the 
following gentlemen were nominated and elected as sujh Vice Presidents for their respective 
towns: 

Berlin, Elihu Granger; Brockway, John Grinnell; Burtchville, Jonathan Burtch; Casco, 
Orange Fenton; China, Samuel Carleton; Columbus, George S. Granger; Cottrellville, James 
D. Brown; East China, John Clarke; Fort Gratiot, Lucius Beach; Grant, Nelson Potter; 
Kenockee, David Bryce; Kimball, Jnha S. Kimball; Mussey, D. C. Walker; Port Huron, Z. 
W. Bunce; Riley, Oel Rix; St. Clair, Alex. St. Barnard; Whales, Joshua Tompkins. 

No nominations were made for the other towns, but the vacancies were to be filled at the 
nest meeting. It was exjjected that all these Vice Presidents would attend the next meeting of 
the society, and a failure of any one of the number to do so, was to be considered as a refusal 
to act, and warrant a notification that some other person must be selected to represent the soci- 
ety in that locality. 

Mr. Truebdail moved the appointment of a committee of three to prepare a constitution 
and by-laws of the association to be reported at the nest meeting. The mution prevailed and 
the chair appointed as such committee, Col. W. Truesdail and AVilliam B. Barron, of St. Clair, 
and Samuel Russell, of Algonac. 

The committee was also intrusted with the work of preparing a programme of exercise for 
the next meeting of the association. The meeting then adjourned to meet at the Cit}' Hall in 
St. Clair, Tuesday, November 16, at 11 o'clock A. M. 

Though the attendance was not large, the meeting was far from being a failure. The- in- 
terest in the enterprise was evidently very great, and a good start was made. 

At the meeting there were present quite a number who have been residents of this county 
for over half a centurj^. The following is a list of some of the earliest settlers who were in at- 
tendance: 

Aura P. Stewart, of Algonac, born in Canandaigua, N. Y., May 20, 1804, settled in 
this county with his father in 1815. He is one of the oldest emigrant residents of the county. 

Barzilla Wheeler, of Kimball, came to Detroit as a soldier in 1815; was discharged in 
May, 1817, and came to St, Clair County with Pulton & Brooks in 1819, and helped them to 
lay out St. Clair. 

Alex. St. Barnard, of St. Clair Township, was born in 1S09, on the Canada side of St. Clair 
River, his father moving across to about the spot where Mr. St. Barnard now lives, when the 
latter was a mere child. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 241 

D. B. Harrinsrton, of Port Huron, came with his father, Jeremiah Harrington, to this 
county in ISiy, stopping here while on a journey to the Saginaw region. 

George Morttenger, of East China, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, camo as a mem- 
ber of the militia to Fort Gratiot in June, 1814; helped to build that fort but did not remain 
here then; settled here about thirty years previous to 1875. 

Jonathan Burtch, of Burtchville, came to Detroit July 20, 18"JS, and settled in this county 
the same year. 

A. J. Palmer, of St. Clair, came to St. Clair County in 1829. 

Lucius Beach, of Fort Gratiot, came from Connecticut, and settled in 1S;!(). 

Solomon Kingslev, of Clyde, born in Vermont, came to this county from that State in 
183L 

William B. Barron, of St. Clair, born in New Hampshire, and settled in St. Clair County 
in 183r). 

Samuel liussell, of Algonac, came from Ohio in IS^Jti. 

W. Truesdail, of St. Clair, camo from New York in 18;'') as cashier of the old bank of St. 
Clair, the only bank in Michigan that did not suspend in 1S37. 

Timothy Barron, of Port Huron, came in 1831. 

B. C. Farrand, of Port Huron, came to Detroit in 1825. and to this county in 1843. 
Joseph Cox, of St. Clair, settled hei-e in 1830. 

Elihu Granger, of Berlin, came here in 1835. 

Mr. Morttenger gave some interesting facts about his visit to this region in 1814. He had 
enlisted in the militia in Fairliold, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and in the last year of the war came 
to where Fort Gratiot now stands. Here was stationed a small foi'ce of regulars under com- 
mand of Col. Codgrave. Maj. Rowland was another of the officers; the ca]itain of Mr. Mort- 
tenger's comjjany being Israel Warren of Fairheld. There was no fort there when this com- 
pany of militia arrived on the 1st day of June, 1814, and they were ^et to work constructing 
one. Within six weeks or two mouths, a very good embankment was thrown up on the west, 
north and south sides. The fortifications on the east or river front were stronger, logs entering 
into the construction His company was ordered on to Mackinac before the fort was fully com- 
pleted. 

November Ifi, 1875, was the day ai)pointed for the adjourned meeting of the County 
Pioneer Society, at St. Clair, to perfect the organization begun at Port Huron October 14, 1875. 
The inclemency of the weather for the previous week had rendered the roads well nigh impassa- 
ble, and the bleak wind and storm of Tuesday morning made the occasion an unpropitious one for 
the old settlers, many of whoin djubtle-ss remained at home on that account. Notwithstanding 
these adverse circumstances, however, the meeting was held, was quite fairly attended, and all 
in all, was an interesting aal protitabla gathering. The organization of the society was fully 
completed and pre[)aratioiis m lie for b.'giiiuia:^ systematic and earnest work. The meeting 
convened in the city hall, at 11 c'clo:;k. abjut forty [)iononr settlers of the county being present, 
as well as a few St. Clair citizims who dropped in as sp'sctators. President Harrington called 
the meeting to order, and in the absence of Mr. Farrand (unavoidably prevented from attend- 
ing) Mr. James H. Stone was called upju to act informally in his stead. The President called 
for the report of the Committee on Permanent Organization as the first business in order, and 
William B. Barron, from that committee, in the absence of Col. Truesdail, the chairman (from 
whom he had just received a telegram that he wa-; detained at Detroit by serious illness in his 
family), reported th it tha com-nittatj h 1 1 prep ira 1, with coasid arable care, a constitution and by- 
laws for the govorninent of the sjciety, which they submitte 1. These instruments were 
read by the Secretary, but their consideration was not fully completed before a recess was 
taken, lie-assembling after dinner the consideration of the constitution and by-laws was ])ro- 
ceeded with and after immaterial ameiiduioiits were made, the same were ado])ted. 

According to thu programme of e.Kercises agreed upon at the morning session, the signing 
of the constitution and by-laws was the next business in order, and the following persons, 
am >ng others, gave in tluir names and the allitional information required by Article 11 of the 
bv laws, the date of th.Mr immigration to the State alone being given here: 



24-2 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Dauiel B. Harrinston 1819 , Amos James 182S John McMichael 1S36 

Samuel Carleton.': 1830 ' John E. Kilton 1841 Charles L. Poole 1840 

John Clarke 1830 , Chester Kimball 1830 | Robert H. Jenks 1849 

George Morttenger 1814 ' Edmimd E. Carleton 1830 ' George L. Cornell 1834 

John Russell 1832 [Joseph C. Cox 1830 : Bela W. Jeuks 1848 

Alexander St. Bernard 1809 | William A. Parsons 1834 ' Allen R. Aiken 1835 

Z.W. Bunce (by Judge Mitch- j Simeon B. Brown 1834 ; William T. Mitchell 1839 

ell) ■". 181fi David Brvce 1837 John M. Hart 1838 

James D. Brown 1814 ; W. B. BaVron 183(5 Lucian Howe 1836 

David Hart 1836 ' Moses F. Carleton 1831 Henry Whiting 1816 

Chester Carleton 1831 i Edwin T. Soils 18421 

The society proceeded to the election of a Treasurer, Moses F. Carleton being chosen. 
The Chairman then introduced Hon. William T. Mitchell, who delivered the following 
address : 

It is one of the usages and no doubt the right and prerogative of old age to be garrulous— we are inclined 
to be over talkative. Tlie earliest history of the world is that given and recited by the old to the young— the old 
and younw alike indulging the proclivity of garrulousness. Written history is of comparatively recent date, 
not exceeding 4,000 years, except tliat given by the Bible. With that exception all knowledge of what had 
transpired before was and is a mere legend, a transcript of the stories told by the old to the young and thus 
transmitted from generation to generation, until the arts of writing and printing gave the mi'ans of perpetu- 
ating what before depended alone upon the uncertainties of memory. The greater jjart of the accredited his- 
tories of Home and Greece are derived from legendary recitations, and have come to be regarded to a great 
extent as mythical. Even in these later days when pen and type are in the control of all, men are disposed to 
let pas.sing events go into memory only without note or record. The history of large districts of our country 
full of incident and interest has been permitted to pass out of mind and memorj' because no one had the 
interest or would take the pains to preserve them in written form. 

Even the Assyrians and Egyptians, whose early records were supposed to be lost, have excelled us by en- 
graving on tablets of stone in characters, until recently unknown, the events worth memory, and the skilled 
now read in those eternal records confirmation of some, if not all, of the sacred writings. God himself 
directed such a history of His chosen people, without which and the tablets of stone the greater part of the 
history of the world would have been lost. Even with these the story of the struggles and wondrous works of 
the greater part of mankind have been lost in the ages. All we can know of them is that there were people, 
that men and woiuen lived, had their loves and hates; were born and died through numberless centuries, and 
left no evidence of their existence, except in the ruins of temples and cities, which they must have erected, 
worshiped and dwelt in. 

In these, our daj'S, it has become a pleasant and agreeable pastime for the old to associate together, to ex- 
change memories and thoughts, and by associations to perpetuate the legends of their several localities, and 
so transcribe them into history 

Events apparently unimportant are called to mind and written, and afterward prove to he the true 
ejements of the history of our country. Hence the formation of suc'i associations as this, and it is to be hoped 
this will be conspicuous as having so many things worthy of perpetuity. 

I can hardly claim to be one of the early pioneers of St. Clair County. I see around me man}', and know 
of many others, who justly look upon my years in your midst as not entitling me to be one of their number; 
but Mr. Truesdail. one of j'our committee, having favored mc with a flattering invitation to address you, I 
could not decline the honor. 

I suppose your greatest interest will not be in an address of generalities, but in calling your attention to 
such of the early history and the men of this county as will most readily occur and may form for others the 
nucleus of more extended histor}'. 

My earliest visit to this State was in 1839. Detroit then had a population of 9,000 and St. Clair County 
not over 3,000. In 184.i, the census of this county, then embracing Sanilac and Huron, showed a population of 
7,040. In September, 1847, wlien I moved to Port Huron, the entire population of the county of St. Clair 
(the present counties of St. Clair, Sanilac and Huron) could not have exceeded 0,000. 

The bodj' of the population was confined to f'lay. Cottrelville, China, St. Clair and Port Huron. All west 
and north of the river towns was a comparative wilderness. Supplies for thi' lumber woods and even thos;e of 
the villages were imported from Detroit or the older portions of the State. Every barrel of flour and bushel 
of corn had to be brought from abroad to supply the wants of the entire people except the more favored resi- 
dents of the southern pari nf the county lying south of St. Clair. 

Lumber was the ruling interest, and wherever that interest prevails, the people are poor. So long as there 
is a pine tree on a settler's land capable of making a thousand of shingles, he will not raise corn nor wheat, 
though he could earn twice the money with half the labor. At that time there were so many pine trees that 
there was no agriculture, and while a few reaped large profits from labor expended in the pine woods, the 
great mass of the people remained poor. A few like the Cottrells, Carletons, Barrons, Chirks, Robertsons, 
Recors, Browns, Westbrooks and Smiths, who happened to own lands not cin-sed with pine or hemlock, were 
the only exceptions. They knew enough to reap abundant harvests, by tillage and ready markets, while the 
others were content to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water" lo those who were stripjiing the forests of 
th(ur evergreens and hoarding riches to be expended in more' fortunate communities. It was a fortunate day 
for us when jiine and lumbermen ceased to predominate, and when farmers commenced to till instead of rob- 
bing their lands. 



HISTOItV OF ST. CLAIi; COIXTV; -.M:') 

In 1847 St. Chiir Towii^liip. includiiii; Iho city. IkhI :i [lopiilalioii <if l.l.'iO, ;ui(l Port Uiiroii Towiisliip in- 
eluding (Jriitidl. an<l the cily. alionl tlu' sanic. luul nol excccdiu;;- tlial nunilicr. 

Tlie lawyi'is in I he county were L. .M. .Mason, True P. Tueker, .M. E. Ames, B. C. Farraad and .lolin 
McNeil, of whom P.. 0. Farrand an<l .lohn McNeil arc the sole survivors. John .1. FalUcmbury was admitted 
soon afterward and is since dead, and Mr. (iraci/ and my.self cinie into the county tluil year. "The IIcui. (). D. 
Conger, afterward a lawyer of worlliy note and renown, and now your honored Itepresentalive in Congress, 
though he had lieen ailniitted, was rur.ilizing in a water .saw mill at the then eil\' of N(^w Milwaukee, now the 
llourisliing town of Lakeport, and being l)otli head and tail. sawyer in the ohl tlutter-wheel mill, had hard 
work to make bolli ends meet; a fair example of the ill condition of lalioring lumbermen. Hut his belter 
genius found him, lifted hitn wort Inly ujion the legal rostrum and introduced liim to that honorable career 
that none but political oiiponcnts can ever wish to see checked. Hut peace to his aslies as a lawyer! His 
future life is elsewhere. 

A passing word to tlu' memory of llie dead of that little band "^f hiwj'crs. 

Trvie P. Tueke', a man of (pKH'r as well ns brilliant parts, then hold a foremost position, and by his 
friends was esteemed as a. successful advocate. His memory is elu-rished liy numl)ers of the old pioneers. 

.M. E. Ames soon left the county, and it is said after taking a prominc-nt polil'ieal po.sition in Minn(!sota, 
died and was buried among strangias. It is proper and right to mourn the dead, but I have never known of 
any one that regretted his removal from this county. 

1 If L. M. Mason, there is not one of the old jiioneers wlio was not stricken with grii-f at the announcement 
of his death. A man of iron frame, and heart, head and hand to match, full of tjcaicrous and kimlly im- 
pulses. The friend of the poor and Iielpev of the needy, we may all arise and call his memory blessed. 

Of those who were practicing law in this county in 1848, Jlr. Conger, Mr. Grace. Mr. Farrand, Mr. Mc- 
Neil ami myself are the only survivors so far as I know. 

Tlun-e were tlieu actively eng,ag(;d in Inisiness in this county but a few wlio are slill liviiii;-. 1 can call to 
mind of the then liusiness men nol a full list, but a mournful one, when wc sec how liusy death has been in 
thinning their nuin'.ier. .1. K. Smilli. of .Mgonac. long since gone to an honored grave ;tnd better home, le.av 
ing among us Ids worthy sons .\bi-ain ami S. S. Smith. Drs. John C^hambcrlaiii and Harmon Ch.'iinlicrl.ain, 
wliose memories we all inspect, .lohn Wells, a man of wortli and a time honored citizen. N. W. Bnioks, the 
partner of William J[. St. Clair, left oiu- midst and died, honored and respected in Detroit. It would be im- 
possil)le in this brief sketch to name all the Carh'tons, Browns, Saiid Bernards and B.ai'rons who have left us 
for a better land. 

Nor can I call back to memory all the Wards, Browns, Robertsons and (iallaghers and others who were 
the business and active men of Newport, now JIarine City, some alive, mostly dead; and who, some of thcra, 
were such men of enterprise that their wills ;ind estates are still the subject of litii;ation and world-wide 
comment. 

M. S. nillelt, James W. Sanborn, Alvah Sweelser, V. S. Horton. E. B. Clark, Col, Davis. Esq. Hamil- 
ton and a long list of others of Port Huron should not pass without comment. They left honored and honor- 
able memories, and noiu' of us let them pass to the tomb witliout t<^ars and sorrow. 

I cannot pass without calling some of them and perliai)s others to your especial inemoi'v on this occa- 
sion. Who of tlie olil pioneers cannot ri'call some pleasant memory of Dr. Harmon Chand)erlain, the udod 
physician and true friend, of Dr. John, the witty and san-astic, who joked fricndsan I enemies alike? Who 
will not gratefully remend)er J. K. Smith, one of, if not the earliest, settlers of Algonac, whose common sense 
and upright <'ondiict madi' him tlie iidviser and helper of all in distress and neeil. 

Of M. S. (TiUet, the strong and sturdy, who believed in and lived uj) to the doctrine of lol,al de]>ravity. 
who is there, among his old associates, but has a kindly mem<ny'' 

E. B. Clark, the frank and free, and always well "dressed; "Col. W. Davis, the bold and reaily ;iml i ver 
brave; Elijah Burlcli, the outsiioken and enduring, whose ripe years defied the ordinary ndcs aiid habits of 
life as now accepted. The " Old Count." Reuben Hamilton, whose cecentricities and (pieer decisiveness 
during a long life has Ix'cn a fund of h\inior b)r half a ecnlury. 

Judge B. F. Cox. the mixture of the civic and the military, well reputed as General and Probate Jndire. 

Cumminns Sanborn, comman<ling in stature and form, and amiable in ;dl polite circles. 

James W. Sanborn, a remarkable contrast to Cummings. but whose life, though short, was succe.ssful. 

Col. Andrew Mack, the true gentleman of the old school, of whom his friend ami ei(ual in ;dl the 
amenities of life. Judge Zephaniah Bvince, >till sm-vives to remind the young of what his youth must h,ive 
I)een. and of the beautiful graces of old age th;d succeed to a well-si)ent and honorable life. 

Of all these, what can we say except th,-il the most lauilalory londis eri-cted over their earthly renmins 
do not bespeak all their worth and virtues. .Vnd in speaking of them, we can only regret that time fesperi- 
ally the time of such an occasion) will not give us space to mention others ei'pudly worthy, and whose 
niemiH'ics should not be overlooked. 

Of the living early pioneers of St. Clair County. I shall want the aid of .all jM-esent to even name them, 
much more to give; them the worthy mention to wdiieh they ar<' (Hititled. 1 do not expect to name a tithe, ami 
will only speak of the few that readily occur to my mind. 

The venerable Judge Zeiihaniah Bunce, whom I h.avc mentioned as a comi);itriot witli Col Mack, by 
his nearly ninety years, whom I hoped to see in oiu- midst, still stays with us, the type of an honorable life, 
and a worthy example to the young who look for long life. 

Old Uncle Jonathan Burtch. who has passed his fourscore, one of otn- earliest settlers, whose long life 
proves the hardy stock from which he spr.aii'j;. a^nd the struggles and hardships that such a nature outlives. 

Ralph Wadhams. the good-natured and genial, aswell as successful, wliose delight is now in his famous 
stock and herds, after nearly eighty years, still shows us that a life of single ble.s.sedness is not incoinpalible 
with old age. and makes ii.s" all regiTt that, while introducing such tineherds and stock in animals, he had 



244 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

not thouijht and acted oa the thought that his own superior qualities should have been perpetuated in 
children, who sixty years hence could with pride have recited the incidents in the life of such a sturdy 
ancestor. 

ylohn Howard, of Port Huron, whose long life has seen so tnany of the incidents of our early history, 
first visiting this count}' in 1S03, and still a man of vigor and active enterprise, should he not come forward 
with his fund of knowledge and experience? Ira. B. Keudrick. whose eighty years are carried with the 
apparent vigor of youth. Eliha Granger, of Berlin, with more than threescore and ten, is vigorous in tillage, 
and interested in all the proper movements of the day. William M. St. Clair, who, though not an octogena- 
rian, lias known the county from an early day, and in worthy ways helped to develop its resources, (jen. 
S. B. Brown, an early settler, but not too old to gain an honorable renown by active campaigns and daring 
deeds in the struggle for the Union. W. B. Barron, the active and successful merchant and business man. 
Capt. John Clark, of China, long since pa.ssed his threescore and ten, but ■whose life must have left to him 
many pleasant memories, and has been crowned with more than the usual honors allotted to citizens. May he 
long continue in health and vigor ! 

Daniel B. Harrington, your honored President, whose early memories must be full of incidents of inter- 
est, and whose pen or voice could not fail to relate a wondrous history. 

Samuel Russell, of Algonao, whose experiences must have been varied and large. 

John E. Kitten, the enterprising citizen of St. C!lair, whose hopes and wislies have excited him to such 
extraordinary efforts for his adopted city, could tell us some of the marvels of his long residence. 

"Judge" F. Saunders, who don't know how he acquired, but who has always worthily worn, the title. 
Amos .lames, whose ancestors in this county are proudly sustained by their sons. 

W. Ij. Bancroft, so early connected with the press of this county, and whose experiences he can relate 
better than any one else. 

Daniel FoUansbee, who asks no honors, but has been the worthy recipient of count}' offices. 

Wesley Truesdail, associated from an early day with our earliest and most venerated pioneers, who has 
ever been active in promoting the welfare of his beloved St. Clair, and whose j'ears, though not as ripe as 
some I have mentioned, liave brought to him many wise experiences and happy memories, and with whom I 
must close, for if I should call to mind all your worthy members, time would not permit the recital of their 
names, much less an entmieration of their good deeds. 

And, more than all, I am compelled to omit tlie names of the true women, mothers and wives, who have 
borne their full share of the burdens and cares of their husbands, sons and brothers, in their early pioneer 
life. But why should a retiring and modest man like myself be expected to name or call to your minds tliese 
loved and worthy companions? They are known by their goodness and true bearing, and while like soldiers 
in the battle of life they live and die without record, fighting the worst part of life's conflicts, all must recog- 
nize the fact that their husbands witliout them could not any more than Generals without soldiers have won 
the victories or crowned tlicir brows with the symbols of success. 

I have purposely so far omitted to mention the much-esteemed old pioneer. Aura P. Stewart, because he 
has already commenced the good work so much desired from others. His early reminiscences will be read by 
all with interest, and prove a fund of valuable information. 

Will not others follow his good example and furnish to this society their individual histories, experi- 
ences and adventures? This has been my object in calling to mind so many as I have, and with the hope 
that they and all others will .so help to fill and adorn the archives of this association. They should not be 
mere mention of names as I have done, but svich as will leave for the future useful memorials. If not ready 
writers, or if fearful of the rules of grammar or syntax, make such memorandums that some one more skilled 
will be anxious and glad to put them in a readaljle form. 

Each meeting of this as.sociation, after it is fully organized, should be favored with such biographies and 
tales of early adventures. The early settlement and the growth of the county, its improvements and changes, 
are themes that should not be forgotten.- 

Some of the old pioneers have seen the county grow from the time when there were no highways or 
roads, and when canoes were the only vessels navigating the beautiful and glorious St. Clair. Why not, 
gentlemen, tell us the story? 

This society should be not only a re-union of the old, but a gathering and perpetuation of our early his- 
tory, that will soon pass from memory without some such means. 

It is for you, gentlemen, to make this association one affording great pleasure to you all, and that will 
afford to your children not only pleasure, but desirable information. 

SUMMEU MKETING 0I-' 18f-'. 

The society met again May 16, 18S'2. The object of the meeting was to reorganize, and 
fill offices made vacant by the decease of Daniel B. Harrington, President, and Samuel Russell, 
Soloman Ivlagsley, Jonathan Burtch, Samuel Carloton, John S. Kimball, Joshua Tompkins, 
and Oel Eix, Vice Presidents. The Presidents and several Vice Presidents had passed away since 
the last meeting. Some interesting facts in the history of several prominent individuals, re- 
cently deceased, wore obtained by the Treasurer, Moses F. Carleton. and enrolled in the records 
of the society. An historical committee >>t sis was appointed at the request of the Western 
Historical Company to revise the history of St. Clair County when the manuscript is completed. 
The committee consists of the President and Executive Committee, and Mr. Horace Baker. Kev. 



IITSTOltY OF ST. CLAIi; COrNTY. 245 

A. U. Ross addi'essed the societj', and urged the necessity of gathei'ing and jreserving all (hat 
can be learned of the early affairs of the county, as they wonid be very valuable fifty jcars 
hence. The officers elected were: Hon. W. T. Mitchell, President; Mrs. B. C. Farrand, Seci'e- 
tary, and Moses F. Carleton. Treasurer; Executive Committee, B. C Farrand, E. W. Harris, 
Moses F. Carleton and Henry Harrington. John M. Hart was elected a Vice President in 
place of Samuel Carleton, deceased. Eight new members were enrolled. The society will meet 
at the call of the Executive Committee. 

The Executive Committee of the Pioneer Society met at the County Court House November 
28, 1882, for the purpose of revising the history of the county. The manuscript was submitted 
to this '^t)mmittee and approved. 

UETROSPEfT. 

Could we evoke the genius of memory, and draw from those who are passing away so rap- 
idly now the reminiscences of that time, how many stories we should glean of hair breadth et-capes 
in the wilds or in the waters — liow the hunters returned from the liunt laden wilh sj)oil.s, or of 
the adventures of the land hunters who had found some new paradise in their wanderings over 
the ])athless prairies. We can imagine how, after the long days had passed in toil, and the 
semi -occasional mail had come in, that those few old settlers would gather around their respect- 
ive hearthstones and, with their pipes in their mouths, and after carefull}' perusing the papers, 
not more than a month old, review the events of the times, and compare notes as to progress in 
breaking and clearing the lands; and especially when the shorter days of winter came, and alone in 
the wi Iderness a month at a time, removed from communication with friends or relatives at their 
Eastern homes, how the ties of Western friendship would seem to draw closer, and the gather- 
ings come oftener, and when the shades of evening (tame the ox- sled would be hauled up, the 
box filled with a generous supply of hay, and the whole family take seats in the bottom and 
hasten to visit their neighbors, half a dozen miles aw.ay. And then the sorrow, when some 
loved one was nearing the grave, and the doctor, hastily summoned from a score of mile.?, gave 
no h ipe; how the sympathy of all the country round was shown in kindly offers — watchers 
coming a long distance to give their aid; and the funeral sratherings, comiirisinfr the neitrhbors 
for miles around. There were many bitter trials and hardships not conceivable in these days; 
but they had their compensation, too, in the enlargement of the love of humanity, in the<>arnest 
and true hearted sympathy, and in the tinbmuided hospitality. Every house was a hotel, but 
it was a hotel without money antl without price. Every traveler was welcome to come and go 
at free will, and the thought of compensation never entered the minds of those free-h(>arted 
dwellers in the wilds. And what was true of the eastern portion of the county from 1784 to 
1835, was equally true of the western portion, until within a few years. All the change that 
would be made in the picture is of dates. Tt seems as if there was something in thej)artial iso- 
lation of mankind that develops th(> kimllier feelings of the human soul, enlarges its better im- 
ptilses, and recreates mankind into more nearly the image of the true man. And this is true oven 
(,f these men, many of whom led wild lives, and this was but the excrescent growth of the cir- 
cmnstances in which they were ]>laced. and in no way affected the manliness of character which 
developed itself. It seems, indeed, as if it were a wise provision of nature that the opening of 
new countries should be attended with a renewal uf the simpler life of man. and thus introduce 
new blood into the world of civilization. 



^*^^^ 



--to HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



MORAVIANS, MORMONS AND GERMANS. 



IN this little chapter wo deal with four peoples why heave been prominent in the history of 
Michigan and known to the citizens of this county. It is true that only representatives of 
these peoples made St. Clair County a home. The Moravians and Mormons were only tempo- 
TEiry residents; but the Germans and Hollanders who found their way to the f)eiiinsula in 
184-5-48, contributed their quota to the settlement of this county. For these reason* their his- 
tory is taken from the summary of State history, an 1 >;;iveu a place in that of St. Clair. 

What would the Republic be without immigration? It would be less than a cranberry 
marsh. Our population is of such a confessedly heterogeneous character, that, natui-ally 
enough, it suggests the question. Has this intermingling of different nationalities sensibly af- 
fected our health conditions? Certainly not, as far as intermarriages between the nations of the 
Caucasian race are concerned. This opinion is given lirst upon the fact that our classes of 
diseases have neither changed nor increased in their intensity by reason of such admixture, so 
far as can be learned by the statistics or the history of disease in the Northwest. Imported 
cases of disease are, of course, excepted. Second, because all that v>'e can gather from statis- 
tics and history, concerning such intermingling of blood, goes to prove that it is benedcial in 
every respect — physically, mentally and morally. Ireland and England, of all the countries, 
are said to form the best illustration of the good attending an intermingling of the blood of 
different nations; for the reason that their character is supposed to be, comparatively speaking, 
good, and that of all countries they have been, perhaps, more frequently invaded, and to a 
greater or less part more settled by foreign peoples than any other. From an acquain ance of 
nearly a quarter of a century with the people of the world, and from an adequate knowledge of 
the people, whose nationalities are so various and whose intermarriages are so common, it is at 
least presumable that we should have heard of or noted any peculiar or injurious results, had 
any such occurre 1. None such, however, have been observed. Some fears have been expressed 
Concerning the influence of Celtic blood upon the American temperament, by figures or fact. 
Reasoning from analogy, it would seem safe to affirm that the general intermingling by inter- 
marriage now going on in our population, confined to the Caucasian nationalities, will tend 
to improve the existing character, rather than to create any new character for our people. If 
this view needed support or confirmation, it is to be found in some interesting truths in rela- 
tion to it. Edwin Seguin, in his work on idiocy, lays sjaecial stress on the influences of 
races, in regard to idiocy and other infirmities, like deafness. He says that the crossing of 
races, which contributes to the elimination of some vices of the blood (as may be the ease in 
the United States, where there are proportionally less deaf and dumb than in Europe), pro- 
duces a favorable effect on the health of the population, and cites as an example Belgium, 
which has fewer deaf and dumb than any country in Europe, owing to the intluence of the 
crossing of races in past ages from the crowds of northern tribes passing, mingling and partly 
settling there on the way to England. We are aware that it has been predicted that our 
future will give us a new type, distinct from all other peoples, and that with this type must 
come, not only new diseases, but modifications or aggravations of the present diseases, in partic- 
ular, consumption and insanity. But so long as we are in a formative state as a nation, and 
this state seems likely to continue so long as the country has lands to be occupied and there 
are ])eople in Eui'ope to occupy them, such speculations can be but of little value. 

Another subject of importance must always be. the effect which occupation, food, educa- 
tion and manners have upon public health. The two chief factors of the social and sanitary well- 
being of a people are, a proper education of the man .ind a projier cultivation of the soil. The two 
principal occupations are education and agriculture, the learners in the schools being in ex- 
cess of the laborers on the soil. A happier combination could scarcely be desired, to form an 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTV. 2 17 

intelligent and a healthy people. How this will affc^ot our habits in the future, it is easy to 
conceive; hut for the present it may bo haid (of so many ditTereut uatioiialities are wo com- 
posed) that wo have no habits which servo to distinguish us from other northwestern peoples. 
A woU-fod and a well-taught people, no matter how mixed its origin, must sooner or later be- 
come homogeneous and a maker of customs. In the meantime, wo can only speak of our habits 
as those of a people in general having an abundance of food; though it is to bo wished that 
the workers ate more beef and nnitton and less salt pork, and that whisky was less j)lontiful in 
the land. The clothing is sufficient, fuel is cheap, and the dwellings comfortable. Upon the 
whole, the habits of the people are conducive to health. It is thought nniUH'.ossary to refer 
to the influence upon health in general of other occupations; for the reason that manufact- 
urers, traders and transporters are, for the most part, localized, and, pei-haps, not sufHci(>ntlv 
numerous to exercise any marked intlueuce on the state of health in general. 

TIIK MOH.WIANS. 

By what power tyi'anny is allowed to exist is one of the mysteries. Europe, before the 
Reformation, was a continent of tyrannies. Since the Reformation, it has changed tho ])etty 
tyrant for the powerful one; and is, today, ground down beneath a more terrible, a more ex- 
acting, a more pernicious oppression than ever e.sisted to mark the pages of its older history. 
Instead of a few hundred Moravians, a few hun(h-ed Puritans, a few hundred Catholics flying 
from evil laws, as in olden tunes, we have tons of thousands —aye, hundreds of thousands — • 
looking westward, across the Atlantic, to these States with longing eyes, and sending measagea 
of hope to reach friends here before they die. Great numbers have come, are coming, and, 
doubthms, may continue to come; but the power that draws them from thciir old homes is a 
mysterious one. Tyi'anny forced the Moravians to seek the encouragement of tyrants in 1749. 
It was willingly extended; and, thirty-two years later, tho same false friend raurdoro'l one hun- 
dred of thopo who sought and obtained his dangerous patronage. 

Tho English at Detroit sus])octing that a certain settlement of pious Moravians, on the 
Muskingum River, were sympathizers with the Americans, called a conf(n-ence of tho tribes at 
Niagara, and urged the fierce Iroquois to destroy the Moravian Indians -thi^ name given to the 
few rod men who had, up to that period, been converted by the Moravian missionaries. But the 
Iroqiio's chiefs failed to see whiu'e such a massacre would Ijenetit themselves, and were content 
to send a message to the Ottawas and Otchipwes, requesting them to make a boiiilU of the Mo- 
ravian Indians on the Muskingum. The Moravian missionaries arrived at Detroit in 1781. 
when the Indians held a war council, in presence of those missionaries and Do Peystor. the 
commandant. The Indian chief, known as Capt. Pike, told De Peystor that tho English might 
fight the Americans if they wished; th<»y had raised tho cpiarrel among themselves, and it was 
they who should fight it out. Th(> English had set him on the Americans, just as the hunter 
sets his dog on the game; but tho Indian woidd jilay the dog's \rdrt no longer. 

Kishkawko and another warrior stood by the side of the British Commandant. The former 
carried a hickory cane, abotit four feet long, ornamented — or rather, strttng — with the scalps of 
Americans, together with a tomahawk presented tt) him bj' De Peyster some time previously. 
He concluded his address to the commandant thus: "Now, father, here is what has been done 
■with the hatchet you gave me. I have made the use of it you ordered me to do, and have 
found it sharp." A few days after this council, the Moravians left Deiroit for their new homos 
on the Riviere aux Hurons. 

•laetpies L<won, in his evidence before the Land (Commissioners at Detroit. November S), 
]81(). said, in his reference to William Ancram's claim for land in Macomb County: "To the 
best of my knowledge, the Moravian nunisters, with Indians of the Delaware Nation, were liv- 
ing on these lands twenty-seven or twenty-eight years ago. I lived in the village, and culti- 
vated lands near, for many years previous to .Iuly."l71)(), and recollect Wittanoss tl>lling me that 
Askin owned a large quantity of land from tho Moravian villag(> upward. Fifteen years ago, 
the late surveyor. McNiflf. came up tho Huron with Sanscrainte. the interpreter, who" infornTed 
me that they had come to survey tho land by order of Askin At that time, twenty or thirty 
arpents were under cultivation, and twenty or twenty- live cabins and houses were erect (>d." 



248 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

John Askin, Sr., related, that on April 28, 1786, }ie purchased, for himself and William 
Ancram, then commandant at Detroit, sundry improvements of the Moravian ministers and 
others, made by them on the River Huron, which empties into Lake St. Clair at a place called 
the Moravian Village, for which he paid $200. He likewise purchased the improvements made 
at the same place by the Moravian or Christian Indians, sixteen in number, for $200; also .150 
to one John Bull, for improvements at the same place, together with furnishing the Moravians 
two vessels to enable them to return to Muskingum, their former mission. For all this he re- 
ceived the thanks of John Hecken welder, their chief missionary. At this time, there were more 
than twenty houses, with many outbuildings; all of which were purchased, save one, occupied 
and claimed by the late Richard Connor, together with an Indian corn-tield, with a yard and 
garden in rear, which were jiurchased subsequently by him and Maj. Ancram, from eleven 
chiefs of the Chippewa Indians. These early land-buyers cut a road from Detroit through the 
woods to these lands — a distance of about twenty miles — with a little assistance from the Mo- 
ravian Indians. After the Moravians gave up possession, John Cornwall was appointed agent, 
and Robert Dowlar, Ames Weston and others went on as tenants. Those men left after some 
time, ^hen Ancram placed the Indian chief, Wittaness, and his band in charge. These Indians 
had much trouble with Richard Connor, of whom they often complained. This Moravian 
village and adjacent territory became an elephant on the hands of Askin; and so he was glad 
to accept 1,600 pounds. New York currency, for the property, from Isaac Todd and James 
McGill, then merchants of Montreal, in Lower Canada. The deed of conveyance bears date 
June 28, 1790. 

M01!AVI.\NI.-=(M. 

The history of the Moravians begins in 1457 — -long years before Luther's Reformation. 
Toward the close of the fifteenth century, there were over 200 Moravian Churches in Moravia 
and Bohemia, where a Moravian Bible was published and studied. Passing over three centuries 
of the history of this religious society, during which time it died out in its cradle, we learn of 
its revival in 1749, under the auspices of the British Parliament. That body acknowledged 
Moravianism a part of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and further enacted that every encour- 
agement should be given to its followers to settle in the British Colonies of North America. 
The Moravians came, and established their missions along the frontier, the most important of 
which was that in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, at Muskingum. Here 100 missionaries and dis- 
ciples were killed in 1781, under the auspices of the British Government, ostensibly on acouut 
of the outrages and murders charged against them, but in reality on account of the sympathy 
which they exhibited toward the New Republic, and under orders of British officers. The sur- 
vivors of the massacre came to Detroit in 1781; thence moved to the village on the Huron^ 
which they named New Gnadenhutten. 

While waiting for one of those most uncertain conveyances known as a Grand Trunk train one 
morning, John E. Day pointed out the site of the ancient village of New Gnadenhutten to the 
writer and Judge Avery. The latter related the story of Moravian marriages, and, iu fact, 
had time to review the history of the United States before that Grand Trunk train arrived. 
The Moravians never selected a wife- never had a chance to do so — for the reason, that one of 
the articles of their faith pointed out distinctly that God was the great designer, and to Him 
the Moravians should trust the choice of a wife. The manner in which their God made the 
selection was crude indeed. One of the principal missionaries brought forth a cylindrical tin 
case, something similar to that which is used in lottery affairs at the present time. In this he 
placed bark or paper slips, with the names of all the male candidates for matrimonial honors. 
Another missionary brought forth a similar tin case, in which he placed tickets, each bearing 
the name of one marriageable girl of the settlement. Missionary No. 1 gave his lottery tick- 
ets a thorough shaking, then opened the little door, and took out the ticket which he first touched, 
the name on which he read aloud, and then presented the ticket to the members of his audience, 
who were thenceforth witnesses. This first act played, Missionary No. 2 gave the lottery case 
containing the female names a shaking, precisely as thorough as that given in the foi-mer instance, 
iind, withdrawing a ticket, called out the name, presented it to the persons near him, and called 
them to witness the genuineness of the transaction. This closed the second act of the drama. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH, COUNTY. 249 

The third act was the religious ceremony of matrimony, and the proclamation of the nuptials; 
the fourth was the wedding banquet, enlivened by hymns, gunshots and congratulatory speeches, 
and the fifth and last act of the play was a quiet, evidently hajipy life, until death separated the 
strangers who were made man and wife in the third act 

The habits of these people, and even of their Indian converts, were as peculiar as their man- 
ners were (piiet and unassuming. Their customs were even siranger than their habits. Econ- 
omy was practiced to such an extent that even they were sparing in the use of language. In 
the midst of j)lenty, they were accustomed to deny themselves food, and proclaimed many fast 
days throughout the year. Their tastes for agricultm'e were not so marked as their love for 
horticultin-e; but both gave way to the jirevailing passion for mechanical work. They clothed 
themselves in the ))lainest fashion; yet seemed always at home under all circumstances. Cool 
and calculating, and even usurious when chance ofterod, they were slow to betray their feel- 
ings. They formed a community of such a peculiar character, that, once seen, they never 
could be forgotten. 

TIIK MOKWIAX VII.L.VGK. 

This village was located where, in later years, was the farm of Elisha Harrington, 
around the '^ite of the residence of that pioneer. As described by Mr. Harrington, the center 
of Moravianism on this continent comprised thirty one-story log houses, fifteen on each side 
of a roadway, forming the nucleus of wliat the day-dreams of Heckenwelder pointed out would 
be the main street of a large and prosperous town. In the center of one of these rows was the 
Moravian temple, differing very little, in external appearance, fi'om the dwellings ol the wor- 
shipers, built as much for defense against the bellicose Ofchipwes, as for shelter from climatic 
extremes. 

Here this tribe remained some years; but tiie Otchijjwes, whoso more warlike natures made 
them the terror of all the neighboring tribes, became jealous of the Moravians; hating them 
because they had abandoned the wai- path and the nomadic life of their forefathers. They 
hated them because their religion was full c^f mystery, or appeared so, to the savages of the 
Chippewa Nation. The Moravians kuew full well how deep was the hatred which their scalp- 
taking neighbors entertained toward civilization and her children; of their feelings toward 
any Indians v.ho professed friendship for the American; and this knowledge tended to render 
their stay here as disagreeable as it was dangerous. It is no wonder to learn of their emigi-a- 
tion. They scattered, some retui'ning to Muskingum, others effecting a settlement near the 
scene of Proctor's defeat, on the Thames River, in Canada; but before the persecuted ))eople 
left their village on the banks of the Huron, fourteen members of their colony died, and were 
bm-ied at Frederick, where their graves were made between what are now known as the Har- 
rington and Stephens farms. 

The old Moravian village at Frederick has passed into the past. It is as if it had never 
been. One relic alone remains. Years ago, Elisha Harrington, realizing the fact that the time 
would come when such a relic would possess no inconsiderable interest to the anticpiarian, dug 
up and preserved a piece of the timber which formed a part of one of those buildings. 

Mni;M(»NI.SM AXI) KOV.VLTV. 

Among the eccentricities of the .American settlement of Michigan, there is only one which 
excels, in its (luasi philosophical bearing, unblushing impudence, political trifling, ignorance 
and vice. The whole history of the Union fails to present anything so horribly grotesque as 
the Mormon settlement on Beaver Island, and the introduction of royalty there by a low, un- 
scrupulous, yet clearheaded animal, born at Scipio. N. Y., in 1818, and named James Jesse 
Strang. Here we will briefly review the rise and fall of his kingdom in Northern Michigan. 
The ])ai)er of Charles K. Backus. i>ublished in March, IS82, having discussed the progress of 
Mormonism, the death of Joseph Smith and the dispersion at Nauvoo, selects James Jesse 
Strang as a representative of that church, and traces him through the varied stages of his life, 
from June 18, 1844, when he proclaimed the receipt of Joseph Smith's letter, to July 9, 1856, 
when he died from the effects of wounds dealt by two of his former co-religionists. 

Ml-. Bjckus says: "The comnumity at Vorce grew steadily in nmnbers and in 1840 its 



2')0 HISTOllY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

leader determined to plant a colony in the Lake Michigan Archipelago. In May, 1847, he, 
with four others, visited Beaver Island on an errand of exploration. The few traders and 
fishermen already in possession received them with deliberate inhospitality; biat they built a 
camp of hemlock boughs, found food in beech nuts and wild leeks, and completed their task 
in the face of many obstacles. When winter cam?, five Mormon families were permanently 
settled at Beaver Harbor. In the summer of 1S48, their number was quadrupled, and in 1849 
they began to be counted by hundreds. Their Gentile neighbors resisted their immigration 
strenuously; but they were persevering, industrious, sober, and their foothold on the island 
continually grew firmer. The village on the harbor was named after its founder--the City of 
James, a title which was soon shortened and sanctified into St. James; a road was cleared to the 
farming lands of the interior, a saw-mill was built and a schooner was launched. The missionary 
work was also carefully planned for the winter of 1849, and, with the opening of navigation in 
1850, converts flocked to the Mormon island in large numbers. St. James was then made the 
permanent quarters of the new church, which, at its annual conference in July, was re-organ- 
ized as a kingdom, with Strang as King, his office uniting those of ' apostle, prophet, seer, 
revel ator and translator.' Counselors and subordinate officers were numerous, but Strang's 
restless energy was felt everywhere. The communal plan was abandoned, and the lands of 
the church were apportioned among its members. A system of tithing was instituted, and the 
funds thus created j)aid the tases, cared for the poor and met all general expenses. Schools 
for children and debating clubs for adults were established. A well-equipped printing office 
not only executed the orders of its king, but from the royal press was issued regularly (weekly 
for some years, but daily at the last) the Northern Islander, a paper whose appearance and lit- 
erary merit surprised the occasional tourist in that remote region. The erection of a large 
tabernacle was commenced, and roads, docks, and kindred improvements contributed to the 
comfort of the settlers. The prohibitory princijile was rigidly applied to tea, cofifee, tobacco, 
as well as to liquor, and the observance of Saturday as the Sabbath, and attendance at chui-ch 
on that day, were made compulsory. Prostitution was threatened, with rigorous penalties, but 
polygamy was sanctioned, although it was never practiced in more than twenty families. The 
King had five wives; but in no case did the number exceed three, and in every instance it was 
required that the ability to support a large family should be shown before plural marriage was 
permitted. All the women were compelled to wear the short skirts and ample pantalets jof the 
Bloomer costume. With its domestic aft'airs managed in this exceedingly [laternal fashion, the 
Monnon Kingdom grew into a community of nearly two thousand souls, occupying homes which 
were at least comfortable, controlling a small commerce and slowly accumulating property, but 
never approaching the civilization of Salt Lake City. Strangers who visited Beaver Island at 
this time described the men as rough and generally illiterate, and its women as with but few ex- 
ceptions, sensual and ignorant. Strang himself was found to be a man of vigorous frame, light com- 
plexion and high forehead, intellectual, tluent in speech, of suave manners and very companionable. 
He was the master of a fervid variety of oratory, and skilled in the art of appealing to the untrained 
sensibilities of his hearers by stimulating his emotions. At times his authority was unsuccessfully 
resisted by some of the more turbulent or more capable of his followers; but tl:e faith of the mass of 
his subjects in his sujiernatural powers was implicit, and over them his sway was absolute. The 
ruler of the Beaver Island Kingdom never succeeded in establishing its foreign relations on a 
peace footing. For three years the Gentile islanders opposed the Mormon immigration by all 
lawful and some lawless means. Then the new-comers found themselves strong enough to 
abandon their original policy of non resistance, and they commenced to club the disturber of 
their meetings, and to retaliate violence with harder blows. The result was a fierce and often 
bloody border feud, which continued with varying fortunes for six years. As the outcome of 
this chronic frontier warfare, the Mormons, who were constantly growing in numbers, and had 
the advantage of a definite organization, became in the end sole possessors of the island, and 
were heartily hated and feared along the entire coast. In his diplomacy. King Strang was 
shrewd and successful. He speedily established friendly relations with the Indians, despite 
the intei-ested hostility of the traders, who possessed great influence over the chiefs. In 1851, 
the Government became convinced that the islanders were a band of land pirates, who had 



liTSTOHY OF ST. CLAIIi COUNTY. 251 

trespassed ou the public domain, robbed the mails and harl)oreJ counterfeiters, and that the 
kingly pretensions of the leader constituted a veritable case of high treason. Suddenlv the 
United States steamer Michigan entered Beaver Harbor, bearing the oiScers of the national 
courts. Strang surrendered gracefully, and, with several others, was taken to Detroit under 
guard. A trial of some length followed, in a crowded court room and amid much public inter- 
est, Strang aiding in conducting his own defense, making a dramatic speech, in which he 
postured before the jury as 'one persecuted for rigTiteou-^ness' sake.' and being rewarded by a 
verdict of acquittal. Tlje downfall of the Beaver Island Kingdom came not, from a foreign foe, 
but from domestic sedition and conspiracy. Its ruler's discipline was at times severe, including 
the corporal punishment of adults in its list of penalties. His determination to compel compli- 
ance with the minutest article of church law also grew more resolute, and in the conference of 
1855 he sternly denounced the tea-di'inkers and tobacco-users of his flock, and said: ' The laws 
of God shall be kept in this land, or men shall walk over my dead body.' To these sources of 
disaffection should be added his systematic efforts to make polygamy popular. At intervals, some 
of his zealous followers would fall away and join the rajiks of his Gentile enemies. The most 
capable of Strang's disciples was Dr. H. D. McCuUoch, of Baltimore, an educated physician, 
an ex-Siu-geon of the United Stat(\s Army, a man of social position at home, but one of unfort- 
unate habits. In him Beaver Island nihilism found an organizing head. In the winter of 
1855, chronic differences with Strang ended in his deposition from offices in the chm'ch on the 
charge of renewed intemperance. In the spring, he left tiie island, and headed a movement to 
overthrow the Mormon Kingdom. He found two Mormons, Thomas Bedford and Aleck Went- 
worth, ready to join him in any scheme of vengeance. One of them was horsewhipped by an 
angry husband, with the approval of Strang, and the other had been publicly rebuked for vi- 
olation of some church law. On June 16, 185(5, the United States steamer Michigan was at 
anchor in Beaver Harbor. King Strang left his home in the afternoon to call upon her officers. 
As he was stepping upon the deck, Bedford and Wentworth sprang from behind a convenient wood 
pile and tired upon him with a navy pistol and a revolver. He fell wounded, but his death was not 
immediate. He was removed to Vorce, and there died July 9, 185(5. The same boat which 
carried the wounded King away also brought many of his followers. Before all had determined 
to evacuate the kingdom, the settlers along the main land shores made a descent upon the 
island, burned the tabernacle, sacked the printing office, pillaged the royal castle; but the most 
ignoble act of all was the destruction of the King's library. The Mormons were given one day 
to leave their homes, and next day Beaver Island was in possession of the Gentiles. 

THE GERMAN IMMI(iR.\TI()N OV 184.5. 

The extensive German immigration of 1845 brought to Michigan a number of Franco- 
nians and Bavarians, who felt themselves oppressed at home. These, under the advice of 
Pastor Loche, resolved to emigrate to the United States, there to follow the profession of the 
Lutheran creed, and to essay the conversion of the Indians. Within a few years, the tirst col- 
ony of tifteen succeeded in attracting live times that number to our land, and of the second 
and third bodies of immigi'ants a few settled in St. Clair County — the greater number locating 
in Saginaw. 

The immigration of 184U, the result of an attemp' made by the people to cast away the 
tyrant, marked the history of that year. The Revolutionists sought refuge in the United 
States, not a few of them finding a home of liberty in this county. The German immigration 
of later days brought us Pomerani;ms and Meckleuburghers. 

Louis Bloedon, the historian for the Saginaw German Pioneer Society, says: " Ever since 
our tirst appearance in history, from the year 3(^3 B. C. to the present day, the Germans have 
been fond of emigrating. The main reasons for this have always been the too crowded condi- 
tions of the old country.' the inherited love of living free and independent, and. last but not 
least, the desire to have a home or establishment of their own, no matter how small. German 
explorers, colonists and ai-tisans are, therefore, to be found everywhere. 

" Our forefathers went to liome, to Carthage, to Jerusalem, as conquerors, and the best 
thing our German citizens here can do is to teach their children and descendants to take Wash- 



252 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ington, not as conquerors of old. but in order that they might bring back the Government to 
what it was when the grand old fathers of this republic left it to its purity and simplicity to 
all that's grand and noble. The most favored place to which the Germans could emigrate, if 
not misled by others, has always beea the United States of North America. And why not? 
Climate, soil, fertility of land, a free and almost too mild Government are attractions which 
no country in the world offers as does this one of our adoption. For all these things we should, 
most assuredly, be gratified; and especially should we seek to create for the General Govern- 
ment no trouble which could reasonably be avoided. 

" Have we all succeeded in establishing for ourselves a hapjjy home ? and have we all lived up 
to the requirements of good citizenship? These are questions which, I hope, could be answered 
by us with smiling faces and without fear." 

HOLLANDERS. 

In October, 1848, the New York Sun noticed the arrival at that port of a party of Hol- 
landers, who came in the ship Garonne from Rotterdam; and who, having been forced, by 
religious persecutions, to leave their homes, settled near their countrymen at Freedrop and 
Grand Haven, in this State. The Sun says, they came under the direction of their pastor, the 
Rev. D. Budding, a very talented, eloqiient and wealthy clergyman, who was, for many years, 
conspicuous in Holland for his advocacy of liberal opinions, and his opposition to the tyranny 
of the Govermuent. 

When the Government passed a law that no synod of more than nineteen members should 
be allowed to assemble, he denounced it repeatedly from the pulpit. For doing so, he was 
fined altogether over 40,000 guilders, and was imprisoned for a considerable time. The com- 
pany which he brought out were all from the city of Dordrecht. They were seventy-seven in 
number, and, though poorly dressed, brought with them over $100,000 in specie. 

Another company of twenty-five Hollanders, who came in the ship Madeline, brought with 
them over $40,000, and went' to Grand Haven. Within a year past, the Rev. Drs. Van Rualte 
and Stickkice have brought over and settled colonies at New Holland, Mich. ; the Rev. Drs. 
Niphen, Bolks and Vander Meule, colonies at Freedrop, Mich. ; the Rev. Dr. Scholten a colony 
in Iowa, and the Rev. Dr. Soune a colony in Wisconsin; all of which are in a most flourishing 
condition From these centers of Dutch colonization, the immigrants spread out, some set- 
tling in St. Clair County. 




HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 253 



PIONEER REMINISCENCES AND SKETCHES. 



THE character of the pioneers of St. Clair, the manners and customs of their times, the 
Indians and traders who were known to them, are all referred to in former chapters. 
The forest, the fertile oak openings, the hard but happy lal)oi-s of the husbandman and his 
family, and the bright hopes which burned, combined to impress a distinct character, to bestow 
a spirit of enterprise, a joyousuess of hope and an independence of feeling. The community 
formed an admixture of many nations, characters, languages, conditions and ojjinions. All the 
various Christian gods had their worshipers. Pride and jealousy gave way to the natural 
yearnings of the human heart for society; prejudices disajipeared; they met half way and 
embraced, and the society thus gradually organized, became liberal, enlarged, unprejudiced, 
and naturally more affectionate than a community of people all similar in birth and character. 
In the following pages these facts will appear more manifest. The tales of the olden time 
point out that time as one where solidarity of interests marked the chai'acter of the people, and 
leave little doubt that the ideal of good-will to man ruled in their hearts. 

THE FIRST FOUR VILLAGES. 

The following reminiscences of early days in St. Clair County were written by the Rev. O. 
C. Thompson, now of Detroit, formerly of St. Clair; 

Within the memory of those now living there were three or four families of pioneer resi- 
dents on the River St. Clair who had been there since Wayne's victory at Monroe in 179(3. At 
what precise date these persons commenced their residence there cannot now be ascertained. 
They lived in what is now called the township of Cottrellville, a few miles below the Belle 
River. Their names were Cajit. Cottrell, Capt. Alexander Harrow, Capt. William Thorn and a 
Mr. Paschal. Capt. John Cottrell was a captive among the Indians and was adopted by a man 
of the name of Cottrell, and from him received the appellation. His real name was Haven, 
and he was kidnaped by Indians from Kentucky. His tirst name is supposed to have been 
John, but he ahvays went by the n.ime of Caj)tain. 

Capt. Alexander Harrow, a young adventurer, located himself on the river a little below 
Capt. Cottrell's. He was unmarried, and, fortunately for him, there was amcmg the Indians in 
the neighborhood a captive white girl, whom they had stolen fi'om her jiarents in Kentucky. 
She was only fifteen, intelligent and handsome. Young Harrow offered the Indians a barrel of 
rum for their captive. The offer was accepted and she became Mrs. Harrow after the manner 
of wedlock in those regions at that time. After raising a family of children, they were married 
in the form that civilization requires. The family were quite respectable, and many of them 
are still living. Capt. William Thorn was the father of Juhn Thorn, who afterward owned 
and platted the first part of the village of Port Huron. 

At the close of the last war with England, many new settlers came to the St. Clair country. 
Among these were (Charles Chortle. Dominique Minnie, Joseph Beesna, William Hill, Josepih 
Minnie, William Brown, Andrew Westbrook, Capt. Robertson, Gilbert Yax, Joseph Record, Mr. 
St. Barnard, L. Z. W. Bunce iind Mr. Petit. These all occupied farms on the mainland between 
Point Aux Trembles arid Black Kiver. About this time, Jacob Harsen, a gunsmith, associated 
with a Mr. Oraveraet, a silversmith, came to Harsen's Island. Harvey Stewart, the father of 
Capt. John Stewart, the well-know sailor of those times, generally in the employ of Oliver 
Newberry & Brother, and of Henry P. Stewart, still living at Algonac. came from York State 
on foot through C'anada in 1810. had many adventures with the Indians and British during 
the war, and finally settled on Harsen's Island in bSl"). A Mr. McDonald, one of the Selkirk 
colony on the Thames, settled immediately after the war on what is now known as Dickenson's 
Island. He was a British subject in heart and soul, so bitter toward the Yankees that he could 



254 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

by no reason be induced to live ontside of -the British Dominions. ThereforB he bought on 
this island because it was on the British side of the north channel, not doubting but that the 
dividing lines would run through the union channel and leave him in the government of his 
choice. He was greatly dissatisfied when the Commissioners fixed the line in the south channel. 
The daughter of McDonald became the wife of John H. Smith, who settled at Point du 
Chien, and was a prominent man in his day. Ho held offices of tnist from the time he came to 
the day of his death. The family still have in their possession the original document from 
Gen. C-ass, then Governor of the Territory, appointing him Justice of the Peace in Macomb 
County, which then included all of St. Clair County. Suits were brought before him from all 
the country around, frei^uently from Black River, now Port Huron, thirtj- miles away. He was 
the first Postmaster in St. Clair County, and held the office thirty-three years. The mail was 
brought across Lake St. Clair in a canoe to his office, and Abraham, his son, carried it to Pine 
River, now St. Clair. Mr. Smith was appointed Collector of Customs in 1882. Mrs. Smith, 
who came with her father from Scotland in 1804, is still living at Algonac, hale and hearty. 

St. Clair was the first village on the St. Clair River. James Fulton liought the land of 
Meldrum & Pai-ks, and laid out the village Subsequently he sold out his interest to Thomas 
Palmer, of Detroit. This was the site where Gen. St. Clair built his fort. It stood on the rise 
of ground south of Pine River. The ruins of this fort were plainly visible when I first went 
to St. Clair. Judge Brewer says he saw a chimney of one of the old fort buildings standing, 
twenty feet high, when he came into the country. About a mile above Pine River there lived 
a Frenchman by the name of St. Bernard. He was at one time a jjarticular friend of Father 
Richard, and was engaged by the Rev. Father to get out timber for building St. Ann's Church 
in Detroit. The venerable priest frequently visited and encouraged the men in their work, 
until the job was completed and timber delivered in Deti-oit. 

Father Richard had made payments from time to time, until more than half of the account 
was paid, and then ceased. St. Bernard went to Detroit for the balance of his bill, and was 
met by Father Richard, who in his inimitable, affable and good natured way assiu'ed St. Ber- 
nard that so much was certainly his due, but that he could do no less than give it to the church. 
St. Bernard, thus diplomatically beset, was obliged to forego his little account. About this 
time he was running for Congress, and a neighbor of St. Bernard asked him who he was going' 
to vote for. 'Don't know! don't know!' answered St. Bernard. 'Father Richard very good 
man for religion, but him bad man for businet-s.' 

At the time of the writer's first visit to St. Clair, in 1881, the Gratiot Turnpike was being 
built by the United States Government, and had been completed as far north as Mt. Clemens. 
For many years after this, no road from the River St. Clair communicated with the turnpike 
below Port Hiu'on. 

Our best way of getting to Detroit in the winter was by the river and lake on the ice. On 
one occasion, I took the ice at St. Clair, and did not leave it until I came ashore at the old 
tavern then three miles above Detroit. VVe drove out into Lake St. Clair five or ten miles from 
shore. It was not always safe, on account of seams in the ice. On one occasion, with Deacon 
S. S. Barnard and Mr. Coffin in my cutter with me, we were far out from land, and came to a 
seam where the ice was raised up like the roof of a house. It appeared perilous to venture 
over, so we voluntarily turned in toward shore, and finally found a track where a man had 
ventured over. Following this, when our horse was fairly on the ice, it began to settle down. 
The horse was up to his knees in water, and when the solid ice was reached the cutter was 
afloat. 

Frequently, persons made this trip up and down the river and across the lake on skates. 
Sometimes there were air-holes in the ice, both on the lake and the river. On one occasion a 
man under the influence of liquor was driving furiously across from the Canada shore to the 
village of St. Clair (his daughter being with him), and drove directly toward one of these air- 
holes. It was several rods across it. Several persons standing on the shore of St. Clair saw 
the operation and they held their breath as the horse plunged into the water; but neither the 
horse nor driver entirely disappeared, but gained the solid ice and came ashore. It appears 
that a large field of ice was floating down under the air hole, on which the horse found footing. 



IIIsroliY OF ST. CI.AIU COINTY. 255 

Often deer were ebast-d by tlie clogs from the forests back of St. Clair, and caught by them on 
the ice. and in the summer men wouhi capture them in the water by going out in can..es or 
lioats. 

The deer is a jDOor swimmer. On one occasion a great buck, followed by hounds, came 
bounding through the village gTeen one Sabbath morning. The boys did not go to church that 
day, but to atone for this they presented their pastor with a ham of venison. The bears were 
very plenty, and disputed with the inhabitants the right to fresh meats which were not under 
loci and key. A citizen was out one toorning early looking for his cow, and came across a 
very large bear with two cubs. The cubs ran up an elm tree, the old bear remaining as sentinel 
at the foot. The discoverer summoned a neighbor, and the two, with an ol<I fowling-piece 
loade<l with slugs such as they could tind, with much troulilo captured the three black "var- 
mints."' A bear — as we afterwanls discovered —came to our cellar, stealing nothing, however, but 
soap-grease. I suppose he was manufactaring bear's oil and needed 'more grease.' I tixed 
the doors to capture the beast, but never succeeded. About this time, I changed pulpits for a 
Sabbath with ^Ir. Hyde, of Rochester, and Mrs. Thompson related to him the circumstance of 
the bear. Brother Hyde said that he would like very much to see such an animal. That night 
the bear came to the porch of the house and Mr. Hyde was taken with such a sudden fear that 
for a time he could not get up. Later in the night, Mrs. Thompscm was awakened by a noise at 
her window, and there, directly before her face, was the old fellow himself, with both paws 
and his great nose pushing against the glass. Some young men in the village undertook to 
capture one of these fellows in this wise: They killed a pig and laid him out on the common, 
and, building over it a high scafibld as a tower of safety, waited for their visitor. He came, but 
his presence put the boys into such a trepidation that they both fell from their loft directly 
upon the bear, who ran away, canyiug the pig with him. 

Capt. Samuel Ward came to the mouth of Belle River in 1820, and laid out the village of 
Newport (now Marine City) in 1831. This was the second village on the St. Clair. Although 
it did not grow much for several years, it has recently come to be quite a town, and is noted 
for its ship-building. More steamboats and sail vessels have been built in these ship-yai'ds 
than anywhere else in the State. Tlio following are the names of some of these boats: The 
Huron was the first, then the Champion, Detroit, Sam Ward, Frank Moore, Pacific, Atlantic, 
Ocean, Arctic, Oregon, Traveler, Cleveland, Caspian, Pearl, Ruby, Montgomery, Wade, Water 
Witch, Forester, Forest Queen, Susan ^\'ard, Milton D. Ward, Marine City, Alpena, Keweenaw, 
Planet. St. Paul. Coburn, Minneapolis, E. H. Collins, Geo. S. Frost, Saliua, A. E. Bissell, 
River Queen, Rose. James Lord. Eastabrook, Geo. Hart, William Conway, Birckhead and Bay 
City. A recent published account j)laced thi> whole number of steam and sail vessels at ninety- 
seven. The cost of these vessels was not far from •'§3,000,000. This is pretty well for a town 
that is not yet forty years old. 

There has been a remarkable success in business men who have begun operations here. E. 
B. Ward stands at the head of these, and is supposed by some to be worth §10,000,000. Sev- 
eral others are worth I-jOO.OOO. Some fifteen, at least, can be put down as worth over $100,000. 
Very many $,")( 1,000, and so on. When I first became acquainted with E. B. Ward, forty years 
ago, I su])pose his entire earthly inheritance would be put at less than >!100. The in<iuiry has 
been made. Why the remarkable success of so hiuivy business men at N<>vvport or Marine City? 
I think it originated mainly from okl Capt. Samuel Ward. He was scrupulously honest, frugal 
and industrious, and he spared no patience to impress the importance of these things u])on 
everybody around him. He seemed to magnetize everybody with his spirit, and inculcate them 
w-ith an insatiable desire to mak(> money. When I Urst knew him, he was a man of very mod- 
erate means, and kejit a tavern at Belle River, on one of the old French farms which he had 
bought, and on which he had laid out his village. When he died he was a millionaire. 

Port Hurmi was the third village on the St. Clair. The beginning of this village was made 
by John Thorn, on the north side of Black River. Some years afb-r this, Daniel B. Harrington 
and F. C. White, of Whiteboro, N. Y. , bought the strip of land lying between the In(lian 
reservation and the St. Clair Hiver, on the south side of Black River, and laid it out into village 
lots. Subsequently Dr. Noble and some others bought the Indian re.servation and added it to 



256 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the village. This has come to be the important place on the river. In 1832 the Black River 
Mill Company put up a large steam mill that greatly aided the growth of the place. 

The next and fom'th village on the St. Clair vpas Algonac, laid out in ]83(>. Dr. Justin 
Rice, Degarmo Jones, Mr. Luce and Dr. Clark were engaged in this enterprise. Judge Bunce, 
aged eighty-six, and apparently good for ten or fifteen years more, has lived in the vicinity of 
Port Hiu'on since its settlement. At one time he knew personally every man who lived in the 
Territory of Michigan. He was Presiding and Associate Judge of St. Clair County till his 
presence seemed a fixture in the court-room. He was chosen to the first Legislature in Michi- 
gan, and served as a member of that body from 18"21 to 1824. 

The same year of his arrival here he built a mill for cutting pine lumber on Beaver Creek, 
now called Bunce Creek. But this was not the first mill; a mill was built there 130 years ago. 
All these were propelled by the waters of the creek. 

The fourth and last mill is now taken down. Meldrum & Park, mentioned in the chapter 
on French Pioneers, built a mill on the creek c died by their name, and another about a mile 
below the old Jerome Mill on Pine River. Both these mills were in ruins more than half a 
century ago. The work of getting out pine logs for these mills was performed without any 
team whatever. The logs were cut twelve feet long and flattened with a broad-as on two sides, 
and di'awn to the mill by men. 

In 1823, a mission was established at Fort Gratiot for the pui'pose of educating and Chris 
tianizing the Indians, who occupied the buildings at the fort, there being no troops there at 
the time. This mission was conducted by Hudson and Hart. It was never very successful. A 
score or more of Indian children were gathered into the school. There is now living on the 
Canada side of the St. Clair River an old Indian preacher who was educated at Hudson and 
Hart's mission school. This mission was continued three and a quarter years only. About 
this time, the mission at Mackinac was established, which was far more successful. 

George McDougal, the keeper of the light-house above the fort, was somewhat noted in his 
day. He was a member of the Detroit bar. but so exceedingly rough and severe in his caustic 
speeches that they determined to get rid of him, and so they had him appointed to this station 
with a salary greater than his services would command in Detroit, and so he was disposed of. 

In these early days, there were few roads. The birch-bark canoe of the Indian and the 
batteau of the French trader were the only conveyances. For many years after Judge Bunce 
lived on the river, his method of getting to Detroit was in a canoe. He would start so as to 
reach Lake St. Clair in the forepart of the evening, and at bed-time wrap himself in a blanket 
and sleep while the men rowed through the whole night, and reach Detroit in the morning. 
The night was chosen because the lake was then least disturbed by winds, and it would bring 
him to Detroit in time to attend to business. In the winter, the ice was used, and a French 
train drawn by an Indian pony took the place of the canoe and batteau. 

Once while crossing Lake St. Clair on the ice, driving nearly across the middle of the lake, 
Judffe Bunce saw an animal in the beaten road before him and he jjave chase, but the animal 
kept ahead for miles. The snow was deep on each side of the track. After a long drive the 
brute tired out and jumped into the snow and stood on his haunches. The Judge raised his 
heavy hickory whip stock and struck at the animal's head, and so stunned the beast that he cut 
the animal's throat without difliculty, and put him in his train. When reaching the store he 
inquired of a French settler what it was. The astonished man asked the Judge where it came 
from. 'Oh, I got him back here on the ice.' ' Got him,' shouted the Frenchman, ' got him 
alone! Mon Dieu! you must thank the Virgin that he did not get you! ' It was a huge 
wild cat. In 1834, the writer of this 2">aper was installed pastor of the Congregational Church 
at St. Clair, the county seat of the county. A court house had been built previous to this time, 
containing on the first floor the county jail and the residence of the Sheriff as jailer. On the sec- 
ond floor was the court room and jury room. The court was held in the jailer's family room, 
and the grand jury in the chambers, to which they ascended by means of a ladder on the out- 
side, and entered through a window. This house was finished when I went thei-e. In the 
court room religious meetings were held, and for that matter almost all meetings were held 
there. Although my parish was St. Clair, and the distance of a Sabbath day's journey across it, 



HISTORY OF ST. -CLAIU COUNTY. 257 

yet practically it extended from Lake St. Clair on the south to Lake Huron on the north, and 
west indefinitely, sometimes includiny; Komeo. Into all parts of this territory I was fre(pn>ntly 
called to attend religious services, especially funerals and marriages. At different times, I had 
regular appointments at Port Huron, St. Clair, Newport and Algonac. I organized the first 
churches at each of these places. One year I preached regularly every alternate Sabbath at 
Komeo. Our labors also extended to the other side of the St. Clair River at Mooretown or 
Mooreville and Port Sarnia. before they had these names. In those days, there was marryinc 
and giving in marriage, even as now, and we did a sort of loan office business in that line. The 
laws on the marriage service iu Canada were burdensome and expensive. This brought almost 
all that business over the river, and I had my full share of it. Many of our regular attendants 
at public worship came from the other side of the river. 

The Walk-in-the-Water, the first steamboat ailoat on the waters al)ove Niagara Falls, had 
made her first trip and passed up the river as far as Fort Gratiot. The Argo, whose hull was 
made of two large logs dug out and put together iu the form of a canoe, was on the route in 
1831, and was that season superseded by the steamer General Gratiot. The following are the 
names of the boats which have done a passenger business on the St. Clair to the present time: 
Argo, Gou. Gratiot, Lady of the Lake, .Indrow Jackson, Jack Downing, Gen. Brady, Macomb, 
Erie, Huron, Red Jacket, Telegraph No. 1, Frank Moore, Telegraph No. 2, Ruby, Pearl, Fash- 
ion, Forester, Canadian, Forest Queen, Dart, Reindeer, Milton D. Ward, Evening Star, Carrie 
Blood, George S. Frost and Grace Dormer. 

The first Protestant meeting house on the river was built at Point du Chien, near Algouac, 
and cost some $250. It was a house of respectable dimensions for the time, but it was never 
finished. Religious nieetings were held there until after the village of Algonac was laid out. 
The building of that house taxed the pecuaiary resources of the whole county. There was 
scarcely a man on the St. Clair River whose name was not on that suliscription paper. 

The original paper I saw and it is now in the hands of the Smith family at Algonac. It 
is a novelty, illustrating the usele.ssness of money. Almost every subscription was to be paid, 
and was paid, in such things as the subscriber produced or dealt in. Some promised to pay 
lumber, some shingles, some timber, some work, nails, sash. One woman subscribed the front 
door, others so many stockings, some gave needlework, etc., etc. But no paint v?as subscribed 
and none was used. At the time of building this church there was a Methodist class, whose 
headquarters were at this church. They gathered into it all persons of that faith on the St. 
Clair River, and so were able to number a full dozen. Some of them lived at St. Clair sixteen 
miles away from the place of meeting. The people in those days made more effort to attend 
church than they do now. One of the Deacons of my church at St. Clair, Mr. Bancroft, lived 
twelve miles away; still he was always at church with his whole family, and was generally 
among the first to jiut in his appearance on Sabbath morning." 

TMH PIOMCEUS OF I'or.T IIUKOX. 

The following paper was prepared by request for the Pioneer Society of Detroit by Mi's. 
B. C. Furrand: "I find in my own mind," says Mrs. Farrand, "an interest awakened in all 
that pertains to the history of the Northwest — to the adventures of the early missionaries and 
traders — more especially to LeCaron, Champlain and LaSalle, with whose names are asso- 
ciated 'the gi'eat inland ocean,' 'the Mer Douco ' of Champlain, our own beautiful Lake 
Huron. 

I crave your indulgence for the errors you may observe, and the anachronisms which your 
more extended research will enable you to correct. 

So far as I have been able to learn, the French were the tii'st of the Caucasian race to ' be- 
hold this beautiful peninsula.' or to set foot upon this portion of its soil. As early as Juno 6, 
1686, M. Du Lhut, who had been in command of Jlichilimackinac, in obedience to the com- 
mand of the Governor General of New France, selected the site of the present Fort Gratiot, 
and erected thereon a fortified trading post, and gave it the name of Fort St. Joseph. 

The order was given in those words, among others: '" I wish you to establish a post on the 
Straits, between Lakes Huron and Erie; I desire you to choose an advantageous place to secure 



258 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the passage which may protect oar savages who go to the chase, and serve them as an asylum 
against their enemies and ours. ***** You will take care that each 

(of the lifty men) provides himself with provisiona sufficient for his subsistence at the said post, 
where I doubt not you may trade for peltries." 

Thirteen years after Fort St. Joseph was built, Cadillac establisheda fort and named it 
Fort Pontchartrain, at Teuchsagrondie, on the present site of Detroit. 

Had Fort St. Joseph existed seven years before, it might have welcomed the adventurous 
voyacer LaSalle, as his wooden bark — the Griffin — first specimen of American naval architect- 
ure, sailed up the rapid current of the St. Clair, the banks of which almost embrace each oth- 
er. We seem to hear the report of the five arquebuses as her griffined prow looked forth upon 
the opening ocean, and her keel first parted its deep blue waters, while naught but the stately 
pine trees wave an answering salute. 

Until 1790, the Indian maintained his original proprietorship, and enjoyed this place of 
wondrous beauty all undisturbed (for Fort St. Joseph was abandoned after two years). His 
hunting grounds — the great forests — remained all unknown, their vabt treasures as yet tempted 
not the cupidity of the white man, and the rapids at all seasons of the year furnished an un- 
limited supply of all kinds of fish. So attractive was this place, that 3.000 Indians have 
been encamped here at one time, within the memory of those now living here; wigwam 
touching wigwam, and extending tar above the jjresent Military street on both sides of Black 
River. 

During the summer of 1790, just mentioned, seven Frenchmen, with their wives and fam- 
ilies, arrived at this spot. They came up the river in canoes, and erected shanties for the piu'- 
pose of forming a settlement. They brought with them no means. Enterprise and health con- 
stituted their capital. For many years they lived amicably with the Indians, who permitted 
them to appropriate portions of the soil for their gardens, and to fell trees with which to erect 
their cabins of logs. 

These Indians had a tradition of a greatcouncil held at Pe-tag-wa-no (now Point Edward, 
in Sarnia) at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. The great question was, "Which should 
they help, the Americans or the British ? They had been in council sis days, and could not 
ao^ree, and then sent for the great prophet and chief of the Huron tribe, We-me-ke-uns. This 
chief had a grotesque appearance. Besides being very large and powerful, he had three noses 
— a smaller one on each side of the face. He stepped forward into the council and said: 'My 
Brothel's — the Great Spirit tells me that we poor Indians had best keep silence, for the Ke-she- 
mo-co-mon (meaning the Big Knife, or the Americans) will drive us away beyond the Rocky 
Mountains. These beautiful forests will not lie our home. It may be, you and I will be gone 
to the happy hunting-grounds of oiu* fathers, but these things will surely come. The Ameri- 
cans fio-ht for themselves, and the English for their king The Americans are few, but they 
have a great advantage; they will drive the English back over the great waters, and will fight 
to the last. So there is no hope for us. Remain in peace. The Great Spirit hath spoken.' 

This chief lived one hundred and twenty-five years before he went to the happy hunting 
"■rounds of his fathers. His wife preceded him four years; was one hundred and one years of 
age,- and left fifteen children to mourn her early departure. 

The names of the French settlers were Anselm Petit, Francois Lerviere, Baptiste Levais, 
Duchien, Jarvais, Coarneais and Moreaux. 

M. Jarvais erected a saw-mill on what is now known as Indian Creek, but was then called 
la Riviere Jarvais. Three miles up Black River was Quotsboron. the site now of Han-ington's 
mill. Black River was then called by the more euphonious name of la Riviere Delude, al- 
though the association was no more pleasant, from the fact that a man by the name of Delude 
had found his grave in its dark waters. 

The settlement, though called Desmond for a few years, was more fi-equently called la 
Riviere Delude, until the platting of a village, in 1835, by the Hon. Daniel B. Harrington, to 
which he gave the present name. Port Hiu'on. 

The Indians had several acres of land iinder cultivation on the lowlands of Big Marsh, just 
above the present crossing of the Grand Trunk Railroad over Black River, up to the time of 



HIsruKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. SoVt 

the great land spocuhitions of 1836-37. The second saw-mill was built by M. Petit, under 
contract, for Park & Meldrum. of Detroit Park & Meldiiun were slaveholders, and emploj ed 
slave labor. One of their employes served seven years to obtain one of their slaves for a wife; 
and the descendants of this woman are now living on the banks of the St. Clair River, in the 
county of St. Clair. It is to be hoped that this slave-wife was truly a frer woman after her 
marriage. 

At the breakmg-out of the war of 18 1'.^, disturbances seemed to threaten the settlers. The 
Indians were not as friendly as heretofore, and in the snmmer of 1813, during the holding of 
an Indian council, the settlers were warned by a squaw, to whom some unusual kindness had 
been shown, that their death or capture had been determined upon, and that they should at 
once remove. Accordingly the next morning they started for Detroit in boats. On their route 
they met Mr. King, one of th(> settlers on the Canada side, on his return from a triji down the 
river, and tt)ld him of the troubles and fears at la Riviere Delude. He was unable to appre- 
ciate the situation. :;nd said he had fi'W feiU's and should proceed home and take tho risk. The 
next day he was killed, and also a man with him by the name of Rodd. Their wives and chil- 
dren were taken as captives to the head of Lake Huron. Some of the children of King are now 
living in the vicinity of Saginaw, and the widow of Rodd is the same Old Mother Rodd who 
was so well known in this locality, and who died a year siuce, aged one hundred and fifteen 
years. A son of hers now resides on the Indian reservation opposite this place. 

King was au Englishman, Rodd a half-breed. Of the Indians engaged in this massacre 
were 'Old Salt,' 'Black Foot." ' Wapoose ' the medicine man, and ' Old Wawenash.' the old 
Chippewa chief who died in Sarnia only a few years ago. Wawenash shot King. 

After the close of the war, the settlers returned to their homes and Fort Gratiot was built, 
the settlers assisting. The fort was garrisoned by a company under command of Col. McNeill, 
Maj. Burbank and Capt. Whistler. 

A re -enforcement of French settlers arrived in 1815— Mr. Peter Brandemoor, M. Causley, 
M. Duprey, and the two brothers Burnhara — so that there began to be the ai)pearance of a set- 
tled community, and a good deal of coulidence and security experienced. 

In 181'J. Mr. Jeremiah Harrington, the father of Mr. Daniel B. Harrington, arrived from 
the State of Xew York and ' found the pla(!e used mostly by the Indians as a hunting ground 
and fishery.' 

In 18'20. the county of St. Clair was organized, an<l its records for several years thereafter 
placed in a cigar box for safety. 

In 1828, the houses for the Intliaas on the Sarnia side weri> built, just as they now are, by 
the British Government. A contract for some of the building materials was taken Vjy Mr. Jona- 
than Burtch of this ])Iaoe; the .shingles were furnished from the American side of the river. 

Tho first village plat was made by Mr. Edwanl Petit, son jf one of the original settlers, 
and was nanu'd Peru. Twelve acres were platted on what is now known as " the Flats." 

No church edifice existed for many years, either Protestant or Catholic. Early Protestant 
religious services were conducted by Dr. Norman Nash, then on his way to the Gre(m Bay Mis- 
sion. He preached at Fort Gratiot and baptized sevei'al children. 

Occasionally a Catholic Priest made a visit hero and administered bai)tism. Old Father 
Bada was the first who visited this ])laee. Pere Richard came as far as Cottrellville. 

The records of the town and of St. Clair County, as well as those of Fort Gratiot, are easily 
accessible, and as they embrace a period of little more than fifty years are not very voluminous. 

As a means of juNpiainting you m()r(^ ]ierfectly with tho early days of this region, and also 
of rescuing from i>blivion awaiting Ihem. unless speedily saved. I liave recorded some incidents 
in th(> life of a native of this city, who, so far as we can l(>arn, was the first white child born 
within the limit.-; of what is now known as Port Huron." 

Mi-s. Farraud concluded this contribution to Michigan's history witli a biographical sketch 
of Mr. Petit, which is given in the jiersonal history of the city. 

ST. CLAIK MII,lTl.-\. Iso.-.-ll. 
In 1805, Gen. Hull was appointed Governorof Michigan Territory by President Jefferson. 



260 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Shortly after he entered upon the duties of hi.s office. On September 10, 1805, he, as Com- 
mander-in-Chief, issued the following orders for military organization : 1st. A regiment of in- 
fantry of eight companies from all parts of the Territory except the district of Erie, to be 
known as the First Regiment, (The Erie district embraced the territory all south of Huron 
River, Monroe County ) 2d. A regiment in the Erie 'district to consist, of seven companies of 
infantry, and one of cavalry — the cavalry company to be by voluntary enrollment, and to con- 
sist of thirty-two rank and file; this regiment to be known as the Second Regiment. 3d. A 
legionary corps to be made up by voluntary enrollment from any part of the Territory except 
the Erie district, and to consist of one company of cavalry, one company of artillery, one com- 
pany of light infantry and one company of riflemen, the corps to be commanded by one Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, commandant, and one Major. Under date of October 1, 1805, the following 
appointments were made: James May, Adjutant General, with rank of Colonel; Matthew 
Ernest, Quartermaster Cxeneral, with Colonel's rank; Francois Chabertde Joncaire, First Aid-de- 
camp to Commander-in-Chief, with rank of Colonel: George McDougall, Second Aid-de-camp 
to Commander-in-Chief, with rank of Lieutenant Colonel; Solomon Sibley. Third Aid-de-camp 
to Commander-in-Chief, with rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

The officers of, the First Regiment were A. B. Woodward, Colonel; Autoine Beaubien, 
Lieutenant Colonel; Gabriel Godfroy, Major; William McCoskry, Surgeon; Rev. Gabriel 
Richard, Chaplain; Chris. Tuttle, Adjutant; Charles Stewart, Quartermaster. The Captains 
were Jacob Visger, D. Duncan, George Cottrell, Louis Campeau, James Henry, Louis St. Ber- 
nard. Joseph Cerre dit St. Jean, Joseph Campeau. Jean Clssne. The Lieutenants were Samuel 
Abbot, John Meldrum, VVhittmore Knaggs, Jean Marie Beaubien, Christian Clemens, James 
Campeau, Thomas Tremble, Francois Chovin, Joseph Wilkinson. The Ensigns were Allen C. 
Wilmot, George Cottrell, J. B. Cicott, James Connor, John Dix, F. Rivard, F. Tremble, Jean 
Ruland and John Bm-nett. 

Other commissions were bestowed in the case of the Second Infantry Regiment, and in 
that of the Legionary Corps, between October 1 and 3, 1805. An order of October U, directed 
the militia of the St. Clair River to be detached fromthe First Regiment and to be formed into 
a battalion of four companies, to be commanded by one Lieutenant Colonel and a Major. This 
battalion with the Second Regiment and Lieut. Col. Duncan's Corps, formed one brigade, 
known as the Second Brigade. Capt. George Cnttrell, of the District of Huron, was promoted 
Lieutenant Colonel of the St. Clair Battalion, and Capt. Louis Campeau, of the District of 
Huron, promoted Major of the command. Similar appointments were made in the other com- 
mands, and military organization completed in 1805. 

Military affairs are unnoticed in the Michigan records until April '22, 1811, when the fol- 
lowing general orders were issued : "The Commander-in-Chief has thought proper to estab- 
lish the following limits to the four companies of militia comprising the battalion on the 
Rivers Huron (new Clinton) and St. Clair, viz.: 1st. On the River St Clair, the company com- 
manded by Capt. Francois Bonhomme, to commence at the lower end of Lake Huron and de- 
scend on the River St. Clair to the mouth of Belle River; Lieut. George Minie and Ensign J. 
B. Racine are attached to this company. 2d. The company lately commanded by Capt. George 
Cottrell. Jr., to commence at the mouth of Belle River and extend to the mouth of the River 
St. Clair, including the most southern and western inhabitants in that vicinity. 3d. Pierre 
Minie to be Captain of the comjjany lately commanded by Capt. George Cottrell, Jr., -rice Cot- 
trell resigned. Samuel Gravel to be Lieutenant of said company, yiee Pierre Minie promoted; 
and Henry Cottrell to be Ensign, vice Robert McNeff resigned." The remaining articles dealt 
with military affairs in the district of Huron. At this period George McDougall was Adjutant 
General of the Territorial Militia. In Juno, ISll, Lieut. Col. Christian Clemens reviewed 
the militia of the Huron district at Mount Clemens. One of the St. Clair companies was not 
present. 

WHEELER'S UEMINISCENCES. 

There is nothing which deserves more attention and diligence on the part of every Amer- 
ican citizen than to seek to obtain and preserve records of the "exploits and adventures" of 
the flrst settlers of the country and to make careful researches in reference to the history of our 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 261 

villages, towns aud counties, thus helping to furnish incidents for the full history of each State 
and of the nation at large. No doubt in many instances, important and interesting facts have 
been lost by neglecting to gather up and record the local events of particular noighborhoods, and 
reminiscences of those who fought the battles of their country and who have been the pion (>er8 
of Western civilization. The last name on the once long catalogue of our Eovolutionary fathers 
has dropped from the pension list, while liut a few of the worthies who were in the second war 
of independence when the nation fought for "the fieedom of the seas," still remain. Some 
of these reside in the county of St. Clair, one of whom at least was among the first settlers, 
namely, Barzillai Wheeler, of the town of Kimball. Judging that a sketch of his life, 
especially some historical facts touching the early settlement of St. Clair County, of which he 
was cognizant, might prove a source of interest, a newspaper correspondent visited the old gen- 
tleman in 1S82, and oljtained from him the particulars penned in Ihe following narrative: 

"I, Barzillai "Wheeler, was born in the town of Keene, N. H., in the year 1793. 
When eighteen years of age, in the month that war was declared by the Ignited States against 
England, I enlisted under Lieutenant Recruiting Officer Buttertield, in the regular army of 
the United States. Wages for a common soldier at that time were only $5 a mouth, 
but afterward they were raised to $8. I seiwed as a common soldier till about the middle 
of the war, and then was advanced to the rank of Orderly Sergeant for Gen. Macomb. My 
salary as Orderly was $12. I iirst went to Boston, and from there to Marblehead Fort, about 
twelve miles distant, where I remained till the ensuing spring; then was ordered to Dorches- 
ter Point to join the army under Gen. Hampton. He was soon ordered from there to join the 
army of the line at Burlington. Yt. I was left sick at Charleston, and after recovering, went 
into the rendezvous for drilling recritits, and stayed there until the next winter, when Col. 
Ranney came to me and incpiired if I knew the route ti> Burlington. He said he would send me 
there with a spar of horses and about $1,000 worth of baggage, and let his colored 
servant boy go with me; that he would take the southern route, and I might take the 
northern, and meet him there on an apjiointed day. I started acconling to orders, and though 
stoyiping on the way throe days to visit my frieiuls, and lu'eaking down within six miles of 
Burlington, nevertheless arrived at the time fixed. 

Thence we crossed Lake Champlain, to Plattsburgh, aud joined Gen. Izard's army, 
remaining till spring. Gen. Wilkinson then took command and led us to Cold Mill, situated on 
the lake shore in Lower Canada. The mill was a stone structure, answering for a fort, and 
there were 500 British soldiers in it, while wemvmbered 1,700. Here a battle took place. We, 
kneeling down, decoyed out a column of the enemy, and then rising, fii-ed upon them, killing 
all but one; we then retreated south v.'ard. 

In the following July, Gen. Wilkinson being relieved. Gen. Izard rc^'eived command. 
Government then issued an order for the Commanding General to take 5.000 of his best troops 
and repair to Sackett's Harboi'. On arriving there, we were shipped for Black Rock, and thence 
crossing the river above the falls, we joined the army of Gen. Brown, and the united armies 
went doA'n to Chippewa Plains; this was in the tall. 

Here we remained in the presence of the British forces for several months, the armies in 
the meantime bombarding each other. 

At last we were ordered to r(>treat to Black Rock, the British likewise retreating to Fort 
George. The army then divided, (ien. Brown taking his division back to Sackett's Harbor, 
while a part of Izard's was s(<t to work tearing dow-n Fort Niagara, the other division cross- 
ing the river, built barracks ibr the winter near Black Rock, and there we stayed till jjeace was 
declared. wh(>n we retm'ued to Sackett's Harbor, where, during-the-war men were discharged; 
but the live y(>ars men were consolidated into new regiments, and then shipped for Buft'alo, and 
from thence to Detroit. There we luiilt barracks, and the next spring, in the month of Jlay, 
ISlC). the great Indian treaty was held at Spring Wells. There were present, President Mon- 
roe, Gens. Harrison and Cass. Gov. Woodbridge, and many others of the distinguished 
men of the nation, and also about .">,000 Northwestern Indians. Dm'ing the progress of the 
treaty, we were stationed as a guard around them, in case they should prove treaclieroiis, and 
raise the war crv. I served out mv time at Detroit, obtaining mv dischartre from the cou\- 



262 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

mand of Gen. Macomb in Majs 1817. I received $100. which was then due me from the 
Government, invested it in a horse and cart, and in crossing the River Kouge, lost my horse, 
while I barely escaped drowning. ■• 

In May. 1818, 1 became acquainted with Mr. James Fulton, who. in connection with a Mr. 
Brooks, who had been an officer in the army, was proi'osing to go into a new section to start a 
village. I and another man hired out to the firm. It may be well to say that Mr. Brooks 
soou sold out his interest in the enterprise. We were sent with two yoke of oxen and a cow, 
destined for Pine Rivor, tlie site of the present villige of St. Clair. We drove them up the 
lake shore and were four days reaching the' place of destination. Mr. Fulton sent up a boat 
with my wife and provisions and implements, my wife being the only woman who was there 
for a year. 

There had been no previous improvements; a slashing only had been made, and that was 
grown over with large brush. The only signs oE a building were the dilapidated walls of a 
brick house, standing on the opposite side of the river, which was said to have been once the 
residence of Gov. Sinclair. 

Mr. Fulton employed eighteen men, who were set at work clearing and putting up 
buildino-s. A piece of corn was got in down at the point, where were a few apple trees which 
had been planted by the Indians. We broke up three acres of ground on the south side of Pine 
River the following autumn, sowing it with about three bushels of wheat, from which we har- 
vested seventy-five bushels. We cleaned it with an Indian sieve, and then took it down to a 
wind mill near the month of the Clinton River to get it ground. 

There being no business in the country, manufactured articles being high, cotton cloth 
three-quarters of a yard wide being worth 50 cents a yard, Mr. Fulton soon became reduced 
in circumstances, his financial enterprise proving a failure. I then removed to the town of 
Cottrellville, where I resided for a few years. Afterward I retmmed to St. Clair, and from 
thence, in December, 1S35, I came to Pine River, where I now reside. 

If I live till September next, I shall be eighty-four years old. I am now living with my 
third wife, who is seventy-seven years of age. I have raised a family of live children, two 
sons and three daughters. For the past five years my health has not been very good. I have 
been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and have endeavored as 
well as I was able to serve my God, my country, my generation, and the church. And now 
having passed the boundary of man's life, as declared by the inspired penman, I expect it will 
not be' long before I sh ill receive my discharge here in the Christian army to go up and enjoy 
the victor's reward in the heavenly country." 

Such are some of the incidents in the life of one of the soldiers in the war of 1812; of 
one of the pioneers of St. Clair County. 

THE COURIERS' SETTLEMENT. 

Denis Causlot and Peter Brandemour. settled at the mouth of Black River previous to 
1790; Anselm Petit, Francois Lariviere, Baptiste Levais, J. B. Duchesne, Blichel Jervais, J. B. 
Courncais, and Peter Moureaux located in this vicinity previous to 1794. 

A settlement was also made by a Capt. Francois Marsac, in about 1798, at Tremble Creek, 
the stream near New Baltimore on the Ridge road, and also prior to 179(), at Swan Creek, be- 
yond New Baltimore some four miles. From the early settlejneut of that section, a tradition 
iias been handed dowu--aud this tradition has many believers even now — that an English Cap- 
tain or Lieutenant, who had been largely successful in gathering together a quantity of bull- 
ion, being compelled to flee from the Indians, Iniried his treasure in the earth about a mile 
from the present site of New Baltimore; that he was either killed by the Indians or died from 
expo.sure, and the secret of his treasure's hiding place died with him. Many searches have 
been made by infatuated individuals after this treasure, and many believe that the ghostly 
shade of the deceased Captain guards the treasure trove so jealously and has such power of 
movinof its location, that all search is in vain. At this period — 1798-1800 — the means of com- 
munication with Detroit was by way of the river and lake. The Gratiot Turnpike had not 
then been projected or opened. This was surveyed long after, in 1827, and cut through the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. '2»>3 

next year as a road of oommiinication between Fort Detroit aiul Fort Gratiot, at Port Huron, 
and the head of the St. Clair River. In connection with the history of this turnpike, the trav- 
eler of modern days can scarcely appreciate the dithculty of the opening' of this highway. 
We need not tell that from Detroit to Port Huron was one vast stretch of forest, with slough- 
holes, pit-falls, swails and mud, at such frequent intervals as would appall the traveler of to 
day. It is said that about the site of James Patton's house, some four or five miles north of 
Mt. Clemens— now a high, dry and pleasant location— the road passed through a swamp which, 
in the wet season, furnished the wild duck and swan with a swimming-place, and consecpiontly 
the Indian with a splendid hunting-ground for bird game. 

Edward Petit, son of Anselm Petit, was born in a log house standing at the intersection 
of Coui-t and Military streets, Port Huron, on February 7, 1S18. His mother, Angeli<iue Cam- 
peau, was the daughter of Simon and Angelique (Bourdon) Campeau, who came to the St. Clair 
settlement with the early immigrants from Quebec. In May, 1S13, when the hired savages of 
the British theatoned the life of all who espoused the cause of the Republic, the family sought 
refuge at Detroit, and remained there until the army of Harrison and the policy of Cass struck 
the Indian heart with fear, subdued both the white and the red savages, and left the American 
citizens free to return to their homes in peace. 

SOLDIER sivrn.EKs. 
Fort Gratiot was erected in IS 14-1 Ti, and received a garrison in 1817-18 of Maine State 
troops, whose term of service expired in July of the latter year. After receiving discharge, 
many of the garrison soldiers determined to locate lands in the vicinity of the fort, or along 
the River St. Clair. Samuel ^\'ilson, Isaac Davis, Reuben Dodge, Jabez Meigs, John Harris, 
settled in the southeast part of Clyde Township; Freeman Kuowles, Isaac Palsolar and Sam- 
uel (41idden, in Township 7 north. Range 17 east. Richard Sansbury, a Virginian, and a 
soldier of the garrison of Gratiot, bought the Scotield tract from Jeremiah Harrington, who 
purchased from Scofield in May, 1819. John K. Smith, noticed in other pages, was attached 
to the United States Army, served in York State, ultimately on garrison duty at Detroit, which 
latter post he left to settle on the St. Clair. 

THE I'IK.ST MILL (iN IiL.\rK UIVEU. 

The first Kaw-mill erected on Black River was. according to A. P. Stewart, built by Mr. 
Morass some years before the war of ISl'J. During the jirogress of the war, the United States 
contracted with Morass to supply large pine timber. The contractor brought hither his men 
and teams, procured the timiier. and brought it over the ice-covered waters of Black and St. 
Clair rivers, and the lake, to Detroit. 

THE KELIEKOEFORT CK.^TIOT BY UROWN. 

During the war of ISl'i. the United States garrison at Fort Gratiot was reported short of 
provisions, and the Detroit Commissary received orders to supply that post; but on account of 
tlie dangers attending a movement of Americans through the Indian country at that time, the 
Detroit official hesitated to send forward the stores until a safe guide could bo found Fortu- 
nately he heard of William Brown, father of James Brown, of Cottrellville, with whom he 
treated to deliver the supplies to the starving soldiers at the Fort. This courag(>ous man set 
out next day with a train of fat cattle and other supplies, arrived at I'oint aux Trembles that 
night, and "the next night reported his safe arrival at Gratiot. Only a short time before this, a 
United States Lieutenant with a s(|uad of troops were attacked on the river, and the oHicer 
killed. 

INCIDENTS OF K\\{\.\ SF.ITLEMENT. 

In 1819, the St. Clair Militia Company was commanded by Capt. Westbrook. under whom 
William Brown, the hero of the relief of Fort Gratiot, was serving. During th<> assembly for 
training, two of the volunteers were willing to indulge in a little light lietwetm themselves, 
when Lieut. Brown interposed. Capt. Westbrook, coming forward, censured his Lieutenant 
for preventing the battle, wIumi the contest was transferred from the men to the officers. West- 



264 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

brook charged Brown with disobedience, and the cause was brought before the Commander- 
in-Chief, who relieved Westbrook of the command and conferred the Captaincy on his Lieu- 
tenant. 

Eeuben Hamilton moved into the village in 1829. 

John Doran purchased the house built by Louis Facer in 1822, and continued it as an 
inn. Doran subsequently built a store, which he operated in partnership with Charles Peltier. 

Jonathan Burtch located on the north bank of Black River in 1828, building a house at 
the same time on the comer known as Water street and Huron avenue. The same year he built a 
store house, and was a trader here up to 1834. 

John Thorn, born in Cottrellville Township, moved to Port Huron in 1831, and took pos- 
session of the Thorn claim. 

Andrew Westbrook lived two miles above Marine City, where he exchanged provisions, 
dry-goods, hardware, oxen, horses, etc., for shingles and lumber. 

Peter Brandamour, or Thongodos, or Little Piece of Love, or the Brave Big-Talking 
Man, erected a house on river road in 1819. On the purchase of his lands by the Providence 
Company, or other speculators, ho became irritable, and removed to the Canadian side of the 
river. 

Henry Germaine erected a house on his wife's property, known as the Thorn Plat. This 
building stood on the south side of Quay Street. 

Ruf us Hatch was the original occupier of the lirst settler's store, erected by Thomas A. Knapp, 
on Quay street. Here James H. Cook conducted a general store for Knapp from 1825 to 1832. 

Peter H. Whitney operated the Bunco Mill in 1820-21, and subsequently became identi- 
fied with the lumber industry on Black River. 

George McDougall was the keeper of the Fort Gratiot light house in 1822. 

John Riley, a half-breed, erected two houses ou the northeast corner of the Indian reser- 
vation, the first in 1817, and the second in 182(1. One stood on the west side of Water street 
at the intersection of Military street, the other on Lots 7 and 8, Block 90, of the village plat. 

JosejA Watson was the owner of some land below Military street bridge, a parcel of whijh 
he sold to Michael L. Kelly. Kelly erected a house thereon, 100 feet below the bridge, in 
1827, which was used for a store and tavern for many years. 

Louis Facer was tbe owner of a farm fronting on IBlack River in 1820. He built a house 
on the river front, at Quay street, some time after opening his farm in 1821, and in this house 
he inaugurated inn-keeping, 

John B. Dosnoyer made headquarters for a time at Port Huron; but as his trade was 
carried on with the Indians in their villages, his peltries were stored round wherever circum- 
stances pointed, 

In 1821 Jeremiah Harrington returned from Fort Saginaw, and stayed at Samuel 
Glidden's house throughout the winter. In Aug-ust, 1822, he located land on Sections 30 and 
31, Township 7 north. Range 17 east. 

In 1815, Ignace Morass erected the Abbottsford Mills, and in 1816 Zeph, AV. Bunco built 
his saw mills in Township 6 north. Range 16 east. In 1826, the Andrew Westbrook Mill was 
built, and in 1827 Smart, Miller and Scott erected the Wadhains' Mills. 

Anselm Petit was a settler on what is now Section 11, Township 6 north. Range 17 east, 
previous to tbe war of 1812, and after the defeat of the British made the place his home until 
the waters swept over the location, compelling him to move to higher ground. His house stood 
on Court street near Second street crossing, where he had a homestead farm of nineteen acres. 
This land was subsequently platted by his son, Edward Petit, and the plat recorded as the 
village of Peru. The lots sold ou this tract were the beginning of Port Huron. 

Jacob Kendall came to the county in 1825, and purchased lands one mile north of Aigo- 
nac. He held every township ofiice in Clay except that of Constable. He was a man possess- 
ing more than ordinary intelligence, practical in all matters, conscientious, and altogether an 
exemplary pioneer. John B. Kendall, once Sheriff of St. Clair, inherited his father's property. 

John Swartout, a settler of 1835, located lands on the north line of Clay Township that 
year. Ho was born in 1785, and was fifty years of age when ho entered on a Michigan pio- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 205 

neer's life. His sons, Martin, Abram. Donis and Benjamin, particuiarly the two tii-st namiMl, 
took a part in the pioneer work, which followed settlement. 

Weaver Stewart settled at Alfj;onac in 1S2S, two years after tlm e-stal^lisUmeut of th(^ Plain- 
field Post Office. He purchased lauds from Mason & Luse, where he made his home until his 
death. 

Among the earij' settlers ami Indians a most peculiar species of love exi.sted. The aborisiiries 
did not love the whites for thoniselves, nor did the latter love the Indians; yet both pcoph's Celt 
that one class was necessary to the well-being of the other. At times tlie nattn-e of tiie sa\ ages 
would assert itself, and a cry for tiie blood of the settlers would be raised ; again the trials of the 
pioneers would breed a feeling of bitter hatred against their red brothers ; lint Ihrougiiont an- 
undercurrent of fraternit_v existed, which generally came to the surfa<'e in the tnonuMits when passion 
seemed on the point of ruling over connuon sense and justice. In (U'dinary life, the Indians were 
accustomed to call their white friends by some title clniracteristic of them. In this way the soldier- 
citizen, Samuel Wilson, was named Almtatnrachudii^ or Ilalf-way-man. bv reason of his house being 
between the month of Black River and the Ignace Morass Mills. 

Jeremiah Harrington and members of his family were known b^- the name Keosaonena, or 
Hunting-man; John Thoiu bore the title Sonsagaunsa, or Little Village, on account of his being 
the first resident of a settlement on the St. Clair ; J. B. Desnoyers was called Hickory, or Ticuan- 
bouc ; James H. Cook's name was Waubo Cheke or Fish Hawk ; A\'ig-was or Birch Timl)er was 
applied to Jonathan Burtch ; Peter Brandeuiour was named Thongodos, or Brave-Big-talking-nian; 
P. W. Whiting was nanieil Wauboscau, or White Color: Anselm Petit, who had his toes ani|)utati'd 
on account of frost bite, was called (Mscesit, or Cut Feet, and so on, until the savages had an Indian 
name for every white person in the county up to 1830. 

In the s[)ring of 18:50, or about that time, John Reside, a Scotchman, living in the northern 
portion of Bruce, was engaged in sngarinaking in the woods, and in the afiernoon of one day his 
little daughter. Jane, about five years of age, who had spent the afternoon with her father, started to 
go home alone, and became lost in the woods. The mother, supposing the ch'ld to be with her 
father, felt no alarm, and the father knew not of her loss till his return late in the evening. Search 
was soon made and neighbors flocked in to give such aid and sympathy as they could, but owing 
to the darkness in the timber the search was unsuccessful. 

The weather was (piite cold and a storm threatening. The men, however, kept in the woods and 
by lights and incessant shouting kept the beasts away. In the morning, Luke Fisher came with a 
dog which was allowed to smell a stocking worn by the child. The dog soon traced the way the 
girl had gone, and followed by his master soon came upon her. She had become com|)ictel}' 
exhaust('(i aiul overcome by the cold, and bad lallen on her face upon the ground. Her uncle, a 
doctor, was at hand and she was restored to life and brought home. Her hands were frozen and 
tiie com|)lele use of them never fully returned. She still dimly remembers the scenes of that 
terrible night antl never forgets that she owes her life to the sagacity of a faithful dog. 

KlvMlNISCKNCKS ()(•■ .lllHiK liUNCK. 

Ze[)hauiali W. Bunce was born in Hartford, Conn., in 17S7. Both his grandfathers Bunce 
and Drake — were sea captains, and owned their own vessels. They were among the lirst settlers of 
Hartford. Capt. Bunce sailed out of New Loudon, and was engaged in foreign commerce. 
Capt. Drake sailed out of Hartford in the West India trade. Capt. Bunce owned a farm 
within a mile of the present site of the State House, south of Little River. On this farm stood the 
old Charter Oak. Tt was the highest ground in the neighliorhood. and lie built his house on 
the iiighest point of that ground. Juilge Bunce tells us of his visit to that spot in 1S13, just before 
he came to .Alichigan. The original (ux-hards and shaile trees were then stantiing. The Judge at 
that time sold out his interest in the old farm, ami did not visit it again until IStiS, when everv- 
thing familiar to him had passed away — relatives, friends and scenery, even the old oak, all gone, 
except one old maple tree. The grounds were made into a public park, and liie site of the old 
dwelling was oi-cnpied by institutions of learning. 

Old Capt. Bunce had six sons and one daughter. His ohlest son was sent to Yale College 
at New Haven. While he was there, the Continental war broke out, and he entreated his father to 
let him enlist into the army. The father refused, and directed the boy to finish his studies. \ 
privateer was lilting out at New ila\cn, and when she was ready to sail, young Bunce and one of 



266 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

his classmates, by the name of Dodd, shipped on board of her. The}- had success in privateering, 
tailing several prizes. When j'oung Bunce returned, his father forgave him. but with a threat that 
if he left again before his course of stud}' was complete, he would disinherit him. Nothwithstanding 
this threat, which he knew was full of meaning, when the privateer was again read}- for sea, the boy, 
with his companion, Dodd, sliipped again for further adventure. This time they did not fare so 
well. Their vessel was captured by the British, and the crew imprisoned at Halifax, where they 
suffered very greatly, but flnally made their escape from prison, found a boat on the sbore, and put 
to sea. After boating about for some time, they were picked up by a vessel, but for reasons not ex- 
plained, the captain would not, or dared not bring them to shore. They left his vessel four miles 
out at sea, and by the help of the tide, reached the shore in safety by swimming. When he came 
to Hartford, his father offered to forgive him if he would give up his engagement with Mary Drake, 
the mother of the old Michigan pioneer, which engagement had been of long standing, was favored 
by both families until Capt. Drake became poor by the loss of his ship and cargo. The boy re- 
fused to accept the conditions, and was accordingly disinherited. But it seems the father after- 
ward became reconciled to this son, for in his will he made him equal with the other heirs, and not 
onl}' so, but made him executor of his estate. 

This son was the father of our Michigan pioneer, who was the oldest of six children, two sons 
and four daughters. His father died at the early age of thirty-three years. After the death of 
Zephaniah's father, his mother went to live with her mother Drake, who was a sister of Uncle Joseph 
Pratt, who was also one of the first settlers of Hartford. His home farm comprehended the 
grounds on which the State House now stands. 

The grandfather Drake had five children, two sons, Ebenezer and Samuel, and three daughters, 
Mary, Martha, and Submit. Mary, the oldest, was the mother of the boy whom Michigan inherited. 
Submit, the youngest, took her name from the sad fate of her father, who was lost at sea, before she 
was born. Nine captains sailed out of Hartford at one time, all married men. A terrible storm 
fell upon them and every one of them was lost. It is very remarkable that each wife subsequently 
gave birth to a daughter and thej- were all named " Submit." 

Ebenezer Drake, the oldest son of Capt. Drake, followed the occupation of his father. He 
was gone on his last voyage thirty-one years, and is said to have visited every port of anj' impor- 
tance in the known world at that time. Samuel, the youngest, joined St. Clair's army as a private 
and was promoted to the otHce of Colonel. Neither of these Drake boys were ever married. Both 
died at their mother's, in Hartford. Submit married William Emerson, of Northampton, by trade a 
hatter. On one of his visits to Hartford he persuaded the mother of Zephaniah to let him take the 
boy and bring him up as his own child. She consented to this, and young Bunce, then between five 
and six years of age, went to live with the hatter, learned the trade of him, and became (juite pro- 
ficient in the business of hat making. At the age of twelve years, his uncle sent him out through 
the mountains of New Hampshire and through the thinly settled parts of the country to buy up 
furs, and this became quite a business for him. He was very skillful in horsemanship. He tells of a 
boyish freak in which he used to indulge with his uncle's horses. On a stream where he watered 
the horses, there was a perpendicular fall of several feet. Tiie back water from a mill-dam com- 
pletely covered this fall, and young Bunce would go up the stream, mount a horse, sometimes 
standing upright on his back, and then put him to the top of his speed down the stream. The 
horse, not aware of the fall, would make a glorious plunge, and the boy, holding on to the halter 
would swim ashore, bringing the horse out well cleansed from all mud spatters. 

This uncle having f\iiled to give his nephew the education the young man thought he was en- 
titled to, a separationtook place between them when Zephaniah was seventeen years old. He then 
took his effects and engaged as a journeyman hatter in another house in the same town. There he 
earned money and sent himself to school for a time. He then left and started the hatting business 
in Claremont, N. H., where he remained three years. From this place he went to Chester, Vt., 
started the hatting business there, and continued it four years. He then connected himself with 
one Allen, in the dry goods trade, in Albany, N. Y. With this business he connected the sale 
of ready-made clothing. One day in the fall of 1816, a young man came into the store to rig him- 
self out with a suit of'clothes. He was the brother of "the late Thomas S. Knapp, of Detroit, on 
his way from that military post to bis home at Hudson. Knapp told such a story about the prices 
and scarcity of such goods here that young Bunce got the Western fever. 

In tiie'spring of 1817, he put on board a one-horse wagon $3,000 worth of ready-made clothing 



HISTORY OF ST. CJ.AIK COUNTY. 267 

and started for Detroit on the l.")lli(l:iy of April. 1817. lie jius.sed through Rochester, N. Y., 
when there were only twenty persons there, and a ehoicte of lots could he had then for $'iO. Our 
adventurer was detained at Buffalo some days for the completion of the schooner Michigan, on 
which he intended to cross I>alve Erie. This schooner was the one which was subsequently sent over 
the Niagara Falls with tiie wild animals on board. After a three days' passage, lie arrived at Dtjtroit, 
stored his goods with James Abbott, and engaged board at Col. Richard Smith's tavern. He 
made an efibrt to see the farming country around Detroit, and for this purpose told Col. Smith, his 
landlord, to have a horse saddled for him. He niounted this animal and took his course across 
what was then called the Commons, to a French wood road, f()llow(!d this till he found himself deep 
in the mud and water. Tried another and another road and found all the same, lie then re- 
turned to the tavern and asked the Colonel to put him on to a road that would take him into the 
country. " Where do you want to go'?" he inquired. '■ Out among your farmers, to see what v'ou 
have got for a l)ack-bone for your city, " he replied. "We have got no such bone. You will find 
nothing in that direction but swamps, wolves, wild cats and Indians. If you want to see our 
farmers you must go up or down the river." He took his advice and went ;is far as Hudson's (now 
Fisher's) on Lake St. Clair, by way of the old stone windmill. 

He was invited by Col. Jack Langhan, Paymaster in tlie United States Army, to go with him 
and assist in paying off the troops at the Riv^er Raisin, now .Monroe. They started at 3 o'clock 
in the morning. Col. Langhan and Col. Dick Smith on horseback and Chauncy S. Payne and the 
Judge in a one-horse wagon. They crossed the Rouge by swimming the horses and carrying the 
wagon over in two canoes. In the same w'ay the}' crossed the Kcorse. The ground over which they 
passed in the first part of the journey was sandy, and they found no great difficulty until they 
reached Swan Creek. There they mired their horse and wagon, but after one expedient and 
anfither. they extricated themselves from this quagmire. Here night came on, a dark, dreary night, 
with nothing to amuse or cheer them but the howl of the wolves, which kept up their serenade 
until nearly daylight. The last part of the way there was a road made by United States troops 
through a dense forest, free from stumps, but with no l)ottora to the spongy soil. They arrived at 
the Raisin about 9 o'clock in the evening. 

After four days at the Raisin, they started at o'clock A. ^l. on their return, and having day 
light for the worst part of the way they got along better than when going down, crossing the Fjcorse 
about 9 o'clock in the evening. Half way between that river and the Rouge they found a pack of 
wolves in the road before them, which opened to the right and left and let the travelers pass, at the 
same time saluting them with a hideous howl. Payne, badly scared, stuck to the wagon The 
Judge, having [irovided himself with a cudgel, posted himself in the hind end of the wagon for 
defense ; but neither of them was injured. The horse suti'ered the most from the etfects of Payne's 
whip. They reached Detroit in the wee hours of morning. 

Mr. Payne was for many years a citizen of Detroit, associated with one Levi Brown in the 
silversmith business. Payne married the daughter of Jacob Smith, an Indian trader. Capt. 
Oarland, of the army, married another ilaughter of Smith. These girls iTiherited from their father 
an Indian reserve west of this city. .^Ir. and Mrs. Payne are both yet living, and able to give a 
large amount of information and interesting incidents of Indian and pioneer affairs. The traffic of 
this familv with the Indians was carried on mostly through the house of Conrad and Jerry 
Ten Fyck.' 

Judge Hunce was married to Laura Ann Duryee, daughter of John T, Duryee. a New York 
merchant, September 115, 1827. He left for Detroit in November, with his wife and a stock of dry 
goods. Crossed Lake Flrie on steamer Michigan, of which Sherman was master, and Blake, mate. 
Sold goods at Detroit for one year and then went onto the place where he still lives. They have had 
eightchildren, but only three of them are now living. Mrs. Bnnce died January 2(i, 1857, aged fifty- 
six years. She was a most excellent woman. Tlie following is the pathetic language in which 
the old man spoke of her death: "She was a woman of rare attainments, possessed of every 
endowment that constitutes a lady ; refined, amiable, and Christian : but alas ! she is gone." 

Judge Bnnce, now eighty-seven years old, moved onto the place where he now lives fifty-seven 
years ago. In the early days of Michigan, he traveled extensively over the Territory, held public 
offices, and occu])ied positions enabling him to take observations of the growth of this common- 
wealth from its first incipiency. At one time, he says, he knew p(>rsonally every man who lived 
in Michigan. "When I first made his acquaintance in 1834," says Rev. Mr. Thompson, 'he 



268 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

was Judge of the County Court, and continued so during all my residence in that count}', some 
tit'teen years. He was a member of the tirst Legislature of Michigan, and served in that body 
from 1821 to 1824. The first year after his arrival on the River St. Clair, he built a saw-mill on 
the creek emptying into the St. Clair near his residence, which creek has borne his name to the 
present time. Near the site of this mill were the remains of a mill which was built ninet}' years 
before his, and even that was the second mill on that spot, the first having been built 136 years ago." 

A description of their mode of traveling in the early days of his residence on that 
river shows that, when there was no ice to prevent, the conveyance was a canoe with the 
motive power of an Indian paddle in the stern; in the winter, a French train on the ice, drawn by 
an Indian pony. If the ice was sound, they sometimes went through the middle of Lake St. Clair 
in going to Detroit. The most common route was down the St. Clair River, through the north 
channel, passing Middle and Cartwright Islands, through the Chenal ecarte (or lost channel), to 
Milk River Point. Thence to Detroit they had their chuice by land or ice. In the autumn or 
spring, when the ice was unsound, they took the margin of the river and lake, down the north 
channel to old Mr. Chortier's, thence across the prairie to the lake at Toad Creek, down the lake to 
Swan Creek, and Salt River to the farm of James Meldrum, who was the son of the senior partner of 
the firm of Meldrum & Park. From this farm there was a road to Mount Clemens, which they 
could take if they wished, or they could take the shorter route by the ice to the mouth of Huron 
River, now called Clinton River. They sometimes crossed Huron Point to the bay at the mouth of 
Milk River, near the residence of a Frenchman named Larabee. He was of the Catholic persuasion, 
something of a scholar, and became noted on account of a lawsuit with old Father feichard. They 
disagreed with regard to some of their matters, so the Rev. Father forbade his neighbors from 
having anything to do with him. This brought on a lawsuit, ably defended by Counselor O'Keefe 
for the plaintiff, and (li)v. Woodbridge for the defendant. Larabee was victorious. From Milk 
River Point the_y usually had a fair road to Detroit. 

In the year 1818, Judge Bunce had occasion to visit Jlount Clemens from Detroit twice. 
Once he met a large white faced bear, but the bear did not molest the Judge, nor the Judge the 
bear. In thespringof the same year — 1818 — heavy ice had come down from Lake Huron, blocking 
up the channel of the month of St. Clair River, setting the waters back so that the St. Clair Lake and 
the Detroit River were literally drained. The waters of the lake had receded at least four miles 
from shore. The surf had raised several sand ridges. The Judge took the farthest out, as it 
would bring him most direct to old Papineau's, near the road leading to Mount Clemens. About 
one mile from Milk River Point, he came so near the water of the lake that he could see the current 
of the North Channel, which appeared to be running at the rate of three miles an hour. He was 
then about four miles from what is ordinarily the shore. There has been one such freak of the ice 
since that, though not to so great an extent. Whore the banks of the St. Clair were low, men were 
obliged to take their wives and children upon their backs and wade through the ice and water 
four feet deep, to reach dry land. 

The only dock at Detroit then was the public dock thirty feet wide, extending into the river 
until a ileptli of eight feet of water was reached. A second dock was built by Mr. Hudson, and a 
third by Mr. Roby. In the spring of that year. Judge Bunce hired one Jackman, and started on 
horseback for his St. Clair home. The lake was nearly free of ice, but some remained in the hogs. 
At the mouth of the Clinton, he inquired as to the soundness of the ice across the bay to Salt River, 
and was told that an Indian had just come down, and would hire to pilot them back. They found 
the ice firm enough to within a short distance of the shore, when looking back they saw their Indian 
in full run for the Clinton River. They soon found that the ice was floating out into the lake. 
Sounding tiie water with his rifle, the Judge found it three feet deep. He jumped his horse into the 
water, mounted him, took Jackman on behind, and reached the shore in safety. 

One year he was in Detroit in tiie beginning of winter and purchased goods of Conrad and Jerry 
Ten Eyck. Some of the.se goods he needed at once, and decided to take as many as he could in his 
train. He made a box some three feet square by three and a half feet high, and filled it with 
goods. This box formed his seat on the train. When ready to start, he found his leading lines 
missing, and substituting a cod-line for them, started on the ice, which was sound along the margin 
but open in the lake. There were many cracks in the ice, from two to eight feet in width, running 
from the shore to open water. Our hero came within a rod of one of these cracks before seeing it, 
when he drew suddenlv on the cod-line and it broke at both ends near the bits. There was but 



IllSTOltY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTV. 269 

one expedient left for him now, uml thai was to maive the horse lea|) tiie ehasni if possible, lie 
plied the whip with full stren^■tll. The tliird jump he cleared the track, about four feet wide, and 
being impatient of the lash, lie kept on at full speed toward the open water. The driver crawled 
down from his box, got hold of the breeching, and from strap to strap succeeded in reaching the 
headstall and checked his speed, after being taken out of his course three or four miles. He then 
steered direct for Salt River, leaving Point Huron a mile or more to the left. While on this beat, 
he was struck b^- a tornado, which wiiccled him quite around like a top. He managed to bring the 
horse's head to the wind in order to ri-aeh shore, but the horse either would not or could not bud^e 
a bit in that direction. About a (jnarter of a mile to the east he saw a ridge of liroken ice leading 
in tlie direction of Larabee's. He made for tiiat, and after a few more-whirls, succeeded in reaching 
it, and bringing his starboard runner in contact with the rougli ice prevented the wiiirl. After 
breaking through several times he reached Larabee's at hall' past 2 o'clock in the morning, cold 
and hungry, hut not frozen. 

In the spring of 182(), wiiile reluming from Mt. Clemens with Counselor ()'Keef(!, when uear 
where New Baltimore now stands, they were overtaken liy a blinding snow-storm. Tliev steered 
for Swan Creek, hoping to reacii Sliommenegoblin's wigwam, but brought up at open water far out 
in the lake. They followed up the channel, and when yet a distance from shore, broke througii the 
ice in tiiree feet of water. The Judge and the horse succeeded in climbing (jnto the ice; but 
O'Keefe was so benumbed with cold that he stayed in the train. They reached Capl. Pierre's, two 
miles below Jlr. Chortier's, at 2 o'clock in the morning, thoroughly wet and weary. 

In the fall of 1827, Mrs. Buncc's mother came from New York, to reside with them at St. Clair. 
The Judge met the lady at Detroit, and there hired a Frenchman to take them to the mouth of the 
Clinton in his cart. 'There he hired another Frenchman to take them in a, canoe to Mr. Chortier's. 
During this voyage, a lake gale sprinig up, the Judge took the paddles from his ferryman, and suc- 
ceeded in reaching Mr. Cartwright's about ;5 o'clock in the morning, wet, tired and sleepy. 

In 1828, he left home for Detroit with Mrs. Bnnce, her brother, and three Indians — Onsha, 
Leutagon and Mickaninne. They took the vessel route down the St. Clair River, by the north 
channel and Snibora, to IMilk River I'oint. An easterly wind arose and with it a heavy swell, so 
they were in the trough of the sea and soon taking in water fearfully. Old Onsha began to whistle 
and cast over tobacco, an Indian sign of great peril. There was but one course left for them, and 
that was to reach shore at the nearest point and in the shortest time possible. As they neared the 
shore, the swells increased, and it was i)lain that the canoe would fill as soon as it reached the break- 
ers. Onsha was told to jump into the water as soon as the canoe reached the breakers, an<l take 
Mrs. Bunce in his arms and get her ashore if possible. He, being a very tall, stout Indian, 
accomplished this feat v.ery nobly. The Judge caught a trunk and leaped ahead of a swell, and 
so reached the shore successfully. Vonng Diiryee lay seasick in the bottom of the canoe, and 
was rescued with more dithculty. They then made their way to the wigwam of Brant, the half 
Indian. Ho is said to have been the son of old Commodore Brant, who in days of yore resided two 
miles above Hudson's, on (Irosse I'oint. AVhen they reached the shanty. Brant was oft' hunting and 
the door was barred. One of the [larty made his way through a window, unliarred the dooi', and 
all entered. They soon made a fire, took down a venison ham hanging on a rafter, and with tea. 
bread and pork, wore enjoying supper when the Indian returned from his hunt. With tlie usual 
Indian grunt of surprise, he manifested his displeasure at their freedom: "Tyah. Anbunce. spose 
you not one shentlemen at all ! " But a loaf of qnashegun, some kokosh, with a few shillings for 
the venison, soon soothed him, and he became quite friendly. In the morning he. went to the settle- 
ment, hired a Frenchman with his pony and cart, to take .Mrs. Bunce and the Judge over to .Milk 
River Point, the Frenchman going l)efore. sometimes up to his middle in water, to pilot ihem 
through. Young Duryee, with the luggage, wont around by water. 

In 1828. the wind blew with unabated fury for three days and nights. The Judge was then 
running the mills whicli Thomas S Knapp. of Detroit, had l)uiit some liflecn miles above the outlet 
of Lake Huron. He maile a road to that place as near the margin of the lake as the ground would 
permit. This road passed through a heavy grove of white-oak timber, that was about fiftv rods 
long and twenty-five rods wide. Fvery vestige of this grove was swept away by the violence of 
the storm. Some of the trees were three feet in diameter. It was equally disastrous at several 
points between that place and the St. Clair River. After the storm abated they found the shore 
strewed with round clams, very much like the ocean clams, except in flavor. They were fresh and 



270 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, 

insipkl. If cooked and highly- seasoned, the_v were palatable. The_y gathered a bag full of them. 

The two following incidents are related by Judge Bunce in his experience of St. Clair life: 
He started one evening to go to Hanson's Island for ha\-, the nearest place where that article could 
be bought. It was winter and he was in his train ; when passing a point a little below where St. 
Clair is now, he saw some animals clambering up the steep bank, and on the ice by the side of his 
path la}' a deer which the wolves had just killed and which they had butchered very scientifically. 
It was still bleeding at the wounds in the throat. The Judge bethought himself that a venison steak 
would be a treat, and he appropriated the deer to himself by putting it into his train, and started 
on; but he had not gone tar before the whelps whom he had robbed came yelping after him in such 
earnestness and growing numbers that they began to be somewhat troublesome. He succeeded, 
however in beating them off with his whip till he came to a rough place in the ice which compelled 
him to go slow, when he began to fear that the wolves would have him and the deer, too, and so he 
compromised the matter Ijy tumbling the deer out of the sleigh, and, putting the whip to his pony, 
left them to their carnival. 

Once while crossing Lake St. Clair on the ice, driving nearly across the middle of the lake, he 
saw an animal in the beaten road before him and he gave chase, but the animal kept ahead for miles. 
The snow was deep on each side of the track. After a long drive, the brute, tired out, jumped into the 
snow and stood on his haunches. The Judge raised his heavy hickorj' whip-stock and struck at 
the animal's head, and so stunned the beast that he cut his throat without difiiculty and put him 
into his train; when reaching the shore he inquired of a French settler what it was. The astonished 
man asked the Judge where it came from. "0, I got him back here on the ice," replied the Judge. 
" Got him ! " shouted the Frenchman, •' Got him alone ? Mon Dieu ! You must thank the Virgin 
that he did not got you 1 " He found that the prize he had captured was a huge wild cat. 

What a chanofc like dissolving views has been wrought on the shores of the St. Clair since this 
old o-entleman firs^ cast his eyes upon them. As he recollects, there were then nineteen men with 
their families living on the American side of the river. 

Old Mr. Cartwright lived on Cartwright Island. He was one of Lord Selkirk's colonj-. When 
thev broke up their settlement on the Thames, on account of inundating waters in the spring, some 
went to Bear Creek, some to Chortier. Cartwright came here. 

On Harsen's Island were Jacob, George and Frank Harscn, good families. Harvey Stewart 
was a prominent man. a good farmer, and ran a small distillery. His wife was the daughter of 
Mr. Graveraet. 

On the main land, at the lowest point of Duchesne, was Louis Chortier, who came from Three 
Rivers, between Queliec and Montreal. He was a trapper and a raiser of ponies. He had fifty-five 
at that time and fed them on the prairie, which was about nine miles in circumference. 

Commodore Harrow, as he was called, lived a little farther up the river. The remains of a 
brick distillery which he built are still there. He had two sons and two daughters, who are j'et 
living near the old place. 

Old Capt. Thorn occupied a place above Harrow's. He had two sons, William and John. 
John owned and platted the first village lots in Port Huron. One of tiie daughters was married to 
Billy Brown, another to James Fulton, who was the founder of St. Clair. The other became the 
wife of Andrew Westbrook. 

Capt. Robertson owned and occupied a farm above Thorn's. He was somewhat famous for 
catching white fish. More white fish were taken on the St. Clair River at that time than at any 
other place, and they were better fish. The while fish of Lake flrie were small, weighing from one- 
half to one pound, on the Detroit River from one-half to one and a half pounds, and on the St. Clair 
from one to two and a half pounds. No steamers were here to frighten the fish then, and they were 
caught in large (juantities ; you could take your choice for $1.50 a hundred. The Judge went with 
the Indians one day to the mouth of the middle channel of St. Clair River to inspect their mode of 
fishiu"'. This channel was as deep as any other, but shallowed oft" as it entered the lake to three 
feet, where were three small islands. These in tlu; spring of the year were covered with gulls' eggs. 
The Indian mode of catching sturgeon was this : They boiled a sturgeon and took oft' the oil and 
mixed it with sand ; then took branches from the trees, put them into a canoe and went out to the 
middle of the river. They threw over the sand and the branches and then went to the shoal water 
below and waited for the branches. When they appeared, se\'eu sturgeon appeared with them. 
They took three of the seven. One of these measured five feet nine inches. Before Black River 



HISTOIIY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 271 

was obstructed by dams, the sturgeon, pike and mullet went far up this stream to deposit their eggs. 
Often the sturgeon would be too late in getting down and would have to get into deep iioles and 
wait for a flood. Tiie Indians would then attack them drive them into shoal water, and kill tliem 
with hatchets. 

George Cottrell had a good farm, three sons, and one daughter. George, Jr., was the farmer; 
Henry, the Sheritl" and David, the Associate Judge — all very respectable. 

William Brown kept a public house and was a thrifty man. 

Peter Yax comes next. He was a good Catholic, as were also most of the citizens on the 
river. Father Richard visited them twice a year and frequently stopped with Yax. Yax had 
three stalwart sons, all tiddlers. The Rev. Father thought there was too much dancing among the 
young people and prevailed on them when they came together to sing and amuse themselves in 
some other waj'. So he told Mr. Yax that the young people had agreed to amuse themselves 
without dancing so much. Now, as the old man's sons were all tiddlers, it rather interfered with 
his tinaucial interests, but he was obliged to submit. The next time the Father came round he 
said: '-Well, Monsieur Yax, not so much dance among the young pi-ople, I suppose?" " No, Fath- 
er', not so much dance, but the young men get the cards and gamble. Tiiey drink whisk}- and ijet 
drunk. They curse, the^- swear. No, not so much dance; oh, no! not so much dance. " 

Next above this farm was the negro Harry. He was the servant of Meldrum & Parks, who 
gave him this farm for his faithful services. 

Capt. Andrew Westbrook had a very large and good farm, ^yielding some $5,000 worth of 
produce annually, which he exchanged for lumber, shingles, etc. 

Thebault is remembered, too, the father of Frank Thebault, of Port Huron. 

Mr. Record was an excellent farmer with an excellent farm. His wife was half Indian; an 
amiable, refined lady, a pattern of neatness. 

Jo Minne is remembered, too. His mother was a squaw. He was a gentleman of the first 
water, very hospitable, and with great energy of character. Atone time ho had a lawsuit before 
Justice Wolverton, whose ottice at that time was at the Bunce place. Minne had been twice there 
with his witnesses and could get no trial. He then asked the Justice when his case could be tried. 
He was told to come in tlie morning early; his was the first on the docket. Minne was on hand in 
time, but another case was called. Mr. Minne rose and said: "Mr. Wolverton, you told me that 
my case was the first on the docket. I want my trial.'' ''Constable," said the Justice, "put this 
iialf Indian out of the court. I cannot be disturbed.'' "I shall not go out, sir, until I have mv 
trial: and if you, sir, or your Constable uiulertake to put me out, you will find I am not half Indian 
for nothing." The jury was called and liis case tried. 

Old Mr. St. Barnard comes in for a share of remembrance. He came from Canada and located 
above I'ine River. He furnished tlie timber for St. Ann's Church, in Detroit, on contract with 
Father Richard, and did a large share of the work with his own hands. Father Richard would say: 
''St. Barnard, don't let the moss grow on your as handles." "No, Fatiier, I for tlie hew timber; 
you for the pray." The old niin. at seventy-six years of age, built a two-story house and lived in 
it for many years. 

Old Mr. Petit lived at the mouth of Black River, on the Hat near where Howard's mill now 
stands. When Judge Bunce first saw him he was plowing for wheat, with a bull and a horse side 
by side. 

There w('ro four or five French families above tlie fort, wlm obtained their living by catchin<>- 
fish and selling them to the soldiers. 

On the Canada side of the St. Clair Itiver was the traitor Canipau. to whom the British Gov- 
ernment gave a farm for his services in the war of 1812. This farm has since boon known as the 
Sutherland farm. It is directly opposite the city of St. Clair. Thomas Sutherland, the poet 
of JMoore, occupied a part of that farm until his death in 1882. 

Next above this was John Courtney, a Dutch farmer from Penn.sylvania. 

Above him was Sampson Ward, back of Elk Island, and near him lived Frank Bartrow, the 
blacksmith. From Bartrows to Port Sarnia was a dense forest tliat looked as though a tree iiad 
never been cut from it. It was a heavy green fringe along the (iast margin of the River St. Clair. 
On the spot where Port Sarnia now stands was one log slianty surroiuuled by apple trees planted 
by the Indians. 

This picture of the shores of the St. Clair has dissolved and passed away from the vision of 



272 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

this old man, and now, as be is approaching; his foui'score and ten years, he finds himself in the 
midst of cities and villages, and a thriving agricultural and manufacturing population. It is a 
matter of rejoicing that this old patriarch is iiale and cheerful, enjoying a good, vigorous intellect, 
and has the prospect of another half score of years at least, before he takes his departure. 

MEMOIRS OF AUR.\ P. STKWART. 

" I vpas born in the town of Canandaigua, in the State of New York, on the 20th day of May, 
A. D. 1804. At the time of .my birth, my father had charge of a large distillery and brewery 
owned by Mr. Dewey, a merchant of Canandaigua, who failed, by which my father lost $600, and 
was thrown out of business for several months. In ISOo, my father established his business of 
distilling and brewing on what was called Mud Creek, in the town of Bristol, adjoining Canan- 
daigua. At the birth of my brother, John H. Stewart, my mother began to decline, and her 
illness increasing, she died in the month of May, 1810. At this time there was much talk 
about the new Territory of Michigan, and from the favorable reports secured, my father was de- 
termined to see the new Territory and seek in it a home. Accordingly he set about the settlement 
of his business, and in the latter part of November, 1810, he shouldered his pack coutaining 
his clothes, accompanied by a brother, and took his journey for Michigan. On arriving at 
Buffalo he learned that on account of the lateness of the season, there were no vessels bound 
for Detroit; that the few vessels then navigating our lakes had gone into winter quarters and 
laid up. On this information my father and his brother determined to travel on foot through 
the then wilderness of Canada, and crossing the river at Black Rock, our travelers entered ujjon 
their long and tedious journey. At this time the weather was warm for the season; much rain 
had fallen, rendering the roads, which were mere pathways, almost impassable. After travel- 
ing two days, father and his brother came to a tavern kept in two large log buildings joined 
together; the landlord was at work chopping down 'some heavy timber for the purpose of en- 
larging his farm. Our travelers rested the following day, during which they engaged to assist 
the landlord at his chopping for a small compensation and board for a week or more, hoping 
within that time a change of weather would freeze up the mud and make the roads more 
passable. 

At the expiration of ten days, the weather became cold, and the mud in the roads was 
frozen, and our travelers pursued their westward journey. After several days' travel, in which 
my father and his brother suffered much inconvenience in obtaining food and lodging, they 
came to the border of what was in those days called the Long Woods; the distance through 
this dense and dreary forest was twenty miles or more. Here night overtook them, and our 
travelers sought lodgings at a log cabin, and were refused by the woman of the house, on ac- 
count of the absence of her huslsand. The weather was at this time extremely cold, and there 
being no other place where lodgings could be found within ten miles, the woman finally con- 
sented to their remaining over night. She could furnish neither bed nor supper, and to keep 
warm oi;r travelers filled the fire-place full of wood, placed their packs under their heads and 
laid down on the bai'e floor to rest for the night. At the dawn of day the next morning, our 
travelers shouldered their packs, knowing that they could get no refreshments until they reached 
Ward's Station, ten miles distant, where was kept a house of entertainment for travelers at about 
the middle of the Long Woods. My father had not traveled many miles before he became faint 
from hunger, but fortunately he found in the road a valise, on opening which he found a lunch 
of boiled beef, biscuit and cheese. This was a treasure to our travelers, most timely and un- 
ex]Hicted, and they sought a resting-place on a log and refreshed themselves with the contents 
of the valise. On reaching Ward's Station, our travelers concluded to remain over night, and 
secure the whole of the next day to accomplish the remaining ten miles of that dreary forest. 
The next morning, our travelers, after partaking of a hearty breakfast, pushed forward with a 
determination to accomplish the remaining ten miles as soon as possible, which they did in 
good time, and were glad to find that the remaining part of the journey led through a settled 
district. On arriving at Moravian Town, my fatht-r fell in with a chap by the name of Kansom, 
a Connecticut Yankee, as he was called by the Canadians, who had been a resident of that 
place for a long time; he had built a grist-mill, saw mill, and had a large farm under cultiva- 
tion: he was the ])rincipnl liusiness man of the place. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIl! COUNTY. 273 

He aiipi'iired extremely glad to meet my father; told him tliiit lie liad hut rceiuitly ciitoriHl 
into a contract with a Mr. McClregor, of Windsor, to furnish the timber for masts and spars and 
finishing lumber to be used in the construction or building of the British fleet intended to 
command onr lakes; Mr. Mcdregor being the first contractor with the British Government. 
My father entered into contract with the said Ransom to select and hew the timber iu the woods 
to fill the contract. Ransom to haul it to the bank of the River Thames for inspection. This 
was in the winter of 1811, and in the mouth of April the timber and lumber were placed on the 
bank of the River Thames, ready for inspection aud rafting. Ransom wa.s in the habit, once 
in a while, of drinking s|)irituous liquors to excess, and was so well ])leased to have his con- 
tract filled and accepted by the agi'ut of the British Government that he went on a big spree, 
became deranged, cut his throat, and died before he ])aid my father for his labor. The timber 
and lumber were to be delivered by Ransom at Maiden. Mr. McGregor, being the first con- 
tractor, came ixp and took the timber as it lay on the banks of the Thames, and contracted with 
my father to raft and deliver it at Maiden. After floating the timber down the Thames, it was 
put into strong cribs to be taken through Lake St. Clair. At that day the manner of rafting 
timber and lumber through Lake St. Chur from the Thames was to tow it along the lake shore 
with ox or horse teams, unless the wind was fair to force it forward. After many days' toil in 
this manner the raft entered the Detroit River, and when below Hog Island, a violent gale of 
wind sprang up which broke the raft and landed it on the .American side of the river; it was 
seized by a Mr. A\'atson, then custom house officer at Detroit, and he and other parties, knowing 
thai the contents of the raft were to be used in completing the British fieet, then in jirocess of 
building at Maiden, sought opportunity to have the lumber and timber confiscated to the Amer- 
ican Government, but my father, faithful to the trusts reposed in him. avoided all traps set 
for him. He had the case brought into the United States District Court, and there a decision 
was had restoring to him the timber and lumber. After the decision of the oolU't, my father col- 
lected the timber and lumber together aud delivei'ed it at Maiden, for which Mr. McGregor ])aid 
him veiy liberally, and promised to assist him in getting his pay from th(i estate of Ransom; 
this he could most easily do, as he had been appointed administrator of the estate of Ransom. 
While in Detroit my father became acquainted with the firm of Mack & Miller, who owned a 
distillery on Harsen's Island, in the county of St. Clair, who wished him to make up a quantit\' 
of grain they had in store into whisky; but before doing so he visited Mr. McGregor and leased 
the Ransom farm for one year, together with the team and farming implements, and sent his 
brother up to take charge of the farm and put in a crop, which \w did. sowing that season twenty 
acres of wheat and rye. My fatht>r, after three months, finished his iMigagement with Mack & 
Miller aud returned to the Thames, aud spent the balance of the sumnuM- and the following waiter 
iu distilling for Matthew Dalson and Escjuire Jacobs. In the month of Ma\'. 1812, my father 
returned to the State of New York to visit his boys, whom h(> had left in charge of their grand- 
mother, at the town of West Bloomfield, Ontario County, and I can v.ell remember with what 
gladness parent and sons met. 

After a visit of two weeks, my father returned to Michigan, and at the proper tum\. went 
up to the Thames, and himself, his brother and five hired men entered the harvest field, and 
were progressing finely iu securing the grain. At this time Tecums.^h was. with a band of his 
Indian warriors, stationed-a few miles al)ovo wiiere my father was at work with his men. Pre- 
vious to this, war had liroken out between England and the United States; and my father had 
consulted Escjuire Jacobs about his remaining in Canada long enough to seciu'e his grain, and 
settle some other business masters, and was informed that ho could; and as his office wa< civil 
and military, he would protect him. Escjuire Jacobs was a very prominent and influential man, 
and under his protection my father felt safe. But some envious and loyal j)erson Lad informed 
Tecumseh that seven Americans were at work in a field some distance lielow and ur.<;-ed their 
capture. Tecumseh's feelings being hostile to all Ainericans, he sent sixteen of his baud, all 
mounted on horses, to take my father and his men prisoners; but fortunately, a friend of my 
father's, on learning that Tecumseh was about to send a band of his warriors, mounted his horse 
and ran him to the field where my father was at work, aud gave timely notice. The messen<'-er 
told my father that he must leave the field instantly or he would be a prisoner within ten 



274 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

minutes. My father expressed a wish to go to the other side of the field to get his coat, as it 
contained his jjocketbook, papers, and all of his money; but his friend insisted that it would not 
be safe to do so, and he and his men rushed to the river, jumped into a canoe and rowed down 
as fast as possible for about a mile, when my father jumped on shore at his tioarding house to 
get his clothes. He had just entered the house when the band of Indians came up; on seeing 
them, the lady of the house requested my father to jump down celler, which he thought not safe 
to do. if the house was searched; he jumped through the window and entered the harvest field 
where her husband was at work, and went to work with the other men. The Indians were told 
that there were seven men in the field, and when they saw the six men in the canoe, they hesitat- 
ed, giving them time to cross the river and enter the woods. They found lodgings that night 
at a French house near the mouth of the Thames, and the nest day took the road leading to 
the River St. Clair, and crossing over at Harsen's Island, hired a friendly Indian to take them 
across to Clinton River, when they followed the road bordering Lake St. Clair and so safely 
reached Detroit. 

My father, being separated from his comrades, found many kind and sympathizing friends. 
He was furnished with a wallet tilled with provisions, and a boy b^^ the name of Putnam gave 
him a large cavaliy pistol with powder and ball. With these supplies, my father entered the 
woods, traveling on a line with the road. It was late in the afternoon when father entered the 
woods, and when night came he was forced to climb a small tree to protect him from the wolves, 
who came so near he could hear them snap their teeth. At the dawn of day the wolves left, 
and father descended from the tree, took the road, which he safely traveled, reached Windsor, 
crossed the river and entered the city of Detroit. It was a happy greeting when the seven men 
met in Detroit; his companions si;pposed that father had been taken prisoner. 

The boy Putnam when grown to manhood became Col. Putnam, who joined the Can- 
adian patriots and was killed at the battle of Windsor, at the patriot invasion in 1882. 

My father remained in Detroit and witnessed its shameful sm'render by Gov. Hull. 
He gave me a description of that scene, and of the appearance and conduct of Gov. Hull 
on that day. It was fashionable in those days for gentlemen to wear ruffled bosoms and white 
cravats; the Governor had besmeared his with tobacco spittle in his excitement and fright. At 
that time there was a lawyer by the name of Brush residing in Detroit, who was believed to be 
a traitor and unfriendly to the American cause, and who had a conlrolling influence over Gov. 
Hull. It was believed by the citizens of Detroit, capable of judging, that Brush had se- 
cretly consorted with Gen. Brock and advised the manner of attack. It was known to many of 
the most prominent men of Detroit, that Brush had advised the surrender of Detroit, and 
argued the impossibility of successfully defending it; that he was Hull's adviser, and his influ- 
ence over him great. There was one thing noticeable, that when Brock had arrived within 
musket range, he halted, and stood regarding the American force, and their ability to oppose 
him. as if in doubt whether he was not leading his men into a trap. 

I have listened to Judge William Conner, of Mt. Clemens, while discussing the conduct of 
Hull and Brush in the surrender of Detroit, and they gave it as their opinion, supported by the 
best men of Detroit, that the cause of its surrender was cowardice on the part of Hull, and 
treachery on the part of Brush. 

Detroit, after its surrender, was put in command of Maj. Mulir of the British Army; he 
was a perfect gentleman, and treated the citizens with kindness and respect. The British had 
collected together about fifteen hundred wild Indians; some of them were Pottawatomies, but 
they were mostly from Mackinaw and along the shore of Lakes Michigan and Huron, and to 
keep them from annoying the citizens of Detroit, they were stationed at the River Ecorse, be- 
low the city. The Indians were commanded by a half-breed by the name of Magee. Once in 
awhile some of these Indians would venture up to town, at sight of which many of the 
women, children and timid citizens would be alarmed, but Magee, when notified of their pres- 
ence, would go into the street and give a few trememlous yells, at the sound of which the In- 
dians would gatlier around him, and he would order them back to camp, and they would 
instantly obey him. At times when the Indians would come to town, Magee would be so drunk 
that he would have to be assisted into the street and held upright by some of the citizens; but, 



hISTOllV OF ST. CJ.AIK COUNTY. 275 

notwitlistanding, his unearthly yells (and he had a voici? lilco a lion) wniild briiii,' all tho In- 
diaiiH around him, and ho would order them back to camp. 

While the Britisli held Detroit, they sent two expeditious a)j;aiiist Fort Mays, then calKnl 
Frenchtowu; now the city of Monroe, where there was a little stockach^ defendi>d by Ohio 
militia. At the tirst attack, the British troops were repulsed with ct)nsiderable loss. Some of 
the best marksmen in the little picket fort, when the British had placed their artillery to play 
upon the fort, were ordered by their commanding officer to pick otf the men at the gun, a six 
pounder, and if possible not allow it to be fired; and I have been told that they did their work 
so thoroughly that the British had to abandon their gun; that this moment they attempted to 
load it, every man fell. On the return of this pai'ty, my father asked a W'elsli soldier how they 
made out; he shook his head and said. ' very bad;' on asking the reasons of the failure, he 
said. ■ Yankei's K(iiiiiil. he never scpiint," meaning that our rillemen took aim when they I'nvd, 
but he did not. 

The next expedition the British sent to capture Fort Mays was more successful; they not 
only took the little stockade, but they allowed the Indians to murder their prisoners and the 
inhabitants; this affair is known in history as Winchester's defeat, and it was a cruel and sad 
atiair. The Indians on their return had the scalp-; taken from the slain ejc-vated on poles as 
they entered town, among which was seen some beautiful hair, taken from the heads of females. 

The inhabitants residing on (he border of the river and Lake St. Clair, and in fact all per- 
sons having their residences north of Detroit, were compelled, at the breakingout of the war, 
to seek safety in Detroit. The Indians, in passing down the St. Clair liiver, would go on 
shore and shoot down the cattle. she(!pa nd hogs of the inhabitants, and take anything they 
took a fancy to, and for this reason all the inhabitants of Northern Michigan were compelled to 
seek protection in Detroit, and there remained until relieved by Gen. Harrison. 

The British at Maiden and Americans at Erie were pushing forward, with all possible dis- 
patch, the building and e(pxip])ing of vessels of war intended by (>ach (Government to command 
oiu' Lakes, botii fleets being in rt'adiness by the 1st of September. ISB! 

The British, while holding Detroit, to pi'event Gen. Harrison from gaining information 
of their strength and operations, kept a strict guard over their citizen [)risoners. allowing none 
to leave the town; but a merchant of Detroit got permission to go down to Maiden to settle 
some business, and on his arrival the battle between the two fleets had begun. I have for- 
gotten the merchant's name, but think it wiis Truax. He ju'odtici^d a glass and a ladder, and 
got on top of a hou.se, and there witnessed the whole transaction, and as soon as he discovered 
that the Anuirican fleet were the victors, he hastened back, putting his horse at a fast trot, to 
bring the glad news to his American friends. It appciars that the officers commanding Detroit 
had got th(> news before Truax's arrival, but held it secret from their American prisoners, who 
■wer(> waiting with the greatest anxiety, and were most joyfully relieved on Truax's arrival. Now 
followed great confusion at the fort and in the town; the British were in a htuTV to evacuate 
the town, and seized every boat and canoe to convey them and their baggage; across the Detroit 
River. Amid this confusion and hurry of the British, the Americans collected and held a 
secret cotisultation; they knew that the British soldiers would leave Detroit that night; but 
they had great anxiety about those six hiUKh'ed wild Indians lying at the River Ecorse; fearing 
they would rush into town and rob, and perhaps nuirder the citizens, it was thought a mes- 
senger should bo sent to Commodore l^erry. re([uesting him to send them succor as soon as 
jiDssiblc. 

The persons selected to bear the messag(> to Connnodore Perry wer(> William Macomb, 

A\'illiam Conner, Henry Graveraet, Naggs, Charles Stewart and Harvey Stewart; there 

were two other persons selected, the names of whom I have forgotten — eight in all. A canoe 
had been secured and hid, and our me-sseugers, each paddle in hand, jum})ed into their canoe, 
and propelled it down the Detroit River, exerting themselves to deliver the message to Commo- 
dore Berry as soon as possible. The night was dark, and on arriving at the mouth of Detroit 
River, no shipping could be seen; but they heard the sound of oars, and .judging from the 
peculiar sound of the oars that it must be a ship's lioat. they hailed. 'Boat a-hoy!' the answer 
was. "Ariel;' the boat hailed in turn: the answer was. "A canoe from Detroit with a messiigo 



276 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

for the Commoclore!' The officer in charge of the boat took the cauoe in tow. and brought, the 
messengers to the Commodore's ship, where they remained that night, the Commodore assuring 
the messengers that ' if the Lord would permit, he would relieve their anxiety, by bringing 
his ships before their town by 9 o'clock the next morning.' The Commodore asked the 
messengers many questions, and on hearing that they were all well acquainted with the sections 
of country through which Gon. Harrison would have to jsass in his f)iu-8uit of the British troops, 
he gave them his letter of introduction to Gen. Harrison, who, on a further examination, em- 
ployed the whole eight persons as guides to his army up the River Thames. At this time Gen. 
Harrison was crossing his army and lauding them at Maiden, under cover of Perry's fleet. I 
will here relate a little circumstance as related by my father. The report of cannon at the 
battle between the American and English fleets on Lake Erie was plainly heard in Detroit, 
and while the battle was raging, father took a stroll up town, hoping to hear from the combat- 
ants; on entering Smith's Hotel, he saw a number of British officers seated around a table 
drinking whisky and discussing the probabilities of success to the British arms. One of 
their number, a civil officer, after iilling his glass and elevating it high, said, ' God will bless 
the British arms, and I drink to the success of om- brave seamen now engaged.' At that speech 
of the British official, father said ho became excited, and knowing that he could gain no satis- 
faction by replying, left the house in disgust; but soon after Mr. Truax returned from Maiden 
and brought the glad news of Pen-y's victory; it was then amusing to see the boaster's hurry to 
get over the Detroit River. 

After Harrison's army had crossed over at Maiden, Perry's fleet weighed anchor, and the 
wind being moderate, all sails were spread, and the army being in line for marching, both pro- 
ceeded up the river, tlie army keeping abreast of the fleet, which my father said was the most 
beautiful sight he ever witnessed. Where the army rested that night, I am not certain, but I 
believe they reached Dalson's Station, on the River Thames; if so, it would be fast marching, 
as the distance would be at least sixty miles. The British had troops stationed at Dalson's, 
who had joined the retreating army from Detroit, and in their hurry had left some of their 
supplies. When the army halted at Dalson's Station, Gen. Meigs rode up in front of his 
brigade and gave his order not to molest the citizens by entering their gardens and orchards, 
saying, 'We have not come to molest the peaceable -citizens, but to flght those who are in arms 
against us.' 

Gen. Trotter, on hearing Gen. Meigs' order, rode up in front of his men and said : ' Boys, 
don't go to bed hungry; if you can find anything good to eat, take it, and I will pay for it.' 
It appears that the whole army approved and followed Gen. Trotter's order. It was vegetables 
the men wanted, and they took them, wherever found. The next morning Gen. Harrison sent 
for the men whose gardens had been invaded; the damages were estimated and paid to the sat- 
isfaction of all. The British troops, in their hurry, left at Dalson' s Station several hundred 
loaves of bread, which Mrs. Dalson was selling to our men at twenty-tive cents a loaf, which 
my father put a stop to, by infoi'ming the men that it was left by the British troops, and did 
not belong to Mrs. Dalson. 

A.fter the army left Dalson's Station on their march up the Thames, the Indians would 
place themselves in ambiish on the opposite side of the river and tire at our men; at such as- 
saults, a return volley from the infantry would put the Indians to flight; but they would run 
ahead of our men, and, at some bend in the river, open tire again. There were thi'ee assaults 
of this kind by the Indians before Harrison's army engaged the British troops at Moravian 
Town. 

I must stop here and give an account of a very singular and daring old man by the name 
of Whitney, a Kentuckian, and at that time about seventy years old. While a boy, I have heard 
Judge Conner and my father relate the circumstance many times, of Col. Whitney's adventures 
and death at the battle of the Thames. It appeared that Col. Whitney was an old resident of 
Kentucky, and had fought many a battle with the Indians on the bloody ground. He said that 
this would be the seventh Indian war he had engaged in, and he expressed a great desire to see 
Tecumseh. Col. Whitney had no command in Harrison's army, but on account of his age aud 
experience in Indian warfare, he was treated with great respect by Gen. Harrison and his offi- 



IILSTOHY OF 8T. CLAlll COUNTY. 277 

eers. Col. Whitney's tent was the bobt in the army; his horse was a spirited and s])len(lid 
animal; his rifle was silver mounted, and he had with him two active negro servants, and he 
traveled wholly at his own expense. The army after leaving Dalson's Station soon came to a 
branch of the Thames called the forks. The British in their hurry had thrown the plank fi-om 
the bridge into the river, leaving the timbers or frame standing, and had also set tire to a laro-e 
log house on the opposite side of the river. Gen. Harrison on his arrival ordered the plank 
replaced and the fire in the log house extinguished, believing that the house contained valuable 
military stores, which was found to be tme. 

Col. Whitney, mounted on his spirited horse, was always with the advance guard of the 
army, and the order was given to cross the creek and extinguish the fire; the Colonel, rifle in 
hand, attempted to cross on the timbers of the bridge, but they being muddy, he slipped and 
fell into the water below, the fall being about twelve feet; he came ashore without aspistance, 
and proceeded at once to clean his rifle, and when the army was ready to march he took his 
station with the advance guard. The army had not traveled many miles when they were tired 
on by the Indians, as before stated. At the second assault of the Inilians, Col. Whitney got his 
eye on one of them, leveled his rifle, and fired. He saw the Indian fall, and to ascertain whether 
he had killed him, swam his horse over the river, and found the Indian dead; he scalped him, 
swam his horse back, and took his station with the army; and here we must leave the Colonel 
until after the battle of the Thames is over. 

The oflicer in command of the British forces saw that further retreat was useless; that 
Harrison's pursuit was so vigorous that he could not avoid a battle, so formed his men, placed 
his artillery and opened fire on the Americans, Gen. Harrison returned the British fire, and then 
ordered Col. Johnson to charge with his regiment of horse. The Colonel dashed through and 
broke the British lines, followed by the American infantry, and the British surrendered. Dur- 
ing this battle with the British Regulars, Teeumseh had placed his Indians a little below, 
and off to the right, a low piece of ground thickly grown with lirusb lying between him and 
the Americans. It was (|uite difficult to pass through this brushwood, and the otTficer in com- 
mand of that part of the army assigned to tight Teeumseh and his Indians, in his endcavoi- to 
get through the thicket of brushwood, met with so severe a tire from the Indians that he was 
forced back, and sent to Gen. Harrison for siipport. This message came immediately after the 
surrender of the British Regulars, and Col. Johnson was ordered to the support of the van- 
quished party. Then followed another charge upon the Indians, and here Col. Johnson had that 
desperate encounter with an Indian chief, not Teeumseh, as claimed by history, and as Judge 
Conner and my father had good reasons for believing, from the fact that the Indians fought at 
least three-quarters of an hour after Col, Johnson had returned wounded and disabled. My 
father sa^ys that when the battle began, he took his station with Gen. Trotter's brigade, which 
was placed in reserve; he saw the Colonel when he returned, badly wounded, his horse j)ierced 
by seven balls, and falling immedia((>ly after the Colonel was taken from him: flie battle with 
Teetimseh and his Indians was still raging, and continued for at least half an hour thereafter. 
It was the opinion of those acquainted with Indian warfare, that the Indians fought until 
Teeumseh fell, and no longer. But all admit that Col. Johnson had, while wounded and dis- 
abled, a dreadful encounter with some daring Indian chief, notwithstanding all awarded to 
Col. Johnson the honor of Iteing the most efficient officer of that day's fight. 

The battle over. Gen. Harrison gave orders to an officer to take his men and examine the 
battle-field where the Indians fought, to take care of the wounded, to collect and bury fh(> dead, 
and report to him. Jly father asked and obtained liberty to accompany that officer over the 
battle-field. After passing through the thicket of brushwood, they ascended to high<>r ground, 
with little or no underbrush; the trees were large but sparsely scattered over the field. The 
officer in command dividend his nu>n into small jiarties, and sent th(>m over the battle-fiidd. ^ly 
father remained with the officer, and in their search they first came to Col. Whitney, and about 
four rods distant lay Tecmnsch. both dead on the battlefi(>ld. My father had seen Teeumseh 
often in Detroit, and jiointed him out to the ofiicer. who had never seen him before. The shout 
that Teeumseh was dead brought all of the i)arties together to see him, and he was soon stripped 
of his dress and ornaments; but how and where Teeumseh was buried, father did not remain 



278 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

to see; but he covild have taken his turban, and has .since often expressed a wi>^h that he had. 

Who killed Tecnmseh ie a question that cannot be answered, but JiTdge Conner, my father, 
and many others believe that Col. Whitney went into batHe with a desire to meet Teciunseh, 
and it is possible that he killed him; Gen. Harrison and hi.s officers lamented the death of the 
old veteran; but how they disposed of his body, I never learned. 

I will now relate an incident as related to me by my step-mother. At the assault made 
by the British on Lower Sandusky, commanded by Col. Crogan, there were many Indians from 
about Mackinaw that iiccompanied the British troops, but they met with such a siiirited resis- 
tance that they hurried back in great fright. The Indians ti-aveled in their large birch canoes, 
which would carry sixteen persons. Two canoes filled with the retreating Indians were passing 
up the St. Clair River, and when opposite Harsen's Island they were overtaken by a thunder 
storm at about 8 o'clock at night, and one of the canoes tilled with Indians was upset; here 
were about sixteen Indian warriors in the middle of the river in total darkness, struggling to 
find the shore, their whoops and yells, mingling with the thunder's roar, rendered the scene 
truly frightful. My step-mother in her fright seized an infant daughter of her brother's, threw 
a blanket around it, and was about rushing for the woods, fearing death by the hands of those 
wild and bai'barous Indians, but her brother refused to let her go. The storm lasted for an 
hour or more, and then all was quiet on the river; but there was no sleep that night, for Mr. 
Graveraet and his sister were both anxiously waiting to know the cause of the hideous yells on 
the river that night. At dawn the next morning, two canoes were seen to leave the opj)osite side 
of the river, and approach the residence of my step-mother; on landing, the Indians came on 
shore, over twenty in number, their faces painted black; they told Mr. Graveraet that tho) had 
been to war, that the British were defeated at Lower Sandusky and a great many killed; that 
they were returning home; that erne of their canoes was upset that night and two of their 
number drowned; that on account of the darkness of the night, they had great difficulty in get- 
ting ashore. Mr. Graveraet wished that the whole of them had been drowned, yet he expressed 
sorrow for their misfortunes, and they in turn advised him to leave immediately, as the Kit- 
che moco-mons (long knives) were coming by hundreds and would kill him. 

I will relate another incident of the war of 1812, as I have heard it from the parties con- 
nected with it. At the breaking-out of the late war with England, there resided a family of 
Indians on the Big Bear Creek, on the Canada side, who were known as the Sha-na-way family: 
in this family there were live brothers, all warriors; one of them bore the name of Me-gish, who 
followed the British Army and was at the battle of Lundy's Lane, where he was killed. I got 
the particulars of his death from his mother and sister who often rej^eated the stoiy of Me- 
gish's death in my hearing when a boy. They say that he got between the two armies as they 
were approaching, and a little before the battle commenced; that he was fired on and killed by 
the Americans; this circumstance would not be worth relating were it not for the statement of 
Capt. Chesby Blake, one of the old pioneer captains of our lakes. Capt. Blake, at the break- 
ing-out of the war, and while the British fleets were blockading our coasts, was mate of a brig 
outward bound, and then lying at Newbury Port, waiting for an opportunity to go to sea; he 
had been waiting about two months, and seeing no chanc(» of passing the British squadron, 
determined to remain inactive no longer, and at his solicitation the whole brig's crew joined the 
American army; Blake, possessing a good business education, was placed in the Commissary De- 
partment and his regiment belonged to Scott's Brigade. In 184(\ Capt. Blake came to Harsen's 
Island for the purpose of getting some choice timber for one of Mr. Newbury's boats, and during 
his stay lodged with my brother, Capt. John H. Stewart. My father called to see the Captain one 
evening to have a chat, and the conversation turned on the late war with England, and the part 
each had taken. Blake here stated that he was at the battle of Lundy's Lane; that as the two 
armies were approaching, and a little while before the action, an Indian attempted to ]iass be- 
tween the armies, running for'dear life; his Ca])tain said, ' Blake, can't you kill that Indian?' 
at which he leveled his gun and fired, but did not hit him; he loaded his gun in an instant, and 
fired again; the Indian gave an upward leap and fell apparently dead. After the Captain had 
ended his story, I told him that that Indian's mother and sister had, more than thirty years 
ago, I'elated the same circumstance of their brother's death, and both statements put together 
go to show a strong probability that Capt. Blake killed the Indian Me-gish. 



HISTOKY OF ST. ChAUi COUNTY. 1^7 H 

My father was married to Miss Mary Graveraet in the winter of 181 1, and remained in the 
city of Detroit dm-inj;- the war, which ended in Febniary, ISIT). The people wlio had aban- 
doned their homes made preparations to return, and in the month of April, 1815, my father 
moved liis family and goods up toHarsen's Island, and took possession of the house and lands of 
his wife that had been abandoned during the war. The settlers on th(^ border of Lake and liiver St. 
Clair were, at the breaking out of the war, compelled to remove all their stock of horses, cattle 
and hogs to Detroit (to protect such from the Indians), where all were consumed; and while 
many were deliberating how. and where they were to be supplic^d, Capt. Andi-ew Wesbrook 
went to the State of Ohio and ]iurchased cattle, selecting such as were most required to meet 
the immediate wants of the inhabitants; this he continued to do until all were sujiplied. As 
Capt Wesbrook was in his day a very prominent man in St. Clair County, I will here mention 
a few incidents of his life. Before the war with England, he was a wealthy farmer and busi- 
ness man, residing near the Moravian town on the River Thames; in his immediate neighl)or- 
hood, there lived one Maj. Tawsby, who was an aspirant for Government favors. Al the 
breaking-out of the war the British Government, took immediate steps to organize the militia of 
Canada, and at such organization, Tawsby received a Major's commission, and ^\'esbrook was 
ofifered a Captain's commission under Tawsby, which he indignantly refused. Wcwbrook was 
born in the State of New York, and his sympathies were with the American cause; and he, on 
the appointment of his enemy, Tawsby, determined to leave Canada and join the Americans; he 
had counted the consequences of tins act; and, knowing that the confiscation of his valuable ])rop. 
erty would follow, he collected his goods together, and all that he could not remove he burned 
with his house and barn. On Wesbrook's arrival in Detroit, he stated his case to Gov. Hull 
and received a Captain's commission, and was found to be a very useful man in the Commissary 
Department in collecting supj>lies for the troops. There were many reconnoitering jiarties sent 
up the liiver Thames during the war, or before the surrender of Deti'oit, and ('ai>t. Wesbrook 
was a valuable guide to such parties. On one of these expeditions, Capt. Wesln'ook, learning 
that Maj. Tawsby was at home. siuTounded his house, and took him jirisoner. The hatred that 
Wesbrook and Tawsby bore toward each other was mutual and violent. After this re(!ounoiter- 
ing party had gtjne into camp for the night, and the guns all stacked, Tawsby seized a mu-sket 
and made a lunge at Wesbrook with intent to kill him, but in the act he stumbled and the 
bayonet entered Wesbrook's boot; for this act Tawsby was put in irons until he readied 
Detroit. Capt. Wesbrook, at the close of the war, purchased a farm of a Frenchman joining 
the Itecor farm, and other lands adjoining, from which he made one of the best farms then in 
St. Clair County. Our first llepreseutative to Congress from the Territory of Michigan made 
known to that body the loss of Capt. Wesbrook's property in C^anada, and on such representa- 
tion an act was i)assed granting him two sections of land, which he selected mostly in the town- 
ship of Clay, in St. Clair County, wiiich lands passed through several purchasers, and now 
comprise the valuable farms of Seva and Dana liichardson. 

My father, soon after his settlement on Harsen's Island, and in the month of May follow- 
ing, was visited by liis brother, Daniel Stewart, who had determined to make his home in 
Michigan; after a short visit, lie returned to A\'est Bloomtield, N. Y., to settle his business af- 
fairs there before he sought a permanent home here; he was to bring with him Aura I'. Stew- 
art (the writer) and John H. Stewart, the two boys that father had left in care of their grand- 
mother at West Bloomtield. Uncle Daniel spent the months of June, July and August in 
pr(>paration for his journey. He had purchased several crates of earthenware, several barrels 
of salt, and other articles which bore a great price in Detroit, hoping to realize a good profit on 
his arrival there. On the 1st of November, he placed his goods in wagons, and, with his boys 
in charge, left for iSlichigan. On our arrival at Buffalo, there were no vessels in port boimd to 
Detroit; a little craft, tliat hardly could be called a vessel, was lying in Bufl'alo Creek taking 
on a cargo of salt for Detroit, and our uncle engaged a passage on board the miserable, shabby 
thing; she was not ceiled inside, had no cabin, and her bulk-head was formed of salt barrels, 
leaving a space in the afterjxirt which was called the cabin; a platform was made on which 
some buCfalo robes and Idankets were s]iri>ad at night on which to sleep. The whole ship's 
crew consisted of three persons, to wit: Mr. Mason, the owner, Capt. Thomson, master, and 



280 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Jack Bacliallor, sailor. In his contract, uncle was to furnish his own board, a large part of 
which he had brought with him; the stores of the vessel's crew consisted of a bucket of beef, 
six loaves of bread, and a small bag of hard tack. There were not ten buildings in Buffalo on 
our arrival there; the British had, iluring the war, burned the town. My brother and I amused 
oiu'selves on our arrival in looking down the cellars and up the chimneys: there were no ware- 
houses in town, at any rate near the creek; the freight was brought to the vessel in carts drawn 
by oxen — rather a novel sight this would be in the great city of Buffalo to-day ! On the second 
day of our arrival, the miserable ihing called a vessel put to sea; how long we were in reach- 
ing Put- in-Bay Islands I do not remember, but I well remember that my brother and. I, on the 
day before, were, told that the ship was placed on shoi't allowance; that thereafter oiu' portion 
would be one cake of hard tack a day, and as much water with it as we wished to drink. I in- 
quired after grandmother's butter and cheese, and was informed that they were reserved for the 
night watch. 

I was awakened one morning by a loud noise on deck, and I crawled out of the hole, 
called a cabin, to ascertain the cause; on reaching the deck, I saw that we were near land, and 
was told the vessel was aground on an island; I inquired if my father lived on that island, and 
was disappointed on learning that he did not — that it was one of the Put-in-Bay Islands. All 
on board were pushing with poles and rolling barrels of salt over the deck, trying to get the 
vessel off; not succeeding, the captain declared that the craft could not be gotten off' unless 
the anchor was carried out into deeper water; there was no bout on board and it was decided 
that Jack, the sailor (who, was a tall, stout man) should get overboard, and carry the anchor on 
his back out into deeper water. Jack refused at first, but finding by measurement that the dejith 
of water where the vessel lay was hardly above his hips, consented, and a rope was tied under 
his arm and he was lowered gently into the water, where he received the anchor on his broad 
shoulders; with it he waded cautiously out until the water reached his armpits, when he 
dropped his heavy load; a few turns at the windlass sufficed to float the vessel. 

The wind being favorable, the vessel was steered up Sandusky Bay, and when near the 
head of the bay it was judged that we had passed Detroit River; the vessel's course was 
changed, our navigators thinking it best to keep along near the shore, hoping in that way to 
find the river. On the day after leaving Put- in Bay, a gale of wind sprang up, overtaking the 
vessel on a lee shore. Recognizing the impossibility of weathering the storm, the captain 
beached the craft. As soon as the shore was reached she commenced pounding, and the oakum 
began to work oiit of the seams, letting the water into the c-?bin; our beddiner and clothes 
were wet, notwithstanding my brother and I endeavored to force the oakum back with oui' jack- 
knives to prevent such a catastrophe. The seams appeared to give way all at once, and the 
water came in upon us so fast that we yelled lustily to be taken out of the miserable coo{). At 
every dash of the waves the vessel was thrown nearer the shore, and when she a]>peared motion- 
less, Uncle Daniel jumpiod overboard and took us ashore on his back. Soon the vessel became 
immovably fixed in the sand, and then commenced a search for our clothes and other effects, but 
the vessel was full of water and nothing could be found. Brother and I lost our extra suit of 
clothes, in which wo expected to appear on meeting our father; the captain, on learning that 
the bedding in the cabin was getting wet, secured his clothes and blankets, which were all that 
were saved. The only things got ashore that night were the foresail and jib, of which a tent 
was made in which to sleep, the jib composing the bed. In coasting along the shore we had 
noticed, some three miles below where we were wrecked, a number of tents, and, as we had 
nothing to eat, my uncle and Mr, Mason determined to find them that night and procure food, 
promising to return at an early hour nest morning. We boys were unused to long fasting, 
and thought it hard :o go to bed without our supper, especially after having been on short al- 
lowance for two days previous, but, being weary, we soon forgot our troubles in sound sleep. 

On awakening next morning, we found we had been sleeping in the water, and that the 
vessel had been stranded on a sandy beach formed by the waves; also, that on the other side of 
us wU.s a great marsh extending inland several miles, covered over with muskrat houses. Soon 
uncle and Mr. Mason arrived; they brought with them a little bag of flour, a dozen dressed 
muskrats and a camp kettle. Sailor Jack immediately went to work preparing breakfast; hav- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUXTY. 281 

inii- no kiioiidiii".; pan nor anytliiii<i- to bake in, his only altiTiiativi; was to maivo some balls of 
dough and ])hiec them in the kottlo alouf^ with tho muskrats; tho kcttlo was hunr; over a quick 
tire, for all wore famously hun<j;ry, especially we boys. After the contents of the pot were 
thou<;;ht ready to serve, they were placed in portions on a piece of sail cloth by Jack, and broth- 
er and I went at work to satisfy our famishing stomachs. Good old grandmother's puddings 
and pumpkin pies never relished better ! wo ato without reserve, and when completely gorged, 
threw om-selves on the sand and rolled and laughed for very satisfaction. I afterward leai-ned 
that this shipwreck occurred in Sandusky Bay, at a place between Soder and Stony Points. I'lio 
next day we had another feast on like delicacies, and about 8 o'clock A. ^[., a man from 
the camps arrived with a canoe, having been previously engaged to take uncle and Mr. Mason 
to the River Raisiu~to Frenchtown, now the city of Monroe. 

Capt. Thompson, when two days out from Butil'alo. was seized with ague chills and 
every other day contiued to his bed on the cabin floor. When- camping on tlie beach, his at- 
tacks were more violent; these ague attacks may have been the main cause of running th(> ves- 
sel past the Detroit Eiver. In the absence of uncle, Capt. T. was cross to us and interfered 
with our play; in his sick state the jtoor man appeared to be deranged, and it seemed to be a 
relief to him to give us l)oys a blowing up, and at length we became frightenetl; having learned 
the whereaboiits of the hunters' camj), wo determined, the next morning, to leave at an early 
hour. .Accordingly we left Jack and the captain sound asleep on their bc^d of sail cloth and 
sand. The distance was about three miles, and we harried our steps, hoping to reach the camp 
at the bn^akfast hour, hoping to get a change of diet. On our arrival, the hunters received us 
very kindly; the rirst thing we asked for was something to eat, and they gave us what was left 
of "their breakfast, which we ate with a good relish. That day for dinner we had ducks and 
potatoes stowed in a pot, and bread baked in a pan before the tire; tliis, to us, was an extra 
and deli(!ious meal, for half fed as we were we had begun to dislike boiled dough and muskrat, 
of which we comyilained to our hunter friends. They tried to persuade us that m'uskrats were 
e.'ccellent eating, provided they were f)roperly crooked, and [)ronused to give us some of their 
cooking for our supper. Their manner of cooking was to run a sharp stick through them, and 
then place the other end in the ground near the camp tire, turning them around as occasion ro- 
cjuired until thoroughly cooked; this we found to be an improvement and ate of them verv 
heartily. Next morning after breakfast, we prepared to retm-n to the wreck, hoping to meet 
with uncle, but before leaving, we had obtained liberty fi-om the hunters to return if uncl(> had 
not arrived. On our arrival we wore glad, not only to tind uncle, but to see a large boat and a 
number of men at work taking on bi)ard the stufl" saved from the wreck. Uncle had brought some 
fresh beef, a number of loaves of bread, and some cooking utensils, and before leaving one of the 
men was selected to prepare what was to be our dinner and supper; this was hastily eaten and 
all jumped on board the boat glad to get away from the wreck; brother and I began to calcu- 
late on soon reaching homo and meeting* our father, whom we had not seen for the past three 
years. We had a calm and beautiful evening, and our French boatmen erdivened the hours 
with song after song, as they tugged at the oars. I had never seen any Frenchmen, or listened 
to their speech and song; we boys were so miich amused and delighted that we covild not sleep, 
though comfortiibly stowed away in tho bow of the boat. At about midnight, the boat reached 
a littlo sand island in the mouth of Miami Bay. where we rested until daylight tiie next morn- 
ing, when we continued our jouriu>y and that day reached Frenchtown. on the Kiver Raisin. 
Uncle, on making in(juiry for a place to lodge his boys, found a man who oH'ered to board us 
for a stipulated sum for two days, and on going to our boarding-house we found but one room 
in the log cabin, only otie bed and the children covereil with rags. The place appeared more 
dismal than th<> tent in tho sand we had so gladly left. Our disappointment increased when 
supper time came, for that meal consisted of a slice of bread, roasted potatoes and salt If we 
could have made a selection we should have preferred the musla-at stew on the beach we had 
left. Being dissatisfied with our supper and weary, we asked to go to bed, and here oiu- aston- 
isliment and disgust was increased when our landlord, from a corner in the house, brought out 
an old bulValu robe and spread it out before the fire ; he told us not to undress as he liad no covering 
for us; that we would not be cold, as he kept a good tire burning all night. The next morning 



282 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

vre went, to find nncle and make our complaint, and he procured an ordinary meal of victuals 
at another place. The large batteau in which we came was engaged to take us to Detroit, and 
we got liberty from our French boatmen to lodge and have our meals with them We boys 
had taken a great liking to the Frenchmen and were amused at their speech, which was broken 
English; they appeared to be a jolly, good-natured set. The day after our arrival at French - 
town, we wandered about and fell in with some French boys who showed us the stockade or 
picket fort commanded by Gren. Winchester, who, during the last war with England, was de- 
feated and most of his men massacred by the Indians. The boys in broken English, which we 
could hardly understand, told us frightful stories about that transaction, and we were so terror- 
stricken we dared not enter. On the morning of the third day after our arrival, we left for De- 
troit and reached Detroit River that night: the boat was run ashore for the night, and brother 
and I laid down in the place assigjied us in the bottom of the boat, but were awakened to find 
oiu'selves and bedding wet: the men had neglected to keep the old leaky boat free from water: 
our blankets being wet, there was no more sleep for us that night. On attempting to move the 
boat, it was found that ice had formed for some distance around it, the thickness of window 
glass. It was so cold the men and all on board were glad to got at the oars to keep warm. At 
about 8 o'clock, we reached a tavern where we were to get breakfast. The tavern was the must 
comfortable and I'espectable house we boys had entered since we left Buffalo, and we were 
kindly received by the landlord and lady who appeared to be hurrying forward our breakfast. 
Jack bought a half pint of liquor and drank it all down, which soon after altered his step and 
manner; on going down to the boat, he commenced scolding me, which I resented, and Jack, 
being irritated at my replies, slapped me in the face, causing the blood to flow freely from my 
nose. On seeing and learning the cause, uncle became very angry, and was about to have Jack 
arrested and punished, but he pleaded his cause so well against me, that u.ncle thought I de.served 
fui'ther jiunishment, although my crime consisted of accusing .Jack of drinking too much liquor 
and being fuddled. Uncle having procured an apple-tree sprout, led me out, but the good land- 
lord came to the rescue, took me away and led me into the house, where the landlady washed the 
blood from my face, and led me to the breakfast table; a good breakfast and the kindness of 
our landlord and his wife restored me to my usual good spirits; and anxiety to reach home only 
remained. We had been a month on our journey, as I was told, and would reach Detroit that 
day; one day's sail more would bring us to Harsen's Island, the home of my father. 

After partaking of our breakfast, all hurried to the boat and proceeded up the Detroit 
Kiver; at about noon, Mr. Mason and uncle determined to walk the remaining distance to De- 
troit; brother and I asked t« accompany them, but uncle refused, telling us that we could not 
walk that distance. There were only two men at the oars. Capt. Thompson had rolled him- 
self up in his blankets and lain down in a snug corner of the boat. The boat moved very 
slowly, and brother and I became lonesome and disheartened; Capt. Thompson was asleep; there 
were two hard-looking men. with my enemy. Jack, to propel the boat, and under this state of 
things I felt for the first time a disposition to cry — the first time since I left the home of oui- 
grandmother. Om- tears moved the boatmen to put us ashore, and on reaching the road, we 
ran and jumped and shouted for a few rods in expression of om- gladness; when these little 
freaks were over, we struck off into a fast walk, determined to reach Detroit as soon as possible. 
We had not proceeded far before we came to the River Rouge; we felt disappointed to 
find the river in our way. and asked an elderly looking Frenchman to ferry us over. He seemed 
surprised to see two boys of our age traveling alone. He questioned us very closely, and from 
his broken English we knew him to be a Frenchman. His questions were: 'Where you go, 
you little boy? what your name ? where your father live?' etc. We answered his questions 
promptly, and gave him a short history of our travels; but he shook his head doubtingly and 
said: 'I believe you be runaway boy.' At this moment, looking up the road he saw a company 
of men on horseback approaching, and told us that we could cross the river with them. On 
the arrival of these men, we were questioned again, and all being well acquainted with our 
father, our story was readily believed; of these men, there were eight in number, and all but 
one belonged to the Indian Department. Among them were Mr. Noggs, Indian agent; William 
Macomb (son of Gen. Macomb) and Francis Harsen, an uncle to my step-mother. Now we had 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIF, COUNTY. 283 

fcillon into tbo hands of real friimds, \vl\o appeared to take special iutiTost in our comfort and 
welfare. Tboy had been out to r(>cover stjino horses that had been taken by the Indians during' 
the war. and were now retm-ninir widi them. We were each i^jiven a horse to ride, and soon 
ended our journey, entering Detroit in line style. Wo found Mr. Henry Gravtu-aet in town 
making preparations to go to Mackinac, having an appointment to the Indian Department there. 
He took us in charge, and agreed with uncle to land us at father's residence on Harsen's Island. 
The next day wo boys wont to o.xamine the vessel in which we were to go, having, from hard 
experience, a poor opinion of watercraft generally. But this one pleased us greatly, being well 
litted out, and om- opinions on the subject underwent a change. In looking around the vessel, 
1 lost sight of brother John, and called to him; receiving no answer I became frightened, and 
searcheil everywhere, but no John could be found. Fearing he had fallen overliciard, I ran on 
the dock, when he called to me, and on looking up found him standing on the top sail-yard, 
swinging his hat. I calleil to him to come down, which he did after laughing at my fc^ars for 
awhile. When eight years old, he climbed the center post of a church steeple said to be 15(1 
feet high, and did it because one of the workmen had performed the same feat, gaining much no- 
toriety thereby. \\'o returned homo, and the next day got on board the vessel and left at an early 
hour for fathers, arriving there at about 8 o'clock in the evening. Father was not at homo, 
but L'ncle Charles Stewart was there, and the kind maimer in wlaich we were received by our 
,stei)-mother made us feel that we were at home and om- jom'ney ended. 

For many years, I saw but little of Michigan, except that portion bordering on the shore 
of Lake and River St. Clair. I came from an inland and thickly-settled district, and had seen 
no Mowing water save brooks and rivulets; I had seen no forests but in the distance, and though 
but a boy of twelve years of age I could not but feel impressed with the wild beauty of my now 
home. The dense and almost impimetrable forests, the magnificent River St. Clair, the count- 
less number of every variety of wat<>rfowl flying over my head or resting and sporting on the 
liosom of the beautiful waters, the liowling of wolves at night, the constantly passing and re- 
passing canoes of the stran2re-lookin<' Indians, their stealthy tread through the woods and their 
unintelligible shouts as they passed each other, and. last but not least, the merry songs oi the 
Fr(>nch roi/uyeiirn toiling at the oar, ]iroi)elling their boats swiftly over the blue waters— these 
were new scenes to me, and called forth my wonder and di-light. I have now entered upon the 
seventy-second year of my life — nearly sixty years thus far have been s])ent in Jlichigau. I 
have witnessed the improvements made in the county of St. Clair; flourishing towns have sprung 
up, and a large portion of our older settlers have become wealthy; all have shared in the con- 
veniences of modern improvements and comforts, but yet, for my own part, I could enjoy no 
greater pleasure than for a short time to see Michigan as I saw it in 1815, wild and romantic 
as it th(>u was; to traverse its dense forests, to paddle my canoe over its waters, surrounded by 
game of every description on river, lake and shore; and at night, while partaking of a supper 
of game taken through the day, liear the howling of the wolves, the hooting of owls and other 
voices of the night. Fancy ofttimes leads me back to the dear old |)rimitive days, and then I 
am a boy again! Alas! the vision lingers not! I am an old man with increasing infirmities, and 
nothing is left to mo but the memories of the past! 

It appears that there ivere no permanent settlements made on the River St. Clair prior to 
the coiupiest of Canada by the British forces, but immediately following that event lands were 
located and permanent residence's made. At Point aux Trembles, there were four families; on 
Strumiiess Island (Dickinson's) there were three families, and three, also, on Harsen's Island; 
lictween Point aux Trembles and Hecor's I'oint were fourteen, and five families were settled be- 
tween Kecor's and ]51ack River. The names of the residents on Point aux Trembles w^ere Chor- 
tier (Shirkey), Minne, Basney aud William Hill. [Since Mr. Stewart wTote his memoirs, Mr. 
Hill departed this life at the ripo old age of ninety years.] Mr. Chortier appears to 
have been the most prominent man of the Point aux Trembles settlement. The names 
of the residents of Harsen's Island were William Harsen, Jacob Harson, Francis Hai-son 
and JIary Stewart, formerly Mary Graveraet. Capt. Peter Laughton was the flrst settler 
on Strumness Island; he was a retired British naval ollicer, and had selected the island as a 
part of the laud lie was entitled to di-aw from the British Government. Mr. .lames Harsen and 



284 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

his son-ill- law, Isaac Graveraet, were the first settlers on Harseu's Island. Mr. Harsen was a 
gunsmith, and Mr. Graveraet, a silversmith; they came from the city of Albany, N. Y., for the 
purpose of dealing with the Indians, and selected Harsen's Island as their place of business; 
they purchased the island from the Indians, under the sanction of the British Government. 

The first settlers on the River St. Clair, in what now comprises the township of Cottrell- 
ville, were Capt. Alexander Harrow, Cottrell, William Thorn, Pascal, Robertson, William 
Brown, Joseph Minne, and some others whose names I have forgotten. 

It appears that the British were very liberal, in that day, in the distribution of wild lands 
to the officers of their army and navy, and Capt. Harrow, of the navy, located all the land on 
the river extending from the present site of Algonac to Belle River. After the United States 
Government came in possession of the Northwest Territory, embracing the State of Michigan, 
Congress passed an act limiting individuals to one section, and Capt. Harrow was compelled to 
make his selection in accordance with this act. The lands re-selected by him are now embraced 
in the township of Clay, and extend from Abram Smith's mill in Algonac to the mill of W. C. 
& W. S. Roberts, at Roberts' Landing. 

Mr. Cottrell (his Christian name I never knew) and Capt. Harrow were the most prominent 
men of their day in the settlement along St. Clair River. 

The original Mr. Cottrell, when a boy, was taken prisoner by the Indians in one of their 
raids on the Wyoming Valley during the French and Indian wars with the American Colonies. 
He was purchased from his captors by a Frenchman named Cotter-ell, and who brought the 
lad up as his own son, giving him his name. His sons were George, David, Henry and an- 
other son, who made his residence at or near Grosse Point, and whose first name I cannot re- 
call. The old Cottrell homestead, a few miles below Algonac village, is well known to all 
my readers. 

Heniy Cottrell was for many years Sheriff of St. Clair County; in fact he held that office 
as long as Michigan was a Territory, and. I believe, one term after she became a State. He 
was a very jovial companion, a good neighbor, energetic, industrious and prompt in the dis- 
charge of his official duties. I could relate man^^ pleasing anecdotes of Sheriff Cottrell, but I 
will only give one: Cottrell was given an execution against my uncle, Charles Stewart, who 
declared the judgment was more than double the sum he owed, and refused to pay it. Under 
our Territorial laws we had imprisonment for debt, and Cottrell responded — "Stewart, I shall 
have to imprison you, then." " All right," said Uncle Charley, " now is yom-time; I am going 
into the lumber woods, and you will have hard work to find me." " Very well," said Cottrell, 
"You are willing to go to jail, I see; here, take this writ and go and deliver yourself up to the 
jailer! " Uncle took the writ and delivered himself to the keeper of the jail, where he remained 
fot a few days, when be returned home. 

Mr. David Cottrell was one of your sedate, candid, judicious sort of men; ho possessed 
good natural abilities, once held the office of County Judge, and from the first election under 
our State government held the office of Justice of the Peace to the day of his death; he also 
was the people's favorite man for Supervisor, holding the office for many years. 

As I have given a short account of the life and character of two prominent men of an 
adjoining town, I must not forget those of my own township. John R. Smith, Esq., now long 
deceased, was born in the State of Vermont, and at the breaking-out of the war with En- 
gland, was serving his county as Sheriff, or Under-Sheriflf, and ho was almost constantly in his 
saddle riding through and beyond his county on business. 

On one occasion, his business led him to a little town on the banks of the River St. Law- 
rence; it was in the winter: the name of the town and the year in which the occurrence hap- 
pened I have forgotten, although I have heard the Squire relate it many times. I think, how- 
ever, it was in the winter of 1813. Both of the hostile armies had gone into winter quarters, 
and none expected a renewal of hostilities before the spring. It appeal's that the British offi- 
cers in command of a station on the Canada side of the river, having obtained an account of 
the situation of the town, and number of American troops, planned a night attack, hoping to 
surprise the Americans and capture the town with ease. For this purpose, selecting a dark 
night, he crossed his men over to the American shore a few miles above the town, and to pre- 



IIISTOI'.Y OF ST. Cr.AIK COl'XTV. 285 

vent infoi-mation of bis intentions reaching the American oificer, he seized and placed under 
guard all persons he thought capable of giving information of his approach. That ni<flit 'Mr. 
Smith had put up at a tavern near whore the British landed, and being unwoH went to bed at 
an early hour; the British made {)risonors of the lan<llord and all in his house capable of criv- 
ing infornialion, and [)ut them under guard; they were about to send Mr. Smith off with the 
guard, but he being lame ami ill, and the landlady pleading so hard for him, the officer judged 
him harmless and let him remain. As soon as Mr. Smith thought it safe, ho went to the stable, 
mounted his horse, and being well acquainted with the neighborhood, took a circuitous route, put 
his horse at full speed and reached town in time to give tne officer in command notice of the 
approach of the British. Immediately on this notice, the officer in command ordered his men 
under arms, with as little noise as possible, and placed them in a- position to surprise the 
British on their approach. The British soon made their ap[)oarance, and l)ei'ore their lines 
were formed for the assault the .Vmericaus delivered their volley, which so sur|)rised the British 
that they wheeled about and retreated as fast as possible until they reached the Canadian 
shore. 

For this timely warning, Mr. Smith became a favorite of the American officers of the army, 
and the Colonel commanding the place he had relieved from surprise induced him to join his 
nigiment as forage master and licensed trader with the soldiers — what they called their sutler. 
The name or number of the regiment I have forgotten, but it appears that in the spring follow- 
ing Mr. Smith procured a stock of supplies and joined that regiment and remained with it uu- 
til disbanded at the city of Detroit in 1816. Among the discharged men of that regiment 
ther(^ were two experienced potters who wished to remain in the Territory, and they requested 
Mr. Smith to establish a pottery and give them employment. 

Mr. Smith, on ascertaining that no brown earthenware had ever been manufactured in 
Michigan, and that the prospect for a ready sale was good, sought for a place to establish his 
pottery. He came up to the River St. Clair, found the old Laughton house on Strumness Island 
vacant, and leased it from David Laughton. one of the heirs, and in May, 1817, had his pottery 
in full operation, continuing the business until late in the fall of that year. In the winter of 
1818. he was induce<l l)y my father to teach school on Harsen's Island. At that time there 
were only three families on Harsc>u's Island, but there were several scholars from over the river, 
altogoth(?r making a school of twelve scholars Mr. Smith taught school on Harsen's Island 
the next winter, antl at the same time was carrying on trade w^ith the Indians in company with 
Mr. David Laughton, occupying a house of Mr. Jacob Harsen's, a {)art of which was occupied 
as a school-room, the other half as an "Indian department." I remember there was a barrel of 
cider in the Indian department frozen so hard that no attempt had been made to use it. The 
boys got an iron rod, heated it red-hot, and thrust one (>nd into the barrel, and by this means 
they drank up the teacher's cider; this was done in his absence, although we had good reason 
to believe he was acquainted with the operation. 

I inay be a year later than I ought in giving the time of Squiri> Smith's first appearance 
in St. Clair ('ounty; he was, however, the first per.son that was commissioned Justice of the 
I'eace, residing on the Ilivor St. Clair, by Gov. Cass. Macomb County embraced all of the ter- 
ritory of St. Clair County, and the Governor's commission is dated the 17th day of March. A 
D. ISKS. 

The nest office bestowed on Esquire Smith, under our Terrritorial government, was his 
appointment !o the office of Postmaster at Plainfield. St. Clair County, in the Territory of Michi- 
gan. He was the first Postmaster appointed in wdiat is now the coimty of St. Clair; his com- 
mission was dated Washington. .Vugust '2G, 18".^(). and signed by John McLean and William 
Dening, clerk. I should have stated that J. K. Smith. Es(j., was ai>poiufed Special Conjmis- 
sioner bv Gov. Ca.ss for the county of St. Clair, in the Territory of Michigan, which appoint- 
ment is dated the 'JOth day of April." A. D. 1827. 

Squire Smith was also made the first Customs Inspector on the American shore of St. Clair 
Kiver. commencing the discharge of his duties in this office May 1, 1832. This office and that 
of Pathmaster he held until after 1841. how much longer the records do not show. 

Mr. Smith marrii'd. and in ISIVI established his residence on what was then considered the 



286 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

most pleasant location in the neighborhood — now a part ot the Kendall farm, jast above the 
present site of Algonac; this he designated " Point Office." Some years thereafter, he removed 
and settled on a tract of land now embraced within the limits of Algonac. When this village 
was sm'veyed, he made a large reservation, retaining possession of a number of the choicest lots 
in the plat, and most of them are held by his heirs to the present day. 

When the Squire settled at Point Office and at Algonac, litigants from all parts of the 
county came before him to have their causes adjudicated, and his business exceeded that of the 
county court for many years. His popularity was very great, gained through his judicious 
judgments and straightforward, conscientious attention to duty and business. He held the 
office of Justice of the Peace from 1818 up to the day of his death, which occurred in April, 
1855 — thirty-seven year.s. It is a fact that up to his demise he could show a gi'eater record of 
marriage services performed by him than any (if not all) Justices in St. Clair County. 

He was the lirst Probate Judge elected by the people of this county. Well do I i-eniember 
that election, fori then cast my iii'st ballot, forty years ago! It was held at St. Clair (Palmer), 
and the whole number of electors assembled on that day did not exceed thirty. Squire Smith 
was opj)osed by an old Detroit lawyer named George McDougal. The lawyer received the 
French vote, but was defeated. 

For many years before his death, the Squire veaa a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and did much in his lifetime to spread the Gospel, and for the elevation and moral 
training of the community in which he lived. He never encom'aged litigation. He died in 
1855 in the Christian faith, surrounded by his family, loved and lamented bj' his children and 
personal friends, and respected by the public. 

The next one of the old pioneers of prominence was Dr. Harmon Chamberlain, who settled 
in St. Clair. I first saw him at Justice Smith's office in 1819; he was then a youthful looking 
man just from his studies. He lived with the Squire a short time, but soon moved to St. Clair, 
where he lived and died. 

The Doctor was a great favorite with the old pioneers on the river. I make the record of his 
first aiTival only; his memory is too fresh in the minds of the jjeople for me to do more. His 
aged wife still lives in St. Clair. 

Another old pioneer of our county is Judge Bunce. He is yet living, and can best give 
his owa record. I think he came to the river in 1819, and the little vessel that was carrying 
his effects up to his present residence above Vicksburg or Marysville, came to anchor opposite 
my father's, on Harsen's Island. I was then a boy of fourteen years, and was sent to bring him 
ashore, and also took him back to his vessel; on reaching deck, he gave me a finished two-bladed 
knife, an instrument rarely seen in those days. I seized the treasure and hurried ashore to ex- 
amine it; then I leaped and shouted in delight and was the hapjiiest boy in the neighborhood 
that and for many days thereafter. 

Capt. Henry Ainsworth settled in the tovraship of Clay in 1820, and purchased the Bas- 
ney farm at Poiat aux Trembles. He was a well informed, energetic man. and had he lived he 
would have been a valuable acquistion to our community. He died after a two years' residence, 
and his son. Henry, occupies the old farm. 

Amono- the most active, industrious and prominent men in the early settlement of our town 
(now Clay) was Jacob Peer. He came to Michigan in 1821 with the intention of settling at or 
near Pontiac, but he fell in with Capt. Andrew Wesbrook and was induced by him to come up> 
to the River St. Clair. Peer purchased Wesbrook' s land (that had been given the latter by act 
of Congress to indemnify him for his Canadian losses din'iug the war of 1812), selecting some 
300 acres lying west of Point aux Trembles, bounded south and west by Lake St. Clair. It was 
almost wholly prairie land, and Mr. Peer in four years' time placed sixty acres under cultiva- 
tion. Prospectively he had one of the best stock farms in the country, but, unfortunately, the 
waters in our lakes had risen so high that in 1827 his farm was completely submerged; when 
strong westerly winds blew, the water was forced up to his door. Mr. Peer had to leave, a poor 
man again. He next selected lands lying north, adjoining the village of Algonac, and went to 
work with his usual vim to clear up another farm. When he died (in 1855) he left to his son, 
Jacob Poor (Jr.), what is now considered one of the very best farms in om- township, and one 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COt'XTY. 287 

haviug the largest orchard in the county. Mr. Peer lias an apple orchard of thirty-five acres, 
each tree, in all the hundreds he owns, being thrifty and l)i>aring fruit. The orchard alone is a 
source of considerable revenue to its ])roprietor. 

Wever Stewart, came to our little village about the year 1S"28. aiul a few years after pur- 
chased lands of JIason and Luse, occupying them until his death. He was a quiet, easy sort of 
man; a kind and obliging neighbor, industrious, thrifty, and much respect(>d by all who knew 
him; his wife and children are still residents of our town, and his sou, Charles Stewart, is one 
of the prominent business men of Algonac. 

Another of the early settlers at St. Clair County was Jacob Kendall, now deceased. He 
purchased a tract of land lying about a mile north of Algonac, in IH'Ii). He was a well- 
informed man; had read a great deal and i;p to the day of his death had held almost every office 
in his town except Constable. Mr. K. was considered one of our best citizens, and was 
respected by all who knew him ; his farm and residence, so pleasantly situated on the 
bank of the Kiver St. Clair, is now owned by his son, John B. Kendall. Slierifi'of the county. 
The next and last one of the old pioneers that I shall attempt to mention is John Swartout, now 
past the ninetieth year of his age. He came to Michigan about the year IS^iy, and made ])ur- 
chase of lands lying on the nor^h lint^ of the township of (May. Mr. S. was a very energetic and 
industrious man, and to this day, notwithstanding his years, he is very useful about the farm; 
with the assistance of his sons, Mai-fin and Abram, he soon cleared up a large farm and placed 
it in a good state of cultivation, which is now divided and owned by the sons mentioned. Mr. 
S. had two other sons. Dennis (who chose the profession of sailor) and Benjamin, who to-day 
is one of tho successful business men of Algonac. 

There were many other persons that came and settled in the southern portion of the county, 
at a very early date, who, after remaining a few years, sold out and removed to other i)arts; I 
could also mention the names of a number of early settlers in the northern part of our county, 
but as they have made their record better than I can describe it, I shall not make the attempt. 
The remaining part of my memoirs will treat of men and matters that came within my own 
knowledge, dating back to a very early day, with such incidents and anecdotes as I think will 
be of interest to the people of this county. 

At the death of Mr. Harseu (the lirst), the old homestead on the Island fell to his son 
Francis, who, during the war of 1S12, and for many years thereafter, held an a]ipoin'.ment in 
the Indian Department at Detroit. At the close of the war. in 1815, ho leased his farm to one 
Robert Lirtle, a Canadian, and a most lawful British subject. By the lease, Harsen was to 
receive rent from the products of the farm, a part of which would be apples and cider. In the 
succeeding fall, Harsen came up and collected rent without difficulty; but in the fall of 1816 
Little refused to pay rent to Harsen, who was astonished at such refusal and wished k) know 
the reason. Little staled to Harsen that the Island was in his Britannic .Majesty's dominion, 
and that no American citizen could, under present laws, hohl lanils und(<r the British (rovorn- 
ment; that he had ren<lered important services to his government and was (>ntitled to lands; 
that he was now in possession of th(* farm and should claim and hold it under British laws; ho 
then drove Harsen from the premises. Harsen returned to Detroit and engaged a lawyer by the 
name of Whitney, and in the year 1817 commenced suit in the County Court of Macomb 
County, then embracing all that jiortion of the territory lying north and east of the present 
boundary of that county. Judge Clemens was the first Judge, and Robert Fulton, the first pur- 
chaser of the land upon which St. Clair City now stands, was Sherifl". There was some delay 
in the prosecution of this suit, it seems, for it was late in the fall of 1S17 before the writ of 
ejectment was placed in thi> hands of SherifT Fulton. On its receipt this officer proceeded to 
execute it; hi- called on Little and demanded the surrender of the premises. On this Little 
forcibly put the officer out of doors, and told him that he shoiild ])rocure arms and shoot any 
person attempting to oust him; he claimed that he was a subject of Groat Britain and under 
the protection of that power; that no American court could interfere with or molest him. 
Fulton told the usurper that he would execute the writ if it took all the militia in the Terri- 
tory. Accordingly he call(>d on Lieut. William Brown for assistance; Brown made a selection 
of six men, two of whom had been discharged from our army, and the next day crossed over to 



288 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the j.sland. landing at m_v father's residence; after procuring a small jug of whisky for his men, 
the pai'ty proceeded up to Harsen's farm, the owner joining them on the way. It appeai-s that 
Little was on the lookout, and informed of the SlaerifTs coming, and had prepared for the 
fight. He loaded the four guns in his house with coarse shot, and had a large five pail kettle 
over the tire tilled with boiling water, and thus prepared he waited the assault. The assault- 
ing party, on their arrival, took possession of an outhouse, where they agreed upon a plan of 
attack, and fortified their courage by several nips from the contents of the little jug. It was 
agreed in council that Sheriff Fulton should tirst go to the outer door and in the name of the 
sovereign people of the United States demand a surrender of the premises, and, if refused, signal 
Lieut. Bi-own, who was to take the place by storm. Accordingly Sheriff Fulton proceeded to 
make the formal demand, followed, at a short distance, by Mr. Harsen, when Little tired on 
Harseu from a wiudow, wounding him in the fleshy part of the leg. At the report of Little's 
gun. Brown ordered his men to surround the house and return the fire, which was done; the 
tirst shots shivered the door behind which Little stood, one bullet going past him and entering 
the bud on which his daughter was sitting. Little did not wait for another volley, but cried 
for quarter, and sm-rendered himself into the hands of the Yankees he so much hated. 

Little had taken possession of the Harsen farm some months before my father arrived. He 
seemed to be annoyed at the presence of the hated Yankee, and sent his son down one morning 
to ask father what right he had to settle in British territory: father answered that he claimed 
none but lawful rights, and such as he could )uaintain. 

I am not in possession of the date when the county of St. Clair was tirst organized; but I 
remember that the township of Cottrellville once embraced all the territory of the township of 
Clay; the division was made in the month of May, 1828. The township of Cottrellville held 
two township meetings for the election of officers, previous to the division in 1828. The peo- 
ple of the township of Clay, looking forward to the time when a division would be made by 
common consent, called this township by the name of Plainfield, and the circumstances which 
caused the division are as follows: Capt. Samuel Ward, one of the early settlers in St. Clair 
County, was a prominent business man, a good and obliging neighbor, but a rabid jiolitician. 
There was no compromising matters with the Captain when his resolutions were once formed. 
Previous to the election in 1828, the Captain made his selection of township officers, and on 
learning that the people of the south part of the township were opposed to his nominations, 
and would, if allowed to vote, defeat him, he opposed our vote, alleging that we belonged to the 
township of Plainfield and were not residents of Cottrellville. The people of Clay called a 
meeting at the office of J. K. Smith, Esq., for the piu'pose of taking into consideration the 
threats of Capt. Ward, and to determine how to act. At this meeting it was determined that, 
as we legally belonged to the township of Cottrellville, we would all go up and offei' our votes, 
and if rejected, we would return to Mr. Smith's office and hold an election of our own. Ac- 
cordingly we were at an early hour at the polls aud tendered our votes, which were rejected, 
upon which we returned and held our election, and before separating a petition was drawn up 
and signed by the electors, asking our Legislative Council to legalize our j)roceedings, and fix 
the boundary of our township. At this time Judge J. W. Bunce was our Representative in 
the Territorial Legislature, and he caused immediate action to be taken on our petition; the 
act was passed and approved May 28, 1828. Capt. Ward did not relish the division of his 
township, for at that day there were more voters in Clay than there were in Cottrellville, aud 
in respect to numbers we were a small township before the division. 

Judge Bunce was elected to represent us by scarcely a dissenting voice; but the prompt 
manner in which he took our petition in hand was offensive to Capt. Ward, who afterward be- 
came his most bitter opponent. 

At a very early date, about the year 1820, there came to the city of Detroit a lawyer by the 
name of Alexander O'Kefle, M'ho was liberally educated and a thoroughbred lawyer, but was 
extremely intemperate in his habits. His drinking sprees were frequent, sometimes lasting for 
weeks. He became acquainted with Judge Bunce, visiting him often, sometimes prolonging 
his visits for weeks, and through the Judge's influence he became Prosecuting Attorney for the 
county of St. Clair. O'Keflfe, on one of his visits to Judge Bunce, expressed a wish to repre- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COINTY, , 289 

sent St. Clair in our Logislativo Council nt its next sittinj^. ;uul he stated that tlu> Judge favored 
his election, wliich was doubted I)}' the leading mc<u of the county. In the following year, 
O'Keiie came nj) from Detroit to (-anvass the county, and made his first call on my fatlior. He 
introduced his subject by stating that he liad (|uit the use of intoxicating li(|Uors; that he had 
determined on a thorough reformation, and was about to take* up his abode ))ermanently in St. 
Clair County. Relying on his reformation and ability, lie had come to offer himscslf as a candi- 
date to represent oiu' county in the Territorial Legislature. In reply my father said: " Coun- 
selor, I am glad to hear of your proposed reformation, and as to your abilities, no one doubts 
them. Come and make j'our home among us for one year, and give us proof of your reforma- 
tion, and there is not the least iloubt that you will become a favorite among the people, who 
will certainly give yoa their hearty su])port; but to bo candid, Counselor, I must insist on one 
year's reformation l)efore I can give you my support." At this, O'Keflfe became angry and saiil: 
" Sir, I wish you to know that I was (educated at two of the ))est seminaries in England, and I 
was bred at the Irish bar; and, sir, I can write your Governor down." After this outburst of 
passion there v?as a [lause. 111'. James AVolvertou, who was ]iresent, remarked: " Counselor, you 
remind me of the story of the calf that sucked two cows. " "Indeed." said O'Kefie, "and what of 
that, sir?" "Nothing in particular," said Wolverton, "only it is said the more he sucked thi> 
larger he grew," At this remark, O'Keft'e smiled and became? ap])arently good natured, when the 
three went into a calm discussion of the n;atter. My father and Wolverton tried to convince him 
that Bunce did not intend to support him, but on the other hand was seeking his own election, 
O'Keffe said: "It may be so, but if I thought there wan such deception in professed friends, I 
would throw myself on the mercy of the Lord." From the iirst organization of oiu' county up 
to the year 1 Si!( I, O'KefJe practiced in our (Jounty Court, most of the time as Prosecuting Attorney, 
A soldier at Fort Gratiot had murdered a comrade, and was delivered over to the authorities 
for trial; at the time, Judge Sibley, of Detroit, was our Circuit Judge, and O'Keflfe, I'rosecuting 
Attorney. This was the first time I sat on a gi'and jury. The jiiry in this case found a true 
bill of indictment The bill was drawn up by O'Kett'e while vis'ting Judge Bunce. In order 
to dress in tlu; backwoods style of that day, O'Keflfe procar(>d a pair of buckskin pants, which 
he wore on visiting my father. I thought if he had had a little of my experience, he would not be 
so proud of his buckskin jiants. for I had worn several ]3airs. When new and ke[)t dry, they are 
rather pleasant things to wear; but when frequently wet they become stifif and rattle like a 
brass kettle. It wet. on going to bed, my plan was to hang them up and m;ik- the legs as round 
iis I could get them. After several wettings they become almost unmanageable. In instances 
of this kind I used to bring them to the barn and run them through the flax break, which would 
scjften them and make th(MU (|uite dry again, but in spite of me they would retain the sound of 
the brass kettle. 

I learn that St. Clair County was organized May S, IS'Jl. James Fulton was the iirst 
purchaser of the site on which the city of St. Clair now stands, which in ])rocess of time be- 
came the pi'operty of Thomas Palmer, of Detroit, Mi-. Fulton made the purchase with the view 
of making it the county seat of St. Clair County, and Mr. Palmer labored hard to accomplish 
the same end. Fulton and Palmer were opposed byCapt. Saniuel Ward, who wished the county 
seat established at or near his tract of land, which now embraces Marine City. In the county 
seat war, my father favored Sj^. Clair. Charles Noble, of the city of Monroe, one of the Com- 
missioners appointed to decide on the proper place for the county seat, called on my father on 
his way uj) to examine the two proj) )sed places. My father gave his reasons for favoring the 
town of St. Clair; our first county seat war ended by the location of the county government at 
the latter point. 

Capt. Eber Brock Ward, late of Detroit, was but a mere child at this time, and bad no 
connection with the business of his uncle, Capt. Samuel Ward, until the fall of 1832, when he 
took my place as clerk for his uncle. 

The first jail in the county was erected by James Fulton, at the county seat. It is stated 
that the building was so constructed as to answer the doable purpose of jail, and in the absence 
of prisoners, was used by Mr. Fulton as a root house, I could naraj the first criminal lodged 

19 



290 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

in the institution, but for the sake of friends forbear. I could relate many interesting anec- 
dotes of the county seat war, but time will not permit. 

For the entertainment of our commercial men, I will give the names of the first steamboats 
that jilied between Detroit and Port Huron. The first boat making her appearance on this 
route was the Argo, in 1830. She was constructed from two large whitewood trees converted 
into canoes or " dug outs," joined together so as to make a sharp bow and square stern. She 
was owned and commanded by Capt. Burtice, of Detroit. On her arrival at Strumness Island, 
the Captain would take on board a quantity of fencei rails, as it appears she could net carry 
sufficient fuel for the trip. 

About the year 1831, the Gen. Gratiot was placed on the St. Clair route. She was owned 
by Dr. Rice & Co., of Detroit, and commanded by Capt. John Clark, of East China. The length 
of time the Gratiot kept the St. Clair route I have forgotten. Capt. Clark was well liked and 
the Gratiot became a great favorite with the traveling public. About the year 1833, Capt. Bur- 
tice placed the Gen. Brady on the same route, but she did not remain over two years. The 
Lady of the Lake, commanded by Capt. Sylvester Atwood, was a small boat fitted for carrying 
freight; she did not remain long on the I'oute. In the year 1836, the Erie made her appearance 
on St. Clair River, and was the fastest boat of her size on the lakes. She wr,s principally 
owned by James Abbott, of Detroit, and continued on the St. Clair route until 1842, when she 
was lost in the ice of Lake St. Clair. Capt. Samuel Ward placed the Hui-on on the same I'oute 
in 1840. The Huron was the largest and best boat on the route, and was commanded by Caj^t. 
E. B. Ward. At this time, Newport, St. Clair and Port Hviron were rapidly increasing in pop- 
ulation, and the county was filling up with active and industrious farmers; the same spirit of 
enterprise was manifested on the Canada side of. the river. Lake Huron shore and river ports 
gave this steamer full freights; her handsome and commodious cabins wer^ always crowded with 
passengers. She continued on the route until worn out, each year of her service netting the 
Wards thousands of dollars; she was the first great paying investment, and her earnings formed 
the foundation for their colossal fortunes. There were other boats that ran in opposition to 
the Huron, but they were either run (or bought) off the route by the Wards. All opposition 
lines to them have incontinently failed, and when Eber B. Ward sold the route its pm'chasers 
followed in his steps and maintained their claims against all opposition. 

The first boat liuilt in our county was owued and commanded by Samuel Ward, called the 
St. Clair, which was built in the year 1820, for lake navigation. After the Erie Canal was 
opened, Capt. Ward freighted his boat at Detroit for New York City, and took on board two 
horses to tow her through the canal. On ari'iving at Erie he took down his masts, stowed them 
snugly on deck, entered and towed safely through the canal; an'ived at the Hudson he shipped 
the masts, bent the sails, and soon came to anchorage at the Metropolis. Procuring a full freight 
back, he returned, but was somewhat disajipointedupon being required to pay toll. CaptY/ard 
not only calculated on getting through the canal free of toll but expected to receive a premium, 
as his was the first boat from the lakes. The St. Clair was the first boat built at Marine City, 
which is to-day the most extensive shipbuilding town in the State except Detroit. 

The first vessel built at the town of St. Clair was the Grand Turk, owned by the father of 
Capt. Alex. St. Barnard; she was of about forty tons burden, Barber, the master-builder, was a 
very ordinary workman, and the vessel, when completed, was a rough-looking concern, and, per- 
haps, "Grand Turk'' was the most appropriate name for her. To look at her — 

" She seemed to dure the elements to strife '■" 
but, under a press of sail, did not — 

•' * walk the waters like a thinj; of life !" 
However, in her day, she carried many a load of lumber and shingles to Detroit. 

The first vessel Clay produced was built by Capt. Amos Henkly and R. Newhall, about the 
year 1824; she was about fifty tons burden and was called the Savage, of Detroit. She was 
used as a trader, and ran to Mackinac and Green Bay. She was the first vessel that entered 
and wintered in St. Joseph River. Henkly, on his return to Detroit, represented it as a fit place 
to build a flourishing town, and, when the site was secured, he claimed an interest in the lands 
as his possessory right, he having built the first house on the premises. In 1834, he died on 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 291 

his boat and was biu-ied in the sand on the Canada shore. Tho followiuff winter, Mr. William 
Brown had the body raised and properly interred on the American side of the river. Mr. JJrown 
had a perfect likeness of Capt. Heukly which he carefully preserved, and it is now in the pas- 
session of some of his family. 

Within the past two decades, a multitude of boats and vessels have been built at Marine 
City, but the first vessel bnilt on Belle River was the Pilot, and was owned Ijy Ca|)t. Andrew 
Wesbrook and Capt. A. B. Henkly. The owners disagreed about the management of the ves- 
sel, and to settle the ditificulty the boat was sold to Mr. Newberry, of Detroit. A full history 
of the ship-building of St. Clair River, together with a sketch of the lives of the different coin- 
manders, would make a large and interesting book. 

Before closing, I claim it to be my duty to leave a little record of my deceased brother, 
Capt. John H. Stewart. He may be justly ranked among the pioneer sailors of the lakes: ho 
also stood high in his profession, and was greatly respected. In 1S17, my father bnilt a lit- 
tle sloop of twelve tons burden, for the purpose of carrying shingles, tan-bark, coal and such 
other freight as could be picked up along the shore of the river. In those days, men havini»- 
freight of this kind were expected to help load and unload, as well ;>,s assist in the management 
of the boat. My brother commanded the sloop, and it was then he acquired a love for sailin<>- 
and determined to make it his business. At the age of seventeen ho made his wishes known to 
my father, who gave his coQsent. and in order that his boy might become perfect in his profes- 
sion, he had him placed in charge of Capt. Chesley Blake, who had command of a fine schooner 
called the Mariner. My brother remained with Capt. Blake two seasons, and sailed the follovsr- 
ing season with Capt. Flaharty, on board a little Cleveland schooner called the Eclipse. He 
spent the winter of that year at liochester, N, Y., and at the opening of navigation the next 
spring, enteretl the emjiloy of Thompson & Co., of Buffalo. After that he entered the ein|)loy 
of O. Newberry, of Detroit, and sailed with Capt. Dingly on board the La Salle, and the two 
following seasons he was mate on one of Newberry's vessels. He nest commanded the Pilot, 
built by Wesbrook & Henkly, and the following season he fitted out the Marshal Ney, owned 
by Ward & Newljerry, and went as mate on her that year with Capt. Ward. I am not in pos- 
session of the dates, and can only give the time in which my brother first went as seaman, and 
the length of time he continued on the lakes. He shipped with Capt. Blake in 1820, as an a})- 
prentice. The names of the vessels and boats he commanded are as follows : The Pilot, Mar- 
shal Ney, Jena, Marengo, La Salle, Nai)oleon 1st, the brig M.inhattan and Napoleon 'id, which Mr. 
Newberry placed on Lake Su])erior. It strikes me very forcibly that he had command of one 
more vessel, but ;nu not certain. In ISU), he chartered the Gen. Harrison from Capt. W'ard for 
$1,200, and on his first trip from Chicago to Buffalo, he brought down a cargo of wheat at 25 
cents per bushel, which amounted to $1,000, $200 less than the charter. 

The first time business took me to Black River, where the city of Port Huron now stands, 
there wei-e but three dwelling houses in the place, one being occupied by a Mr. I'etit, and an- 
other was used as an Indian trading house. At that time, a mission school was oi)ened at Port 
Gratiot with one Mr. Hudson as principal, and a Mr. Hart as assistant. A very interesting 
and coiToct account of the early settlement of Port Huron and Black River has Ikh'u jinblished 
by Mrs. B. C. Farrand, of Port Huron, she obtaining information ])rincipally from Mr. Petit. 
I was much pleased when I read the article, on account of its correctness. The only error I 
detected, was in spoiling Mr. Graveraet's name. Mr. G. assisted in procuring scholars for the 
mission school, and without his influc^nce scarcely a scholar could be got. He was my step- 
mother's brother, aiid uncle to Garret G. Stewart, of Harsen's Island. -Yfter a trial of about 
two years, the mission was moved to the Island of Mackinac, where it was assisted by Mr. 
Graveraet's brother Henry. The only Indian scholar that I can remember attending the Fort 
Gratiot school was a brother-in law of Mr. Jonathan Burtcli. who (iame to Port Huron at an 
early date, and if I am not mistaken he erected the first fram(> building in which goods were 
sold. The first mill for the manufacture of pine lumber erecteil on Black River was built by 
Mr. Enos Morass, some years before the war of 1812. During the late war with Enghmd, our 
Government wanted some large sticks of pine timber, and the contract for furnishing them was 
given to Mr. Morass, who procured men and teams and went up Black River, selected and cut 



292 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COITNTY. 

the timber, passins^ with it on his trains down Black and St Clair Rivers, over Lake St. Clair, 
and down Detniit River, all the way on the ice, which at that day was considered an extraordi- 
nary undertaking. Another risky and dangerous undertaking which happened during the war, 
was performed by Mr. William Brown, father of Mr. James Brown, of Cottrellville. The 
troops at Fort Gratiot were short of provisions, and the Commissary at Detroit had orders to 
supply them. A short time jsrevious, a Lieutenant of the Fort, in passing down the river, was 
shot liy the Indians ;;nd killed, but the men who accompanied him escaped. At this time it was 
considered dangei-ous for small bodies of men to travel along the northern shore of Lake and 
River St. Clair, as large numbers of Indians were secreted in the woods. The Commissary, in 
looking for a man who was thoroughly acquainted with the roads and paths through the forest, 
was recommended t ) Mr. Brown as a man well posted in the route, also a man of great courage 
and energy. Mr. Brown was engaged, and the next morning at an early hour he left Detroit 
with a train of fat cattle and other articles, arriving at Point aux Trembles that night. The next 
day he arrived at Fort Gratiot all safe. The supplies were gladly received, the officer in com- 
mand thanking Mr. Brown for his promptness in the delivery. Another circumstance by which 
Mr. Brown met the approval of the military authorities happened in the fall of 1819. The 
militia of St. Clair was commanded by Capt. Wesbrook and Lieut. William Brown. While 
engaged in a training, two of the militia men (juarreled and wanted to tight, but were prevent- 
ed by Lieut. Brown. Capt. Wesbrook said, let them tight if they wish, which remark brought 
on a quarrel between the Captain and the Lieutenant. Wesbrook charged Brown with disobey- 
ing a superior officer. Brown appeared before the Commander-in-Chief, who discharged Wes- 
brook and appointed Brown Captain in his place. 

The first minister of the Gospel that visited our county came to my father's residence in 
the winter of 1818. His name was Dickson, and he was connected with the M. E. Church. 
There 'were but three families on the island, all of whom assembled at my father's residence to 
hear Mr. Dickson's discourse, which was the first sermon preached in St. Clair County by a 
Protestant minister. Two years after, we had preaching once a month by Methodist ministers, 
their circuit being very large, embracing the city nf Chatham, Out., and the country along 
River St. Clair. They were almost constantly in the saddle to meet their appointments. My 
father, although a Calvinist Baptist, and strongly opposed to Armenian doctrines, opened his 
house for these energetic men, and encour-aged them until they organized societies able to suj)- 
port their own ministers. The Methodist ministers of that day were poor, humble and devout 
men, and the members of their societie- lived the same prayerful lives. The Methodists of to- 
day, I think, have lost the religious simplicity possessed by the ministers of those early days. 
The Methodist ministers of to-day have more learning, the church has become wealthy, they 
have got hold of the silver spoons, and are standing on their dignity like other sectarian 
churches. 

While I am writing about Methodist ministers, I will relate a little incident that happened 
about the year 1820. It was about midwinter, the weather being extremely cold; our minis- 
ter called on us about 4 o'clock, and was seated in the sitting room before a roaring fire. 
While thus seated, the juvenile part of my father's family sf)oke to each other in whispers, and 
walked over the floor on their tip-toes. We were a noisy set usually, but our reverence for a 
minister of the Gospel was such as to place us under restraint. The house in which my father 
resided was of the old French style, and was built soon after the taking of Canada from the 
French. It had two bed rooms, a sitting room and a large kitchen, with a small bed room for 
the boys; consequently we could not lodge many guests. At about S o'clock that evening, three 
men called and asked for lodging for the night. They were three lawyers from Detroit; one 
■was Judge B. F. H. Witherall, who was then a young lawyer, bearing a very youthful appear- 
ance. After our lawyers had partaken of their supper, arrangements for bed accommodation 
were made. Of course the minister must have the best bed and room; as the three lawyers 
could not sleep in one bed with comfort, it was therefore decided to bring the bed and bedding 
from the bed room and place it on the parlor floor before the fire-place, which was large, and 
was, on that occasion, jirovided with sufficient wood to keep tire at least ten hours. Our legal 
guests cheerfully submitted to the arrangements, and as the night was very cold, a pitcher of 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 293 

hot whisky sling was prepared for them before retiring, and a kettle of hot water was left un 
the hearth in case they required more sling. It appears that the lawyers spent the most of the 
night in drinking, telling anecdotes, laughing, etc. I learned from our good minister what 
had been going on in the parlor during the night. He got up about 4 o'clock and asked me to 
get his horse: he had had but little sleep and intended leaving before breakfast, not wishing 
any more of their company. I expressed my sorrow, and hoped that the next time he came he 
would have no Detioit lawyers to disturb him. I don't think there could be found at the 
present age a minister who would leave bed at 4 o'clock to avoid the company of three young 
lawyers. I have forgotten the names of the two that were with young Withei-all, and have not 
since learned whether or not they repented of their sins. I was afterward informed that 
Witherall, some years later, joined the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church at Detroit. He was a good 
lawyer and afterward became Judge of the Wayne County Criminal Court. 

But few, at this day, are aware of the hatred manifested bj' the old British settlers of the 
Territory, toward the Yankee, a name given by them to all American citizens of the United 
States. It was not so with the French people; they were glad to have the Bostonians come 
among them; but the most hatred was manifested by the old Indian traders. They feared the 
settlement of the State would injure their trade. In the neighboi-hood where my father lived 
there was an Indian trader; he was at home but a few months in the year; most of his time was 
occupied abroad with the Indians. He had a particular hatred for the d-d Yankee, as he 
generally called all persons from the States. He had manifested his spleen toward my father, 
who was informed of it through friendly parties. Early in the .spring of 181(3, he called a[)par- 
ently in great haste. He said that the Black Chief had called a council of the Indians, and 
that they were determined that no American should reside on the island; that the tirst settlers 
on the island were in general council adopted with their children into their tribes and could 
remain, but they would force all others to leave. He said he had called to give timely notice 
that my father could be put on his guard; and he feai-ed he would have trouble with the Black 
Chief. This message was delivered in a hasty manner and our informant left. In a few days 
an Indian called at my father's somewhat intoxicated. Ho made some statements which led my 
father to lielievo that he had been stuil'ed by the Indian trader. At this time, a neighbor stepj)ed 
in and the Indian ])icked a quarrel with him and was knocked down. My father believing 
that the trader's whisky and counsel was the cause of the Indian's insolence and threats, seized 
his ax and hastened to the trader's house and when there walked deliberately in, knocked in 
the head of his barrel of whisky and turned it on the floor. The next day he manned his canoe 
and went to Detroit and statt d his case to Gov. Cass. Ho informed the Governor th;it he had on 
one side a loyal British subject who disputed his right to reside on the island, and on the other 
hand, an Indian trader whom, he had good reason to believe, was instigating the Indians to an- 
noy and molest him. t)u this re|iresentation the Governor told my father to return and if he 
should be fm'ther molested, to give him notice, and he would send troojis- to })rotect him. This 
affair ended all further trouble; tlie Indians became my father's best friends, and for many 
years su])plied his table with venison and all kinds of wild game. 

While I am writing about Indians. I will state a circumstance that happened in the year 
1812 or 1813, as related by my step mother. At the breaking-out of the war, the British Gov- 
ernment secured the services (with l)ut few exceptions) of all the Indians residing at Mackinac, 
Sault Ste Marie and (he shores of Lake Huron; a large number of them went in with the British 
troojis to the assault on Fort Sandusky, commanded by Capt. Croghan. Thi^ repulse given by 
the Americans was so spirited and so destructive, that the British made a hasty retreat back to 
Maiden, which cause'd a panic among their Indian allies, many of tlu>m refusing to remain. 
Two large birch canoes, tilled with returning Indians were passing u)) the River St. Clair in 
the night, and when near my step -mother's residence on Harsen's Island, a thunder-storm burst 
upon them and upset one of their canoes, throwing about sixteen Indian warriors into the river 
to struggle for their lives. The night was perfect darkness and it was a long while before they 
could reach the sliore. Those that reached the shore shouted to those struggling in the water, 
through the lightning's flash and ])eals of thunder. The shouts of Indians continued until all • 
not drowned reached the shore. To my step-mother the scene was so frightful that she seized 



294 HISTORY OF ST. OLAIR COUNTY. 

her brother's infant, threw a bhmket around it and was about rushing to the wood near by, 
fearing that the Indians would massacre them, when she was prevented from doing so by her 
brother, and they both waited for the morning to reveal the mystery of the Indian shouts and 
yelis of the night. At the dawn of day the nest morning, two birch canoes tilled with Indians 
were seen to leave the opposite side of the river and approach the island, and twenty great 
strapping Indians came ashore, their faces all blackened with charcoal — the Indian manner of 
mourning for departed friends. They looked very solemn, and stated that they were induced 
to go to war by the British, and were told by them that the Kit-che-moco-mans (Long-knives) 
were great cowards, and easily whipped, but they had found the statement not true; that the 
Americans had killed a great many British at Lower Sandusky; and that they had to retreat to 
save their lives, and were returning home when the storm struck them last night; one of their 
canoes was upset; that they were a long time in reaching shore; that two of their number were 
drowned. The Indian speaker ended his statements by advising Mr. Graveraet to leave imme- 
diately, as the Long-knives were coming and would kill them. 

At the breaking-out of the last war with England, there resided at or near Mackinac an 
Indian chief by the name of Wing, who was friendly to the Americans, and when the British 
with their Indian allies surprised and captured Mackinac, in 1812, the chief, Wing, refused to 
take any part in the transaction, and through his influence restrained the members of his band 
from taking presents from the British, not even accepting a i^lug of tobacco. His fidelity to 
the Americans was so great that he selected eight strong men of his band to man his large 
birch canoe, with which he passed down Lakes Huron and St. Clair, and gave information to 
Gov. Hull of the capture of Mackinac. For this information and his zeal and fidelity to the 
American Government, he became a great favorite with the officers commauding at Mackinac. 
He visited the Governor every year at Detroit until his advanced age prevented him. 

I have one more Indian story to relate, which happened in the spring of 1816, when (Jol. 
McNeil commanded Fort Gratiot. Among the numerous families of Indians that resided on 
Black River was that of an old Indian by the name of Black Snake. He had a numerous 
family and was related to John Riley, a half Indian, who selected lands and resided in the 
township of Riley, St. Clair County. The town at its first organization was called Riley, in 
memory of the old Indian residents, The father of John Riley was a resident of Albany, N. 
Y.. where his son John was educated when a boy. John considered himself a citizen of the 
United States, and the band of Indians to which he belono-ed were, thrDugh his influence, 
recognized as belonging to and under the protection of the American Government. Among 
this baud of Indians there was a strong-built Indian by the name of Black Duck. He had for 
a wife a daughter of Black Snake and was strongly attached to the American Government. The 
Black Duck was an invited guest at a great Indian feast held at or near the motith of Black 
River. At this feast much whisky was drunk and many speeches made. The Indians from 
Canada took part, one of whom boasted of his power and bravery as a warrior, and related how 
many Americans he had killed and scalped dm'ing the past war. As soon as the Indian finished this 
fijx'ech, Black Duck jumped to his feet, and seizing a tomahawk, approached the speaker and said: 
"You are agreat brave; you have killed many Americans; you havetaken their scalps. The Ameri 
cans you have killed were my fi-iends, ;md jou will kill no more!" Black Duck buried his toma- 
hawk in the boastful speaker's head and here the pleasiu-es of the feast ended. The Black 
Duck knew that the avengers of blood woixld be upon him, for with the Indians it was, as it 
has been in olden times, " an eye for an oye, and a tooth for a tooth;" he therefore hastened to 
lay his case before Gov. Cass, and seek his protection. He was placed in the fort for 
safety. The Governor was well acquainted with John Riley, who had rendered valuable service 
to our Government during the war. Through Kiley, a pz'oposition was made to have the matter 
settled by paying the Indians for their dead relative. On this proposition a council was held 
before the Governor, at which the avengers of blood agreed to take pay for their dead relative 
according to their valuation, besides a selection of goods from the public store in Detroit. 
They demanded forty quarts of whisky, which they considered necessary in order to soften 
th(ur hearts and cause the tears to flow more easily over their dead relative. The Governor's 
Secretary drew an order on my father for the forty qtiarts of whisky. I was present and won- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COTTNTY. 295 

dered that Indians with such dark skins should paint their faces l)la('k with charcoal, l)nt 1 was 
told that they were mourniuo^ for the dead. 

I have stated that Mr. Jacob Harsen was the first piu'chasor of Harsou's Island. Ho had a 
family of seven children, five sons and two dauj^hters. His eldest daughter was the wife of 
Mr. Graveraet. who settled with him on the island. Immediately after the purnhaso of the 
island from the Indians, Mr. Graveraet died, leaving a family of four chilib-en, who, vvith their 
mother, made their home principally with their grandfather, until grown up and sufficiently 
old to take care of themselves. In the two families, thus united, there were several serious 
accidents causing the death of some of its menibei-s and loss of limb to others. It appears that 
Mr. Harsen was brought up in the faith and discipline of the Lutheran Church, and he endeav- 
ored to train his children in accordance with the rules of that church. Although in a wilder- 
ness where wild game was abundant, he forbade the use of fire-arms on the Sabbath. But one 
Sabbath morning while all was quiet and the members of the family were all in the house, a 
large Hock of ducks lit on the shore near the house. The sight of the ducks was so tempting 
to the eldest son that he seized his gun and attempted to lire at the ducks, hut the jiowdor 
flashed in the i)an; he ran into the house to re-prime his gun. When entering, the butt of the 
gun struck the door, which caused au explosion, the whole charge entering Miss Graveraet's 
ai'm, then a girl of seven years. It was so frightftilly mangled that she was immediately taken 
to Detroit to have it amputated. Mi.ss Graveraet spent most of the days of her childhood in 
the family of Judge May, of Detroit, where she learned to sew, and became so expert with the 
needle that few could excel her at various kinds of needlework. She became my father's second 
wife in 1814, and was the mother of Ca]it. Albert Stewart, of Detroit, and Garret G. Stewart 
Esq., of Harsen's Island. The next serious accident that happened in the Harsen family was 
in 1800. At this time old Mr. Harsen was dead, and his son Barnard became head of the 
family. It appears that a keg of powder had been placed in the parlor chimney, and on Sat- 
urday evening several pounds had been weighed out to men that had been at work in the har- 
vest field dm'ing the week, and some had been spilt on the hearth; by some means fire had 
been communicated to the powder, and the whole keg of twenty pounds exploded, blowing the 
house into fragments, and instantly killing Mr. Barnard Harsen and Mrs. Graveraet; a large 
pewter platter, which was lying on the head of the keg. was driven with such force as to almost 
cut Mrs. Graveraet in two; other members of the family were badly burned and wound(>il. but 
recovered. At the time of this explosion, there was stopping with Mr. Harsen a Moravian min- 
ister by the name of Donkey, who was a great smoker, and it was surmised that he had emj)tied 
his pii>e on the chimney, which set fire to some paper and thus communicated with the powder. 
Denkey was not in the house at the time of the explosion, and the conjecture that he was the 
cause, may have been wrong. He wrote out a full statement of the accident and had it placed 
in my step-mother's Bible, and when a boy I read the account as he gave it, but the record is 
lost and I am writing from memory. At this explosion, a looking-glass of my step-mother's 
was blown nearly a mile, and was found in the south channel of River St. Clair; the frame and 
quicksilver were gone; it was put in a frame again and kept by my st(?p moth(>r as a relic of the 
accident. 

About ten y(>ars after the lilowing-u]) of the house, causing the death of two of th(> mem- 
ber of the Harsi>u family. Mr. -lames Harsen went over to Big Bear Creek on the Canadian 
side to ti'ade with th(* Indians. At this time. John Rihiy was there on a spree, and as Mr. Har- 
sen was stooping to enter his cabin, he (Itiley) fired off his rifle, the ball entering Mr. H.'s eye 
and passing out behind his ear. From this wound ilr. Harsen lingered in great misery for 
about six mouths, and died at his home on Harsen's Island. 

The names of the steamboats commanded by ray brother John were Michigan 1. and 
Micfiigan 2, owned by O, Newberry, of Detroit, and the North(>in. owned in Ch^veland. He also 
commanded a steamboat on the Chic-ago and St. -Joseph route, the name of which T have for- 
gotten. In \H^>y>. he purchased an interest in the steam tug Pilot, but as his health was fast 
failing his physicians advised him to abandon the waters and remain (juiet at home. Ho did 
as advised, remaining at home till the day of his death, which was on the 'JSth of May, 1855, 
in the fiftieth yeai- of his age. He entered on his profession in the year 1820. and continued it 



296 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

for thii'ty-five years. He was the first seaman from St. Clair County appointed to the command 
of a vessel at Detroit. In two cases he risked his life to save the lives of drowning sailors and 
passengers. He was generous to a fault, and could shed a tear for suffering humanity. His 
death was sudden, as his physicians had ]ireviously told him it would be. He was at my jjlaee 
in the morning on business aud died before reaching home, in an. apoplectic lit, it being the 
third attack of the kind. He left a sood record, which his surviving children should imitate 
and be proud of. 

After writing the above memoirs, I visited my brother, G. G. Stewart, of Harsen's Island, 
and while there I asked to examine my father's papers, among which I found the appointment 
of Harvey Stewart as County Commissioner, in and for the county of St. Clair. The commis- 
sion had the seal of the Territory, signed by Lewis Cass, Governor, and William Woodbridge, 
Secretary of State, and was dated the 22d day of May, 1822. Following the above appoint- 
ment is the commission of Gov. Cass appointing my fatlier Master in Chaucery in and for the 
Territory of Michigan, aud dated April 20, 1827. 

Regai'ding myself, I have made a poor record. While many men of my day have become 
wealthy, and some have filled honorable stations, it has been my lot to remain poor. The ex- 
posm-es of my pioneer life left me subject to chronic diseases at the age of forty, which have 
prevented me from doing continuous hard labor; yet I have assisted in clearing up three farms, 
one of which I had the misfortune to lose through a defective title, but afterward recovered 
part by pui'chase from the lawful owner, requiring all my earnings for five years to meet the 
payments. I have lamented my lack of a good education; the little I did receive was picked 
up two and three months at a time, the whole not exceeding one year's tuition. Had I been 
blest with a good education, I should have sought business less laborious, in which I am in- 
clined to think I would have succeeded. After all, my evil Genii may have been the cause of 
all my mishap^. Possessing as I do a nervous temperament, I have many times kicked against 
the pricks; yet in the discharge of iDublic dnty and business affairs, I have endeavored to make 
myself reliable. I, with my deceased brother, Capt. J. H. Stewart, came to Michigan in the 
month of November, ISlEJ. I have been a resident of St. Clair County sixty years, and now 
claim to be the oldest emigrant resident of St. Clair County. To-day there are only four per- 
sons living in the township of Clay that cast their ballots at the first election held in St. Clair 
County and the names of these persons are, George Harrow,* Azel Able and the writer." 

In February, 1870, the following letter appeared regarding some of Mr. Stewart's state- 
ments : 

Harsen's Isl.\nd, February, 1876. 
Editok G-\7,ette— In A. P. Stewart's recollections concerning the shooting of Francis Harsen Ijy Robert 
Little, some mis-statements are made which I wish to correct. Little never refused to pay rent ; no trouble 
arose from that cause. When the first lease had expired, Harsen came up from Detroit aud leased his farm to 
Little for five years more. It was agreed that Little was to go to Detroit and then papers would be drawn up 
to this effect. Before Little went to Detroit, A. P. Stewart's father took occasion to inform Harsen that 
Little would attempt to hold possession of his farm if he (Harsen) leased it to him for another five years ; 
it was thought likely, at that time, that the island would fall to the British Government, and Stewart, sup- 
posing Little to be a British subject, told Harsen that Little would claim it. Little never told Harsen that he 
would dispossess him. nor did he ever order him from the premi.ses. 

When Little was informed by friends tliat Harsen was coming with a force of men to oust him, he was 
greatly surprised. AVhen he saw them coming \u: barred the doors ; they demanded the premises, and Little 
refused to yield possession, having a lease of them for five years, as he could prove. Then they went around 
in front of the house and held a council, and afterward marched down to Stewart's distillery and he .supplied 
them with whisky. At this moment one of the men, more into.xieated than tlie rest, approached the hou.se 
and fired llirongli the window, the bullet passing Ijetween Little's wife and daughter, who were sitting on a 
bed. Then Ivittle shot at the man who fired through the window, missing him ; one of the shot, however, 
.struck Francis Harsen in the fleshy part of the leg. Harsen, when hit, was walking by himself on the bank 
of the river. It was thought, from the positions of the parties, that the .shot must have glanced from the 
frozen groiuul and struck Harsen. the wounded man himself afterward coinciding in this opinion. 

Sherilf Fullon eatne to the window and advised Little to give up the premises, saying that the men were 
all intoxicated and lie was afraid niight commit murder. Little told him if lie had proper authority he might 
break the door down and he would not molest him or any of his part}'. Then Lieut. Brown came in and was 
.sliowing his authority by throwing the furniture annmd. when Little put Brown out of doors. The case was 
carried into court. .Vflerward Harsen came to a .settlement with Little, and all trouble ceased, 

Harsen said himself that there woidd not have been any trouble had it not been for A. P. Stewart's 

*WiIliaiu nill, wlio died since tJie publication of Mr. Stewart's memoirs commenced, was one of tlie first to cast a ballot. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 297 

fatlier. Stewart was tlir instigator cif the row. llarson and iiittir were ever after frieiHls, remaining .so 
until dealli. 

Roliert Mltle wa.s born in Jlaryiand ; his father moved to (Jrosse I'oint. .'\rieli., and he lived there with 
his father until he became of ase and owned a farm there. Married a iliss Tucker, of Mt. Clemens ; sold his 
farm at that point and bought a farm at iMt. Clemens ; from thence he came up and lea.sed Harsen's farm to 
carry on a dairy ; from thence he moved back to Mt. Clemens ; lived ther<' until his wife's death. lie had a 
family of twelve children, of whom niiu' are living ; the oldest is eighty four years of age. Two sons of his 
were Volunteers in the war of ISl-J. at. iMt. ("Icmens. uiuler Col. Stockton. His daughter, Mrs. Johnson, who 
came so near getting shot, is living yet. .\fter his wife's death, he resided with bis son in \Vallaceburg. Out., 
one of the most prominent V)usiness men of that place, where he dic<l in IH4T, aged .seventy-six years. He 
left a large circle of friends aiul relatives to mourn his loss. 

This statement I learned from Francis Har.sen and from my father. Robert Ivittle, as well as from other 
eye witnesses, who, I think, have better recollections than A. P. Stewart, of this ease. 

Yours respectfully, N. Little. 

The following; lottor from ^Ir. Stewart formoil the reply : 

.\r.ooK.\c. February 2(5, IMTI!. 

Eofroii G.\/KTTH — In the last issue of your paper I tind a note liy which I learn that you hesitate to 
publish my reply to \. Little, until you see me. but for what reason I cannot easily guess. N. Little, in his 
reply to the account given in my memoirs of the sliooting of Mr. Ilar.sen, midges out my statement to be 
false ; that my father was a liad man and the cause of that ditficulty ; lie also states that the militiamen col- 
lected by SherilT Fulton and commanded liy Lieut. Brown, were a drunken mot). I am not willing to icinaiu 
silent ami allow such statements to go before the public tinrcbuked. Mr. John Robertson, an old gentleman 
residing on Belli' River, is the only living man that assisti'd SherilT Fulton in getting Little from the llarsen 
farm. Mr. Roliertson's moral character is unitnpeachable ; he is a Christian and is respected where known. 
N. Little's statements have been prc'tty thoroughly discussed in this place since their publication, and are not 
believed by the respectable |)art of the c-ommunity. I have rentained quiet and let the public discuss tlu^ 
matter, and was much gratified when informed that the decisions were in my favor. N. Little accuses me of 
falsehood, and taints the rcput.ation of my father. Slierilf Fulton. Lieut. Brown and the men under his com- 
mand ; and in reply. I claim the right to give a bric^f history of N. LittU''s ftither and grandfather, and let 
them stand face to face before the public. To refuse me this privilege is wronging me and the worthy per- 
sons I feel it my duty to defend. Perhaps you thiid< my reply to N. Little too severe ; severe or not. it is a 
matter of history recorded in tlu' memory of the old inhabitants for the last eighty years, and so often n-lated 
in my hearing when a boy, that I retained it as readily as I do the English alphabet. If you think my char.ge 
too heavy for your gun. and that it will burst in expounding, then return my article and f will seek redress 
elsewhere. The old rat that said caution was the Jiarent of safet.v, "'-is considered a wis(^ old fellow, and per- 
haps in most cases the old rat's logic is the liest ; but the rat's reasoning was to save its life, not in the defi-nse 
of the moral character of itself and friends. I have written enough, and shall only add that if j'ou cannot 
publisli my reply to N. Little, kiiidly publish this letter ; I would like it published even if you do publish ray 
reply. I know of one or two parties who were eyewitnesses to N. Little's dispossession, and as soon as I can 
get their statements, I shall forward them to you for publication. 

Very respectfully. A. P. Stewaih'. 

FM"(i.\I,'S ItKMlNlrfCENSKS. 

Mr. Fhtgal was horn iti New York Citj February 9, 171)9. ;iii<l bo is now ei<^hty two years 
of age. In 1813, ho enlisted in the Tliirtei>nth United States Infantry, in thtit State. In "iSlS, 
he enlisted in tlio Second United Sttites Infantry atid in IS26 he ])asr,ed tip St. Clair lliver 
for (ireen Bay on 1h(> stetuner Sti[terior. Ho does not recollect seeing more than about half 
a dozen houses along the riv(>r at tlitit timi^ He remained ;it Green Bay two years and one 
month, when they were ordered to Holton. Maine, and went as far iis Governor's Ishmd. * * 
He was among the troops landed ttl St. Clair in 1832, out of whose number so many died 
with the cholera, staying two nights while there, with Mr. Fay, who lived on the hill just north 
of St. Clair (then Palmer). * * * He was discharged from the army in 1837. After his 
discharge, he settled at Port Hm'on, cohimencing business as a baker, general merchant and 
groceryman on the sjiot now occupied by the mill o])erat(>d by David Williams, which business 
he Ciirried on at that place ;uid others in this city until 18rvL He (hen commenced to fiiriii on 
seven and one half acres of hmd west of the city, but not making ;i success of it, finally <]uit it 
and is now living on the next block west of the city hall in i'ort Huron. 

He was mtirried, July 31, 1822, to Emily .lllen, of Sacketfs Harbor. They have had three 
children — Charles, born at Green Bay October 10, 1827, died at Sackett's Harbor at the age of 
two years and eight months, from the effects of a fall upon a rock, which crackled his skull so 
badly that he cmly lived about five hours; Samuel D. ,born August 10, 1S31. who has been 
married and had seven children. Out of this family, only the father and one son are left, the 
rest all lying in the old cemetery. One girl, Mary C, born May 15. 1823, is now the wife of 
Alfred Livingston, and living at Adair, St. Clair County, Mich. 



298 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

LAKE rORT. ST. CLAIR A\D PORT HDRON IN 185'i. 

As the country along the Lake and River St. Clair was passing through the gates leading 
to the modern era, that along the Lake Huron shore, as well as the interior of the county, 
■was gradualh losing its wild character — either otfering a home to new pioneers or a field to 
the enterprise of the lumberman. At this important epoch in the history of this county, 
touched by the magic wand of capital and American enterprise, Lakeport began to exhibit a 
remarkable development into commercial and manufacturing importance. Various logging 
stations or lumber camps were established, and a large saw mill erected on the lake shore, a 
wooden railroad built from the mill far into the pine forest, comfortable boarding houses 
erected for the hard workers among the pines, and the semi-barbaric life of the shanty-man of 
a few years before, raised to that condition which advancing civilization began to demand. B. 
C. Fari'and, now a lawyer of Port Hiiron — a pioneer of the State — was the owner and origina- 
tor of the Lakeport industry. ^\'hile there was much to inspire him to act, there was muck 
more to persuade him to retire whence he came, and identify his fortane with that of the friends 
and associates neai-er the confines uf civilization; yet he determined to fulfill his mission by adding 
another settlement, another industry, to those then inaugurated throughout the State. He had 
confidence then in the present and the future; he had hopes and ambitions, and deterniina- 
tions to be realized, and there — from the Huron's shore to the depths of the pine woods— he 
was acting a part in the dramas of economy and destiny. 

For the pvu-poses of this chapter, the relations of Mrs. Henry L. Elsworth, of La Fayette, 
Ind., must be of interest. The letter, from which these relations are summarized, was written 
by this lady, after visiting Mrs. B. C. Farraud. in .fuue, 1855, to her sister. Miss Bartlett, of 
Guilford, Conn. It contains an account of an excursion to the western terminus of the log rail- 
road in Clyde, to the lumberman's camp in Burtchville, and of a visit to the Farrand Mills 
at Lakeport, together with references to Port Huron, St. Clair, and the now semi-appreciated 
summer road from Port Hui'on to St. Clair. These references relieve the lumber era of many 
of its grotesque featiu'es, and point out very distinctly that, over a quarter of a century ago, 
the villages along the River St. Clair contained the material on which their present social 
fabric was founded. 

The letter is dated Brown's Hotel, St. Clair. July 1, 1855. The personal references are 
numerous, interesting, and of a most conciliating character; the style is concise, yet poetical in 
descrij)tion, and the entire information just what the visitor considered due to the people and the 
district: "We are waiting for the boat from Port Huron to take us to Detroit — homeward bound 
— not just at present, however, to my New England home, but l)ack to Indiana. We have been 
to Port Huron on a visit. Left La Fayette last Monday (June 26, 1855), took tea in Michigan 
City, crossed the State by railroad in the night — reached Detroit Tuesday morning — found the 
steamer for Port Huron had been gone ten minutes — no other boat until nest day. On Wednes- 
day morning, started on steamer Ruby for Port Huron, where we arrived about 6 o'clock 
in the evening, much to oui' own gratification and that of our friends. On Friday, had a car- 
riage ride from Port Huron to St. Clair — delightful trip — the whole distance along the bank 
of the beautiful St. Clair — the river of the clear water — transparent, bright and cold. Flow- 
ing from the northern deep lakes, it never warms, and is too cold for bathing. On Saturday, 
July 1, the Detroit steamers from Port Huron are an hour earlier than usual. These boats 
are racing, running in opposition, fare only 25 cents — sometimes passage offered free. The 
weather has been terribly hot for the last three days; yet this is a most pleasant region in the 
summer — rather bleak, I guess, in winter. Lands around not much cleared, but, where they 
are cleared, produce fine crops. The soil is very productive — fi'uits and flowers abundant, 
strawberries excellent — common practice for one mortal to eat a quart of them. 

The day after our arrival at Port Hm'on, which was oppressively hot, we rode to Lakeport 
-^distant twelve miles — to see the Farrand Mills. On our arrival, about 10 A. M., had a fine 
lunch, after which, we rode on a tram car, over a forest railroad, six miles to the lumber camp 
among the great pines. Returning, we had an excellent dinner — never tasted better — consist- 
ing in fact of roast beef, lamb, cold tongue, vegetables, with dessert of tapioca pudding, 
oranges — sliced and served up with sugar — capital ice-cream, coffee, tea, etc., etc. A delightful 



IIISTOIJY OV ST. CLAIll COrXTY. 29!) 

ririve through the piuo forest and along the hike shore by moonlight, closed the excursion of 
the day. This dinner was served at one of Mr. Farrund's houses — well built, well furnished, 
and well kept. Here are boarded about forty of his workmen —and they appear well. The 
sawyers and car men were on a strife that day — the former determining to got ahead of the 
latter, which they succeeded in doing, as it was too hot at mid-day to work the horses and get 
in the logs. The car men, however, had risen before 3 o'clock in the morning, had drawn 
two loads before our arrival, and after we left Lakeport. returned to the woods for another 
load: so as to get the advantage for the next day. They work fourteen hours a day like giants. 
I should think a single day's work wouhl kill a man; but they do it cheiufully, and seem to 
enjoy it first-rate. This I attribute to the exhilarating atmosphere and sciMmry. 

Here is the majestic forest pine in its primitive and peerless grandeur. So dense, the eye 
cannot penetrate its foliage — so tall, it towers even above the clouds. Here is the blue and 
beautiful Lake Huron, stretching itself, like an ocean, from the shore, dotted over with sails 
and propellers from many a distant port. Here is the fresh, pure breeze from the northern 
lakes. The whole conspires to deligtit the eye, to exalt the imagination, to invigorate the sys- 
tem, to increase its power of endurance, and enhance its enjoyment. 

In such a country Mr. Farrand is the owner of 2,000 acres of forest pines, convertible and 
convei-ted at the rate of fifty tremendous logs per day into excellent lumber for shipment to 
any part, of the wide, wide world. One hundred thousand feet is the weekly product of his 
mill, He has already shipped upwards of two millions of feet (lumber) this season, and has 
on hand a quantity besides. The mill is located at the wharf in Lakeport. The logs are 
brought thither on tlie forest railroad from the locality where they ai-e felled. Fifty big logs 
per day are tlnas placed before the sawyers, and changed into boards, jilanks, shingles or laths, 
in double-quick time, then packed instanter, and made ready for the market. 'Tis a beautiful 
operation throughout, and goes like clock work. Mr. Farrand understands it well, and makes 
it very profitable. 

On July 1. we went fishing opposite St. Clair no luck! Crossed over to Victoria's do 
main — didn't see Her Majesty, but found her subjects very polite and hospitable. They whom 
we met. oifered tea. warm biscuit, tea cakes, etc., etc., which we gratefully received. A very 
pleasant excursion and safe retmm." 

Such is a description of the most eastern land of this State, as it appeared in IST)"), of the 
Europeans on the othei side of the river True, the landscape has lost much of its Mild 
beauty; the exuberant forest flowers and foliage have given place to cultivated natm'e; the 
wilderness has developed, epitomized, as it were, and since those years cycled into the past, 
the babies of our times have begun to think of more mischief than their fathers ever heard of. 
Civilization is strange, indeed, in the changes which it claims. 

i:.\i;i,V \.\KV. \.\Vl(i,\Tl(K8. 

The steamboat mini of th(> earlier times are at ])resent limited to a comparative few. and 
of those now living, Capts. 'William T. Pease, now a resident of Buffalo; L. H. Cotton, of Detroit; 
David Wilkeson. of Perrysburg. and Harry Whittaktu-, of Buffalo, are the oldest on record. The 
command of the first steamer, the Walk-in-tlio- Water, devolved on Capt. Job Fish, an imported 
man from the East, whose knowledge of lake navigation did not extend very far, and who resigned 
his post on encountering the first gale, which occinred on his third or foiu-th tri]-), and delivered 
over the safe management of the vessel to John Davis, his mate, before reaching port. Jede- 
diah Rogers subsecjuently commanded the Walkin-the-Water.* and u]) to the close of her ca- 
reer. The Superior, being tin* second steamer on the lakes, was placc^l in command of Capt. 
Roger Sherman, who. although imported, as was the case of Fish, pi'oved hims<>lf ecpial to the 
position, and continued as master of the same boat two or moi-e seasons, when he returned from 
whence he came. Capt. \V. T. Pease, who comes next on the list, commanded respectively the 
Niagara 1st, Pioneer. Superior. Niagara '2d, and others at a later period, including the 
Boston. He was also at one time master of the schooner Michigan, which subsequently was 
sent over Niagara Falls. He was living and a resident of Buffalo, in 1S71. Capt. L. H. Cot- 
ton commanded the first st(>amer that ever towed a vessel up the l-''ort Erie Rapids, the steamer 



300 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, 

being the Monroe, and the vessel the ship Milwaukee. 'Japt. C, also, during a very lengthy 
and popular career, was master of the steamers Ohio 1st, Pennsylvania, D. Webster, Ore- 
gon, Baltic, Anthony Wayne, and latterly the mammoth steamer Western World. At an early 
period of his life, in 1835, he fitted out the brig Queen Charlotte, which, during the war of 
1812. was captured from the British, and for many years lay sunk at Erie, Penn. Capt. David 
Wilkeson. who in 1871 was living retired at his old home in Perrysburg, commenced (as did 
those previously named, except Sherman and Fish) his career in command of sail vessels. He 
commanded the schooners Eagle and Guerriore, his first steamer being the ComTuodore Perry, 
of whom he remained master until the close of her career, when himself and others caused to 
be built the Superior 2d, which he commanded for several years. Capt. C. L. Gager is 
also among the early lake men, and was with Capt. Levi Allen, James Harrington, Loring 
Pierce, and John Kimberly on the Walk-in-the- Water as a seaman, comprising her 
crew. He was absent from the lakes for several years, and on his retm-n bought the steamer 
Bed Jacket and sailed her, then the Gen. Porter, which he converted into a propeller, and after- 
ward the Albany. Capt. Walter Norton, many year.s' deceased at Buffalo, was among the early 
pioneers, and first commanded sail vessels, among which was the schooner Michigan, already 
alluded to. He sailed the steamers Henry Clay, Gen. Porter and Michigan. Capt. George 
Miles sailed vessels for several years, among others the Erie, which, during a fearful gale, got 
dismasted on Lake Erie and came near being lost with all hands. He afterward sailed the 
steamboat Enterprise, somewhere in the years 1884-35, and died several years since at Erie. 
Capt. John F. Wight commanded the William Penn, and subsequently the Chicago. He died 
some years since at Erie. Capt. Harry Whittaker was not only prominent as a steamboat nav- 
igator, but also a builder of steamboats, and through the intrigues of others has had his fort- 
une wrecked on more than one occasion. At an early day, he sailed the schooner Marie An- 
toinette, then the steamers North America, Monroe, United States and A. T). Patchin. What 
was never previously nor since achieved, bo navigated with the steamer United States through- 
out the winter of 1845, between Bufi'alo and Detroit. He resided at Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. 
Morris Tyler was ajso a vessel man at the first, and in 1831-32 sailed the schooner Cincinnati, 
and others previous to that time. He also commanded the steamers Ohio 1st, Daniel Web- 
ster and James Allen. He last sailed the brig Columbia, which he owned and built. He died 
at his residence in Lower Sandusky about the year 1S45. Capt. John Flaharty commanded 
sail vessels at first, then steamers, William Peacock and Pennsylvania, and on his retirement 
went into the forwarding business at Huron, Ohio, and subsequently at Buffalo, where he died 
after the war. Capt. Chesley Blake died at Milwaukee, with cholera, in 1849. He com- 
manded the schooners Hannah, Napoleon and others; also steamers Niagara, Michigan and 
Illinois. Capt. Augustus Walker was probably one of the most prominent navigators in aiding 
and furthering steamboat interests that ever sailed the lakes. He built the steamers Sheldon 
Thompson. Washington 1st, Columbus and Great Western, and first commanded the steamer 
United States, and subsequently the others herein named. The Western was the first steamer 
on the lower lakes provided with upper cabins. Capt. W. died at Buffalo, in 1865, aged 
sixty-five years. Capt. Levi Allen, one of the most popular lake men throughout his sailing 
career, commanded respectively the steamers United States. Superior, Pennsylvania, Buffalo 
and Niagara 2d. He was a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Archibald Allen died several 
years since, at Black Rock, N. Y. Among other craft he commanded during his time were 
the steamers Michigan and Nile. Capt. Simeon Fox will be remembered by many acquainted 
v?ith early lake events. Ho served on board sail craft tlie greater part of his time, and at one 
period sailed the schooner Amaranth. He also commanded the steamboats Charles Townsend 
and Chautauqua, the latter when plying between Buffalo and Barcelona. He died at Buffalo, N. 
Y., many years since. Capt. Peter Shainholdts served as first officer on the steamer Superior, 
along with Pease, and in the same capacity for several years on different boats. He com- 
manded the steamer Cincinnati, between Buffalo anil Chippewa, for a time, and the Charles 
Townsend, between Buffalo and Detroit. He died in Buffalo about 1847 or 1848. Capt. 
Thomas Wilkins was a man unsurpassed in popularity by any who ever came befoi-e or 
after him In connection with his duties, he always maintained the strictest so- 



HISTORY OF ST. OLA 11! COUNTY , 301 

briety in the performance of the samo. He was the po))uhir eommaiuier of the 
steamers William Peacock, Thomas Jefferson, and Missouri, and after retirin"- from 
the lakes, served faithfully for several years, and, up to the time of his decease, 
as Collector of Customs at Erie, Penn. He died in 1S70. Capt. Samuel Chase, 
long since dead, commanded in his day the steamers Ohio 1st, also the Gov. 
Marcy and the Monroe. Capt. Charles Bm-nett (familiarly known as Buck Bm-nott). com- 
manded the steamers Ohio 1st. and the New England. He also in earlier times commanded 
vessels. After his retirement from the lakes, lie was apywinted Harbor Master at JJufTalo. and 
proved an excellent officer. He died like most all sailors, very poor. Capt. James Lundy 
commenced his career on board sail vessels, and, among others, the schooners Detroit. Maria, 
and also steamers Pennsylvania, Cleveland 1st, Uncle Sam, Constellation, Rochester, Baltic, City 
of Cleveland, and others. Ho was a man of strict habits and always popiilar. Bob W'agstaff, as 
lie was familiarly called, will not soon be forgotten by many. He commanded the tirst and 
finest ship ever on the lakes, the Julia Palmer, in 18;3<). He was also a steamboat man for 
many years of his life, and not long since died in New Y'ork. Capt. Charles C. Stannard com- 
manded the lirig Ramsay Crooks, on Lake Superior, also the steamboats Niagara, Bunker Hill 
and Saratoga, and died at "the bells." on board the AVestern World, on leaving the dock at 
Detroit, in 185('). Ca])t. A. E. Hart commanded steamers United States. Cleveland 1st. 
propellers Oregon and Edith. Previous to steamboating, he sailed the schooner Buffalo and 
others. His brother, Capt. Robert Hart, deceased at BuiTalo. sailed at an early day the sloop 
William Tell and other vessels, also steamer Robert Fulton, and propeller Paugassett. The 
steamer Chippewa, built at Bntialo, without frame, with the shape or model of a muskmelon, 
was sailed by Capt. Benjamin Armstrong, who also commanded the schooners Sterling and 
Britannia, besides other craft. Ca])t. G. Appleby eailed the schooner New Connecticut, which 
capsized in Lake Erie, and three days afterward a woman was rescued from the cabin alive, 
which was conceded one of the most remarkable events of the times. He also commanded the 
steamers North America, Constitution, Benjamin Eranklin and Sultana. Ho died at Buffalo 
in 1807. Capt. Thomas J. Titus commenced his career on sail vessels, commanding the 
schooners Aurora, United States and otlnns. He also sailed the steamers Ohio 1st, Sandusky, 
Erie. Buffalo, Queen City and Julia Palmer. His last command was that of the propeller 
Monticello, and while on Lake Michigan was drowned from the small boat while attempting 
to land on shore. Capt. H. Van Allen was deservedly one of the most popular men navigat- 
ing the lakes, in which the qualities of the sailor and gentleman were combined. His sailin"' 
career began on the Canada side, and on board the steamers Tham(>s, Kent, Emerald, London, 
Canada and Clifton; also on the American side, on board the Mayflower and the Empire State, 
two of the finest steamers that ever floated on the lakes. Since his retirement from the lakes, his 
home was at Mackinac. The stoimer Thames was also at one time commanded by Capt. G. R. 
Williams, jilying between Buffalo and Port Stanley, C. W. Capt. S. F. Atwood, ranks also 
among the first navigators on the lakes widely and favorably known. Besides sail vessels, he 
commanded at diti'erent periods th(( steamers Macomb, Monroe, Gen. Harrison, Troy. Arrow, T. 
Whitney, PiU'sons, and others. In later years, he resided at his island home oti Lake Erie, 
at North Bass, where he extensively engaged in the culture of gra])es. Ca[)t. J. L. Edmonds, 
commanded for several years vessels and steamers, such as the North Amei'ica, Chicago and 
Southerner. While in command of the latter, and after leaving Buffalo on her sec- 
ond trip of the season, in March, 1850, he was taken suddenly ill, causing the 
immediate return of the steamer to port, where he died on entering the harbor. 
Capt. Aaron Root sailed ihe schooner Amaranth, steamers Constellation in ]88(), 
Bunker Hill in ISS^T, and subsequently the propeller Henry Clay. He died at 
Black River, Ohio. Capt. Joel H. McQueen commanded the steamer Constellation 
in 18:57; afterward the Sam. Ward and other boats. He also at cue time com- 
manded the schooner White Pigeon. Capt. John Shook sailed the schooner Cincinnati, bo- 
sides other vessels, at an early period: also steamers United States and Columbus. He died at 
Huron, Ohio, some years since. His brothel-, Capt. Jim Shook, sailed the fine clij)j)er brio- 
Illinois, in 183."), of the Eagle Line, when it was fashionable to have the pea jacket ornamented 



302 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

with a spread eagle. He also at one time commanded the propeller Scioto, besides several sail 
craft. He died at Huron, Ohio, a few years since. Capt. Cliff Belden died at Cleveland, in 
August, 1858. He commenced early on the lakes on board of sail vessels, and at one time 
commanded the steamboat Star. Capt. A. H. Squier sailed vessels for several years, among 
others the schooner Laguire, steamers DoWitt Clinton. Garden City and others. He is a 
resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Amos Pratt, long a prominent lake navigator, will be recol- 
lected as master of the steamer Anthony Wayne, or Mad Anthony, as she was at lirsl called. 
He also commanded one of the first propellers on the lakes, the Samson, in 1843, afterward 
tbe Princeton and Globe. He was a popular seaman and gentleman. His dea*h occurred in 
18G9 or 1870. Capt. William Dickson died at Buffalo in 1865, aged sixty-five years. He was 
reared on the waters, and commenced life as a ferryman between Black Rock and Fort Erie. 
After several years' experience on the lakes, he commanded the schooners Sterling, Merchant, 
Michigan 2d, ship Milwaukee, brig Robert Hunter, propellers Hunter and Illinois. Capt. J. 
T. Pheatt, died at Toledo in 1859. Ho came from the lower lake, in command of the schooner 
Grant. While on the upper lakes he commanded the steamer Gen. Harrison, in 1840, the 
steamer Indiana, in 1842, the Northern Indiana and Western Metropolis. At the time of his 
decease he was managing a ferry at Toledo. Capt. John Stewart sailed for the late Oliver 
Newberry, several vessels, commencing at an early period — the schooners Marengo, La Salle, 
brig Manhattan and others. Previous to his decease, which took place on the River St. Clair, 
he commanded the steamers Michigan and Northerner. He was universally liked. We also pay 
a passing tribute to the memory of other lake pioneers, among whom were Capt. Samuel Vary, 
who died at Sheboygan a few years since; "Ould Ned Btu'ke," as he was widely known; Jerry 
Oliver, who commauded the steamer New England, besides sail vessels at other periods ; Capts. 
Paine Mann, Joe Sherwood, John Kline, also Capt. John W. Webstei', who, with Capt James 
Hackett, light-keeper at the mouth of Detroit River, are the two oldest vessel masters at present 
living. Capt. W. resides at Painesville, Ohio. Capt. W\ P. Stone, once of the steamer Key- 
stone State, and favorably known, died a few years since at a hotel in New Y'ork City. Capt. 
Thomas Richards died while in command of the steamer Niagara, at Milwaukee, in 1849. 
Capt. G. W. Flood came from the seaboard, and sailed the brig Indiana, in 1837, in 1839 the 
steamer Sandusky, and in 1843 the propeller Hercules, after which he returned to salt water. 
He died in California. Capt. George E. Willoughby died at Quebec a fevv' years since. He 
commanded respectively the Emerald, London, Canada, Ocean, Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, 
and was popiilar. Capt. C. H. Ludlow sailed vessels, and iu 1849 commanded the steamboat 
Baltic. He also sailed the propeller Globe, subsequently the propeller New Y'^ork. He died 
some years since, Capt. Jacob Imson, formerly of the Hendriek Hudson, Diamond, Buck- 
eye State and propeller St. Joseph, is farming in Michigan. Capt. S. Clement was in business at 
Chicago. He, in 1839, sailed the schooner Philadelphia, and at other periods different vessels, 
besides the Atlantic and others of Ward's steamers. Capt. E. B. AN'ard was also at an early 
date a vessel man. sailing, among others, the schooner Gen. Harrison. The fii-st steamboat he 
commanded was the Huron, in 1840. Subsequent events are too familiar for repetition here. 
Capt. L. B. Goldsmith was navigating the lakes in 1871, and latterly in command of the 
steamer Jay Cooke. He commenced early and promised to stay late. Capt. Fred S. Wheeler, 
who commanded the propeller Hercules and steamboat St. Louis, has been dead for several 
years. Capt. Fred S. Miller still navigates, and has been tossed about from an early date. 
There ai-e those who will also remember Capt. R. C. Bristol, who sailed vessels; also the 
steamers James Madison and Niagara 2d. His death took place some years ago. Capt. D. P. 
Nickerson came from the seaboard, and has tilled numerous important positions, both on the salt 
and fresh waters. He was the Captain on board the steamers Eclipse, Bunker Hill, Ohio 
2d, Saratoga, and others. Capt. Morris Hazard came from the East, having an experience 
on the rivers. He bi'ought out the steamer Milwaukee, at Buffalo, in 1838, and afterward 
commanded the Constellation, Empire State, and also sailed the Monroe. In nearly all of 
these steamers he held more or less interest. He died at his residence in Buffalo in 1869. 
Capt. D. H. McBrido died at Milwaukee in Marcti, 1871, after a lengthy sojourn on the lakes. 
He had a large experience on both sail and steam craft. The schooner Havre was the last ves- 



IIISTOItV OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 303 

sol he commanded, in 1S42, and the yu'opeller Ironsidos the last steamer. He was necond 
mate of the steamer Erie, which was burn(Hl on Lake Erie in 1841, and narrowly e.^eaped be- 
in{T counted among the lost Capt. William Hinton, for several years past pilot on the United 
States steamer Michigan, was lirst officer of tho Erie when she was burned, and also met with 
a narrow escape. He has served long ami faithfully on board steamers, and commanded the 
Daniel Webster after she was changed to the Jilack Dan, and icnuws all about it. Capt. James 
M. Averill, an old lake man. commanded the steamer Erie (the little) in INK) or 1S41, and subse- 
quently sail vessels — the Barton and others. Previous to this period, the Cai)tain was several 
years at sea. He resided at Buffalo. Capt. Heber Scjuier resided at (irand Haven. He 
was connected wilh the steamers St. Loui^, Empire City of Cleveland, propeller Oriental, and 
others, with all of which he leaves a bright record. Capt. Jacob Travers commanded the 
steamer Golden Gate, besides several sail craft; (Japt. Benjamin A. Stannard, numerous sail 
craft, but lioth have long since retired to a quiet life. Capt. John Caldwell, who dic^l jit Cleveland 
in lS(,i4, commanded, in 1S;](') -;57 and 183S, the schooner Hudson, afterward the Henrv 
Crevoliu and Trenton. Subse<[uently for several years he commanded steamers to Lake 
Superior, and in the Northern Trans[iortatioii Line. He was universally resp(>ctecl. Capt. B. 
(t. Sweet resided at Toledo. He dated his lake career back to 18;31, sailing the schooner N. 
C. Baldwin to 1837-38, and took to steamboats somewhere about 1845, commanding the pro- 
peller Phfenix in 184G, bm-ned on Lake Michigan in November of that yeai-. He also sailecT 
the Northerner, North S^ar. propeller Iron City, and others. He retired some fifteen years since. 
Capt. D. Howe, at one time quite prominent on the lakes, was a lower lake man, and sailed at 
one time the scho(mer Saratoga. In 1837, we find him in command of the steamer New York, 
which craft was bedecked with foiir pip(>s. In 1840, Capt. Howe was in command of the Ches- 
apeake, and in 1844- b"), the Empire, at that date, the mammoth of the lakes. Ho also sailed 
the steamer America, and others. He wont to Vermont and there ditnl, during the war. Capt 
J. C. Benjamin died at Prairieville, Mich., in 18()4. He sailed the steamboat Ben. Franklin 
in 1849, and previously sail vessels out of Cleveland. 

I'loNKKR ski; rem;.-. 

In this chapter the writer of the general history has essayed to make a collection of pio- 
neer biogra])hical sketches which might escajie the notice of his assistants to whom the com- 
pilation of the p(>rsorial history of the county is intrusted. In the city and townshi|) histories, 
these biographical writers have, doubtle.ss, left nothing undcjue to insure a full mention of the 
pioneers. To repeat their work in this chapter would be extravagant excess; but, as has been 
stated, the following lilieral sketchi>s are grouped together lest through any chance the names 
of men and women connected with the early progress of St. Clair County should be omitted. 
Therefore, the reader must search the pages devoted to local history to learn more of the pio- 
neers, and the times in which they lived, 

Charles I'hillips came to St. Clair County about the year 1820, and settled at what now 
eml)races the site of Marine C!ity. His former residence was at BulTalo, N. Y., where he had 
invented tlie first machine for the maimfacture of the cut nail. Before he had his machine 
patented, he took a brother-in-law into i)artnership with him, who by craft succeeded in getting 
the patent in his own name, and thus defrauded Mr. Phillips out of the large revenues which 
he would have received. He was so grieved at this piece of deception that he loft Buffalo and 
sought his fortunes in this then virgin country. On his arrival, he was the best mechanic in 
the Territory of Michigan. He afterward produced a number of inventions, among which 
were a plow, water-wheel, etc. 

Lorenzo M. Mason, a native of Vermont, came to Michigan in 18;](), and settled at Port 
Huron. He studicnl law in Vermont, and was admitted to the bar in that State. On arriving 
in this county, he landed at Capt. Clark's dock, below St. Clair. He came to Michigan to 
practice his profession, and entered into partnership with Ira Porter, who an-ived shortly after 
him; subsequently, Mr. Mason became a partner of J. B. Comstoek. In 1844, he entered a 
law partnershij) with Bethuel C. Farrand, now the oldest member of the St. Clair bar. From ' 
tho date of his coming to 1842, he was an extensive jjiu-chaser of United States lands, which 



304 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

he disposed of on easy terms to l>o)ia fide settlers. His partnership with Mr. Farrand ended 
in 1850, yet he continued to practice law for a short time after. Mr. Mason's political life in 
this county is regarded in the political chapter. After giving up the practice of his profession, 
he devoted a great deal of his time to himber, real estate and boats. In 1S53, he moved to 
Detroit, and there connected himself with the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, and started a loan 
oflice. Mr. Mason was married to Miss Luce, of Port Huron, in LS39. His death took place at 
Detroit in 1874. The sad event brought sorrow into the homes of all who know him, whether 
in the coanty — to the progress of whicli ho contributed so much — or in the city, which he 
adopted as a home, and whose society he aided in forming. 

Joseph P. Mini or Minnie, was born at Point aiix Ti-embles April 21, 1812. His parents 
were old settlers of St. Clair; the father was born in St. Clair County, and the mother born at 
Windsor, C. W. Mr. Minnie went to St. Louis, Mo., at an early day, and there learned the 
tailor's trade. Returning, he located at Monroe. There he married Miss Adelaide Le Due, 
May 10, 1832. Four years later, Mr. Minnie brought his wife into the wild woods of St. Clair, 
and located where the old Mini homestead stands, on Military street. Throughout the general 
history of the county, the name of this pioneer occurs very often. He took a most important 
part in all the progressive enterprises of early days, and was among the most favorably known 
pioneers of the State. Mr. M ini's children were Mary Ann, born March. 4, 1833, at Monroe, 
was married to Horace Baker October 24, 1855; Joseph Theo. Standard, born at Monroe, Octo- 
ber 23, 1834, married Amanda Wilson June 16, 1857; Matilda Diana, born at Poi't Huron 
March 28, 1836, married Capt. A. W. (Andrews December 19, 1865; Lewis Livingstone, born in 
Cottrollville February 14, 1838, died October 20, 1839; Adeline Josephine, born in Cottrellville 
July 11, 1839, died April 26, 1841; Josephine Adelaide, now Mrs. Post, born in Cottrellville 
October 25, 1841, married James Gribson July 30, 1860; Louis Napoleon, born at Port Huron 
October 14, 1843, married Miss Junks, of Ann Arbor, in 1871; Edmund, born at Port Huron 
December 25, 1845, married Nellie Buck in 1869; Ezekiel Abraham, born June 12, 1849, at 
Port Huron, resides on the old homestead. 

John Miller was born at Sugar Loaf, Canada, February 1, 1813, and was sixty years of 
ao-e at the time of his death, September 13, 1873. While he was still very young, his parents 
removed to Rochester, Oakland Co., Mich., where he remained until nearly fifteen years of age, 
when he came with his older brother, Jacob, to St. Clair County. For a time, he was em- 
ployed at Wadham's, or in that vicinity, afterward going away for a year or two, and tinally set- 
tling at Pori'. Huron in 1832, when he entered the service of the Black River Steam Mill Com- 
pany as book-keeper and clerk. He was afterward made the company's agent. His services to 
the city are referred to in the city history. 

Capt. Henry Ainsvvorth purchased the Bassenet farm at Point aus Trembles in 1820, and 
became a settler of the district constituted St. Clair County in 1821. He died in 1822, 
leaving the property to his son Henry Ainsworth, who may be termed a pioneer. The Cap- 
tain was considered a well-informed, enterjirising man. 

Jacob Peer settled in St. Clair Coanty. in 1821, on lands which he purchased from Capt. 
Westbrook at Point aus Trembles. This tract was prairie or bottom lands, very fertile, and 
easily ctiltivated. Within four years, Mr. Peer had sixty acres under cultivation, and would have 
undoubtedly made the largest and most beautiful farm in Michigan Territory had not the inun- 
dation of 1827 submerged the entire tract. He subsequently selected lands near Algonac, and 
transformed the forest into one of the richest farms in the county, together with planting an 
apple orchard of thirty-live acre.s. This pioneer died February 14, 1855, leaving the jJi'operty 
to his son Jacob. 

Francis Mann Vandeburgh was born in New York City August 27, 1838. In 1854, he 
removed to Port Huron, where he resided (with the exception of somewhat less than one year 
spent in Milwaukee) until he enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Infantry in December, 1861. 
He was mortally wounded near Nashville. Tenn., on the lOth of .ipril, 1863. On the 18th he 
died. His father was present with him in his last hours, and brought his remains for inter- 
ment to Port Huron. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. J. S. Hoyt, of the Congrega- 
tional Church, May 3, 1863. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR (OrNTY. 305 

Alexander La Forge, Jr., agoil thirty-two years, sou of Alexander La For<^o. died at Hous- 
ton, Tex., on the 1st of August, 1SG7, of yellow fever. The deceased served as a member of 
the Fourth Illinois Cavalry through all the w'U'. 

AErs. Rachel Hartsuli" died at lior residence at Port Huron October 'I. 1807. Mrs. Hartsufl' 
was born in Tyre. Seneca Co., N. Y., in January, 1S()S, and at the time of her death was nearly 
sixty years of age. With her husband, she left the State and removed to Liviiigsion County in 
this State, in 1S42, where they resided until 18()3, when they i-emoved to Port- Huron. 

John Wells, one of the oldest and most esteamed citizens, was born at New Miiford, Conn., 
June lU, 1799, and was, at the time of his death, September 25, 1S()7, in his sixty-ninth year. 
He came to Port Huron in IM^iS. and soon after engaged in mercantile business. But for 
several years past, he, with his only surviving child. Frederick L., constituting th(> lirm of 
John Wells & Sou, were engaged in lumber operations. 

Dr. A. E. Noble, one of th(* old residents of Port Huron, died December 2'J, liS70, aged 
seventy-tive years. He was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., January 22, 17'.)n. There ho 
learned the jeweh>r's trade, and there also studied medicine under Dr. Stearns, of Pomjiey. 
N. Y. He entered on the jjractice of medicine at Hannibal, N. Y'., moved to Palermo in IS27, 
and to Michigan in 1887, taking up his residence at Port Hiu'on in 1838. The Doctor was a 
Jackson Democrat up to 1800, wh(>n he attached himself to the Republican jsarty. 

David Brockway died December 30, 1870, at the advanced age of ninety years. He was 
one of the lirst live men who voted the AVhig ticket in St. Clair County. 

Rev. Norman Nash was descended from Tliomas Nash, who canae from London in I(')37. with 
his family, and settled in what is now New Haven. Conn. Norman was the youngest of thir- 
teen children. His father Ebenezer Nash, of Long Meadow, Ma.ss., married SiTsanuah Hills. 
of North Bolton (now Vermont), Conn., and finally settled in Ellington, Conn., where Norman 
was born November 17, 1790. About 1820, he began his ministerial labors as missionary in 
Hampshire Couuty, Va., having been ordained as an Episcopal Deacon by the Rt. Rev. Richard 
C, Moore, and laboi'ed so hard in that mountainous region that his lunUth failed. Ho was 
afterward ordained by the Rt. Krv. William White, D. D.. and preached in Huntingdon, Penn.. 
after which he entered upon missionary work at Green Bay, ^Vis., and was engaged teaching 
the ^Menominee Indians. From 183i) to 1834, he preached in Swedesl)oro. N. J. During these 
labors he assisted in the education of three of his nephews for the Episcopal ministry, who are 
located as follows: The Rev. Francis B. Nash, at Tiskilwa, 111.; the Rev. Rudoljihus Nash, at 
Worthington, Ohio: the Rev. Norman Badger, now Chaplain in the United States /Yrmy. 

In 1835 or 1836, Dr. Nash was api)oiuted by President Jackson as a missionary and teacher 
among the Indians, then at Port Huron, the Chippewas and Ottawas. with a salary of $100 
per year. In July, 183f), Dr. McC^oskry was made Bishop of the (then new) diocese of Michi- 
gan, and owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding beLwt'en the Indian agent, H. R. School- 
craft, who was stationed at ^[ackinac, and the Bishop on the one side, and Dr. Nash upon the 
other, regarding the channel through which he was to receive his salary, he refused to receive 
from the Bishop the amount due him, and persistetl in his refusal to th(> time of his death. 
The Indians were soon after removed to neutral ground, aud the Doctor devoted himself, in an 
independent way, to the wants of the community. He had regular appointments for religious 
worship at Fort Gratiot, Clyde Mills and Sturges' sciioolhouses, and also other jjlaces, atditfer- 
ent times. He was universally beloved and respected l)y those who know him, and was fre- 
quently called ujion to perform the marriage ceremon , and also to serve as a physician. He 
never afterward connectcHl himself with the chiu'ch. l)ut marked out his own sphere of labor aud 
followed it. This old resident* died November 11. 1870. 

.James William Sanl)oru was born in Falmouth, near Portland. >[e. , iu April, IS 13, died 
April 13, 1870. He tirst came to Port Huron in 1835 iu company with Abner Coburn (since 
Governor of Maine), Charles Merrill, then of Portland, but now of Detroit, and Joseph L. 
Kelsey, at that time of Bangor, Maine, aud now residing in Washington, Macomb County. The 
party came to this country to locate i>ine lauds. Mr. Coburn. now among the wealthiest men of 
the country, was then a man of large means, and the party together located about 25. ()()() acres. 
Mr, Sanborn at that time was only twenty-two years of age. and was l(>ft in charge of the purchase, 



r 



306 , HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Mr. Coburn and Mr. Men-ill retiu-ning East, and Mr. Kelsey settling here. Mr. Merrill who 
was an uncle of Mr. Sanborn, soon after came West again and settled at Detroit. In 1836, Mr. 
Sanborn established himself at Metamora, Lapeer County, which point he made his residence 
for some years. The 25,000 acres of land which the party located were in this and Sanilac 
Counties, the whole being known as St. Clair County at that time. Two years afterward, in 
1838. he was elected to the Legislatiu'e from Lapeer County, and in 1846 was again honored in 
this way. His knowledge of State lands made him a useful and efficient member, and as a 
legislator he evinced those same habits of industry and faithfulness which so eminently charac- 
terized him in his private business. In 1846, he removed to Detroit, remaining there, however, 
but a year, and coming to Port Huron in 1847. He entered into business at that time with his 
brother-in-law, Alva Sweetzer, the tirm of Sweetzer & Sanborn being extensively engaged in 
selling goods and the lumber business. This partnership continued until the death of I\Ir. 
Sweetzer, in February, 1864, his widow then succeeding to his interest, and the firm being 
known since that time as James W. Sanborn & Co. In 1854, the firm abandoned the dry goods 
business (which was resuiaed in 1866 by Mr. Sanborn in partnership with his nejahew James 
M Sanborn), and confined their attention principally to lumbering, though investing to soine 
extent in real estate in this vicinity. At the time of his death, Mr. Sanborn's lumbering 
interests were very great. He had large interests on the Saginaw, the Muskegon and its tribu- 
taries, the Au Sable. Thunder Bay River, Pine River in the Upper Peninsula and the Cheboy- 
gan. His business career had been a very successful one to himself and those associated with 
him, and he had amassed a large estate, consisting i^rincipally of his lumber possessions, but 
also including considerable personal property and real estate in this city and Fort Gratiot. He 
was at the time of his death engaged in the dry goods trade with his nephew, James M. San- 
born, and also a partner in the banking house of John Johnston & Co. In politics, he always 
took an interest, being earnest in this, as be was in everything else. He was originally a Whig 
and was one of the foremost organizers of the Republican party. He was a delegate to the 
Jackson convention, and was on several occasions selected for official preferment. In 1854, he 
was elected ti) the State House of Representatives over W. T. Mitchell, after a spirited contest, 
and two years later, at a very close election, was defeated by John Miller. In 1858, he was 
elected Commissioner of the State Land Office, and during his term of office, along with Hon. 
N. G. Isbell, then Secretary of State, was very zealous in exposing the McKinney defalcation, 
and unalterably opposed to covering up the matter, under the plea of jiarty policy. He de- 
clined to have his name mentioned in connection with a nomination for Commissioner. He 
was an active worker in political campaigns, and no man in this region had been more liberal 
with his means for proper political piu-poses. Mr. Sanborn had been married three times, and 
left a wife and three children, one daughter by his first wife. 

David M. Hagedon died at Port Huron December 24. 1871, Mr. Hagedon was born in 
the State of New York in 1804. About the year 1836, after his marriage, he moved to Ohio, 
where he resided until 1840, when he removed to Port Huron. Here he first engaged in the 
fishing business, starting a fishery on the shore of Lake Huron, about a mile above the light 
house. Soon afterward he engaged in the ship-building business, constructing one of the first 
vessels ever built here — the schooner Henry Hubbard, He afterward removed to Algonac, re- 
maining there two years, engaged in vessel -building. Returning to Port Huron, he became 
employed most of the time in building or sailing vessels. His warfare with E. B. Ward, of 
Detroit, will be remembered by the older residents of Port Huron and other river towns. For 
some years he ran the propeller Belle between this city and Detroit, and the Detroit opposition 
did not succeed in getting him out of their way until they had purchased his boat. During a 
part of the season of 1871, Capt. Hagedon ran the little ferry steamer Coral between Port 
Hm'on and Sarnia. 

Elijah Bui'ch, whose death occurred on the 20th of February, 1873, was born in Randolph, 
Vt., in 17'.)1. In early life he was engaged in lumbc^ring operations in (!anada, and was there 
when the war of 1812 broke out. A proclamation being issued making all citizens of the 
United States then in Canada, who should not leave immediately, subjects of Great Britain, 
and liable to militai-y duty, Mr. Burch was obliged to return to the United States. Afterward 



IIISTOUV OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. ' 307 

bp returned to Canada, and was arrested on charge of desertion, tlie lu'iialtv being tlcatli. Dur- 
ing the progress of this trial an incident occurred which illustrates Mr. ]5urelrs love and relish 
for a good joke. As he was entering the court house, he was accosted hy a man who in(juired 
if his name was Burch, and his ivsidence Chatham. Being answered in the affirmative, the 
stranger asked some questions about the business of Chatham, mid ended by incjuiring what 
the character of its citizens was. To this Mr. Burch refilied, with gravity. " AVell, sir. I am 
the most respectable man in the place, and I am jus" going into this court room to be tried for • 
my life." The trial ended with the exhibition of the proclamation which forced him to leave~] 
Canada. Mr. Burch removed to Port Huron in the year 1S;M, and made the city his home from' 
that time until the day of his death. He built, and for many y(>ars kept the Central Hotel, 
retaining its nuuiagement r.ntil he finally retired from business. He was a brother of the 
mother of Allen and Henry Fish, and Mrs. S|)alding. of tliis city, and was a descendant, on his 
mother's side, of the Kimballs of Vermont. In politics, he was a Democrat. 

Mrs. Sarah Luce, mother of Mrs. D. B. Harrington, died July 80, ISTI. Mrs. Luce was 
one of the earliest settlers of Port Huron, having located here with her husband. Bartlett A. 
Luce, and family, in the fall of 1S3(). She was born arltl married in Pittsfield. Mass. Her 
husband, who was one of the first men to engage in the lumber business in this section, died in 
ISt'i. Five of her children still survive, as follows: Theodore and Benjamin Luce, of Alpena, 
C. H. Luce, of Chicago. ]\Irs. Harrington, of this city, and Mrs. L. SI. Mason, of Detroit. ^Irs. 
Donihue, another daughter, died in this city in 1855. 

Mrs. Catherine McGowan, mother of Capt. Ed. McCiowan, died at I'ort Huron. August -j. 
iSTl. Her maiden name was Catherine Brogan. born in Donegal. Ireland, on the 12th day 
of May. 17()u. At the time of her death, she had reached the age of one hundred and six years 
two months and twenty-five days. She was marricnl at the ago of twenty-eight years, and left 
a widow in 1885. at Erie. Penn. In 1849. she came here, and has since resided with Iht son. 
She was t\u' moth(>r of twelve children, and up to the time of her death had always appeared 
hal(> and hearty. 

William Brown died December 'Hi. IS"-!. He was born .lane 'I'2, ITS I. in the city of De- 
troit, then owned and occui)ied by the British. He was brought u]) amid the i)rivations and 
hardships of that early day: his i)laymates were Indian and French boys, and his playthings 
wei'e his bow and arrow, the rifle or shot-gun and the tomahawk: the old gentleman spoke the 
three languages of that day — French. English and Indian — with perfect fluency. His parents 
moved to St. Clair County, township of Cotfrellville, settling on the farm now known as the 
Linuby farm, where hi> lived until his eighteenth year, when he wont sailing in old Judge 
Abbot's employ, following that occup:ition for three years. He married the daughter of Ca])t. 
William Thorn in 18or>. and moved on a piece of land which he purchased of the Indians, now 
known as the Sutherland farm, a half mile above the villag(^ of (^ourtright, opposite St. Clair. 
He lived there eight or nine years, pestered and harassed by the Indians continually I'])on 
one occasion he had two yoke of oxen, two cows, throe hogs and four shee)> killed in one day 
by 500 Indian warriors, on their retiirn after their defeat by Croghan at Sandusky, war of 1812. 
He suffered numerous depredations of this kind, until the hostility of the aborigin(>s culminated 
in a determiuatiun at council to kill him and his family, because they thought him to b(> too 
much of a Chi-mook-he-mon. or Yanki>e: however, an old Indian friend of his, who was also 
friendly to the American cause, came at night and acquainted him with the result of the council, 
and the fact tiiat six Indians had been deputed to come the next afternoon to massacre the 
family. His friend urged him not to tell the Indians who had given him notice of their 
intentions, for, said the friend, ''they will kill mo if you do." Preparations were made for 
their reception, and they came just as ho was notified, armed with tomahawks and scal])ing 
knives. He let them all in the house and passed them chairs in which to sit down; he then 
went to the opposite side of the house, took his gun in one hand and tomahawk and butcher- 
knife in the other, and said to them, " I know why you have come; yoii have come to kill me 
and my family." The chief in(piired. " \\"ho told you so ?" Mr. Brown reiiliod. " The Great 
Spirit came in the form of a little bird and told mo all you were going to do. but." said he, 
"the first man that raises his knife or tomahawk is a dead man; I can kill the whole of vou 



308 * HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY 

before you leave the house." " Well,'' said the chief, "'give us a sheep and a hog and we will 
go and have a feast, and be fi'iends forever." He told them to go and take cue sheep and 
a hog, which they did, and had a big time. He remained in Canada until 1814, the year Gen. 
Proctor issued his proclamation requiring all persons living in Canada to take the oath of alle- 
giance to the King of Great Britain or leave the eouutry. Accordingly, he and two of his bi-others- 
in-law picked up their movables (and that was not much) and moved to Detroit. Here he was 
employed by the United States Government to build a stockade fort, and after that was done 
was sent by Gen. Butler, commander of the post of Detroit, with forty men to drive sixty head 
of cattle around Lake St. Clair to Fort Gratiot. While he was engaged in this manner, his 
old Indian friend acting as his guide and spy, some six or seven hundred Indian warriors en- 
camped on Hog Island, now known as Belle Isle, held a big dance and council, at which 
time they determined to massacre all the men in the fort and then sack and burn the city. But 
the wife of the Indian ally went by night and gave the commander of the fort warning, through 
the aid of an interpreter, of the savages' intentions and their plan of attack, viz. : They were to 
all land on the American side, with their guns cut off short and concealed, together with their 
tomahawks, underneath their blankets'; they would then commence a game of ball, as played 
by them, moving steadily toward the fort the while; then the ball was to be thrown into the 
fort, and the Indians rush in a body into the fort after it, when the war-whoop from the chief 
was to be the signal for the attack. They all landed, commenced their game of ball, moving 
toward the fort, exactly as the squaw had announced. The commanding officer let them ap- 
proach within eighty or one hundred rods of the fort, when he sent his interpreter to tell them 
not to come any nearer, or he would open fire upon them; so they halted and finally left the 
place. In 1815, Mr. Brown moved from Detroit to Macomb County, and commenced working 
Jud^e Clemens' farm, where Mt. Clemens now stands. In ISKJ, he bought a farm in the 
township of Cottrellville, and moved on it the same year; after he got his farm paid for and 
fixed up, he took out a tavern license and kept a public house for over thirty years, just below 
the village. He was appointed the first Coroner of St. Clair County, by Gov. Cass, and served 
under the appointment twelve years; when it became an elective office he was elected three 
times by the people. He was appointed Postmaster for this townshij), by President Jackson, 
and served as such under his administration, when he resigned During the year 1829, he 
built the first wood-dock that was constructed between Detroit and Marine City; he bought and 
sold wood in considerable quantities, supplying boats, so that his place of business became a 
regular stopping place for boats and vessels running between Buffalo and Chicago and other 
ports on the upper lakes. He kept a small quantity of goods for a number of years, and traded 
a o-ood deal with the French and Indians, buying furs, etc. He lived on his farm imtil 180S, 
carrying it on himself, when he leased it, and lived around with his children thenceforth. He 
was the first subscriber to the Detroit Free Press from this county. 

Lewis Chadwick was born in Massachusetts in the year 1799, and when one year old his 
parents moved to Vermont. He left home at the age of fourteen, and lived the most of the 
time in Randolph, Chatham, Hogeusburg and London, Canada, till the year 1834, when he 
moved to Newport (Marine City), in this county, where he remained one year, when he came to 
Knajip's Mills, on Black River, then called the township of Desmond, which extended as far 
north as the North Pole. He bought a farm about one mile east of what is now called Jeddo, 
which he owned till his death. This farm was first in the township of Desmond, then in 
Clyde, Lexington, Burtchville, and now is in Grant. His death occurred November 10, 1875. 

David Robertson was born on the St. Clair River, four miles below the site now occupied 
by this village, in 179G; the house in which he first saw light was a primitive yet comfortable 
lof cabin; it stood near the present residence of Warren Robertson, and was torn down about 
twenty years ago. He died at the resid(mce of his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Howard, of Marine 
City, September 18, 1875. He was one of the first white children born on the River St. Clair, 
liis parents having removed to this (then) wiklerness but a short time prior to his birth. He 
grew up a vigorous youth, and at fifteen years of age we find him an enlisted soldier in the 
American Ai-my, detailed for duty on the fortifications of Fort Gratiot, then building. In 1820 
ho married Madeline Myers, by whom he had fifteen children, eleven sons and four daughters. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 309 

Mrs. James Robertson died at the residence of her sou, Cajit. Hirain A\'. Hoberf.son. A]iril 
19, 1S75. Miss Theodate Potter (which was Mrs. Robertson's name before her lirst niarrisige) 
was born in the vilLnge of Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y.. on the 2d day of October, l'U8. 
At that early day that eouuty. in Central New Y\)rk, was yet undeveloped, and was in a great 
measure a frontier settlement. The Indian in his war paint, with his deadly tomahawk and 
glittering scalping knife in his belt, was no rare sight, and amid these wild scenes, and the de- 
privations accompanying them, were the girlhood days of Miss Potter jiasBcd. Slie was in 
Pompey when the attitude of the savages became most alarming, and finally ctilminated with 
the outbreak of the war of ISI'2. Alike with the residents of her town, she shared the hopes 
and fears of that struggle. Miss I'otter was married to Mr. ("yrns Millard, of the village of 
Pompey, when she was but sixteen years of age, and while the war of 1812 was in full j^rogress. 
She remained a resident of the town of her birth until ISSO, when, leaving the scenes that 
were familiar to her from the first, she made the journey to Michigan. Here again, she was 
destined to meet and overcome the hardships of frontier life, for the " lov(>ly ]ieuinsula" was 
then even more wild than Onondaga County. N. Y., in 1798. 

Michigan was then a Territory, and was engaged in settling the question of her southern 
boundary with Ohio, which was (he one obstacle that kejtt her withotit the sisterhood of Ht'ites 
until the following year. Mr. Millard, with his wife and family, settled at Newjiort (now Ma- 
rini' City), on the St. Clair River, but h<^ did not long survive. He di(>d in 18;!7, about one 
year after his arrival. Mrs. Millard remained a widow twelve months, when she was married 
to Mr. James Robertson, of Cottrellvillo, with whom she lived until his death. One year there- 
after she removed to St. Clair, where she resided at the time of her death. 

Chester Rankin was the son of Otis and Mary Rankin, who emigrated to this county from 
Madison County, N. Y^, in the year 1833, and settled in the town of Cottrellville, a short dis- 
tance west of Newport, dow ^larine City. Here Chester Rankin was born, October 24, 18;!7. 
While quite young he. with his father's family, removed to the town of China, near Belle River 
Mill, and near the place where he resided at the time of his death, April. 1875. He was mar- 
ried in the sj)ring of 1808 to Miss Annie E. Kirk, v/ho resided with her parents in the same 
neighborhood. He had one brother and one sister; Mr. Henry Rankin, of East China, was his 
brother, and Mrs. Slytield, wife of Capt. Luther L. Slyfield, of St. Clair City, was his sister. 

Conrad Denio, one -of the veterans of the war of 1812. resided on the town lino between 
Casco and Columbus, with his son-in-law. M'illiam A. Fulton, died Jainiary 8, 1875. Mr. Denio 
was born in .\lburg. (Jrand Isle ('ounty. Vt. , December 7, 1784. When a young man, he re- 
moved to New York State, where he married iind resided, rearing a family and devoting his 
time to farming, until 1852. He made a trip to this State in the latter year, remaining with 
his sonin-law, .Mr. Fulton, one year. In 185:i, he returned to New York and lived with his 
children their until 18(52, when h(^ again came to Michigan and took up his residence with Mr. 
Fi\lton. From that time until his death Mr. Denio was a member of Mr. Fulton's family. 
He was one of the veterans of the war of 1812, having s(>rved in Capt. L. Pette's comjjanv of 
Vermont .Militia in the last struggle with Great Britain. He was among those whose services 
to the country in that conflict were recognized by the (Tov(>rnment at the last hour. He drew a 
pension of S8 per month since the 14th of February, 1N71. 

Ivichartl Allington. aged seventy nine years, died ;it China December 15, 1875. He was 
born at Thetford, England, in ] 79(1, and came to America in 1814, shortly after enlisting in 
the United States Army. During his enlistment, ho was in the Black Hawk war and hel]>e(l to 
build the barracks at Fort (iratiot. In 18:11, he married Elizabeth Hannan, daughter of Will- 
iam Baird. After serving his country faithfully for fifteen j'ears, in 1835 he got his discharge. 
He then moved to China and settled on the farm where he died. In 1845, he was left a wid- 
ower with sis small children. With the help of kind friends, he struggled with the ills of life 
with his little family till 1849. when he married So])hia Browning. 

John Swartout died at the residence of his son, Martin Swartout, in Clay Tov/nshij), De- 
cember 27, 1875, in the ninetieth year of his age. Deceased was a man remai'kal)le alike fur j)er- 
severance and industry. He was born in Ulster County, N. Y. , in 17S7. In 1S3(), he emigrat- 
ed to the then Territory of Michigan with his wife and a family of six boys. He bought half 



310 HISTORY OF ST. CJ.AIR COUNTY. 

a section of laud throe miles from Algonac. Here, with the aid of his boys, for the third time 
in his life, he entered an unbroken forest and cleared himself a farm. At this time, Algonac 
(then called Manchester) contained one frame house and a few huts. After years of hard labor 
he had the satisfaction of reaping the golden grain from his own acres, and gathering fruit 
from trees which he had planted. In 18r)'J. his partner, who had shared with him the hardships 
of his pioneer life of half a century, died. One of his leading characteristics was his anxiety 
to provide for the future. Upon one occasion, after becoming an old man, while planting a]iple 
seeds he was accosted by a neighbor, also quite old. who inqu.ired if he expected to derive any 
benetit from his labor; his rely was characteristic of the man—" If I don't, somebody else will!" 
Thanks to his strong constitution and temperate habits, he lived to eat fruit from the trees for 
a number of years. 

Cupt. Eber B. Ward of Detroit, died from an attack of apoplexy Jamiary 2, 1875. No 
citizen of Michigan could have died whose decease would have caused so great a commotion. 
His immense wealth and business interests were such that hardly a city of any importance in 
the Northwest but will be more or less affected by his death. His capital was so large that of 
necessity it was employed in a variety of ways. His enterprises extended through a number of 
States reaching from the cold and icy northern shores of Lake Superior to the warm waters of 
the Gulf of Mexico. His wealth was chietly invested in iron, silver and copper mines, in pine 
lands and saw mills, in rolling mills and silver smelting works, in raili'oads, in farming lands, 
in glass works and numerous other enterprises. Capt. Ward was nominally the wealthiest 
man in the whole Northwest, his capital being estimated all the way from $7,0()().0l)0 to $22,- 
OOO.OOO, but !S 10,000,000 undoubtedly covers all that was realized from his estate, although it 
was not sufficient to meet all liabilities. 

Mr. Ward took quite an active part in politics, acting with the Republican party and making 
his influence widely felt. Mr. Ward made his will, in which T. C. Qwen, of Detroit. Mr. Wy- 
man, of Cleveland, and Orin W. Potter, of Chicago, were named as executors. These gentle- 
men were all partners of the millionaire, and were fully acquainted with his vast business in- 
terests. 

William Luck, born at Albany, N. Y., April 17, 17y7, died May 11. 1875. He came to 
Michigan in November, 1816. After looking around a little, he settled upon the farm on which 
he died, and which is situated about five miles northwest of St. Clair, tn the town of the same 
name. Here on the high banks of Pine River he built his residence and commenced clearing 
his farm. This was then indeed a wild region. St. Clair City was but a small settlement and the 
farms surrounding it were but mere garden patches. The road from the village to Mr. Luck's 
farm was nothing but a lumber road, over which the boughs of the trees on either side met 
overhead, and entwining made an almost comjalete roof to this pioneer highway. Game in 
abundance, of nearly every description, roamed through the ahnost unbroken forests at will, 
but seldom startled by the sharp report of the hunter's or the Indian's rifle. In the winter 
season the echo of the lumberman's as was heard within the jn-esent corporate limits of St. 
Clair Citv, and in the summer the hunter of jsine traversed its immediate vicinity locating 
Government lands. But few sail vessels and still fewer .steamers ruffled the waters of the beaii- 
tiful St. Clair, and the chief source of travel and transportation was mail's faithful servant — 
the horse. At that time the settler endured many privations, but for this he was compensated 
by the wild grandeur of the scenes which surrounded him. He enjoyed the rich beauties of 
nature before they were marred by the hand of the irreverent pioneer. It was indeed a roman- 
tic life, with charms that could not but be appreciated by the inhabitant of a palace. Grad- 
ually Mr. Luck subdued the giants of the forest and in a few j'ears he had wrought him a very 
pleasant home in a comparative wilderness. 

Many of the pioneers are under the impression that this old settler was an Englishman, as 
both he and his wife possessed the brogue of that nation. 

Mrs. Mary K. Chamberlain, wife of E. C. Chamberlain, and cousin of Frederick L. Wells, 
died October 18, 1S75, at Stanford. Dutchess Co., N. Y. 

Capt. John Clark died February 3, 1876. He was born at Bath, Maine, July 29, 1797. At 
fifteen vears of age he left school, became clerk in a store in Augusta, and at eighteen years was 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. <^11 

ordered to travel by bis physician, his healtli beiug very jioor. He accordingly made a trip t(j 
Europe; in returning he was shipwrecked, and reached Philadelphia after experiencing many 
hardships. In 1818, he maiTied Miss Mary Sherbun. 

He settled in Detroit in 1830. remained there three years, and then removed to Port 
Huron to take charge of Dr. Rice's steam mill on Black River. He next figure<l as Captain of 
the steamer Gen. Gratiot and sailed her a jiart of two seasons. He bought a large tract of land 
in China on the River St. Clair and permanently settled there in 18;!"), building a dock and 
store, and doing a general trading business, buying furs, eti. He was the first Senator elected 
from the P'ifth Senatorial District of the newly acbnitted State of Alichigau, in 1835, and has 
since served a number of times in the Legislature, holding the chairmanship of various impor- 
tant committees, always discharging his duties with credit to himself and his constituents. In 
1856 he joined the Republican party and supported Fremont. 

He was probaljly better versed in Masonry than any man in the State, and was the sup- 
posed oldest member of that order residing in Michig-an. It is said that having taken all the 
degrees American Masonry could bestow he went to Europe and received two additional highisr 
degrees. It is certain that he has held the third highest position in the General Grand Com- 
maudery of the United States, that of Vice Eminent Grand Cajitain General. The Commaadery 
at St. Clair wa.s named after him. 

Mrs. Flora Staflbrd died at Point aux Trembles January 27, 1877. When about thirteen 
years old, her father brought her from Scotland in Lord Selkirk's colony to Canada. She was 
married three times respectively to Messrs. Skinner, Ainsworth and Staffjixl. She was married 
to her second husband. Captain Henry Ainsworth, then a Quartermaster in the American 
Army, in 1817, and spent the next two yc^ars at Green Bay, Wis., in the Government employ. 
Here Henry Ainsworth. Jr., was born. When an infant, he narrowly escaped death b}' the tuslcs 
of a wild boar, who caught him up one day when he happened to be i)laying outside of the 
blockhouse and was making for tlie woods. The unerring aim of an Indian, however, who 
happened to see the performance, brought the animal lifeless to the earth, and the child was 
saved. In 1821, Capt. Ainsworth purchased a farm and settled at Point aux Trembles. His 
house was one of the first preaching places for Methodist preachers on the River. He was a 
well-informed, energetic man. and had he liv(>d, would have lieen a vahiable ac(|uisition to the 
comnuuiity. He died iii 1824. In a few years-his wife married Mr. Staflbrd, lint in about two 
years was left a widow again. She survived her last husband about forty yc^ars. 

John Stillson, an old citizen of Port Huron, and well known througliout the lumbering 
regions of the State, died at tlie Dextnr House, Gratiot Centre, March 14, 1877. 

Ho married Miss Lucinda Tuttle, in Middleton, Me., from which place he went to Califor- 
nia in 1849, and was gone for three years. In 1853, he came to Michigan and resided in this 
city most of his time after. Lumbering and milling were his principal occupati(ms, en- 
gaging in the latter at Brockway Centre and Wyandotte, and residing at each ])lace a short 
time. His wife died in June, 1874, and in .Vugust, 1875, lie marri(>d Lucy ('. Cooper, sister 
of Isaac C. Coo])er, of ihe Dexter House, at which place he made his home. 

.Marcus H. ^liles died Decemlier 13, 1877. Few men have been so closely identified with 
the afl'airs of St. Clair Cotinty for the forty years preceding his death as the deceased. He was 
a native of New York. He arrived in this county from Skaneatelos, N. Y., abotit ]'^3G, coming 
first to Port Huron, and was in the employ of Edward Bancroft (father of Hi)n. W. L. Ban- 
croft), then in business at this ])oint. He remained hero but a .short time, and early in the 
spring of 1837, removed to Newport (now Marine City), wh(>re he engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness with James Robinson. He n^mained in Now])ort about two years, and was known as an 
enterprising, stirring citizen. He was an earnest N\ hig in politics, and his political ;ictivity 
brought him into prominence in that party, which was in the majority at that end of the county, 
though parties were about evenly divided in the county, the north part of which was heavily 
Democratic. Dm-ing the last days of his rasidenco in Newjiort he was Postmaster, with S. A. 
Jones, now of this city, as Deptity. His excellent penmanship and clerical ability made him a 
suitable candidate for County Clerk and Register of Deeds, wliich two offices were then asso- 
ciated together, and he was nominated for the place in 1838, beiug elected over Horatio James 



31-2 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

(father of Amos James) by a vote of 405 to 370. He removed to St. Clair, the county seat, at 
the bec;inning of the year 1839, so that he might devote himself to his official duties. He was 
re-elected Clerk and Register in 1840, over tJm-tis Bellows. In 184"2, he again ran for County 
Clerk, but was defeated by E. C. Bancroft, the county in that off year, on a light vote, giving 
a considerable Democratic majority. He was not candidate for the office in 1844, but entered 
the field again in 1840, and was defeated by a majority of three votes by Daniel Follensbee, 
the political complexion of the county having changed to Democratic by this time; Bingham's 
majority over Wisner for Congress in that year being 119. Two years later, however, Mr. 
Miles tested strength again with Mr. Follansbee, and cai-ried the county by a vote of 771 to 
764 — a majority of seven. In 1850, he was again elected Clerk, this time over Smith Falken- 
bury, making four times that he was elected to that office, besides twice that he was an unsuc- 
cessful candidate. 

His long service as Clerk so familiarized him with court practice that he was admitted 
to the bar in March. 1852, and began the practice of law. He did for some years a very con- 
siderable business in the way of conveyancing and collections, but did not seek prominence as a 
court advocate. In 1854, he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner over Cyrus Miles, and in 
1850 Judge of Probate over Josejah P. Minne. In 1863, he entered the Eleventh Michigan 
Cavalry under Gen. Brown, as a Lieutenant. During nearly the entire time of his military 
service, he was on detached duty as Judge Advocate at headquarters, in the department of Ken- 
tucky, we believe, and gained a good reputatiim for efficient service in his responsible position. 

The year following his return from the war, he was elected Representative from the First 
District, and made an efficient member in the House, serving on the Committees on State Affairs 
and Elections. So well did he satisfy his constituents that in the succeeding year he was 
elected, along with Judge Conger and Mr, Hazen, a member of the Constitutional Convention. 
There he served a.s Chairman of the Committee on Cities and Villages, and also as a member 
of the Committee on Counties. 

In 1870, he was appointed Inspector of Customs and stationed at Toronto, where he served 
until the office was abolished two years ago. He proved in that position, as he had in the oth- 
ers he had held, an excellent officer. Collector Sanborn stated that he was one of the most 
faithful and efficient officers ever in the customs service. He was thoroughly familiar with his 
duties and performed them with the strictest fidelity and promptness. In this service, while in at- 
tending to some of ihe duties of the place, he met with (juite a serious accider.t by the backing 
of an engine against a freight car in which he was at work. It was a severe shock to his sys- 
tem, and it is thought by some that it had a marked infiuence on his future health. Mr. Miles 
was married in 1841, to Miss Partridge, daughter of Asa Partridge, of St. Clair, and sister of 
Gen. B. F. Partridge. Commissioner of the State Land Office. 

Allen Fish was born near Montreal, Canada, February 14. 1824; he died May 26, 1877. 
His parents were of New England birth, but removed to Canada at an early day. In the year 
1836, the family came to Michigan and settled in Macomb County. In 1848, Mr. Fish removed 
to Port Huron, where his brother Allen had located some years before, and the two brothers 
entered into mercantile and lumbering business under the firm name of A. & H. Fish, which 
has been maintained to the jn-esent time, or nearly thirty years. Mr. Fish's greates' prom- 
inence before the public has been as an active member of the Prohibition party. He was 
eai'nest and conscientious in his support of the principles of prohibition, never swerving from 
it, or proposing any compromise in the hope of political preferment. In 1870, he was the can- 
didate of the party fpr Governor, and again in 1872. He was active in the movement for the 
formation of the National Prohibition iiarty at an early date. During the war, he acted with 
the Re)iub]ican party. 

Ral])h Wadhams, whose prominent connection with public affairs at the time the State of 
Michigan was admitted into the Union, and earlier business interests, gave him a popuhu'ity 
and influence in those days which the present generation can scarcely appreciate. He was 
born at Goshen, Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1798, being at the time of his decease, April, 1877, 
in his seventy ninth year. His father is believed to have been of Dutch and his mother of 
English descent. AVhen about seven years of age, his parents removed to Leicester, Livingston 
Co., N. Y. " 



III^TCJUV OF ST. CI. A IK CorNTY. 313 

In that vicinity ho obtainod a f^ood normal education, and being of a business turn of mind 
left his father's farm to enter the store of one Nicholas Ayrault, in that vicinity, where ho 
served an apprenticeship which lifted him for the active business of life, which he entered on 
ai'rivini^ at manhood. 

In company with one Keese, he landed at Detroit in lS:i:!, and for sev<>ral years the lirm of 
Reese & W'adhams. general m(>rchants. occui)ied the first brick store Ijuilt in Detroit, on the 
corner of Jefiers<m and Woodward avenues. Detroit, at that early day, had about 2.5(10 inhab- 
itants, and was the base of sn])plies for this portion of what is now the State. 

Later, the firm became Howard & Wadhams, and a largo tract of pine land, some T.OlK) 
acres, was entered by them under the act of Congress by which it camo into market, with funds 
furnished by the Trust Com])any of New York, who were secured by a mortgage. Thi-ough a 
subsecjuent assignment of Howard. Mr. Wadhams came into jiossession of fhe mortgag<^ and the 
Trust C'ompany compromised by giving him the tract of land on Black River, which included 
his present estate. He also becamo interested in the lumbering operations that had been pre- 
viously carried on by Smart. Miller & Scott, at the site of what is now t'lyde J\[ills, where a 
dam and saw-mill had been built, and also other buildings and im])rovements made. 

For several years he conducted the lumbering operations on Black liiver. while engaged 
in general mercantile trade at Detroit, going back and forth fre(juently. The journey was then 
made on the ice in the winter, and by sail-boats during the season of navigation, there being no 
])ublic highway to Detroit for some years after. At that time, too, Clyde Mills was considered 
th(< head of navigation on Black River. 

It was not till IN'iS*. or thereabouts, that he locatinl permanently in this county. In 1S;5(), 
he built the first grist-mill at his [)lace, anil for many years thereafter his busin(>ss was extensive 
and re([nired the services of a large number of men. 

His political influence was considerable, being, in \X^]'I. elected Supervisor for the town 
of Desmond, which then included fhe district from Macomb to Saginaw. He was delegate to the 
convention which framed the constitution under which Michigan was admitted to the Union. 
Capt. John Clark, of China, who died last year, was the other delegate from here. Under 
Pi'esident .Jackson, he was a{)pointeil Postmaster at Clyde Mills, which ollice he held thirty-six 
years, resigning in 1S74. 

In s])ite of his business tact and energy, he failed once, and when his lumber, cattle and 
other assets w(>re sold, his father came to his rescue ami bitl them in for him, so that he was 
enabled to go on and accumulate an vminciunbered estate today worth many thousands of dol- 
lars, and comprising, among other things, fifty head of fine blooded cattle. He mot with many- 
adverse circumstances, to which men of less energy would have succumbed. The expenses 
required annually to keep np the dam and bridge across the river, and the ilamagos from floods 
and fire, requiring his mills to be rebuilt twice, were very heavy. But Mr. Wadhaius was 
respected liy all who knew him and bore an unblemishe<l reputation. He was a good account- 
ant, and had a V(>rv |irom])t business way whicli conduced to success. 

When Dr. Nash used to preach in the schoolhouse at Clyde Mills, he was a n^gular attend- 
ant ujjon its services, l)ut never made an op(>n profession of religion. 

Mrs. Lydia Kix, wife of Oel Kix, was born in Genesee County, X. V., September "28, 
181-1; came to Michigan with her husband in 183r)-;}G, and was one of the first whitt; women 
seen in the neighborhood of Memphis. Her death took place February 2, 1S77. 

Newell Avery, of Port Huron, died March IS, 1877. Jfr. Avery was born in Maine Octo- 
ber 12, 1S17. His parents were poor, and he enjoyeil no early advantages of educatu)n. some 
three months of instruction at an old-fashioned district school com[)rising all fhe ))rivileges of 
this sort secm-ed. At the age of fourteen, ho hired out to labor in a saw-mill in the woods of 
Maine, agreeing to take whatever his employer — who seemed to doubt the capacity of the white- 
headed boy, who ap])lied for work — should see fit to give. So diligent and '' handy " had the new 
emjiloye Ijecome, however, before the year was out, that he w;is getting nearly as large wages as 
any of the men around the mill. This was the beginning of a remarkable business career. All his 
eju-nings were carefully treasured up. all his opportunities diligently improved, so that he soon 
knew the business of lumbering cas then carried on in Maine to its minutest details. Soon, 



314 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

with his present partner in this city, Simon J. Murphy, another poor, ambitious and hard- 
workinof young man, a small tract of pine land was bought with their joint savings, and then, 
with their stout arms and stouter hearts, the monarchs of the forest were felled and cut up into 
logs, and the product sold to the larger lumbermen. The work completed, the proceeds formed a 
caj)ital for a larger investment, and thus the steady process of accumulation went on, and the two 
poor and friendless boys soon grew into a lumbering Urm of acknowledged strength and success. 
A partnership was next formed with Col. Eddy, a well-known business man of Maine, and the 
new drm of Eddy, Avery & Co. was soon noted for its extended and fortunate transactions. The 
profits of their business were invested in large tracts of pine lands in Michigan at Government 
price, and as the forests melted away before their enterprise in the " down East " State, their 
acquisitions in this new Western commonwealth grew rapidly and apace. In 1851, Mr. Avery 
removed to this State, settling at Port Huron, and commenced the work of lumbering here, at 
first confining himself to the Black River in St. Clair County, but extending, as judicious man- 
agement dictated, until he had come to stand at the head of enterprises which had, in a single 
year, put into the rivers of Michigan nearly or quite one-tenth of the entire season's cut for the 
whole State. Largo tracts of pine lands were located along all our great rivers except the Au 
Sable and the Manistee, his territory reaching as far north as the Cheboj'gan, and comprising 
many of the choicest portions of the Muskegon Valley on the west, the Saginaw region, of course, 
containing many thousands of acres of his property. In nothing was his practical wisdom more 
displayed than in his management of these vast interests. With rare sagacity, he would choose 
and associate with him men who could be relied upon to take the direction of active business 
operations in these different and widely sejiarated localities, while he reserved to himself a gen- 
eral and supreme control — a control which no one of all his partners desired to lessen, so abso- 
lute was their confidence in his almost infallible business judgment, and his perfect justice and 
integrity. Thus it came to pass that he stood at the head of no less than thirteen large firms, 
embracing some twenty-six partners, located in Detroit, Port Huron, Bay City, East Saginaw, 
Alpena, Muskegon and Chicago. In 1807, Mr. Avery removed to Detroit, from which central 
point nearly all his large affairs have been since conducted. 

David Mansfield died January 20, 1877, in his seventy-seventh year. He was among the 
first settlers of Memphis. 

Henry Baird, whose death occurred January 20, 1877, was born in Rutherglen, Scotland, 
July 15, 1808, He came to this country with his father's family in the spring of 1829, accom- 
panied by others who located on the shoi-e of Lake Huron, about twelve miles from Sarnia, and 
attempted to stai't a colony. The project proved a failure, however, and in the following year 
his father purchased a farm from Andrew Westbrook, on Belle River, in the townshiji of East 
China, and made of it a permanent home. Henry was a blacksmith by trade, knowing nothing 
about farming, but to please his father, then well advanced in life, he resolved to give up his 
trade and devote his energies to cultivating the farm. His mother being dead, they kept 
bachelor's hall until February, 1838, when Henry married Elizabeth Schriner 

Of the ten children, seven boys and three girls, born to them, only three survive. William, 
resident of St. Claii-, and Charles F., of this city, both engaged in the practice of law; the 
younger, Robert B., is attending the Deti'oit Medical College. Of the others, three died in in- 
fancy; John, at the age of foiuieen, fell from a wagon and broke his neck; Agues died at the 
age of twenty-one; Henry was sacrificed on the altar of his country in the war for the Union; 
Theobald, who settled as a practicing physician and druggist at Marine City, died July 30, 
1872, at the age of thirty. 

Arch. P. Phillips died in East China April 1, 1878. He was born January i2, 1810, in 
the village of Fort Edward, Argyle Township, Washington Co., N. Y. When he was ten years 
of age, his parents moved to St. Clair and settled near the present village of Marine City, 
Mr. Phillips did not come with his parents, but followed them two years later. His father, 
Charles, and mother, Derutia, with eight other white persons and one colored man, were gath- 
ered into a class by a Methodist Episcopal clergyman who traveled in Canada and the leader- 
ship of the class was given to J. K. Smith, father of Abram Smith, of Algouac. 

John Beai'd, whoso death occurred at his residence in Clvdo. June 1. 1879, was born in the 



insTOlIY OF ST. CLAIl! OOl'^'TY. 315 

Stale of New York in the year ISll. His father was Ai Beard, who emigrated from Chenango 
County, N. Y., in the year 1S;?(), and located at or near the present vilhige of R\iby. His son 
John came with him, and James Beard, late a resident of Port Huron, came throe years later. 
The present towushi]) of Clyde was at that time included in the township of Desmond. Ai 
Beard built the Beard Mill, which is still in operation, very soon after his arrival in Michigan. 
In lS3y, his two sons, John aud James, commenced lumbering on their own account, under the 
firm name of J. & J. B<>ard. .lohn had really been a lumberman from the day of his arrival m 
the Territory, and continued in the business up to the day oT hi.s death, at which time he was, 
probably, the oldest lumberman in the State When they first commenced business, the capital 
of the firm of J. & J. Beard consisted of a yoke of oxen, an old sled, a tea kettle, a frying pan, 
and an iron pot. They had no money, and did not own an acre of land. Their first venture 
was a contract to get out logs for a Mr. Cameron, of Canada. 

In 184 1, this energetic young business firm bought their father's half interest in the mill 
and lands adjoining for §10,l)()() on twenty years' time. Their operations rapidly e.^tended 
thereafter, and they l)ought thousands of acres of land iu the townships of Clyde, Grant, Burtch- 
ville, Kenock<>o and Greenwood, as well as in other sections of the State. 

Ai Beai-d died at Port Hui'ou in 1851, and was buried in the city cemetery. In 18515, the 
firm of J. & J. Beard was dissolved. John taking the Clyde Mill aud lands, and James taking 
the Port Huron JNIill and lands iu other sections of the State From 1847 to 1853, James Beard 
resided in Detroit and managed a lumber yard for the tirm. In the latter year, he removed to 
Port Huron, and ran the mill here, which, in the tinal division of the ]iroperty. became his. 

Since 185(3, John Beard continued to reside at the old honu>stead in Clyde. He was en- 
gaged to some extent in farming operations, but never ceased to be a lumberman. He had sold 
thousands of acres of farming lands, but at the time of his death owned between three and four 
thousand acres of land, the value of his property being fully a quarter of a million of dollars. 

Mr. Beard was married, in the year 1889, to Miss Hannah Tick, of Long Point, Ont. There 
was a bit of romance about his sojourn at that ])laco and his marriage. It was during the 
Patriot war, and he had commenced the construction of a mill there, when his connection with 
the patriots " made it so warm for him " that he was obliged to leave, abandoning his work and 
ju'operty. 

In politics. Mr. Beard, like his father, was alw.ays a Democrat. During the war, he was 
extreme in his views, and became somewhat obnoxious to his more patriotic neighbors. But in 
every other way he was an excellent citizen, a kind neighbor and friend, and a man of liberal 
views. On the temperance question, he stood as firm as a rock. He never drank liquor or used 
tobacco, and would not sell lots in the village of Ruby except with a proviso that no liquor 
should be sold on them; and although a strong Democrat, he was never a ])olitician, and never 
held any elective office excejit Strc(>t (Commissioner, or something of the sort. He was Post- 
master for a time during Buchanan's administration. Ho was not a member of any chm'ch 
and never belonged to any secri>t society, always refusing when solicited to join. 

In the matter of local public improvements, Mr. Beard was always liberal and enterprising. 
He was the chief jirojector of the plank road from Port Huron to lirockway, and also the new 
road on the north side of Black River, now called the Stone road. Port Huron is indebted 
to thi>se roads, and to Mr. Beard, for the large share of the trade and consequent prosperity they 
hav(< brought it. 

James Beard died at his residence* in Port Huron April 80, 1882. He had been suffering 
for two years from sonu< internal disease. He was a native of Green. Chenango County, N. 
Y.. but came to St. Clair County, ]\[ich., in his nineteenth year. Ho lived in the town of 
Clyde from 1888 till 1845; from then until 1858 he kept a lumber yard in Detroit. Since 
1858, Port Huron had been his home. He was a jiopular man, a genial, whole-souled gentle- 
man at all times and everywhere. It was only the re<]uirements of his business, which 
engaged nearly all his time, that prevented him from receiving elective offices as evidences 
of the confiilence and respect of his neighbors. 

John Baird, an old resident of (Jhina, passed to the great beyond, after a life of contented 
usefulness and industry. April 28. 1881. He was born at Rutherglen, Scotland, January 25, 



316 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

1802, and came to this eountry in March, 1829. He at first settled on the Canada shore of 
Lake Huron, twelve miles north of Point Edward, where he stayed but a year, when he, with 
Henry and James Baird settled in the town of China, thus it will be seen that he lived on one 
farm about fifty years. He leaves five children, his wife having been dead for some years. 

Mrs. D. B. Harrington (Sarah E. Luoe), one of the earliest pioneers of the city, died at 
Port Huron, December 2, 1881. She was a daughter of Bartlett A. Luce, who came to Port 
Huron in 1833 from Pittsfield, Mass., to take charge of the steam saw mill located where 
Mr. John Jenkinson's coal and himber j'ard now is, at the north end of Seventh street bridge. 
Mr. Luce's family, consisting of his wife and six children, came to Port Huron three years 
later. They first occupied a cottage located near the mill. Subsequently they resided in the 
Newell house, well known io the early days of Port Huron, which was located on the ground 
now occupied by J. B. Farrand's boot and shoe store. Here Mrs. Harrington was married. 
Subsequently Mr. Luce's family lived in the Howard house on Military street, and there Mr. 
Luce died in 1845. 

For a few years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington lived in the house now oc- 
cupied by H. C. Sanborn, on Military street. Subsequently they occupied the present Harring- 
ton homestead, which was tlie home of Mr. and Mrs. Harrington during the remainder of their 
lives, except for the period of five years when they resided at Saratoga, N. Y. 

Jonathan Burtch was born November 15, 1792, at Warren, Herkimer Co., N. Y. , and 
lived with his parents, receiving such schooling as the generality of boys of that day received, 
until eighteen years of age. He then, in company with another brother, went to Chenango 
County, N. Y., to start a farm for their father, and stayed there over a year, when he returned to 
Herkimer County aad followed farming and lumbering, furnishing lumber for the markets of 
Washington and Alexandria. In 1828, he then having been in New York City about five 
months, started for the West, and went by way of the Erie Canal to Buflalo. At that place, he 
intended to take passage on the steamer William Penn, bvit failing to make a satisfactory bargain 
with the officers of that boat, he contracted with Capt. Zimri Belden, of the schooner Mariner, for 
his passage to Green Bay, and started the 13th of July. 1828, and made the trip without 
any incident of note happening to them, or seeing anything but wilderness and water, ex- 
cepting a few scattering settlements of whites and Indians. Upon looking the ground over at 
Green 13ay, he concluded that he did not like it well enough to stay, and also that it was a little 
too far from home. Having arrived at this conclusion, he engaged passage on the same 
schooner for Desmond. In coming into the river, she ran her bow into the mud and they were 
some time in getting off. It being in the night and the Indians quite noisy and not knowing 
what accommodations there were at the place, he did not relish the idea of being set ashore, 
and concluded to go on down the river to "Billy Brown's," just below what is now Marine 
City, and did so, landing there abovit the 20th of September. Here he made the acquaintance 
of Dr. Harmon Chamberlin, well known to all the early settlei-s of St. Clair County. October 
4, he prociu-ed the services of some Indians, who took him and his efl'ects to Desmond in 
canoes. Here he began operations by pui'chasing an old hotel that had been used as a stable 
and cleaned it out, and [airchased 2,000 feet of lumber of Mi-, ^^'adhams, who was located a few 
miles up Black River, and inclosed his shed and commenced business as a store-keeper. This 
store was located on or very near the place now occupied by the First National Bank. Here 
he did business until the next season, when he put up a frame store (the first one in Desmond). 
This afterward did duty as a kitchen to the old " Central Hotel," and is still standing. In 

1832, he built another store on a wharf about two rods above the bridge across Black River. 
Here he did business until October 4, 1834, when he moved up to what has ever since been 
called Burtehville, on Lake Hiu-on, where he operated in lumber, carrying on a mill and farm- 
ing. The mill was purchased of T. S. Knapp. of Detroit. He continued in business at this 
place until 1857. when he sold the mill, but continued farming. He was married, in April, 

1833, to Elizabeth Robertson, at Desmond. Their children are Louisa, born in Desmond, 
February 1, 1834, now the wife of Edward Potter; Jane, born at Burtehville, April 16, 1837, 
now the wife of Charles Potter, living in Jeddo. Phebe, born September 20, 1843, now 
the wife of Dr. ^Valter P. Brown; Ransom, born November 23, 1847; Oliver D., born July 



HlSTOliV OF ST. CLAIU COrXTY. 317 

12. 1850; Julia, boru Septi'iubcr 11, 1S53, now the wife of Geoi-ge Gerow; Franklin P., boru 
St. Patrick's day, 1856. His death occurred at the residence of his daughter. Mrs. C. Potter, 
of Jeddo, September 22, 1881. 

Asher King, an old settler of Wales, died in Custer, Sanilac Coiintv, the Tth of February, 
1882, aged seventy-three years. 

William Shea, aged eighty-eight years, died March 2S>, 1882. He had lived on his farm 
at ('ottrellville for thirty years and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. 

Teranna Y. Carleton Smith, wife of AVilliam H. Smith, and daughter of Chester Carleton, 
of St. Clair. Mich., died in Kimball Township, June 1, 1882. 

Sarah B. Carleton died in China Township May 29, 1882. Sarah Barron was born in 
Bath. N. H., September 28, 17U'.). She was reared and educated in a pleasant New England 
home. After her life had j)ass(>d into womanhood, she chose to seek the new M'est witli her 
friends. A half-century ago, she came to Michigan and began the work of a teacher. The first 
school organized in the city of St. Clair was opened in the old court house with jNIiss Barron 
in charge. She was one of the lirst teachers of Port Huron and also of Marine Citv. In ]8.'^4, 
she married Samuel Carleton, and aided in making a home near St. Clair. 

Mi-s. Clara St. Clair Wright, who died May 21, 1882. was a daughter of H. X. Monson, of 
St. Glair. She was born on the 25th of December, 1835. Her early life was spent in St. 
Clair, but some time after her marriage to P. M. "Wright they moved to Red Wing, Minn., and 
resided there for sis years, and there her remains were taken for interment. Mrs. Wright was 
a resident of Port Huron for (Mghteen years, and made many friends. She was an active mem- 
ber of the Episcopal Church and Ladies' Library Association, and also President of the 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 

Mrs. Christian Wesick died May Ifi. 1882, aged sixty-eight years. 

Mrs. Albert Doty died on the 28th of May, 1882. The deceased was an old lady, one of 
the early settlers in the county. 

Mrs. Lydia Geel died April 12, 1882. She belonged to that little band of pioneers and 
their noble helpmates who saw the St. Clair sweep by a dense foi'e.st, with here and there a wreath 
of smoke, a fallen tree, a canoe in the distance, the only signs of human life. She was born 
in Colerain, Franklin Co., Mass., in 181(\ and was married in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1882, 
to Mr. James Geel. whom she met while on a visit to Michigan. They cleareil and settled a 
large farm near i\Iarysville, whicli was their homo till after Mr. Geel's death, ten years ago. In 
18()5. she accompanied her husband and family on an expedition to Central America, in a small 
sailing vessel called the Union, owned and managed by the party. No accidents were met with 
further than a severe storm on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and one oft" the Bermudas, but at 
Nicaragua the party sufifered severely from fever. After arriving at New Orleans, the boat was 
sold, and Mr. and Mrs. Geel returned to their old home in Michigau. About this time, they 
became believers in Spiritualism. She leaves two sons, Cunimings and Burton Geel, and a 
daughter, ^[rs. Bates. 

John Hibliard was born in North Hadley, Mass., in the y(>ar 1827. In the year 1S87, he 
removed to \\'isconsin with his family, the Territory having at that time but few inhabitants. 
He worke<l there at farming dm'ing his boyhood, and at the ago of nineteen was married to a 
sister of Aaron Smith, of this city. Four years afterward his wife died, leaving one child, the 
late William B. Hibbard. Mr. Hiijbard was married to the present Mrs. Hibbard in 1848, and 
in 1850 located at Port Huron. During all the time of his residence here, he was a prominent 
citizen and business man. At one time he did a larg(> mercantile business, but was subsequent- 
ly engaged exclusively in lumbering, accpiiring a handsome pro])erty, which was swept away 
in the years of Inisiness depression following the panic of 1873. Subsetjuentlv. h(> was ap- 
pointed comm(!reial agent at Goderich, which position he held at the time of his death. Mr. 
Hil)l)ard was elected mayor of Port Huron in ISli'.l, and during his administration the pi-esont 
bridges crossing Black Eiver were built. Sub.sequeutly, he served for several years on the 
Board of Public Works. He was an ai'dent and active Kepublican, and for sev(*ral yeai-s was 
a member of the Kejiublican State Central Committee, and its Treasurer. He was also for 
many years a trustee of the Congregational society of Port Huron, and one of its most liberal 



318 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

supporters, although never, we believe, a member of the church. Personally, he was a man of 
creneroixs impulses, and had many warm friends. His death took place i]] October, 1882. Mi-. 
Hibbard had two sons, Fred and John, the foraier now a resident of Chicago, and the latter 
of Faro-o, Dak. Only one of his brothers and sisters survives him — William B. Hibbard, of 
Chicago. 

Albert Doty, a pioneer of this township, died the 18th November, 1882. For many years 
he was widely known as a frontier settler, and land hunters from Macomb County were enter- 
tained by him and located land with his assistance. The country for miles in those days used 
to be spoken of as " up at Doty's." He was kind and hospitable beyond measure. He settled 
on the homestead where he died forty-five years ago, aud no neighbor lived within sight of his 
house for twenty years. He was Supervisor for many years, and leaves a large family of boys, 
who live in various pai'ts of the State. 

Peter Carleton, Jeremiah Carleton, Edmond Carleton and Israel Carleton, among the early 
settlers of St. Clair County, were the sons of Edmond Carleton of Landaff, N. H. Their 
mother's maiden name was Abigail Hutchins, daughter of Jeremiah Hutchins, of Bath, N. H. 
Edmond, was the eldest son of Peter Carleton, who was the youngest of fom- sons of Edward 
Carleton, Jr. , all of whom were born, lived and died on "Carleton Place," West Parish, Haver 
hill, Mass. Edward, Jr., was called " Cornet " to distinguish him from the other " Edwards." 
Deeds of land, running to him, are found of as early date as 1705. He held a commission as 
Cornet of the First Company of Horse, the regiment being commanded by Col. Richard Salter- 
stall. His commissiiin bears date the sixth year of the reign of George I. He was the second 
son of Edward, Jr., (also) who lived in Haverhill, Mass., and died in 1668, who planted an 
orchard, the last tree of which, it is said, disappeared in 1864. He was the son of Edward 
Carleton who settled in Rowley, Mass., in 1038. It is said that he was one of the eight proprie- 
tors of that township. He was a member of the General Court from 1643 to 1647, when he was 
appointed a Public Magistrate. 

Peter, the oldest of the brothers, was born in Bath, N. H., March 3, 1781. His father died 
when Peter was twelve years old, and he then made his home with his uncle Samuel Hutchins; 
was married to Susannah Reading, January 10, 1807. Came to Michigan and landed at St. 
Clair. October 20, 1830, lived the hrst winter in a house that belonged to Louis St. Barnard, 
that stood near the bank of St. Clair River in " Yankee Street," supporting himself and family 
by his labor. The next year he moved on to the " Fergo Place " in China on Belle River, some 
distance below the " Gallagher Mills." He next moved on to the southwest quarter of the 
northeast quarter, Section 11, same town, where he lived until 1848, when the old couple moved 
into rooms prepared for them on the farm of iheir son William H. Carleton, where they both 
died. He held several town offices, and was generally known as " Uncle Peter." 

Jeremiah Carleton, the second brother, was born at Bath, N. H., July 29, 1783, was mar- 
ried to Susannah Emmerson, May 2. 1810, and came to Michigan in 1831, also lauding at St. 
Clair, and settled upon the land that he converted into a farm in what is called " Yankee 
Street," where his wife died February 1, 1850, and he November 10, 1872. 

Edmond Carleton was twin brother of Jeremiah, and of course was born at the same time 
and piace. His wife was Olive M. Barron, to whom he was married Febniary 1, 1808. He 
also landed at St. Clair in 1831, and settled on the place where he lived nearly all the rest of 
his life, a few years being spent in St. Clair City, and finally dying in Troy, Ohio, December 
19, 1872. He held several offices, at one time that of Associate Judge. 

Israel Carleton, the youngest brother, was born in March, 1788. His wife was Nancy Dem- 
ing. He landed at St. Clair in 1830, and settled on the place where he died, March 3, 1857. 
After his marriage and previous to his coming to St. Clair he was Sheriff of Grafton County, 
N. H. In 1824 he moved to Stillwater, N. Y. In coming to Michigan he, as well as the others, 
came by the way of the Erie Canal and across Lake Erie, at that day a long journey compared 
to the same now. He built a tannery, the first on the River St. Clair; was Justice of the Peace 
several years. While all the brothers were called "Uncle" he was also called " Deacon." The 
brothers were brothers in truth, always agreeing aud always friendly. They resembled each 
other very much in character, all being very regular in their habits, proverbially honest, chari- 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIH COrXlY. 319 

table in all ways, asking nothing for tliomsolves that they were unwilling to accord to others 
always commanding the respect of all who knew them. Their children, grandchikben and 
great-grandchildren are a very numerous race, much torj large to l)e all noticed here, but 
nearly a complete list with places and dates of births, marriages and deaths, with a short 
sketch of the lif(^ of each, whenever it could be obtained, has becTi collected together by M. F. 
Carleton, one of the grandchildren of Peter, which as an heir loom is of inestimable value, beino- 
quite a volume, when fully completed, of itself. 

The incidents connected with the early settlement of St. Clair Countv are the old stories 
of hardships and privations, not unmixed with pleasure. Then, each man re<rarded his neigh- 
bor as a brother, and was willing to share with liim the comforts and luxuriiw of a pione(!r life. 
If a deer was killed, or other luxury obtained, to pass it around was generally the first thouo-ht 
and act. All were actuated by a common interest — that of building up homes — and to this lay 
the foundation of future prosperity. When we remember that whei-e is now the thriving 
village, or the fields of the husbandmen, but a few years previous was the home of the lied 
Man, covered with sturdy oaks of an hundred years, we are led to inquire, by what process has 
this wonderful change been wrought? It will be seen, however, that most of the pioneer settle- 
ments of this county wore made less than sixty years ago, and from so small a beinnuinf has 
grown this jirosperous couununity. In that time the Indian has disappeared. The laud which 
he had inherited from a long line of savage ancestors, has passed from his possession. Civil 
and savage life could not exist together. The Darwinian theory of the survival of the fittest pro- 
vailed. His game was fast ilisappearing before the un(>rring rifle of the pioneer, and ho was 
destined once again to turn his face toward the setting sun, and seek a new huntin" "-round, 
amid the wilds of the "West, beyond the great chain of lakes, where the foot of the roving pale 
face had never trod. The tide of immigration had set this way, and on every hand were the 
ci-usaders of a new civilization. On every side, on blufi" and in valley, could be heard the 
stni-dy blows of the pioneer, as he felled the oaks for his rude cabin, or cleared the fields for 
the golden harvest, and there laid with honest hand the foundation of success. The list of 
deceased old settlers shows th(!m to be fast passing away; very few remain. 




320 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



ORGANIC HISTORY 



PREVIOUS to the formation of the Northwestern Territory, the coinUiy within its bounds was 
claimed by several of the Eastern States, on the ground that it was within the limits indicated 
by their charters from the English Crown. In answer to the wishes of the (government and people, 
these States in a patriotic spirit surrendered tlieir claims to this extensive territory, that it might 
constitute a common fund to aid in the payment of the National debt. To prepare the way for this 
cession, a law had been passed in October, 1780, that the territory so to be ceded should be disposed 
of for the common benelit of the whole Union; that the Slates erected therein should be of suitable 
extent, not less than one hundred nor more than one hundred and fifty miles sipiare; and that any 
expenses that might be incurred in recovering the posts then in the bauds of the British should be 
reimbursed. New York released her claims to Congress March 1,1781; Virginia, March 1, 1784; 
Massachusetts, April 19, 1785, and Connecticut, September 4, 1786. Under the French and British 
dominion, the points occupied on the eastern boundary of what is now the State of ilichigan were 
considered a part of New France, or Canada. Detroit was known to the French as Fort Fontchar- 
train. The military commandant, under both Governments, exercised a civil jurisdiction over the 
settlements surrounding their posts. In 17!I6, when the British garrisons at Detroit and Mackinac 
were replaced by detachments by Gen. Wayne, Michigan became a part of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory and was organized as the county of AVayne, entitled to one Representative in the General As- 
sembly, held at Chiliicothe. In 1800, Indiana was made a separate Territory, embracing all the 
country west of the present State of Ohio, and of an extension of the western line of that State due 
north to the territorial limits of the United States. In 1802, the Peninsula was annexed to the 
Territory of Indiana, and, in 1805, Michigan began a separate existence. That part of the Terri- 
tory that lies east of a north and south line through the middle of Lake Michigan was formed 
into a distinct government, and the provisions of the ordinance of 17S7 continued to regulate it. 
Under this constitution, the executive power was vested in a Governor, the judicial in three Judges, 
and the legislative in both united; the officers were appointed by the General Government, and 
their legislative authority was restricted to the adoption of laws from the codes of the several 
States. This form of government was to continue until the Territory should contain 5.000 free 
white males of full age. It then beeama optional with the people to choose a legislative body, to 
be supported by them; but subsequent legislation by Congress more iiberallj- provided a Legisla- 
ture at the expense of the (jeneral Government, and also added to privileges in the elective fran- 
chise and cligibilit}' to office; as, for example, under the ordinance a freehold qualification was re- 
quired, both on the part of the elector and the elected. 

The first officers of the Territor3' of Michigan were William Hull. Governor; Augustus B. 
Woodward, Chief Judge; Frederick Bates, Sr., Assistant Judge and Treasurer; John Griffin, As- 
sistant Judge; Col. James May, Marshal; Abijah Hull, Surveyor; Peter Audrain, Clerk of the Leg- 
islative Board. May 5, 1807, Joseph Watson was appointed Legislative Secretary; in November, 
1806, Elijah Brush was appointed Treasurer, to succeed Mr. Bates, and the books of the office were 
delivered over on the "JOth of that month: and William McDowell Scott was appointed Jlarshal in 
November, 1806, to succeed Col. May. The latter never held the office of Judge of the Territory, 
Imt about 180(1 to ISOH, he was Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Augustus Brevoort 
Woodward was a native of Virginia; was appointed a Judge of the Territory in 1805, his term of 
office expiring February 1, 1824. He was soon afterward appointed Judge of the Territory of 
Florida, and three years after that he died. The gr.-uid scheme of "Catholepistemiad," or State 
University of Michigan, with its numerous departments described under sesquipedalian names from 
the Greek, owed its origin to Judge Woodward. John Griffin was appointed Assistant Judge in 
1807; his terra of offic'c expiring February 1, 1824, wlicu he was re-appointed for four years, and, 
February 1, 1828, he was appointed Territorial Sc^eretary. 

When, in 1818, llliuois was admitted into the Union, all the territor}' Ij'ing north of that State 
and of Indiana was annexed to Michigan. In 1S19, the Territorj' was authorized to elect a dele- 



HISTORY OF ST. (LA IK COFNTY. 321 

gate to Congress, according to the [jrcscnl usage with relercncc to Territories; jirevious to this 
time, according to th(! ordinance of 1787, a Territory was not entitled to a delegate until it entered 
upon the "second grade of gov(n'nnient," and the delegate was then to be cho.sen by liie (Jeneral 
Assenil)ly. 

In 1823, Congress abolished tlie legislative power of the Governor and Judges, and granted 
more enlarged ones to a council, to be composed oC nine persons selected by the President of the 
United States from eighteen chosen by the electors of the Territory; and by this law, also, eligibili- 
ty to oHice was made <-o-existent with the right of suffrage as established by tlic act of 181SJ; also 
the judicial term of ortice was limited to four years. In 1825, all county otlices, except those of a 
judicial nature, were made elective, and the appointments which remained in the hands of the ex- 
ecutive were made subject to the ap|)roval of the legislative council. In 1827, the electors were 
authorized to choose a number of persons for the legislative council, which was empowered to en- 
act all laws not inconsistent with the (ordinance of 1787. Their acts, however, were suliject to abol- 
ishment by Congress, and to veto by the Territorial executives. When Gen. William llull arrived 
at Detroit to assume his otlicial duties as Governor, he t\)und the town in ruins, it having l)een de- 
stroyed Ijy fire. Whether it had lieen burned by design or accident was not known. Tlu! inhabit- 
ants were without food and shelter, camping in the open fields; still they were not discouraged, 
and soon commenced rebuilding their houses on the same site. Congress, also, kindly granted the 
sutlerers the site of the old town of Detroit and ]0,()0t) acres of land adjoining. A Territorial 
militia was organized, and a code of law-s was adopted similar to those of the original State. This 
code was signed by Gov. Hull, Augustus B, Woodward and Frederick Bates, Judges of the 
Territory, and was called the "Woodward Code." 

At this time, the bountls of the Territory emliraeed all the country on tiie American side of 
thi' Detroit River, east of the north and south line Ihrough the center of Lake JMichigan. The 
Indian land claims had been partially extinguished previous to this period. By the treaty of Fort 
Mcintosh, in 178.'), and that of Fort llarniar in 1787, extensive cessions had been either made or 
conliruied. and. in 1807, the Indian titles to several tracts became entirely extinct. Settlements 
h.'iviiiii lieen made under the French and English Governments, with irregularity or aljsence of 
detinite surveys and records, some confusion sprang u[) in regard to the titles of valuable tracts. 
Accordinglv, Congress established a Board of Commissioner.s to examine and settle these conflict- 
ing claims, and, in 18ii7, another act was passed, confirming, to a certain extent, the titles of all such 
as had been in possession of the lands then occupied by them from the year 179(1, the year of the 
final evacuations b}- the British garrisons. Other acts were subsequently passed, exlentling the 
same conditions to settlements on the upper lakes. 

The territory known as St. Clair County in 1821 formed the township of St. Clair, of Wayne 
County, up to 1818, when it was attached to the newly organized county of Macomb. \Vilhin a 
few years the settlers of this township sought a county organization, and before the spring time 
called them to tlnnr fields again, they had established for themselves a county and a county govern- 
ment. The action of the Legislative Council and State Legislature in regard to tiie townships of 
Macomb, is reviewed in tlie following acts an<l summarization of acts : 

ST. CI. All! T()\VNS|I|I>. 

The act of the Legislative Council, approved January 5, 1818, provided that "the district 
beginning at the opposite shore of thi' River Huron, including the shore, and running along the 
shore of Lake St. Clair, to the mouth of the River St. Clair, and along said river to Fort Gratiot, 
and extentlins in the rear as aforesaid, shall form one townslii|), and be called the lownsiiip of 
St. Clair.' 

OLD ("OURT H(>i:si': CUDl'.Nli.s. 

The following is a copy of deeds, etc., etc., connected wilh the conveyance of the old court 
house grounds at the village of Palmer to the county for i)ublic purposes ; 
Jamks FiLTON au'l Hasxah FrLTos 1 

To Lewi.s (Jass. (ioveriior. > 

Received for Kecord ibis StU day of .hmo. A. II.. ISL'2, at '4 o'clock P. .M 

.IniiN Tiinns, It'fiiftfT. 

This deed, made the 28th day of March, one thousan<l eight hundred and twenty, by James 
Fulton to Lewis Cass, Governor of the Territory of Michigan and his successors in ofHce, GovcrnoTs 

21 



322 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

of said Territory of Michigan for tlie use of tiie county of St. Clair in the Territory aforesaid, 
witnesseth ; that the said James Fulton, of the town of St. Clair, in consideration of one dollar to 
him in hand paid, and for other good causes and considerations, him thereunto moving, has given 
him, granted, sold and conveyed, and by these presents does give, grant, sell, convey, and confirm 
unto the said Lewis Cass, (lovernor of the Territory of Michigan, and his successors in office, 
Governors of the said Territory, for the use of said county of St. Clair forever, all that certain lot 
or parcel of ground situated, lying and being in the town of St. Clair, aforesaid, bounded as follows, 
to wit : Northwardly by Brooks street, eastwardly by Second street, southwardly bj- Park street, 
and westwardly by Third street, and which lot of ground is one hundred and eighty feet square ; 
and also one other square or parcel of ground situated, lying and being in the town of St. Clair, 
aforesaid, divided into six lots, numbered eleven, thirteen and fifteen, are bound in front and 
southwardly by Park street, westwardly by Fifth street, and eastwardly by Fourth street and the 
remainino- three of said lots, numbered eleven, thirteen and fifteen, are bounded in front and 
northwardly by Brooks street, eastwardly bj- Fourth street, and westwardly by Fifth street; and each 
of which said lots last mentioned are bounded in the rear by, and adjoin those of corresponding 
numbers first described in this last square or parcel of ground, to have and to hold the said lots, 
squares and parcels of ground with their appurtenances to the said Lewis Cass, Governor of the 
Territory of Michigan, his successors in office. Governor of said Territory, for the use of the county 
of St, Ciair forever; provided, nevertheless, that the Commissioners of said county of St. Clair, or 
any officer or officers by whatever name or names he or they may be called, who shall hereafter be 
invested with or required by law to do the duty of the said Commissioners, shall be and are hereby 
authorized to sell three of said lots situated in the square last described in this Peed, at their 
discretion, and apply the proceeds thereof to the erection or completion of public buildings for the 
said county. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written, 

James Fulton. [Seal.] 
Hannah Fulton. [Seal.] 

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us. 

Melvin Dorr, 
James A. Doty. 
Territory of Michigan, Wayne County — ss. 
Be it remembered that on this twenty-eighth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty, personally came before the undersigned, a Justice of the county of Wayne, James Fulton, 
who acknowledged he had executed the foregoing Deed for the purpose therein contained and 
expressed. 

Certified under my hand at the city of Detroit, the day and year above written. 

J. A. Doty, Justice of the Peace. 
Territory of Michigan, County of Macomb — ss. 
Personally came before me the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Peace m and for the 
county aforesaid, Hannah Fulton, wife of the aforesaid James Fulton, who being examined privily 
and apart from her husband, did declare that she had freely and willingly sealed and delivered the 
foreo-oing Deed for the purposes therein named, and wishes not to retract it, and causeth that it 
may be recorded. 

Given under my hand at St. Clair, in the county and Territory aforesaid, this ninth day of De- 
cember, Anno Domino eighteen hundred and twenty. 

John H. Smith, Justice of the Peace. 

MACOMB COUNTY ERECTEt. 

A petition was presented to Gov. Cass, signed by a number of the inhal)itants of the Terri- 
tory, requesting that a new county may be laid out therein, which was responded to as follows : 

Now. thcrt'fore, believing that the establishment of such county will be conducive to the public inter- 
est and to individual convenie'nce, I do, by virtue of the autliority in me vested by the ordinance of Congress, 
passed the IStU day of July, in the year of our Lord one thou.sand seven hundred and eighty-seven, entitled 
^An ordinance for "tlic government of the Territorv of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio," lay 
out that part of the said Territory included within the following boundaries, namely: Beginning at the soiith- 
west corner of Township number one, north of the base line (so called), thence along the Indian boundary 



III^T()1IV OF ST. CLAli; COUNTY. 323 

liiii- iHiilli Id llii- arijjlc IdiiiU'd liy llic iiitci'scctioii of llic line lumiiiii; to llir Whitr Hock 11)1011 I.iiUc Uunm; 
Ihciicc with llic last inciilioiicd line to tlic homiilaiy line between lli<' rnitcd Sintes iiiiil the British I'lcivinec 
of Upjier ('.'iiwRhi; llienee with the said line soullnv;irdly to a point in Lake St. Clair dne cnsl from the |i!acc 
of bcijinniui;; thence dtie west to the eastern exlreniity of the said base line; and with the same to the ]>la('c; 
of beginning, into a separate eininly, 10 be called the county of ^laeoiiib. 

And I do hereby apiioini William Urown. Henry T. Ihint, and Conrad Ten Kyck, Esiniire.s, Commis- 
sioners for the purpose of exainininj;- the said county of Macomb, and of reportinii; to me where it Is the 
most eligible site for establishing the seat of justice thereof. 

Anil 1 do constitute the said county a district for the inirposes reijuired by the act entitled "An act to 
adjust, the estates and alTairs of deceased persons, testate and intestate, and for other i)urposes." passed tlie 
inih day of .lanuary. one thousand eight hundred and eleven. 

In testimony whereof I have caused the great seal of the said Territory to be liereiiiilo alli\e(l. and have 
signed the same with mj' hand, (liven at Detroit this l.")th da\' of .lanuary. in the year of our J,ord oui^ 
thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and of the indciieiulcnec of the I'nitcd Stales of America the forty- 
second. Lhwis C.\ss. 
By the (Governor: 

W(i.i.i.\M WooDiiKiDOF., Strrdiirji of Michiynn Territory. 

Prior to thtit date Mucoiub rotinty was attached to the Judicial District of Utifoii, and its lim- 
its cinbratcd the present eoimtics of Oakland, St. Clair. liaiH'cr. ami .sevpial other moie Xortlierii 
counties. Tiie county seat was established at Mt. Clemens, wliere it lias leniained to tliis day. On 
tlie orpuiization of the eoiinty. the (lovernor. by eommission under the oieat seal of the Teirilory, 
appointed the t'ollowiiig ollicers. We uive the names of the persons appointed, the dates of tlie ap- 
pointtnents, :ukI the titles of tlie otliees: 1S18. .lanuary 2(1— Christian Cleinens. Chief Justice: 
|)aniel LeRoy and Williain Thoinpson. Associate .rustiees; .John ."^lockton, Clerk of the Court of 
(ienerai and (^luarler Sessions; Conrad Tuekcr. .Jitstiee of the I'eace; Klisha Harrington, Justice of 
the I'eace; Ignace Moross. Coroner; John Connor, Constable; Kufus Hatch, Justice of the I'eace; 
Feliriiary 9. Daniel Leroy, Justice ol' the I'eace; Francis Labadie. .lustice of the I'eace; .John K. 
Smith, Justice of the Peace; June 22. .lohii Connor and John H. Petit. Coininissioners, August 
13, James liobinson, Constable; Benoit Tremble, Suiiervisor of Harrison; November 3, Daniel 
Leiloy, Judge of Probate; .John Stockton, Register of Probate; December 12, John Stockton, 
Justice of the Peace. lSl!t. .lanuary 4 — Ezra Prescott. I'roseculing Attorney. 

i:sT.\iii,i,siiMi;NT OF sr. 1 i,.viii cdu.ntv. 

Wni;nEAs, The inlialiitants residing within that part of the Territory included within the county of St. 
Clair, a.s the same was laid off by an act of the Governor of this Tcrri lory. 'licariiig date the 28lh day of March, 
iX'iO. have requested that the saine should be organized ; 

Now. then-fore. I do. by virtue of the provisions of the ordinance of Congress, of .Inly l:!. 1TS7. detcrnnn(; 
the limitation of said act of'the Covernor of this Territory, and I do hereby declare the" inlialiitants Ibcreof 
henceforth entitled to all the rights and privileges to wlii<"li. by law. the inhabitants of the other counlics of 
this Territory are entitled. 

-Viid I do further declare, that the siat of justice of the said county, in conformity with Ihe report of the 
Commissioners appointed for that puriiose, is temporarily established at the town of St. Clair, and that a.s 
soon as the building, contracted to he Imilt by the proprietor of the said town, for a court house and gaol, is 
completed agreeably to contract, Ihe seal of justice of the said county shall lie pcrmaiientlv established at the 
town of St. Clair. 

In testimony whereof. I have caused these letters to be made jiatent. and the grc'at .seal of the said Terri- 
tory to be hereunto alli.xed. Done at the city of Detroit, this .sth day of ,May, .V.' D. 1821. and of the indc- 
pendeiic<' of the Cnited States the forty lifth. " " Li;\vis C.\ss. 

By the Governor; 

\VTt.i.i.\.M WooDiuMDOio, Secrettiry of the Territory of Michigan. 

\ I'UOCI,.\M.\TION. 

WnEiiEAS, A petition has been presenli'd to me. signed by a niimber of tlie citizens of Ihe said Territory, 
re(|uesting that the lioiindaries of a new county and the seat of justice thereof maybe I'slablished by an act of 
the F.xecutive. which shall not lake elfcci until the arrival of .1 period when its population may require such 
a measure; 

Now. thejvfore. Believing that a coinplianee with tliis re(|iicst will have a tendency to increase the popu- 
lation of such part of the Territory as m;iv be included witliin these boundaries, and to prevent those ditlicul- 
ties which sometimes arise from the establishment of counties, when the settlements are formed and conlliet- 
ing opinions and interests are to be reconciled. I do. by virtue of these presents, and in conformity with the 
provisions of the ordinance of C<mgress of .Inly i;i, 17(^7. lay out that part of the said 'I'erritory incliidcd with- 
in the following boundaries, viz.: Beginning at the southeast corner of Township H north. Hange 14 east; 
thence north to the northeast corniM- of Towiishi]! 4 in the same range; thence west to the count v of Oakhiiul ; 
thence north to the northeast corner of Township (> north, and Kange II east; thence west to the lndi:in 
boundary line, as established by the treaty of Detroit November 17, ISII7; thi'nce north with the same, north 
and northeasterly to the boundary line between the United States and British Province of Upper Camula; 



324 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

thence with the .said boundan' line southwardly, to a point due south from the place of beginning ; and 
thence to the phice of beginning, into a new county, to be called the county of St. Clair. And I do, in con- 
formity with the report ol" the Comuissioaers appointed for that purpose, establish the seat of justice of the 
said county at the town of St. Clair. And I do further declare, that this proclamation shall take effect and 
be in force" after the same shall be so declared by the Governor of the said Territory, or other competent 
authority therein, for the time being, and not sooner. 

In testimony whereof. I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the great seal of the said Terri- 
tory to be hereunto alflxed. Dime at the city of Detroit this 28th day of March, A. D. 1820, and of the 
independence of the United States the forty-fourth. Lewis Cass. 

By the Governor; 

WiLLF.wi WooDBRiDGE. Secretary of Michigan Territoru. 

TIIH DIVI.'SIDN IJF 'I'llK COUNTY INTO TOW^SHIl'S 
The following is a copy of the proclamation issued hy Gov. Lewis Cass, March 17, 1823 : 

3 'WuERB-VS, The Co:uinissiouers of the county of St. Clair have recommended admission of the said 
coauty into townships ; nmv. therefore, in conformity with the ordinance of Congress of Jul}' 13, 1787, I do 
hereby establish the foUmviug townships in the said county of St. Clair, namely ; 

The to.vaship of Plainfield to be bounded as follows ; Beginning on the border of the River St. Clair, at 
th'j norl^h linj of laui, b -longing to the heirs of Alexander Harrow, deceased, thence northwesterly along said 
line to the northeast cornsr of Section No. 28 : thence along the north line of Sections No. 38, 39, 30 and 35, 
to ths border of Lake St. Clair ; thence southerly until it intersects the boundary line between the LTnited 
States and Upper Canada ; tiience northe.isterl}' along said boundary line to a point due east fi'om the place 
of beginning ; thence west to tlie place of beginning. 

The townsliip of Cottrellville, to be bounled as follows : Beginning on the border of the River St. Clair, 
at the south line of land belonging to .lames Fulton. Esq.; thence westerly along said line to the northeast 
corner of Section No. 12, in Town No. 4, and Range No. 16 east ; thence west to the boundary line of said 
county ; thence south along said boundary line to Lake St. Clair, thence easterly alongthe border of Lake St. 
Clair, till it iatersscts th_' north line of the towiuhip of Plainfield, and continuing easterly along the north 
line of said township to the border of the River St. Clair ; thence northeasterly along the border of said river 
to the place of beginning. 

The township of St. Clair to include all that part of said county, north and northwest of the township 
of Cottrellville. 

In te^tirajav wh-reof. I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the said Territoryto be 
afflxe 1 at Detroit this seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty-three, and of the independence of the United States the forty-seventh. 

By the Governor : Lewis Cass. 

William "Woodbridhe. Secretary of Michigan. 

Appended t) the original document is the following certificate : 

These are to certify to all whom these presents may concern, that tlie foregoing instrument of writing 
is a true copy of a proclamation of His Excellency, Lewis Cass, Esq., Governor of said Territory, this day 
deposited of record in my office ; and also that it further of record appears that His Excellency, the Governor 
aforesaid, by his executive act in the premises, bearing even date with the proclamation aforesaid, and this 
day also deposited of record in my said ofliee, hath further directed, ordered, and decreed, that all commi.ssions 
'whatsoever at the date of these presents in force, appointing any person or persons whomsoever, to be Super- 
visors in and for said county of St. Clair, or any part or parts thereof, shall be from the date of these pre- 
sents, and the same accordingly are revoked, annulled, superseded and avoided. 

In testimony of the premises I have hereunto set my name and affixed hereto the great seal of said Terri- 
tory at Detroit, this 17th March, 1823. 

WiLLiANt WooDBRiDGE. Secretary of Miehigayi. 

.lohn S. Fish, appointed Supervisor for the town.ship of Plainlield ; Andrew Westbrook, appointed 
Supervisor for the township of Cottrellville ; David Oakes, appointed Supervisor for the township of St. Clair. 

Appointed March 17, 1833. William Woodbridge. 

FIR,ST COUNTY SE.AT WAR I 

St. Clair County was organized as a county May 8, 1821, b}' proclamation of the Governor, in 
whom and the Judges, up to that time and for two years later, was vested the Legislative power of 
the Territory. This was sixteen years after tlie Territory of Michigan was constituted, in the eighth 
year of Gov. Cass' administration, and two years after the Territory was authorized by act of Con- 
gress to send a delegate to that body. St. Clair County then included what is now Sanilac County, 
and though it covered an area of fully 1,500 stinare miles, upon its organization was all treated as 
one township. The whole population of the county at that time probably did not exceed eighty' 
families, settled raostlj' along the river below St. Clair. 

Wlicn the county was organized, the seat of justice was temporarily located at St. Clair, where' 
there were at tiiat time half a dozen houses. The tirst County Commissioners were Andrew West- 
Ibrook, John K. Smith and George Cottrell. Their clerk was John Thorn and the first Sheriff was 



IlI^T(ll!Y OF ST. C'LAIi; COUNTY. 325 

JatiK's Wolvi'i'ton. The lirst proseciitiiiii Mttoriu'v was pr<)li;ilily (icorjic A. () Kcul'c who is rc- 
cordcd as iccci villi; $."> for services at the January torin of court ol' 1823. 

Tlio Couimissioners lield their first nieeting of which there is any record June 4. 1821. on 
which day they ordained wliat property should be assessed for taxation, the same being enumer- 
ated as follows; "Improved lands, wild lands, orchards, bnildinjis. distilleries, grist mills, saw mills, 
horses three years old or upwards, horses two years old and not three jears, oxen, cows, joung cat- 
tle two years old and not four years, hogs one year old, household furniture, eallashes, carrialls, 
wasrons. carts, gold watclies. silver watches, brass clocks and wooden clocks.' Joseph Jlinnie was at 
this meeting appointed to assist Sheriff Wolvcrton as assessor. These two levied the first assessment ; 
their returns were accepted .\ugust 21t of that year, and each was allowed $4 for his services. The 
amount estimated for county ex|)enses the first year was i?l()t). by which it will be seen there was 
not much oijportunily for Jobbery in those primitive days. And out of this had to be paid the 
wolf bounties, which it was one of the first acts of the Commissioners to offer, at the rate of $2 
each for scalps of wolves over six months old. and $1 for the capillaiy adornment of those of more 
tender age — the same licing increased the next year to $2.f>0 and $1.25 each respectively. 

At their meeting, March 4. 1822. the Commissioners divided the township into three road dis- 
tricts, as follows: No. 1 embraced what is now the town of Clay; No. 2, Cottrellville, East China, 
Ira and all excei)ting the north tier of sections of Casco and China; No. 3, the residue of the county. 
Tlie Commissioners then resolved that John S. Fish be reciuired to do tin; duties of Supervisor of 
District No. 1 : Jo.seph 'Minnie of No. 2; and Lewis St. Bernard of No. I^>. They also 

Renolred, Thai as .soon as iiractifalile. this division he sulmiittcd to liis K.xci-llcncy the (lovrninr. in 
order (hat caeli <listrict may lie iiicorpofali'd into a separate township, to lie calleil ami known l)y the follow- 
ing names, viz.; District 'No. 1 to be named Pl;iiiili<'I(l. District No. ',' to be iiannil Cottri'llville. ami District 
No. Si to be called St. Clair; and. further, that the persons re(|uireil to do the duly of Supervisors in districts 
may be appointed Supervisors in their respective townships. 

As stated above, the county was organized in 1821. The (piestion of organization had been 
agitated the year previous, if not as early as 1810. and the (iovernor petitioned to grant an organi- 
zation, and locate the seat of Justice at St. Clair. 

.\ccompaiiying this petition for organization was a liond given by .James Fulton and \\'illiain 
Thorn for the erection of a court housi' and Jail; the gift of a |)iece of ground 18(1 feet sijuare on 
which the binldiugs were to be erected, and • an acre of ground for a burying ground." .Vnd it was 
upon these eondilions that the comity was organized, and the scat of justice temporarily located at 
St. Clair. Messrs. Fulton and Thorn (the latter we suppose signed the bond as surety) failed to 
comply with their agreement and did not erect the court house, as covenanted, and several years 
passed before the county had a court house, court meantiine being held in Mr. Fulton s house. 
October 2(), 1821, Mr. Fulton contracted with the Commissioners for the erection of a building 
which was immediately built, and formally denomiijated by the Commissioners at their 
meeting December 10, 1821, as •the Common Jaol of the County of St. Clair until such 
time as the Commissioners shall otherwise direct. " Mr. Fulton received for building this bastilc, 
which must have been of colossal proportions and great strength, the sum of .*.'').") — and Andrew 
'Westbrook furnished the hinges aiul bolts for the sum of .•?(;. (i2 — or at the rate of 25 cents per 
pound. This Jail stood iniinedialely in the rear of Mr. {"''niton's residence. That the seat of 
justice should remain at St. Clair was not wholly satisfactory to the people in the lower part of the 
county, that portion containing more settlers whose convenience and properly interests would bo 
better subserved by having the county seat further south. Samuel Ward, uncle of the late Ca|)t. 
E. B. Ward, of Dt>troit. and Samuel Ward, of St. Clair, had come to Newport, or wiiat is now .^larine 
City, in 1820. and was carrying on a considerable business at this point. lie and the people of 
that region clamored for a removal of the seat of Justice and began a county seat war wliich con- 
tinued for nearly half a eentury with scarcely a cessation, though with changing phases. This 
faction seized upon Mr. Fulton's failure to comply with the conditions of his bond as an additional 
reason why the seat of justice should be taken from St. Clair, and besieged Gov. Cass and the 
Territorial Legislature with petitions. So much of a stir was caused, in fact, that three Commis- 
sioners, Thomas Rowland. Charles Noble and John Burbank were appointed to investigate the 
subject and report to the Teriitorial Legislature on the feasibility of such removal, and a vote of 
the people was ordered on the question, .so that the (lopular preference might be arrived at. 

Some of the original documents connected with that contest, and the early history of the 
county, have come into our possession, and believing that thoy will be of interest to our readers- 



326 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COT'NTY. 

we give herewitli printed transcripts. Nothwitlistanding tliey are over half a century old, they are 
in a good state of preservation. Tlie first is tlio written report of a majority of these Investi- 
gating Commissioners made to the Governor and lit'gislative Council, January 19, 1825, which 
reads as follows: 

To TUE HoNOK.UiLE, THE GOVEUNODH AND LEGISL.\TrVB COUNCIL OP THE TERRITORY OF MICHIGAN: 

We the Uniiersiyned Commissioners appointed under and by virtue of au act of your Honourable body, 
to eniiuire into tlie expediency of removing tlie seat of Jusliee of Ihe County of St. Clair beg leave to Keport; 
That in Obedience to tlie provisions of said act, we cau-sed the Commissioners of the County of St. 
Clair to be notified that we should assemble at the present Seat of Justice of Said County on tlie 15th Novr. 
last past, and that said County Commissioners did agreeably to the provisions of said Act post up notice of 
the same in each of the townships of said County. And further did notify the inhabitants of said County that 
at the time and place aforesaid the sense of the majority would be taken as to the E.xpediency of the removal 
of the Scat of Justice from its present location. 

Tliat We the undersigned being a majority of the Commissioners appointed Ijy your honourable body 
did meet at the Seat of Justice of St. Clair County on the fifteenth day of November last when the Commis- 
sioners of the County in our presence proceeded to ascertain the sense of the majority, and it was found on 
counting the votes that the majority were opposed to the removal as will lie seen by a certified Poll list re- 
turned herewith. 

We have the honour further to report that we have examined the situation of the present County seat 
and the particular contract entered into with the Executive respecting Ihe same, and find that the Condition 
of a Bond entered into by James Pulton the Original Proprietor with the Governor for the erection of a 
budding of certain dimensions therein described, has not been Complied with, but that proposals in writing 
have been handed to us by Thomas Palmer and David C. McKinstry, Stipulating on their part to fulfill the 
Condition of the aforesaid Bond, together with some additional donations for the l)enefit of the County, more 
fully set forth in the written proposals of the said Palmer and McKinstry which accompany the report 
marlted "A." 

We have al.so rec'd a subscription of sundry inliabitants of said County Stipulating to pay the sums 
severally annexed to their names, for the liuildiiig of a jail and Court house in said County, provided the 
County Seat be established at any place between certain points therein designated, which Subscription 
accompanies this report marlved "B." 

We have further to report, that after a diligent examination of the several sites pointed out to us and a 
general view of tlu^ County from actual observation and such other means of information as were accessible 
to us. We are of opinion that the present location is the most eligible one that can be made,_ either as it 
respects the present or future prospects of the County; And We are tlierefore decidedly of the opinion that it 
would be inexpedient to remove the Seat of Justice from its present location, provided the engagements with 
the puldic made by the proprietors are promptly and puuetually complied with; As a preliminary step to 
which we would reeommenil to your honourable body that measures be taken to have a Plan of the Town re- 
corded at the County Seat; a measure which is so obviously necessary but which by some strange inadvert- 
ency has been hitlierto neglected. 

Given under our hands at the city of Detroit the nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and twentv-five. 

Thomas Rowland. 
Chas. Noble. 

As will be seen by the above report.'the result of the election was against the removal of the 
county seat, though we regret that that certified poll list is lost. Their defeat does not seem to 
have disheartened the advocates of removal, for three days after this election they began the circu- 
lation of a subscription paper to pledge the construction of county buildings, if the seat of justice 
should be loc:itcd at Newport. That paper was circulated all over the county, Jlr. John S. Fish 
beiuii the party employed to " work up " the movement, but he was able to obtain but few signers 
except among residents below St. Clair. Mr. I). B. Harrington stated that he rememliers dis- 
tinctly Mr. Fish's etlbrts in the upper part of the county and how unsuccessful they were, for even 
then some of the residents hereabouts foresaw the manifest destiny of the county seat. The paper 
is a curiosity in its way and we re-produce it — as nearly a. /uc simile as we can in type — as follows: 

We the subscribers do agree to pay the amounts annexed to our respective names either in labor, pro- 
duce, materials or ca.sh at our own option to the person or persons who niaj' be authorized to receive sd 
subscriptions, for the purpose of building a court House and Gaol in the County of St. Clair, provided the 
seat of justice should be estalilished on or near the shore of tlie river St. Clair at any point betwixt the house 
now occupied by William Gallagher and Thomas Fargo and owned by Major Baker of the U. S. army and the 
lower line of the farm latelv occupied bv the widow of tlie late Jlo.ses Birdsall. 

Sr. Ci.aik, November 18, 18d4. 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



327 



NAME, 

Eber Ward 

liis 

Louis X Mini 

marli 

Hi'iiiy Kobcrtson 

Johu S. T 

Joseph Mini 

George Cottrell 

Henry Cottrell 

Samuel Ward 



$ 10 



4 
40 
10 
10 
20 
300 



WITSESS. 



his 
Joan .\ Bts Yax Sen . . 
mark 

James Robertson 

his 

Fran<jois x Biorage 

mark 
his 

David X Robertson 

mark 
his 

James x Loson 

mark 
his 
Reuben x Babcock. . . . 

mark 
Stephen Trembell (?). . 
his 

Francis x Chortle 

mark 
his 

Louis X Cochois 

mark 
his 
Francois x Duehene. . . 
mark 
his 
Michel X Duehene, Sen 
mark 
his 

John Bt. X Petit 

mark 

David Cottrell 

Lambert Beaubien 

Johu l{obertsou 

his 
Nicholas x Iloffmaster. 
mark 
his 

Charles x Seur 

mark 
his 

Louis X Chortle 

mark 

George Harrow 

S. B. (irumuiond 

Jno. Harrow 

Seth Taft 



4 00 
.") 00 
1 50 

r, 00 



Material for liiiildiiig. 



Labor E. Ward 



Labor. 
Grane. 
Grane. 
Grain. 
Grain. 

Glass nails and lumber : and if 
the Court IIou.se should be put on 
my farm the addition of sixteen 
town lots to actual set tiers, and half 
an acre of Land for the use of the 
Coiuily for the purpose of erecting 
a court house jail and other public 
buildings. 

Samuel Ward. 



Labour or grain H. Cottrell, 



in (irain. 
Laboiu'. . 



H. Cottrell. 



Lalmr iV Grain H. Cottrell. 



6 00 ! Labor I'i: Grain I H. Cottrell. 

3 .")0 Labor .' IT. Cottrell. 

5 I Labor John S. Fish. 

2 I Grane Johu S. Fish. 

j I 

2 00 1 Labour I H. Cottrell. 



5 00 



3 00 



3 00 



Laboiu'. 



II. Collrell, 



Labour i II, Cottrell. 



Graue ! John S. Fish, 



1.5 00 I Grane and Labor. 
10 1)0 I Grane or labor, 
i) i Grane. 

12 00 grane or labor Johu S. Fish. 

1 grane ■ John S. Pish. 



10 



(;rane or labor John S. Fish. 



•T .grane or labor John S. Fish, 

.") grane or work, 

G grane or work, 

5 Laber. 



328 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



his 
Charles x Chortle .... 
mark 
his 
Stephen x Chortie. . . . 

mark 
James Conrtright, Sen 

his 
James x Courtright . . 
mark 

Aesel Ahoal (?) 

Isaac Cass 

L. Bt. Cochois 

his 

Wm. X J. Hill 

mark 

John Brown 

James Gallagh 

his 

John Bt x Gena 

mark 

Jacob Grant 

Fn Ilarsen 

Wm. Harsen 

Nancy Stewart 

Lewis T. Buchanan . . 

George Settle 

Thomas Fergo 

Wm. Gallagher 

H. & B. Hinckley.... 
his 

B. X Knapp 

mark 
his 

H. X Cawel 

mark 
Michiel Duchene, Jun 

his 
Dominique x Mini. . . . 
mark 

Thomas Clark 

Baptiste Nantay 

John Flynn 

hi.s 

Mithchell x Yax 

mark 
his 

Joseph X Yax 

mark 

George Mier 

his 

Lewis X Latissch 

mark 

Charles Cashlary 

W. & Beach 

L. Campeau 



10 

4 

10 

.5 

5 

3 00 

4 



10 

10 
15 
10 
20 
10 
H 
5 
10 
30 



8 

11 

.5 



50 



3 00 



00 



1 00 

4*00 
10 00 
10 (Ml 



REMASKS. 



grane 

grane or labor. 

grane or labor. 

gi'ane or labor. 

grane. 

Labour. 

gi-ain. 



grane , 



grane. 
Laybour. 



labor . 



grane. 

grane. 

work. 

Produce. 

produce and labour, 

produce. 

produce. 

Produce. 

Labour. 

Labour 

Labour 

grane 

grane 



cent grane. 
in labor.. . 



in labor . 

laber. 

grain. 

in hats. 



John S. Fish. 
John S. Fish. 

John S. Fish. 

John S. Fish. 
John S. Fish. 



H. B. Hinckley. 

H. B. Hinckley. 
John S. Fish. 
John S. Fish. 



Samuel Ward. 
Samuel Ward. 



The amount subscribed above, foots up |6o7.50, of which Samuel "Ward, the prime mover in 
the removal scheme as will be seen, contributed much the largest single subscription. This sub- 
scription seems to have failed in its desired intluence on the special Commissioners, for thej- re- 
ported against any change in the count}- seat and the proposals of Thomas Palmer and McKins- 
try, prompted of course by a desire to prevent removal, were accepted bj' the Legislative Council, 
and the petitions for removal were denied. Those proposals were as follows: 



IIISTUKY OF ST. CLAU;. COUNTY. 329 

DiCTRoiT. Deccinlicr ^'4, ISL'-l. 

Okntle.mkx; Wc, till' umkTsi.n-ned. oiTcr the followini; proposals on ooiulition lli;il tho seal of justice for 
the County of St. Cl.air be estul)lish'(l where it i.s now located, viz: — We ai^ree to t'ultill the condition of a cer- 
tain bond i;iveii by Jatnes Fulton and Wni. Thorn to Oov. Cuss conditional for the errection of a Court House 
and .lail and a ps of ground of ISO feel .stiuare, which [is of y-round is more particularly desrrihed in a plan of 
the town of 8t. Clair, which ps of iiround has bei-n deeded to the sd County on which the sd buildings are to 
be erect'd; also it is fiu'thcr understood in sd bond that there was an .acre ol ground to be deeded near sd town 
for the purpose of a burying-ground. which tillle of sd acre of ground wc agree to give when cal'd upon — sd 
bond bearing date on Slarch. IS'JO, ami in addition to the conililion therein exjircssed wc agree to place a 
good ]M'rnianent lloor above and lielow in the rooms of the said building calculated for the contineincnt of 
eriniin.'ils. 

With our respects we remain 

Your humble scrv'ts , 

Tllo.M.\S P.M.MER. 

Daviu C. .McKinstky. 
Messrs. Thomas Rowland, ) 
Chaui.es Noiu.Ks 1 

John Burbank. J 
N. B, — It is further understood that we agree to furnish a convenient tlatt for the convenience of any 
person or persons that arc wishing lo cioss Pine Kivcr free from expense that will hold a wagon & liorses 
untill there is ,-i liridgc creeled across sd river, 

David C, McKinstky, 
Thomas Palmkh. 
N. B. — It is underslood that the Building is to be erected in the course of the Winter. The fouiidalion 
is laid the timber and hiinber on the spot and carpenters at work. 

PaI.MEK it M( KiNSTUV. 

IhuliT tlicsi' proposals the lirsl court iiouse of this cDiiiity was built. It was of hewn logs, 
about 2-lxH4 in size, witii a court room above cells for criminals and lixinn; apartments for tiie 
jailer below. 

A\'e are unable to say whether Messrs. Palmer and .McKinstry were as prompt in fullilling 
their bond as they promised. The building was not accepted by the Board of Supervisors until 
September 3, 1827, and tlion it was declared that it was ''not eonsi(iered finished according to con- 
tract," and specifications made as to how it must be finished, 'i'lie building was used for court pur- 
poses, however, before that date. 

Tills is a part of the history of the first court house of this county. It was used until it was 
destroyed by lire in 1851!, and its brick successor was erected where it had stood. 

.\(_TS OF I'lll-: ( (IMMI.SSIONEKS. 

In 1821. the towiisliip of St. Clair, formerly a portion of .Macomb County, formed the coiiiity. 
The first action of the board was to appoint Josepli Minnie Assessor. A highway was ordered to 
be opened from the estuary of Belle River to the mouth of Pine River. The jail was located by 
Commissioners in the rear of James Fulton's house at St. t'hiir. The sum of $35 was paid to Mr. 
Fulton for building the jail, and 5^0.03 to Andrew Westbrooii for hinges and bolts used in the con- 
struction of the jail. 

In 1822, the board estimated the expenditures for the year at #100. Thomas Cutler was al- 
lowed 82 for wolf bounty. The town of St. Clair was divided into three road districts; No. 1 
embracing the township of Clay; No. 2 that of Cottrellvillc. Ivist China. Ira, and all excepting the 
north tier of sections of Casco and China; No. 3, tlie residue of the county, then the town of St. 
Clair. John S. Fish, Joseph Minnie, and liOuis St. Harnard. were the Supervisors of tiiese districts. 

In 1823, the Commissioners appropriated 8150 to meet the expenses for the year. Alexander 
OKeefe was allowed 85 for services as Prosecuting Altorney; and John Thorn. County Clerk, 
was allowed his account. 

In 1824, the estimate for pnlilic expenses was .•<2(K(, for the colleclioii of which Henry Cottrcll 
was allf)wed five per cent. 

In 1825, 84t)0 were appropriate<l to meet current expenses. 15. F. II. Witherell was allowed 
$15 for services as Pro.secuting Attorney. A road from the mouth of Belle River to tho old grist 
mill on tile north side of Belle River in Section 15. China. 

The expenditures for 1S26 were estimated at 8400. The township of St. Clair w.it divided in- 
to two districts; No. 1 included all the inhabitants, except those who resided on the banks of Black 
River, above the northwest corner of John Riley's fence. District No. 2 included the inhabitants to 



330 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the extremity of the settlements. James Fulton was appointed Supervisor of District No. 1, and 
Jeremiah Harrington of District No. 2. Cottrellville Township was divided into three districts— No. 
1, the southeast part, with William Gallagher, Supervisor; No. 2, north and northeast, with Amasa 
Hemmenger, Supervisor; and No. .3, on Lake St. Clair, under Supervisor Francis Yax. 

In 1827, the estimated expense was .$500. John H. Westbrook was appointed Supervisor of 
the Black River District; Joseph P. Buuce, of the district from Fort G-ratiot to Palmer's south line; 
Clark Worden, Supervisor on road from Palmers south line to the mouth of Belle River. Henry 
Cottrell was appointed Supervisor of District No. 1. Cottrellville; Henry Cottrell and Daniel Stew- 
art, Assessors: 3Iark Hopkins. Deputy Clerk; Edward H. Rose, Clerk. The flrst meeting of the 
Board of Supervisors was held in 1827. Three lots west of the court house, in the village of St. 
Clair, were deeded, for county purposes, to Lewis Cass by James Fulton. The contract for old 
jail was revoked, and a contract for building a new one was partially negotiated with Charles 
Phillips. 

In 1828. there was no appropriation made for county expenditures. In 1829, $5 were granted 
as bounty for wolf scalps; the four Supervisors were paid SB each; the county taxes were apportioned 
as follows: Clay, $59.75; Cottrellville, $05.91; Desmond or Port Huron, S96.88; St. Clair Town- 
ship, $107'.87. 

The court house was repaired by Harman Chamberlin in 1830; Sheriff Henry Cottrell was 
granted $7)4 for services; Clerk of Circuit Court Harmon Chamberlin received $12.75 for services. 

In 1831, a proposal for building floating bridges across Belle and Pine Rivers. Contracts 
were negotiated May 21; Kilburn Hoyt built the bridge across Belle River for $225; H.James 
built the Pine River bridge for $200. During the year, Horatio James was Clerk of County Court, 
and James Fulton Clerk of Circuit Court. 

In 1832, ^ of 1 per cent was ordered to be assessed, but the ecjualized valuation is not given. 
Harmon Chamlierlin was allowed $01 for repairing the court house; Samuel Ward received S8 for 
furnishing blank books for the county. 

In 1833, Samuel Hopkins was appointed Clerk at $1.50 per day. The county tax was appor- 
tioned as follows: Clay, $79 97; Cottrellville, $93.11; Desmond or Port Huron, SU1.43, and St. 
Clair Township, $213.38. In 1834, the tax raised in these townships was $90.65, $97.90, $254.81 
and $242.43 respectively. Ira Porter was Clerk. 

In 1835, the township of China was organized, with Peter Carleton, first Supervisor. The 
tax raised in the township that year was $145.87. 

Clyde Township was organized in 1830, with Ralph Wadhams, first Supervisor. The sum of 
$4 was allowed for wolf scalps. The tax apportioned to Clyde was $338.00. 

In 1.S37, Columbus Township was organized, with Theodore Bathy first Supervisor; Lexing- 
ton, with Jonathan Burtch first Supervisor; and Ira. with Charles Kimball first Supervisor. The 
taxes raised in these townships were. Columbus, $157.48; Ira, $101.88. 

The Hrst meeting of the Supervisors to act in place of Commissioners was held October 1, 
1838, but adjourned on the ground that they had no authority to act. The Commissioners met 
November 22, 1838, but did not transact business. They were Zael Ward, Justin Rice and John 
S. Parker. 

In 1 839, a contract was negotiated with Thomas Palmer for building brick offices for Clerk 
and Register, at a cost of $650. The distinction between county and township poor was abolished, 
and the county ordered to maintain them. Port Huron was granted the use of the foot of Butler 
street for dock purposes, on condition that the wharf improvement remain the property of the coun- 
ty at the end of twenty years. The liounties for wolf scalps amounted to 88. The Board of Coun- 
ty Commissioners qualified November 19, 1839. Zael Ward, John S. Parker and John Howard 
were the members. 

The record for 1840 shows the total valuation of the county to be $1,042,726.95. and the State 
and county tax $3,650.34. The amount paid to grand and petit jurors during the year was $194; 
poor orders amounted to $53; paid Commissioners, $49.66; cost of furniture for Clerk's office, $50. 

PETITIONS Fi)R ANU AG MN8T THE DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. 
The Legislature was petitioned to divide the county between Towns 6 and 7 north from 
the eastern to the western lines, so that the north line of St. Clair County should be the north line 
of Town 6 north. The reason assigned was the inconvenient length of the county. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COrNTY. 331 

A counter petition was presented :il)out the same time, eaeii side elaimin.ii Hi*-' same nnmber. 

PETiTlUNS FOR AND AO.AIN.ST REMOVAL OK TlllO COIINTV SEAT. 
To TlIK HONOR.\BLE THE LeGISIATUUE OF THE STATE OP MiCIIRlAN: 

The petition of the nndcrsijrned iiiliabitants of the county of Si. Chiir Innubly rcprespiitclli, Thai the 
scat of justice lias never lii'eii estaliHshed in said county, liul was Icniiiorarily loc.'ilcd in llic villai^e of 
Palmer; and as llie good faitli of tin' J.c.gishiture lias never liecn ])lc(l;;cd, mid ;is the town of Porl Huron has 
every natural and adventitious advantage in its favor, we humbly pray your honorable body to remove the 
seat of justice from its present temporary location, and estahlisli the sam<' in tlie village of I'ort Huron. No- 
vember' 2S, \K12. 

To THE [Ionohahi.e the rjKuisi.ATinK of the State of ^Miciiioan; 

We, the undersigned, citizens of the county of St. Clair, do respectfully remonstrate against the re- 
moval of the county seat of said county, as we conceive it to be a measure wholly uncalled for by a larjje 
majority of the people, iiiid at variance with eveiy principle of public justice. 

As at present located, the county seat we deem in a mon- central |iosition, as regards population at 
least, than can be effected by a removal, desireil only liy certain individuals wlio seek their own personal 
aggrandisement at pulilic expense and inconvenience; added to which is the firm belief that the county, 
before long, must be geographicallv divided. 

St. Claiu, December I. 18CJ." 

In 18-11, tiie total tax was .■?(), :!0l),;')(j. E. PI Carlctoii was allowed ^\W\ for Iniildiiij^ liriiige 
over Belle lliver near Willi.ams' Mill. The township of Tra was granted $100 toward erection of 
bridge over Swan Creek, and .J. J. Falkenburg wa.s allowed $200 for repairing court house. 

In 1842, the valuation of county was $938,19(j.45, and the total taxes, $7,40(1.27. II. N. 
Monson and W. B. Barron were appointed agents to sell the poor farm, previously bought from M. II. 
Miles, for $1,000. The Prosecuting Attorney was allow-ed a salary of $200. 

In 184,5, the salary of the clerk w.as made $250. K. C. Bancroft was Clerk of Board. 

In 1814, the sum of $100 was a|)propriated to build bridge across Belle River, at Cross. 

In 1845. the valuation of the comity was reduced by the Board of ivnialization. 

In 1840, the old poor farm was traded to Chamberlin and Ogden for northwest ((uarter of the 
northwest ([uartcr Section 0, Town .">, Range 10, and contract to build house and barn on same. 
The sum of $200 was paid to them in atldition to the laud. 

In 1847, the valuation of the county as then established was $8().1,872. Chamberlin and 
Ogden received $50 for extra work on poor house. 

In 1848, the County Board was engaged in the ordinary routine of business. 

J. P. Minnie, J. K. Smith and ]5enjamin Woodworth were elected first County Sujierintend- 
euts of Poor in 1849. The salary of the (\)unty Judge was placed at $400; of the Clerk at $250; 
of the Treasurer at $500; and of the Prosecuting Attorney at $300. 

In 1850, Samuel Haywood was licensed to ferry across the St. Clair. The county reliiKpii^hed 
its claims to the east half of Academy Block, to St. Clair \'illage. James W. Sanborn was appoint- 
ed Superiiiteudout of Poor vice J. P. Minnie, resigned. 

In 185 1, a defalcation of $!!.!! 17.25 was found in County Treasurer Diithan Xorlhru|)'s office. 
The conclusion arrived at liy the Supervisor's Board was to the ('lleet that orders were given by 
the Treasurer, of which he kept no account, and exonerated him from any criminal (•liarge. 

In 1852. the bond of Kilmund ('arleton was accepted. A sura of $i:!5 was appropriated to 
buy ;i safe. The total taxes ordered to lie levied amounted to $4,230.10, 

H. Chamberlin was appointed to attend State Board of Kqualization in 185:!. The salaries of 
the County Treasurer were fixed at $000; of Clerk at $300; and of Prosecuting Attorney at $400 
for 1853. 

Ill 1S54. a resolution was olfered liy J. P. Miiini(> to remove the county seal to Port Huron, on 
condition that the village would erect suitable buildings. Kight members of the board voted for 
removal and six against removal. The v.Uuatiou of the county made that year was $3,053,010. 

The tax for 1855 was $10,522.25. The Sheriff was orden-d to sell the old building known as 
the Clerk's Ollice. The salaries of county officers wcne increased that year. 

In 1850, tlu! salaries of Tre:isiirer and Prosecuting Attorney were lixed at $800; of Clerk at 
$500; and of Poor Superiiiteiideiits, $50 each. The following year, the Prosecuting Attorney's 
salary was cut down $200, and that of the Clerk placed at $000. In 1858, the expenses of the 
Supervisor's Board were paid out of proceeds of tax sales. 

In 1859, the Treasurer's salary was placed at $1,000 ; the Clerk's at $800 ; and the Prosecut- 
ing Attorney's at $1,000. 



332 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The release of H. Whiting from liabilities on the bond of D. Nortbrup was made in I860. 
Whiting paid §1,000 and delivered property held by him in trust for the other defendants. The 
Prosecuting Attorney's salary was placed at §900 ; the Clerk's at $750 ; and the Treasurer's at $900. 
During the years 1801, '62, '63 and '64, the salaries of county officials rose and fell at the pleasure 
of the board. In the latter j'ear, that of Treasurer was placed at $1,350. In 1866, the salaries of 
Treasurer and Judge of Probate were set down at $1,500 each ; those of Clerk and Prosecuting 
Attorney at $950. The State and Count}' taxes amounted to $45,407. During the years 1867-68-69 
and 1870, the transactions of this board were of the ordinary character. In 1870, County Treasurer 
Robert Thomp.son died, when John Miller was appointed by the Supervisor's Board. 

The last meeting of the board, at the old county seat, was held January 6, 1871. The first 
meeting of the board at Port Huron was held April 29, 1871. The majority in favor of remov- 
ing the county seat was 532. 

The schoolhouse where sessions of the court and Supervisors' Board were held was burned 
February 24, 1873. The Clerk and Register's offices were transferred over Hull & Boyce's 
store. The Clerk's office was removed to new City Hall building, June 24, 1873. 

In 1875, the salaries of county officers were subjected to another change. The salary of 
Treasurer was placed at $1,400; of Judge of Probate, $1,400 ; of Prosecuting Attorney, $1,000 ; of 
Clerk, $950. In 1876, a reduction of $200 was made in Judge of Probate's salary ; of $400 in that 
of Treasurer ; and $100 in that of County Clerk. 

Regarding the loss of $7,500 to the county by the robbery of Count}' Treasurer Henry Johr, 
at Detroit, November 20, 1866, the following preamble and resolution were presented, to the 
board, and were unanimously adopted : " Whereas, it satisfactorily appears to this Board of Super- 
visors, that on the 20th day of November, 1866, Henry Johr, Treasurer of this county, while on his 
way from this county to Lansing, to pay over moneys in his hands belonging to the State, was 
robbed in the city of Detroit, of the sum of S7,500, belonging to the State. Therefore, Resolved, that 
we respectfully ask the Legislature of the State to take such action for the relief of Mr. Johr and 
his bail, as may be deemed most just and as shall release him and thera from the loss so sustained." 

During Valentine Saph's administration of the office of County Treasurer, the safe was blown 
open and a sum' of $150 abstracted. 

The sum of $150 was appropriated by the Territory toward completing county court house 
and jail at St. Clair, April 12, 1827. 

H. Chamberlain, Sheriff" of the county of St. Clair, received $28.05 for taking the census of 
county in 1834. 

He reported in Cottrellville, 423 inhabitants; in St. Clair, 323; in Desmond, 817 ; in Clay, 421. 

»A special Commissioner was appointed for St. Clair County April 13, 1827. 

An act to regulate and improve the navigation of Black River was approved November 5, 
1829. 

Bj' an act of Legislature, April 15, 1833, the session of St. Clair Circuit Court was ordered 
to be held on the second Monday of July and January of each year. 

By an act approved March 28, 1836, the Supervisors of St. Clair County were authorized to 
borrow $10,000 for a term of years not less than seven or over twenty, at interest not exceeding 7 
per cent. 

In 1877, County Treasurer John Johnston resigned. His liabilities were $19,976.19. 

THE COU.NTV I'OOR IIOUSK TROUBLES. 

If an opinion ma}' be expressed, there should not be an institution bearing this name within 
the Union. Yet it exists, and generally under circumstances opposed to everj' idea of humanitv, 
ever}' hope of our civilization. The aged and infirm and unfortunate should be provided for; but 
in a country of freedom their home should never Ijear the litle of Pour House. 

Extracts from report of P. H. Blood, B. \Y. Jenks, George S. Granger and Henry J. Bradbeer, 
presented to the Board of Supervisors in October, 1878, point out clearly the condition of the 
institution. 

Again, on January 5, 1881, Fred H. Blood, Rol)crt Leach, and George W. Carleton, members 
of the CommitU'e of Investigation, reported to the Supervisors, on the subject of another series of 
charges; Your committee to whom the article pnlilished in the Port Huron Curnmercial of 
October 13, A. D. 1880, was referred for investigation under the resolution adopted by your Board, 



HISTORY OF ST. ('LAI1{ COUNTY. 333 

together witli the coiuphiiiit made I)}' (reorge S. (Jranger October 21. A. I). 18S0, in reganl lo the 
management of tlie county poor house, and the keeper. James Van Slyke, and his wife, the matron 
of said poor house, and all employes under them, and the Superintendents of the Poor, and all busi- 
ness respecting the poor in said poor house, both male and female, beg leave respectfull}- to report 
thai wo have visited th(^ poor house and made a thorough investigation as to the management, and 
have taken the testimony under oath of all those who have made complaints, and such others as 
have been named to us as having knowledge of said management and ol the paupers or inmates of 
said poor house as well as the keeper and his wife and lh(>ir employes, and the Superintendents of 
the Poor, and lind upon the testiinonv that the charge made in llu; Port Huron (Jommcrci'al of 
nine years ago. oecurrence of the irealrneul of Mrs, Sarah K. Laribeck, w^e lind was beyond our juris- 
diction, as the keeper then was another person and not James Van Slyke, and that the Board of 
Superintendents of the Poor was not the present board, therefore we took no testimony on that 
affair or charge made anil (mblisheil by said newspaper. 

But as to all other charges wi; l)eg leave to respectfully report as follows, lo-wit; 

First charge — Cruelt\- to inmates. 

This charge is not proven, and through all the testimony there is nothing to support the 
charges against either the Superintendents, the keeper or matron. 

Second charge — ^Using the comity's cloth by the matron for her children's clothing. 

No evidence to prove the charge but all tends to prove the coutrar}-. 

Third chargi^ — Oiving away meat or flour belonging to tin: county. 

We find no |)roof in the evidence of such being the case in any single instance, but the testi- 
mony of two witnesses tends to show that flour has been paid for sewing done for the inmates of 
the poor house. 

Fourth charge -The statement that Mrs. Cope was allowed and did jump from the third story 
window to the ground is a base fai)rication. 

But she did jump from the second stor\' window, and the children of tlu; keeper, in pla\-, do 
the same, it being but a short distance to the ground. 

Fifth — The charges of the old woman who died through neglect so terril)ly diseased. 

All the evidence proves that she was as well cared for as cotdd be under the circumstances. 
But Mrs. Cope took the earrings off after death without the knowledge or consent of the keeper. 

Sixth — The charge that the child found on the doorstep of Mr. Ycatcs died from neglect. 

It was clearly i)roven that Jlrs. \'an Slyke took it under her own especial care and treated it 
as well as if it hatl been her own. 

Seventh. — The music teacher and visitors. 

The charge that a music teacher was boarding at the poor house is not proven bj' any of the 
testimony taken. But he occasionally stopped there nights, and in one instance two nights in one 
week, but generally left after a short visit in the day time, and other visitors have not lieen frequent 
or many. 

The County Infirmary in October. 1881, sheltered forty-two inmates, James and Mrs, \'aii 
Slyke were in ciiarge. 

In the historical sketch of Port Huron ('ity, references are made to the l)nilding of the count}' 
court house, city hall and custom house. 

LOC.'iL LEtHSLATOHS. 

From the organization of the county to 1827, the pidilie interests were under the direction of 
Commissiuners, In 1827, the act of Territorial Legislature anfhori/.ed the election of Supervisors. 
The Supervisors' Board was elected annually until ISISS. when a return to the old government by 
the Commissioners took place. 

COUNTY COJIMI.S.SIOXER.S. 

From 1821 to 1823, Andnnv Westlirook, George Cottrell and John K. Smith were members of 
the board. In the latter year, Harvey Stewart took the place of John K. Smith, and continued to 
serve until .\pril, 1827. 

StPERVISORS' nOAUD. 

1827— Everett Beardsley, John S. Fish. 

1828 — Harvey Stewart, Amasa Hemraenger, Jeremiah Harrington, and Kverett Beardsley. 

1829— 'William Gallai>her. John Kennellv, George Cottrell, Harvev Stewart. 



334 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

1830— William Gallagher, John Kennelly, George Cottrell, Harve\- Stewart. 

1831 — Andrew Westbrook, John Kennelly, Amasa Heinmenger, Harvey Stewart. 

1832 — Samuel Ward, Edmund Carleton, John Kennelly, Harvey Stewart. 

1833 — Same officers. 

1834 — Ralph Wadhams, John Doran, Edmund Carleton, David Cottrell, Charles Kimball. 

1835 — Peter Carleton, Jacob Kendall, David Cottrell, John Kennelly, and Edmund Carleton. 

1836— H. N. Monson, Cummings Sanborn, Ralph Wadhams, David Cottrell, Peter Carleton, 

and Charles Kimball. 
1837 — Jonathan Burtch, H. N. Monson. Ira Porter, Charles Kimball, Ralph Wadhams, David 

Cottrell, Theodore Bathy, Thomas Dart, Jacob Kendall. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

1838— Zael Ward, Justin Rice, and John S. Parker. 

1839-40— Zael Ward, .John S. Parker, and John Howard. 

1841-42 — John Howard, John S. Parker, and Chester Kimball. 

In 1842, the Supervisors' Board was re-established, and has continued since to administer the af- 
fairs of the county. In the histories of the townships, the names and dates of service of the Super- 
visors' Clerks and Justices of each township will be given. 

TOWNSHIP AXO CITY ORGANIZ.iTION. 

Plaintield Township was organized under authority given in proclamation of Gov. 
Cass, March 17, 1S23. The original boundaries were: Beginning on the St. Clair River at the 
north line of land belonging to the heirs of Alexander Harrow (deceased) ; thence northwesterly 
to the northeast corner of Section No. '28; thence along north line of Sections 2S, 29, 30 and 
35 to the border of Lake St. Clair; thence southerly, until it intersects the boundary line be- 
tween the United States and Canada; thence northeast along said boundary line to a point due 
east from the place of beginning and thence west to the place of beginning. 

By an act approved April 12, 1827, surveyed Township No. 3, in Ranges 15, 16 and 17 east, 
was ordered to be organized under the name of Cottrellville, and the first town meeting ordered 
to be held at Cottrell's Tavern. 

Surveyed townships and fractional parts, in Ranges 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 east, were formed 
into a township named Sinclair, April 12, 1827, and the first town meeting ordered to be held 
at the court house of the county. 

Surveyed Townships 6, 7, 8 and 9, in Ranges 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 east, were established as 
the town of Desmond, and the first meeting ordered to be held at Fort Gratiot. The name 
Desmond was changed to Port Huron, under the act of March 11, 1837. 

Cottrellville Township was organized under authority given in Gov. Cass' proclama- 
tion, dated March 17, 1823. The boundaries were: Beginning on the border of the River St. 
Clair at the south line of land belonging to James Fulton; thence west to the northeast corner 
of Section 12, in Township 4 and Range 16 east; thence west to the boundary line; thence 
south along boundary line to Lake St. Clair, iintil it intersects the north line of Plainfield, and 
continuing easterly along the north line of Plaintield to the border of St. Clair River; thence 
easterly along the border of the St. Clair to James Fulton's lands. 

The town of Clay was established May 27, 1828, and the first meeting ordered to be held 
at the house of John K. Smith. The lands comprised in Clay, as then organized, included that 
part of St. Clair County south of section line between 23 and 33. in Township 3 north, of 
Range 16 east, extending east and west from St. Clair River to St. Clair Lake. 

China Township was established by act of March 21, 1835. It comprised Township 4 
north. Ranges 15, 16 and 17 east. The first town meeting was held within the house of John 
Clark. 

Columbus Township, comprising Township 5 north, of Range 15 east, was established and 
the first meeting ordered to be held at the house of Benjamin Kettredge. under authority of act, 
approved March 11. 1837. 

Clyde Township was established under authority of legislative act March 26, 1836. It 



liISTOUY OF ST. CJ.AIK COrXTV. 335 

comprised Townships 5. (J, 7, 8 and It north, of Ranges 1;?, 14, IT) and 1'; east, and the lirst 
meeting was held at the house of Ralph Wadhams. 

Ira Township was organized under authority of the aet approved March 11, 1837. It 
comprised all the lands within the following boundaries; From the southwest corner of Sec- 
tion 28, thence north to south line of Township 4: thence west to east line of Macomb County; 
thence south to Lake St. Clair; thence along lake shore eastward to south line of Section '2b, 
and thence to southwest corner of Section 28. The tirst town meeting was ordered to be held 
at the house of Chester Kimball. 

That portion of Michigan known in the United States Survey as Ranges 13, 14, 15 and 16 
east, forming the eastern part of Sanilac County, was attached to Lexington Township, St. 
Clair County, under authority of the legislative act approved March 27, 1838. 

Riley Township was organized in April, 1838. at the house of Nelson Phillips, under au- 
thority of an act of the Legislature approved March G of that year. It embraced Townshij) 6 
north, of Range 14 east. 

The act approved March 31. 1838, authorized the addition of Township 5 north, of Range 
16 east, and P. C. No. 255, to St. Clair Township. 

Cottrellville Township was enlarged under authority of legislative act approved March 
28, 1840, Sections 5, 6. 7. 8, 17, 18, lU and 20, of Township 3 north, of Range 16 east, being 
added. 

Wales Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved March 27, 
1841. Town 6 north, of Range 15 east, was set off imder the name of Wales, and the first meet- 
ing ordered to be held at the house of Joshua Tompkins. 

Bm-tchville Township or Town S north, of Ranges 14. 15, 16 and fraction of 17 east (form- 
ing a portion of Lexington Township, in February, 1842). was organized at the house of Louis 
Facer, in April, 1842, under authority given in legislative act approved February 16. 1842. 

Under authority of an act approved March 11, 1844, the counties of Huron and Sanilac were 
attached to St. Clair County for purposes of taxation. 

The name Palmer was changed to St. Clair under authority of an act approved April 7, 
1846. 

Brockwaj' Township or Town No. 7 north, of Ranges 14 and 15 east, was detached from 
Clyde Township, and Township S north, of Ranges 14 and 15 east, from Burtchville. and oi'gan- 
ized as the township of Brockway, the tirst town meeting to beheld at the house of Allen Bills. 
The act of authorization was apjiroved March 17. 1848. 

The act to incorporate the village of Port Huron was approved April 2, 1849. The bound- 
aries of the village were : Beginning at a point on the bank of the St. Clair one-half mile 
south of the mouth of Black River, thence west one mile, thence north to the south line of the 
United States Military Reservation, thence east along the south line to the St. Clair River, and 
down the bank of the river to the ])lace of beginning. The people were authorized to meet the 
first Monday in May, 184U, to elect a President, Recorder, Treasurer, Marshal, two Assessor.? 
and six Trustees. 

March 17, 1849. that portion of Ira Township bordering on Lake St. Clair, on the east line 
of the old Chijipewa Reservation, thence north on east line of reservation to the south line of 
China, thence east to the east line of Cottrellville, and thence south to the south line of Ira, was 
set oft' from Ira and attached to Clay. This act was .subsequently repealed. 

Lynn Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved March 28. 1850, 
setting ofl' from Berlin Township Towns 7 and 8 north, of Range 13 east, and ordering the first 
meeting to be held at the house of John Whalen. 

St. Clair Village was incorporated under authority of an act approved April 1, 1850, set- 
ting otf that ])ortion of St. Clair County embraced within the following limits : Commencing 
at the northeast comer of P. C. No. 305 on River St. Clair, westerly along north line of Claim 
305 to northwest corner of five-acre Outlot No. 6; tlience south along west line of five-acre lota 
to the southwest corner of five-acre Lot No. 112; ihence east along south line of lots to north- 
west corner of Outlot No. 10; thence south along west line of Lot 10 to Pine River: thence 
along Pine River, down stream, to south line of plat as engraved by J. G. Darby, in 1836; 



336 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

thence east along south line of plat to River St. Clair; thence along the St. Clair to place of 
beginning. The tirst meeting was ordered to be held the first Monday in May, 1850. 

Greenwood Township or Township 8 north, of Range 15 east, was set off from Brockway 
Township, and the tirst town meeting ordered to be held at the house of Joseph Graham. The 
act of organization was approved Fetoruary I'l, 1855. 

Kimball Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved February 12, 
1855, when Township 6 north, of Range 16 east, was set off, and the first meeting ordered to be 
held at the house of John S. Kimball. 

Kenockee Township was organized under act of February 9, 1855, setting off Town I 
north, of Range 15 east, from Emmett Township, and ordering the first meeting to be held at 
the house of Luther Ward. 

Mussey Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved February 10, 
1855, setting off Town 7 north, of Range 13 east, into a township, and directing the first meet- 
ing to be held at the house of Daniel Alversou. 

The city of St. Clair was incorpoi-ated under authority of 'egislative act approved Feb- 
ruary 4, 1858. The boundaries of the organized village were extended, and to the whole tract 
the name City of St. Clair was granted. 

The towns of Berlin, Casco,East China, Emmett, Fort Gratiot and Grant have been estab- 
lished in recent years. In the sketches of these townships, reference will be made to their 

organization. 

PROSPERITY OF THE COUNTY. 

The uninterrupted prosperity and success which have attended the various branches of 
enterprise and industry in the county of St. Clair from its earliest settlement to the present 
day, the change from an almost unbroken wilderness to a rich and populous county in the brief 
space of time, naturally leads the mind to contemplations of deep interest and inquiry, with 
regard to the condition which tlie progressive energies of its people will work out in its futiu-e. 
We have only to examine the resources of wealth which the county naturally presents for im- 
provement — the strength, skill and aptitude of the people to lay hold of natural advantages and 
convert them to the most profitable form. In order justly to appreciate the energies which 
have been put forth by the early settlers in this county, the results of which are so attractive to 
the traveler, it should" be borne in mind that the county was not settled by capitalists bringing 
large amounts of iiioney to expend in subduing and cultivating new lands, but almost exclu- 
sively by men who were unable to purchase farms in the old States — whose physical and mental 
energies constituted their funded wea!tb. This was the capital invested in the settlement and 
improvement of the county — a currency not subject to fluctuations. The pioneers were men of 
independent minds and efforts, whose activities were controlled by the dictates of their own 
judgments. The bosom of the earth, teeming with fertility, was spread out before them. It is 
to the labor of its people that we must look for nearly all of the wealth of the county. It is 
universally admitted that the surest index of the progressive energies of an agricultural com- 
munity is discovered in the condition of its roads and schoolhouses. The light of science to 
illuminate and invigorate the natural powers, and facilities of communication which tend to 
develop the social nature of man, and bring into visibility the various interests by which he is 
connected with society, as these are appreciated, cultivated and brought into constant use, the 
vital energies, the enduring strength and substantial wealth of a community are advanced. If 
we adojit this general rule in the county and take the condition of its public roads and school- 
houses as a criterion of its advancement in intelligence and wealth, we shall find that it has 
few rivals. Whatever road the traveler may select in the county, ho will not progress far on 
his journey without having his attention attracted by a district schoolhouse, erected upon a 
pleasant spot. He will observe that it is neatly finished and painted, and that it is — such is 
the rule, though there are exceptions— surrounded by shade trees, and has a nice play ground 
for the children. If he enters this little seminary, he will find the interior judiciously and 
tastefully arranged, and furnished with blackboards, maps, charts and the most approved ap- 
paratus for aiding the pupils in their various studies. The laws of Michigan make liberal 
provisions for the support of its common schools; and in this coitnty, they are generally well 
applied. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 337 



POL I TEC AL HISTORY. 



In this chapter, we jfive the returns of every election held in the county so far as we could 
obtain them. The records of many of the earlier elections are lost; indeed, all those not given 
are not among the archives of the County Clerk's office. As those elections were held prior to 
the days of newspapers in this county, the Clerk's office is the only place we could expect to 
find them. In the compilation of this chapter, for its accuracy and fullness, we are greatly in- 
debted to Hoi'aco Baker, County Clerk, and il. P. Carleton, Deputy County Treasurer, who as- 
sisted us very materially in collecting the matter. To give some idea of the labor exjjended in its 
compilation, we have only to state that often no abstract of the election could be found, and 
one had to be prejiared from the original poll-books, which would consume hours of time. The 
returns of the election of one year were secured only after a vast amount of labor. We have 
searched diligently through the tiles of old election abstracts and poll-books in the Clerk's of- 
fice for the returns of that year, but in vain. Mr. Baker, with his ready knowledge of the 
places and conditions of the numberless papers in this office, assisted, and another search was 
made, more thorough than any of the foi'mer, still in vain. We then searched newspapers, but 
failed to unearth them. Those who wore known to have a large collection of old jjapers, re- 
turns of numerous elections, etc., were spoken to about the matter. They at once kindly inter- 
ested themselves, and overhauled several hundred ancient manuscripts. 

We relate these incidents merely that the reader may the better appreciate the vast and 
persistent labor often required to possess a single item, which, of itself, may at times seem un- 
important. Honrs are often expended in securing a name or date, yet when found it occupies 
only a small space, and is passed over by the reader with no thought at all of the labor it cost; 
yet, should a name or date be wrongfully stated, how readily it is noticed, and often how un- 
charitable are those who do not appreciate the position of the writer ! Proper names, too, are 
so varied that without a personal acquaintance with each individual, it is often impossible to 
spell them correctly. Even members of the same family sometimes spell their surname differ- 
ently, as Philips, Phillips, Phillipps. A.nd as for dates, also, when given verbally, they are 
sometimes as different as are the persons giving them. 

The political complexion of the county is strongly Democratic. For many 
years that political organization has controlled the public afl'airs of the county. 
Politics have fluctuated but little here, as the returns of the many elections 
given below will show. The politicians have generally been able to foreshadow correctly 
the result of an election many days prior to its being held. While the county has reared some 
illustrious sons in the various callings and professions of life, she has given to the county. State 
and nation, men who have become famous in the political profession. We will not attempt to 
follow the political issues year by year further than to give the returns of each election. By 
these the rise, decline and fall of parties may be traced. That elections have been as honora- 
bly and honestly conducted in this county as in any other county of the State, will not be 
questioned. At times, however, some candidate becomes over-anxious for his success, and stoops 
below the high standard usually strictly followed. 

This territory, with all the northwest, was claimed by France from IfiTl to ITlv], when it 
was surrendereil to the British. By the "Quebec Act" of 1774. the whole was placed under 
the local administration of Canada. It was, however, practically put under a despotic military 
rule, and so continued until possession passed to the United States. Before the last-mentioned 
event, and during and after the Revolution, the conflicting claims of Virginia, New Yoi'k, 
Massachusetts and Connecticut to portions of the country were relinquished to the General 
Government. All the claims were based upon chartered rights, and Virginia added to hers the 
right of conquest of the "Illinois country'' during the Revolution. As early as October, 

22 



338 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

1778, she declared, by an act of her General Asaembly, that all the citizens of that common- 
wealth who were then settled, or should thereafter settle, on the western side of the Ohio, should 
be included in a distinct county, which should be called Illinois. No Virginians were then set- 
tled so far north as what is now Michigan, and, as none thereafter located so far north before 
she relinquished all her rights to the United States, it follows that no part of our State was in- 
cluded in Illinois County, and that she never exercised any jurisdiction over any portion of the 
State; nor did she make claim to any portion of it by right of conquest. Notwithstanding the 
passage of the ordinance of 1787, establishing a government over the territory northwest of 
the Ohio River, which territory was acquired by the treaty of 1783 from Great Britain, pos- 
session only was obtained by the United States of the southern portion, the northern part being 
held by the British Government until ll'M. Arthur St. Clair, in February, 1790, exercising 
the functions of Governor, and having previously organized a government for the country under 
the ordinance above mentioned, established, in what is now the State of Illinois, a county 
which was named St. Clair. But as this county only extended north " to the mouth of the Lit- 
tle Mackinaw Creek on the Illinois," it did not include, of course, any part of the present 
county of St. Clair, although being the nearest approach thereto of any organized county up 
to that date. The next county was Wayne, organized in 1790, which included Michigan and 
that portion of Wisconsin watered by streams flowing into Lake Michigan. In 1818, this coun- 
ty was included within the boundaries of Macomb, and continued so until organized in 1821. 

During the first years of the county's history, party bigotry was not acknowledged; but 
convention and caucus were held, the same as now, to select a man not to serve his own or his 
party's interest, but that of the people. The first settlers were attached to the Jacksonian po- 
litical school, because they saw in the old General one who held the Constitution of the United 
States above all else. When in 1832, South Carolina assumed the right to ignore the laws of 
the United States, and to oppose the collection of the revenue. Gen. Jackson, then President, 
acted with his usual decision, and told the South Carolinians that the Union must be preserved. 
He sent United States troops into that State, instructed the revenue collector at Charleston 
to perform his duty, and notified John C. Calhoun that he would be arrested on the committal 
of the first overt act against the law. This decisive action, together with the terms of his proc- 
lamation, cemented, as it were, all political parties under one leader. " The power to annul a 
law of the United States" he says, " is incompatible with the existence of the Linion, contra- 
dicted expressly by the letter of the Constitution, unauthorized by its spirit, inconsistent with 
every principle on which it is founded, and destructive of the great object for which it was 
formed. To say that any State may at pleasure secede from the Union, is to say that the 
United States are not a nation; because it would be a solecism to contend that any part of the 
nation might dissolve its connection with the other part, to their injury or ruin, without com- 
mitting any offense. * * * fjie States severally have not retained their entire sovereignty. 
It has ijeen shown that, in becoming parts of a nation, they siUTender many of their essential parts 
of sovereignty. The right to make treaties, declare war, levy taxes, exercise exclusive judicial 
and legislative powers, were all of them functions of sovereign power. The States, then, for 
all of these important purposes, were no longer sovereign. * * * * The duty imposed 
on me by the Constitution, to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, shall be performed 
to the extent of the powers vested in me by law." In this manner. President Jackson instructed 
the South Carolinians in the principles of Federal Government, and in this manner also did he 
notify them of the intentions of the United States in the event of their persisting in the viola- 
lation of any of its laws. 

In those olden times, a man was chosen on his merits, and intrusted with the true represen- 
tation of the people in the Legislature as well as in the Supervisors' Coiu-t. A reference to the 
election returns will prove this statement precise in every particular. Years rolled on, and still 
party lines remained unobserved. In 1830, there was an apparent tendency to draw those lines 
closer; but the effort was comparatively a weak one. Two years later, in 1838, the doctrine of 
abolition was received with evident marks of disapprobation in this county. 

M. de Bacourt landed in this country in the midst of the most exciting Presidential con- 
test ever known, in 1840, and served as Minister of France at Washington until 1842. He 



HISTORY OF ST. CLATK COl'XTY. 339 

was, in the space of ten months, presented to throe successive Presidents of the United States. 
He watched with a lively interest the making of the tariff in 1842, in which, despite his best 
efforts, French silks and wines were for the first time taken from the fr(>e list. He witnessed 
the tempest which arose on John Qniney Adams' presenting a northern disunion petition in (ho 
House (February -, 1842). He went to meet the Prince de Joinville on his second visit to 
this country. He greeted as an old friend Lord Ashburton, come to settle the northeastern 
boundary dispute, and outstayed the conclusion of the treaty, witli the f -reole case looming uji as a 
fresh cause of diiiiculty with England. He saw civil war break out in Rhode Island, the Hemi- 
nole war dragging its slow length along in Florida, hostilities begun between Mexico and that 
"rcrt/ )ii(l dc liinnlHit de touiett li>s nations, mais jHirfiriilirremcnt di',<t Eiiifs Unia," Texas, 

In 1S4I), Abolition and Lil)erty created 8ome])olitical excitement here; but not sufBcient to 
lead one to conclude that within a <[narter of a century this county would send forth thousands 
of private soldiers and uHicers to do battle for the principle which it held so cheap in 1840. 

In 1844, James G, Birney was called from his ([uiet home at Lower Saginaw to enter the 
jiolitical battle Held against Henry Clay on one ticket and James K. Polk on the other. Birney 
was enthusiastic, honest and honorable. As a jiolitician, he lived before his time, and as a re- 
sult did not occupy the Presidential office. Ten years later, the greater number of those who 
followed the standard of the Liberty party acquiesced in the doctrine preached under the oaks 
at Jackson, and the " name and fame " of the Sons of Liberty were henceforth embosomed in 
that party. 

The American party, organized immediately afterward, soon passed away. In this county, 
its impracticable, unjust and unholy principles were stigmatized, and to the credit of the peo- 
ple, may it be said, entirely ignored. It was no more American in s])irit than was the tea tax, 
and the other principles of its originators, which roused American manhood to cast oft' all con- 
nection with them. 

The contest between the humble Abraham Lincoln and the noted Stephen A. Douglas, in 
1860. was characteristically interesting. The result decided the fate of the slaveholding South- 
erners, and gave to the seventh decade of the nineteenth nation a nation of freemen— such an 
one as the Fathers of the Republic dreamed of — such an one as the world had never hitherto 
known. 

From 1860 1o 1865. the war for the Union engrossed the jieople's attention. One i^arty 
wished to uphold the Republic and the Constitution, while the more advanced party urged the 
defense of the Republic regardless of the Constitution. 

In 1864, George B. McClellan opposed the great War President. The claims of the former 
were many and much appreciated, but he who proclaimed the abolition of slavery, from the 
highest seat in the Union, was destined to occupy that position, and would doubtless be elected 
and reelected had not the foul assassin snatched fmm him a life then in the spriuglim(> of 
its fame. 

Horatio Seymour, a refined, enlightened statesman, was nominated by the Democratic 
party in 1S()8. The fortunate Grant was nominated by the Republican party. Notwithstand- 
ing all the high qualifications for that office which Mr. Seymoiu' possessed, the man who east 
thousands upon thousands of the be,st blood of the North against the coluinns of the slaveholders 
deserved to be, and was elected. It were well for the famous General if his jiolitical life ended 
in 1872; but it was not so ordered, evidently, in the destiny of the Re[)ublic. 

In 1872, Gen. Grant was re-nominated to ojipose Charles ()"(^onor oji the Democratic, and 
Horace Greeley on the Liberal Rei>nblicau ticket: hat the services of the soldier were too well 
remembered, and so the epauletted tiraut was returued to the White House for a second term. 

In 187(). Samuel S. Tilden. representing the Democrats, and R. B. Hayes, the Republicans, 
sought the favors of the p(>ople. The memory of that contest is too fresh to re(piire fin'ther 
reference. Mr. Hayes reached the White House and held it for four years. Owing to his 
(juiet administration and the return of prosperity, his party lost little ground, although many 
said the disputes and uncertainties of that election would militate against Republican suc- 
cess in 1880. 

The elections of 1880 were, perhajis, the most enthusiastic of all expr(>ssions of the popular 



340 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

will. Then was Greek opposed to Greek: Gen. Hancock won distinction on the battlefields of 
the South; his service was magnificent. Gen. Garfield had some little military experience, but 
what was wanting in this respect was fully made up in his knowledge of public economy, and 
practical knowledge of every-day life. He was elected; but who could then dream that the 
new President would fall beneath the blow of an assassin while yet his cabinet was unorgan- 
ized? Almost before he entered on the duties of his high office, he fell at the hands of an 
American, and from this fall he never rallied, until death ended his terrible sufferings. His 
death placed the Republic in mourning throughout its length and breadth. 

Vice President Arthur assumed the Presidential chair, and under him the troubles in the 
Senate were smoothed down and the Nation allowed to resume its ways of progress. 

Throughout the various political campaigns, from 1818 to the present time, the citzens of 
St. 'Clair have,as a rule, given a popular vote. Previous to 1854, the county was decidedly Demo- 
cratic. From 1854 to 1870, it may be said to have given the Republicans a majority; and 
since 1870 to ihe present time, political power is so equally balanced that representatives of 
both parties share the confidence of the people. A desire has existed and does exist to witness 
the victory of virtue over vice, and so far as such a laudable desire could be effected, the people 
were rewarded in their contests. 

COUNTV ELECTIONS. 

In the following pages the results of the various elections, so far as this county ia con- 
cerned, are given. It is not to be presumed, however, that majorities given for candidates for the 
United States Congre.ss, or for officers of State resulted in their election. The vote received in this 
county alone is only given; to learn who was elected, reference must be made to the State His- 
tory. The county officers elected in 1818, 1820, 1822 and 1824 are named in the Oi'ganic 
Chapter. The election returns, with the names of candidates before the people of this county 
for the honors of office, are given from 1825 to the present time. 

1818. — Probate Judge, Christian Clemens, D. ;* Sheriff, James Fulton, D. ; Prosecuting 
Attorney, Ezra B. Prescott, W. ; County Clerk, John Stockton, D. ; Registrar of Deeds, John 
Stockton, D. ; County Treasurer, Christian Clemens, D. 

1820. — Probate Judge, Christian Clemens, D.; Sheriff. James Fulton, D, ; Prosecuting At- 
torney, George A. O'Keefe, D. ; County Clerk, John Stockton, D. ; Registrar of Deeds, John 
Stockton, D. : County Treasm-er, Christian Clemens, D. 

The following is a list of votes given for Delegate to Congre.ss, September 6, 1821, in St. 
Clair County: 

David Robeson, Henry Cottrell; Joseph Minnie, Joseph Chortier, Francis Chortier, Joseph 
Iras, Joseph Basseney, Louis Sambernare, Louis Cushavay, Ivan B. Yas, Michel Duchaur, 
David Hill, Ivan B. Desnoyors, I. B. Yax, Jr., Louis Sambernare, Jr., William Marshal I.Reuben 
Dodge, Francis Fleurer. Louis Chortier, Joshua Stephens, Jerry Marks, Berzilla Wheeler, 
Louis Trabeau, Peter Branbern, Ansolmer Petit, John Farley, Ivan B. Deslion, Oliver Recard, 
Phillip Irvois, John K. Smith, John Thorn, James Robison, David Oakes, Andrew Wesbrook, 
David Cottrell, Zeph. W. Bnnce, Samuel Ward, Lorin Blanohard, Lambert Branbien, John Robe- 
son, James B. Wolverton, Thomas Robison, Peter Brandemore, Sajuuel Gliddon, Louis Facere, 
Thomas Cutler, Schuyler Hodges, Ralph J. Crittenden, William Brown, Moses Birdsell, 
Charles Monroe, Ivan M, Branbern and Andrew Wesbrook, Jr. The two last named voters were 
rejected. 

The election of Delegate to Congress was held at St. Clair Village September 6, 1821, 
with John K. Smith, Andrew Wesbrook, James Robertson and James B. Wolverton, Inspectors 
of Election. There were lifty-three votes polled, of which number two were rejected. The 
candidates were James McCloskey and Augustus Woodward; the former received thirty-four 
and the latter seventeen votes. 

At an election held in St. Clair County September 4, 1823, for Legislative Councillors, under 
the supervision of Inspectors named in Congressional return, the following votes were taken: 

Solomon Sil)ley, GO; Henry T. Hunt, 62; Abram C. Truax, 33; Abrara Edwards, 75; Conrad 

» D. Democrat. W. Whig. R. Kepublican. 



IIItSTOEY OF ST. CLAll! COUNTY. 341 

TeuEyck, 9; Khcnezer Reed, 2:i; Wolcott Lawrence, 44; Cluirles Nobles, (il; Beiijainin F. Stieknc}-, 
39; Stephen Mack, 05; Daniel Lelloy, (iO; Roger Sprague, ^5; John Stockton, 6]; Joseph Miller, 
45; Christian Clemens, 5(!; Zeph W. Rnnee, 58; W. H. Putthnff, 77; Robert Irwin, Jr., 70; Joseph 
Hickox, 77; Harry Conant, 38; William Thompson, 59; John Thorn, 21; Lonis Beaufait, 33; John 
McDonald, 18; Gabriel (uidfrey, Jr., 18; Hubert Lacroix, 3(5; Laurent Durocher, 23; James f!on- 
nor, 32: Henry Connor, 23; Francois Navarre, 17; W. (!. Taylor. 13; Henry Desbrow, 13; Robert 
Irwin, 5; Daniel Bronson, 12; Zilui Swan, 13; James Abbott, 13; Gabriel (iodfrey, 5; William 
Brown, 7; George McDougal. 5; Francois Rivard, 2; William Little, 4. A few scattering votes 
were recorded. 

The election had one great recommendation, apart Irom its political significance, and that was 
the number of candidates. 

The candidates for Congress voted for by the people of St. Clair, September 4, 1823, were as 
follows: Rev. Gabriel Richards, 30; John Biddle, 2; Andrew G. Whitney, 21; Austin E. Wing, 
25; James McCloskey. 2. 

The Inspectors of Election were Z. W, Bunce, Samuel Ward. David Oakes, Andrew Westbrook, 
Reuben Hamilton, and Henry Cottrell, Sheriff, The number of votes cast was eighty-one, (ncof 
which was rejected. In addition to the names given in the list of voters for 1821, the following 
appear for 1823: 

Peter Duprat, John Iv. Smith, Charles Phillips, Setli Taft, Harvey Stewart, Peter Rice, Etienne 
Rousselle, Gabriel Trembley, George Mayers, John Connor, Josiali Nutting, Jacob Carnes, Ed.son 
Hart, Levi Barber, f^ylornus Scott, William G. Mead, John 1>. IMaranda. James Fulton. Benjamin 
Jackman, William Austin, Jeremiah Harrington, Lonis Cohais, Louis Thebanlt, Calvin Baker, 
Zaphna Lake, Thomas Cook, Isaac I'ulsifer, John S. Fish, Rnfus Thrall, John Chandler, Hiram 
Chamberlin, Henry Answorlh. 

In 1825, the candidates for Congress, (Jabriel Richards received 74 votes; Austin E. Wing, 38 
votes; John Biddle, 35 votes. 

In 1827, Gabriel Richards, candidate for Congress, received 154 votes; John I?i(ldle, OO votes; 
Austin Wing, 53 votes, and /. W. Bunce. 1 vote. 

In 1829. James H. Cook, candidate for Coroner, received 52 votes; William Brown, 12 votes; 
Reuben Hamilton, 28 votes; David Cottrell, 3 votes; Seth Taft, 75 votes, David Cottrell, candi- 
date for Treasurer, received 50 votes, and Andrew Meslbiook, 9 \otes. 

1S31. 

Congress — Austin E. Wing. 84; John R. Williams, (15; Samuel De.xter, 28. 
Representatives— John Stockton, 01; Alfred Ashley. 89. 
Treasurer — Sargeant Heath, 31; Everett Beardsley. 1. 
Coroner — Pluto Leach, 22; AVilliam Brown, 9. 

1833. 
Congress — Lucius Lyon. 91; William Woodbridge, 70; .\ustin E. Wing. 83. 
Legislative Council — Ralph Wadhanis. 128; John Stockton, 124. 
Treasurer — Sargeant Heath, 90: Everett Beardsley, 2; Moor R. Barron. 3 
Coroner — William Brown, 90; Pluto Leach, 2, 

1830. 

Delegates to Detroit Convention — I'.alph Wadhams. 362; John Clark, 3GS ; Ira Porter, 288 , 
Samuel Ward, 277, 

Congre.ss — Isaac E. Crary. D., 292. 

Governor — Stevens T. Mason. D.. 885. 

Lieutenant Governor — Edwaiil .^Iundy, D., 34ti. 

Senators— John Clark, D.. 158 ; Kanclolph Manning. 103 ; Harvev I'arke. 310 ; John Stockton, 
D., 315 ; C. C. Haskell, 263 ; E. Raynale. 265. 

Representatives — Harmon Chaml)erlin. W.. 172 ; Jt)hn S. Heath. D.. 273. 

1836. 
Representatives— John A, Heath, D., 321 ; Elijah J. Roberts, W.. 346. 



342 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Sheriff— Harmon Chamberliu, W., 464 ; R. K. Greenfield. D., 444. 

Judge of Probate—John K. Smith, D , 496 ; David Cottrell, W., 402. 

Register of Deeds— Horatio James, D., 43 ; Charles Kimball, D., 300. 

Clerk— Horatio James, D., 40 ; Charles Kimball, D., 299. 

Associate Judges — Zephaniah W. Buuee, D., 497 ; Edmund Carleton, W., 490 ; Pendleton 
0^'den, W., 391 ; Horatio N. Munson, D., 389. 

Treasurer — John Doran, D., 383 ; Edmund Carleton, W., 417 ; Robert Scott, W., 95. 

Coroners— Reuben Hamilton, 486 ; Chester Kimball, D., 46G ; Fred. G. Wilcox, W., 413 ; Ira 
Marks, 410. 

Surveyor— Nathan Ward, 890. 

Presidential Electors— David C. McKinstry, 93 ; John Riddle, 1. 

Register of Deeds and County Clerk— Horatio James, D., 465. 

Senators, 5 districts — Randolph Manning, 697 ; Jacob Summers, D., 722 ; John Clark; D. 
543 ; Thomas M. Drake, 190 ; William Draper, 27. 

18.37. 

Governor — Charles C. Trowbridge, W., 376 ; Stevens T. Mason, D., 447. 

Lieutenant Governor — Daniel S. Bacon, 406 ; Edward Mundy, 426 ; John Biddle, 3. 

Senators— Stephen V. R. Trowbridge, 400 ; Thomas I. Drake, 401 ; Elijah P. Cook, 408 ; John 
Barton, 404. 

Representative— David Cottrell, 381 ; Ralph Wadhams, 430; John S. Heath, 220 ; Benjamin 
Cos, W., 5. 

Congress— Isaac E. Crary, D., 310 ; Hezekiah G. Wells, W., 300 

1838. 

Congress — Hezekiah G. Wells, 439 ; Isaac E. Crary, 360. 

Senator. 4th District — Reuben R. Smith, D., 435 ; Ira Porter, D., 424 ; Jacob Summers, W., 
195 ; Eben B. Harrington, W., 194. 

Representatives— True P. Tucker, W.. 396 ; John K. Smith, D., 367. 

Sheritf — Harmon Chamberlin. W., 425 ; Curamings Sanborn, D., 349. 

Clerk and Register — Marcus H. Miles, W.. 405 ; Horatio James, D., 370. 

Judge of Probate— Horatio N. Monson. W.. 413 ; Lorenzo M. Mason, D., 360. 

Treasurer — Horatio N. Monsou, W., 415 ; William B. Barron, D., 373. 

County Commissioners — Justin Rice, W,, 416 ; Zael Ward, W., 404 ; Ralph Wadhams, D., 
371 ; Lyman Granger, D„ 374 ; Charles Kimball, D., 376. 

Coroners— Elisha B. Clark, W., 415 ; Henry Cottrell, 419 ; Reuben Hamilton, D., 371 ; Chester 
Kimball, D., 375. 

Surveyor- Nathan Ward, W., 394 ; Edward H. Rose, D., 370. 

1839. 
Governor — William Woodbridge, D., 482 ; Elon. Parnsworth, W., 345. 
Lieutenant Governor — James W. Gordon, W., 475 ; Thomas Fitzgerald, D.. 350. 
Senator, 4th district— Justin Rice, W., 477 ; Robert P. Eldredge, D., 340. 
Representatives — True P. Tucker, W., 445 ; Lorenzo M. Mason, D., 366. 
County Commissioner — John Howard, W., 486 ; Joel Tucker, D., 323. 

1840. 

Presidential Electors — Thomas J. Drake, D., 517; John Van Fossen, D., 517; Hezekiah Or. 
Wells. D., 517; Charles Moran, W., 446: Kingsley S. Bingham, W., 446; Charles E. Stewart, W., 
446. 

Congress— Jacob M. Howard, W., 514; Alpheus Felch. D., 442. 

Senator, Fourth District — James L. Conger, W., 516; Dewitt C. Walker, D., 451. 

Representatives — Ira Porter, W., 496; Andrew Mack. D., 455; Israel Carleton, W., 3. 

Sherifl— Reuben Moore, W., 498; John S. Heath, D., 461. 

Clerk— Marcus H. Miles, W., 515; Curtis Bellows. D., 453. 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIII COLXTY. 343 

Treasurer — Horatio N. Monson, W., 506; William I?. IJarron, D., 458. 

Judge or Probate— Benjamin C. Cox, W., 50(j; .loiin M. Oakes, D., 450. 

Register of Deeds — .'Marcus H. Miles, \V., 512; Curtis Bellows, D., 452. 

County Commissioner — f'liesler Kimball, W., 490; Kbenezer Westbrook, D., 435; Charles 
Kimball, D., 23. 

Associate Judges — Edmund Carleton, W., 517; David CottroU, W., 512; Joshua Q. Leonard, 
1).. 44!l; Jonathan Burch. I)., 447; .Justin Rice, 1. 

County Surveyor— Nathan Ward, W., 5011; John (lalbrailh. iX. 443. 

Coroners — Reuben Hamilton. W., 507; Aura P. Stewart, W.. 510; (irovcr N. Buel, 452; 
William Brown, 1)., 455. 

1841. 

Governor — John S. Barry. 1>., 450; Philo C. Fuller, W., 341. 

Lieutenant (iovernor — Origen I). Richardson, 1)., 452; Edmund B. Bostwiek, W.,340. 

Senators — Jonathan Shearer, I)., 4(55; I>yman (Jranger, D.. 450; Josiah Snow, W., 338; Sylves- 
ter Warner, W., 324. 

lieprescntative — Cummings Sanborn, I)., 452; John Howard, W., 283; Andrew Mack, D., 54. 

County Commissioner — Uel Rix, 1)., 458; Hugh Gregg, W., 322. 

1842. 

Senators, First District — John Biddle, W., 350; Minot T. Lane, W., 351; Jonathan Shearer, 
D.. 458: Neil Gray, D., 442. 

Kepresentative — Gel Rix, D., 517; David Cottrell, W.. 297. 

Sherifl" — John S. Heath, D., 501: John Howard, W., 297: Joseph F. FoUeusbee, D., 5; William 
H, Carleton, W., 4. 

Clerk— Edward C. Bancroft, D„ 481; Marcus H. .Miles, W., 325. 

Treasurer— William B. Barron, D., 488; Elisha Smith, W.. 335. 

Register of Deeds— Edward C. Bancroft, D., 480; .Marcus H. Miles, W., 327. 

Surveyor — James L. Smith, D.. 428; Sylvester Warner, W., 382. 

Coroners — Alfred Comstock, D., 482; James D. Brown, D., 449; Aura P. Stewart, W., 319; 
James I. Vincent, W.. 331. 

1843. 

Governor — John A, Barry, D., 534; Zina Pitcher, W., 408. 

Lieutenant (iovernor — (), D. Riciiardson, D., 533; J. B. LaRue, W., 400. 

Congress— James B. Hunt. D., 52(1; Thomas J. Drake, \V., 40.5. 

Senator, First District -Lorenzo M. Mason, D., 449; True i'. Tucker, W., 449. 

Representative— Gel Rix, D., 436; John Howard, W., 227; Joel Tucker, W., 266. 

1844. 

Presidential Electors — Louis Beaufait, 617; John Biddle, 569 ; Arthur L. Porter, 26. 

Congress — James B. Hunt, 624; George W. Wisner, 56; Charles H. Stewart, 6; William 
Canfiehl, 18, 

Senator, First District— William Hale, W., 617; Abner C. Smith, W., 616; Henry B. Holbrook, 
P.. 566 ; Richard Butler, !)., 56(1. 

Bepresentative — Edward C. Brancroft, D., 582 ; Abraham Hagan, D., 579 ; G. C. Thomp.son, 
W.. 15. 

Sheriflf— Lyman Granger. D.. 539 ; Anson S. Welch, W,, 507 ; Joseph F, Follensbee, D., 121. 

Treasurer— William U. Barron, D.. 589 ; Duthan Northrup, W., 598. 

Clerk— Charles Kimball, D., 649 ; Jacob G. Strict, W., 545. 

Register — Charles Kimball. D., 651 ; Jacob G. Strict, W., 546. 

Associate Judges — John Tiiorn, D.. 608 ; Sargeant Heath, D.. 650 ; [David Cottrell, W,, 555 ; 
Edmond Carleton, W., 535. 

Probate Judge — John N. IngcrsoU. D., 507 , Benjamin C. Cox. W., 596. 

County Survcvor — JoseiJi L. Kelroy, D,, 620 : Guv H. Carleton, W., 540. 

Coroners— Clark M. Mills. D.. 621 ;"James D. Brown, D., 621 ; .John Wells, W„ 578 ; Aura P. 
Stewart, W., 578. 



344 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

1845. 

Governor— Alpbeus Felch, D., 474 ; Stephen Vickory, W., 383 ; James G. Biruey, F. S., 5G. 

Lieut. Governor— William L. Greenly, D., 473 ; John M. Lamb, W., 385 ; Nathan M. Thomas, 
F. S., 54. 

Senator, First District— Oel Rix, D.. 437 ; Morgan Bates, W., 403 ; William Canfield, F. S., 40. 

Representative — Hannibal Hollister, D., 4G5 ; Abram Hogan. W., 398 ; John Grinnell, 
F. S., .39. 

1846. 

Congress— George W. Wisner, W., 450 ; Kiiiosley S. Bingham, D., 569 ; William Canfield, 
N. 36. 

Senators, First District— Andrew T. McReynokls, W., 550 ; John E. Swartz, D., 559 ; Robert 
P. Eldredge, D., 559 ; Jacob M. Howard, W.. 448 ; Ebeu. I. Penniman, N., 448 ; Linus S. Gilbert, 
W., 453. 

Representatives— Daniel B. Harrington, W., 543 ; John Clark, D., 433 ; Nathaniel W. Brooks, 
D„ 613 ; John Howard, W., 407. 

Sheriff— Pierce G. Wright, D., 543 ; Hiram Hunt, W., 434 ; Edward Fay, 7. 

Treasurer— William B.^Barron, D., 485 : Duthan Northrup, W., 526. 

Clerk— Daniel Follensbee, D., 489 ; M. H. Miles, W., 486. 

Register — John J. Folkenburg, D., 437 ; Volney A. Ripley, W., 481. 

Firet Judge of County Court— Joseph T, Copeland, D., 578; Benjamin C. Cox, W., 423. 

Second Judge of County Court— Zepheniah W. Bunce, D., 558 ; Obed Smith, W., 453. 

Coroners— Leonard B. Parker, D., 549 ; John (4albraith, D., 528 ; Newlaud S. Carpenter, W., 
478 ; Henry Cottrell, W., 442. 

Surveyor — James L. Smith, D., 598 ; Joseph C. Cox, W., 385. 

1847. 

Governor — Epap. Ransom, D., 579; James M. Edmonds, W., 435; Chester Gurney. N., 19. 

Lieutenant Governor — William M. Fentou, D., 579 ; Hiram L. Miller, W., 435 ; Horace Hal- 
lock, N., 18. 

Senator. First District— Charles A. Loomis, D., 612 ; G. R. Griswold, D., 580 ; J. M. Howard, 
W., 438 ; Zael Ward, W., 397. 

Representatives— Reuben B. Dimond, D., 598 ; Elihu Granger, D., 562 ; Martin S. Gillett, 435; 
David Hart, W., 414 ; Joseph P. Minnie, D., 484 ; JIarcus H. M'^iles, W., 485. 

1848. 

Presidential Electors— John S. Barry, 814; Jacob M. Howard, 665; F. J. Littlejohn, 82. 

Congress- — Kingsloy S. Bingham, 844; George H. Hazelton, 679; John M. Lamb, 30. 

Senators, First District — Titus Dort, 820; Jacob Summers, 812; William Woodbridge, 719; 
William M. Campbell, 713. 

Representatives— Martin S. Gillett, D., 810; William M. St. Clair, W., 869; William L. Ban- 
croft, D., 685; Leonard B. Parker, W., 669. 

Sheriff— Pierre G. Wright, D., 853; John S. Beebee, W., 640. 

Treasurer-Duthan Northrup, W., 868; Robert Scott, D., 672. 

Register— Volney A. Ripley, W., 743; T. E. Barron, D., 775. 

Clerk— M, H. Miles, W., 771; Daniel Follensbee, D., 764. 

Judge of Probate— Z. W. Bunce, D., 36; John McNeil, W., 797; Lester Cross, N., 658. 

Coroners— James D. Brown, D., 808; Oliver Dodge, D., 815; Orson E. Parker, W., 691; Henry 
Cottrell, W., 716. 

Surveyor — Benjamin F. Luce, D., 707; David Ward, W., 816. 

Inspectors of Schools— Henry H. Mather, 1)., 690; Morton Shearer, W., 798. 

Associate Judges— Silas C. McClary, D., 1; John K. Smith, W., 1. 

The Democratic County Convention met September 7, 1848, with Henry Rix, President; John 
Beard and M. B. Kean, Vice Presidents; L. B. Parker and John Devine, Secretaries; W. L. Ban- 
croft, Oliver Dodge, R. B. Dimond and J. J. Falkcnbury were chosen delegates to the Congres- 
sional Convention, and L. M. Mason, A. F. Ashley, T. Barron, P. G. Wright, David Mansfield and 
L. B. Parker, delegates to the Senatorial Convention. William T. Mitchell, member of the Com- 



HLSTOKY OF ST. CLAIl! COUNTY. 



345 



inittee of Kesohitions, reported a series of of resolutions, pledging; the Deinoenicy to support the 
nomination of (leu. Cass. 

lu 1848. Gen. Lewis Cass received the nomination for I'rosident, and Gen. William (). Butler 
for Vice President, on what was known as the Demoeratic-l!epublii'an ticket. John S. Harry, Lor- 
enzo M. Mason, Thomas Fitzgerald, Horace C. Thnrl)er. and W. T. Howell, were nominated as Pres- 
idential Electors on the same ticket. In support of those nominations, the St. Clair County Demo- 
cratic Association was formed Septcmhcr 7, J848. The meeting was held at St. tUair. witli lli'ur}- 
Rix, temporary PresidcMit. and .lohn l»evine, Secretary. The election of otlieers resulted as follows; 
Joseph T. Copcland, I'resident,; J. IJ. Comstock, Recording Secretary; Laban Tucker, Correspond- 
ing Secretary; and Daniel Follensbee. Tr<'asurer. The A'ice-Presidents of the .Association were; 
Elihu Granger, J(jnathan Burteh. J. H. Westbrook, John Beard, E. S. Cross, John K. Smith. J. D. 
Brown, C. Lindsay, W. Craudall, II. llollister, V. Sanborn, Uel Bi.\, P. P. Brakeman, W. 15. Barron, 
A. Bartlett, and Amos Dixon. The Executive Committee was composed of Horton Healy, Nelson 

Potter, Waldron Ward, William Worden, ^L Jackson. L. B. Parker, L. Palmerly, Irons, M. 

Carrington, H. L. Stevens, D. Jlansfield. W. Austin, P. G. Wright, J. Tompkins. Silas Bardwell, 
and M. B. Kean. W. Ti. Bancroft and AV. T. Mitchell were the organizers. 



1849. 

Second Judge to lill vacancy — John McXeil, W., 244; Israel Carleton, W., 87; Andrew Mack 
D.. 77; Lester Cross, ])., (15; Harmon Chamberlin, W., G3. 

Governor — John S. Barry, 1)., 7154; Flavins J. Littlejohn, W., 521. 

Lieut.-Governor — William ^1. Fenton, D.. 721; George A. Coe. W., 534. 

State Printer— Rensallaer AV. Ingalls, D.. 710; H. H. Dunckler. W., 5:5L 

Senators, Eirst district — Joseph T. Copelaud, D., 546; Andrew Harvie, 
er, W., (;4(i; Daniel Pittman, — 7:!(i. 

Representatives — Harmon Chamlierliii, \V.. 7(58; George S. Jicster. 1).. GGO; William T 
ell, D., 51 G; Leonard B, Parker. W.. Iii5; John Clark, D., 45. 



152; True P. Tuck- 
Mitch- 



1850. 

Delegates to State Convention. St. Clair — Lorenzo M. Mason. ])., 50G; Reuben B. Dimond. D. 
515; John Clark, D.. 4!t:5; William M. St. Clair. W., :589; Thomas lluekins. AV.. 253; Alvah Sweet 
zer, AV.. 318. 

Secretary of State— Charles II. Taylor, 1)., G09; George .Alartiii, \V., 5itl. 

Auditor (General — John Sweegles, Jr., G98; Elislia P. Chauiplin, 594. 

State Treasurer — Bernard C. Whitmore, G9;i; James Berdsall, 594. 

Attorney (ieneral — William Hale, G8I; Austin Blair, G02. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — F. AV. Shearman, G9S; Samuel Barstow, 593. 

Judges of Sui)rerae Court — Warner AVing, 701; Abncr Pratt, G99; Sanford M. Green, 700 
Henry Cliipman, 591; Samuel II. Kiinl>all, 593; Charles Draper. 593. 

Congress — Charles C. Hascall, I)., G40; James L. Conger. AA''., G47. 
Township was rejected. 

Senators. First District— Titus Dort, 697; Henrv C. Kibbee, G97; 1- 
Payne K. Leach. 594. 

Representatives — James L. Smith. D., GOS; Joseph P, .Minnie, !>., 7 
AV„ GG8; Benjamin F, Luce. AV,. 489. 

County Judge — Josei)h T. Copelaud. D., 550; Omar D. Conger. AV 

Second Judge— Ilem-v Rix, D.. 701; Christian Bartlett, AA'.. 571. 

Sheritf— Koiierl Scott" D.. 708: Chester Kinil)all. \V.. 5G0. 

County Clerk -Smith Falkenliurg, D., 62(1; M. H. .Miles, AV., G42. 

Register — Thomas E. J5arron, D.. 707; A'olnev A. Ripley. W.. 5(iG. 

Treasurer— Alfred Weeks, D„ 628; Duthan Xorthrup, AV., 639. 

Surveyor— Norman Nash, 1)., 685; Guy H. Carleton, AV., 596. 

Attorney— William T. Mitchell. D., 624; True P. Tucker. AV.. G42. 

Coroners— Joseph Luff. D., 702; A. F. Ashley. 1).. 607; David Cotlre 
ard, W., 629. 



The vote of Columbus 
iiiklin Livingstone, 594; 

781; Harmon Chamberlin, 

703. 



AA'., 571; John How- 



346 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

1851. 
Circuit Judge— Josepli T. Copeland, D., 623; Moses Wisner, W., 707. 
Regent of University— Cliarles H. Palmer, D,. 610; Marcus H. Miles, W., 710. 
Governor— Robert McClelland, D., 405; Tovvnsend E, Gidley, W., 293. 
Lieutenant Governor — George H. Haughton, D., 203; Calvin Bretain, AV., 406. 

1852. 

Presidential Electors — John Owen, W., 852; John S. Barry, D., 1,110: Chester Gurney, N., 53. 

Governor — Zack Chandler. W., 852; Robert McClelland, D., 1,219; Isaac P. Christiancy, 
N.. 47. 

Lieutenant Governor — David S. Walbridge, 702; Andrew Parsons, 1,195; Erastus Hussey, 54. 

.Secretary of State — George E. Pomeroy, 845; William Graves, 1,112; Francis Dennison, 75. 

Auditor General — AVhitney Jones, 844; John Sweegles, 1,122; William Wheeler, 51. 

State Treasurer— Sylvester Abel, 838; Bernard C. Whitmore, 1,126; Silas M. Holmes, 54. 

Attorney General — Nathaniel Bacon. 842; William Hale, 1,108; Hovey K. Clark, 55. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — Josepli Pennev, 830; F. W. Shearman, 1,112; Upton T. 
Howe, 59. 

Commissioner Land Office — J. K. White, 838; Porter Kibbee, 1,110; Nathan Power, 01. 

State Board of Education — Grove Spencer, 844; Sylvester Larned, 844; James R.Williams, 
844; Isaac E. Crary, 1,114; Gideon 0. Whitmore, 1.112; Chauncey Joslyn, D., 1,120; James A. B. 
Stone, 54; Edwin B. Fairfield, 54; E. N. Bartlett, .54. 

Congress, Fourth District — George Bradley, 880; Hester L. Stevens, 1,122. 

Senator, Thirty-first District — Harmon Cijaraberlin, W., 1,035; Daniel B. Harrington, 961. 

Representatives — First District, James W., Sanborn, W., 481; First IMstrict, William T. Mitch- 
ell, D., 406; Second District, William H. Baker, W., 446; Second District, .John P. Gleason, D., 540. 

Judge of Probate— John McNeil, ^Y.. 1,043; Joseph P. Minnie, D., 022. 

Treasurer— Edmund Carleton, Jr., W., 1.114; Pierce G. Wright, D., 829. 

Sheriff— Horace A. Lathrop, W., 708; David Whitman, D., 1,076. 

Clerk -John Raymond, W.. 049; James S. Clark, D., 985. 

Register— Fred H. Blood. W., 851; Alfred Weeks, D., 1,207. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Smith Falkenburg, D., 1,2.34; AVilliam Grace, W., 54. 

Circuit Court Commissioner — Lester Cross, I)., 976; Marcus H. Miles, W., 905. 

Surveyor— Joseph C. Cox, W., 803; David Ward, D., 1,188. 

Coroners— John How.ard, W., 843; Henry Cottrell, W., 1,000; James Demarest, D., 1,124; 
Stephen Partlow, D., 939. 

1854. 

Governor— John S. Barry, D., 033; Kingsley S. Bingham, R., 983. 

Lieutenant Governor — William A. Richmond, D., 038; George A. Coe, R., 1,003. 

Secretary of State — William L. Bancroft, D., 739; .John McKeuny, R., 1,110. 

Auditor General — John Sweegles, D., 952; Whitney Jones, R., 906. 

State Treasurer — Derastus Hinman, D., 930; Silas M. Holmes, R., 1,012. 

Attorney General — Benjamin F. H. Witherill, D., 036; Jacob M. Howard, R., 077. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — F. W. Shearman, D., 837; Ira Mayhew. R., 086. 

Commissioner Land Office — Allen Goodridge, D., 053; Seymour B. Treadwell, R., 955. 

State Board of Education— Chauncey Joslyn, D., 939; Elijah H. Pitcher, R., 1,012; J. R. 
Kelly, D., 982; Hiram Miller, R., 828. 

Congress, Fourth District — George W. Peck, D., 897; Moses Wisner, R.. 992. 

Senator, Thirty-first District— Omar D. Conger, R., 1,239; Samuel L. Smith, D.. 626. 

Representatives — First District, William T. Mitchell, D., 346; James W. Sanborn, R.; 497; 
Second District. Alexander Gilchrist, D., 347: Zael Ward, R., 553. 

Sheriff— David Whitman, D., 604; James H. White, R., 1,005; Alexander H. Bartly, W., 189. 

Treasurer — Thomas E. Barron, D., 684; Edmund Carleton, .Jr., R., 1,069; William Cottrell, 
W., 440. 

Attorney — William Grace, R., 1.152; True P. Tucker, D., 735. 

Clerk—Albert A. Carleton, D., 1,045; Tubal C. Owen, R., 842. 



HISTORY OF ST. CJ.AII! COUNTY. 347 

Register— Fred H. Blood, K., 98!); Angus Miller, I)., Till; Lester Cross, W., 101). 
Circuit Court Coin in issioners— .Marcus II. Miles, R., l.OfiO; Cyrus Miller, I)., 874. 
County Survevor — James 11. Bacon, R., 1,01(1; Joseph H. Newman, I)., 010. 
Coroner— Iliram Wliitcoinb, !>., 8:U: John Howard, R., 92H; Isaac Kleine, 989. 
Inspector— John E. Keller, 025; A. K. Morse, 1. 
Senator, Thirty-tirst District— Omar 1). Conger, It.. 1.12:;; Sauim4 L. SmiUi. D., 951. 

1856. 

Presidential Electors— Harmon Chamberlin, and five others 1,S07 ; Michael Shoemaker and 
five others, 1,521 ; George W. Perkins and five others, 21. 

Governor — Kinsley S. Bingham, H., 1,796 ; Alpheus Felch, D., 1,54S. 

Lieutenant Governor — George A. Coe, R., 1,806; Ed. II. Lothrop, !>., 1.545. 

Secretary of State— John McKinnev, R., 1,807 ; Fitz. II. Stephens, ])., 1,512. 

Auditor'General^Whitiiev Jones, R.. 1,806; D. R. Daniels, D., 1,543. 

State Treasurer— Silas M.'llolms. R.. 1,798 ; Robert \V. Davis, D., 1,544. 

Attorney General— .Jacob .M. Howard, R., 1,807 ; Amos (iould, D., 1,544. 

Superiniendent Public Instruction— Ira Mayhew, R., 1,808 ; F. W. Shearman, D., 1,543. 

Commissioner State Lands— S. B. Treadwell, R., 1,721 ; Allen (inodridge, I)., 1,630. 

State Board Education— (Jeorge Williard, R., 1,807 ; Daniel Blacknian, D., 1,544. 

Congress— DeWitt C. Leach, R., 1,804 ; George W. Peck, I)., 1,542. 

Senator, Twenty-sixth District — Omar D. Conger, R., 1,785 ; John E. Kitton, D., 1,537, 

Sheriff— James II. White, R., 1,790 ; John S. Kimball, D., 1,547. 

Treasurer— Edmund Carleton, Jr., R., 1,817 ; William B. Barron, D., 1,510. 

Probate Judge— Marcus II. .Miles, R., 1,835; Joseph P. Minnie, D., 1,495. 

Prosecuting Attornev — William (irace. R., 1,725 ; August VanBuren, D., 1,614. 

Register -F. II. Blood, R., 1.88(1 ; Daniel Follensbee, J).. 1,458. 

County Clerk— Tubal C. Owen, R.. 1,677 ; Albert A. Carleton, D., 1,(;06. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — John McNeil, R., 1.777 ; John S. Ciellin, D., 1,485. 

Surveyor — David Ward, R., 1,752; James 11. Raeon, D., l,5(il. 

Coroners— Daniel Leach, R.. 1,801 ; John Howard. R., l.S(i5: Patrick Kennedy, D., 1529; 
James S. Durlee, 1)., 1,539. 

Representatives — James W. Sanborn, R., 883; John Miller, D, 9i)7 ; John Clark, D., 894; 
David Cottrell, R., 636. 

1857. 

Chief Justice — George Martin, 1.343 ; Samuel T. Douglass, 921. 

Assistant Justices of Supreme Court -Randolph Manning, 1,313 : Isaac P. Christiaucy, 1,342; 
James N, Campl>ell, 1,343 : Warner Wing, 023; Abner Pratt,' 921 ; David Johnson, 921. 

Circuit Judge, Sixth District -Sant'ord M. Green, 2,201. 

Regent of University — (ieorge W. Pei'k, 1,334 ; .Tames B. Eldredge. 870. 

1858. 
Governor — Charles E. Stuart, 1,647 ; Moses Wisner, 1,732. 
Lieutenant Governor — George C. ."Vlunro. 1,629 ; Edmund B. Fairfield. 1.75(1. 
Secretary of State— Jonathan P. King. 1,628; N. (r. Gohell, 1,752. 
Suite Treasurer — Edward Kanter. 1,622 ; John McKinney, 1,753. 
' Auditor General — John J. Adam, 1,(528 ; Daniel L. Case, 1,749, 
Commissioner Land Ollice — lohn Ball. 1.619; .lames W. Sanborn. 1.735. 
Superintendent Public Instruction — Daniel C. .Jacokes, l,(;2(i : -John M, Gregory, 1,752. 
Attorney General — Jabez G. Sntiierland. 1,599 ; .Jacob M. Howard. 1.754. 
Member Board Education — Andrew Y. Moore, 1,626; Witter .J. Baxter, 1,752. 
Regent University, Sixth District — -Henry Whiting. 1,707. 

Congress, Fourth District— Robert W. Davis. D., 1,628; DeWitt C. Leach, R., 1,746. 
Senator, Twenty -sixth District — Ralph Wadhams, D.. 1,(555 ; Omar D. Conger. R., 1,724. 
Representatives — First District. S. L. Smith, D., 763 ; William Grace, R.. 691. Second Dis- 
trict, W. L. Bancroft, D., 1,053; Horace E. Bunce, R., 1,002. 



348 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Sheriff— Amos James, I).. 1,790 ; Martin J. Arnold, R.. 1,563. 
Clerk— Albert A. Carleton. D., 1,644 ; Tubal C. Owen, R., 1,724. 
Kegister— Patrick Kennedy, I)., 1,444 ; Fred. H. Blood, R., 1,912. 
Treasurer — William B. Barron, D., 1,567; Edmund Carleton, Jr., R., 1,810. 
Prosecuting Attorney — Harvey McAlpin, D.. 1.693; Edward W. Harris, R.. 1,679. 
Circuit Court Commissioner — Samuel Jamieson, D., 1,617 ; John McNeil, 11., 1.753. 
Surveyor — James. H. Bacon, I)., 1,630 ; Israel D. Carleton, R., 1,749. 

Coroners— Joseph L. Recor, D., 1,629; W. B. Preston, D., 1.629; Asa Larued, R., 1,751; Ezra 
Hazen, R., 1.749. 

1S.59. 
Chief Justice Supreme Court — -George Martin, R., 1,932 ; Alpheus Felch, D., 1,563. 

1860. 

Presidential Electors — Hezekiah G. Wells, 2,589 ; George W. Peck, 1,955 ; Jacob Beeson, 37; 
Henry P. Bridge, 19. 

Governor — Austin Blair, 2,565 ; John S. Barry, 2,018. 

Lieutenant Governor — James Birne\-. 2.553 ; ^Yilliam M. Fenton, 2,025. 

State Treasurer — John Owen, 2,565 ; Elon Farnsworth, 2,021. 

Auditor General— L. G. Berry, 2,568 ; Henry Penoyer, 2,023. 

State Secretarj' — James B. Porter, 2,565 ; William Frances. 2,015. 

Attorney General — Charles Upson, 2,565 ; Chauncey Joslyn, 2,024. 

Commissioner State Land Office — S. S. Lacey, 2,562 ; S. L. Smith, 2,024. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — John M. Gregory', 2,567 ; F. W. Shearman, 2,023. 

State Board of Education — Edwin Willets, 2,555 ; John N. Lyon, 2,022. 

Congress — Row. E. Trowbridge. 2,573 ; Ed. H. Thompson, 2,006. 

Senator, Twenty-sixth District, State Legislature — Ezra Hazen, R., 2,618 ; Dewitt C. Walker, 
D., 1,965. 

Judge of Probate— James J. Scarritt, R., 2,516 ; John Miller, D., 2,042. 

Sheriff- Elijah R. Ha\nes, R , 2.576 ; Amos James, D., 2,006. 

Register of Deeds— Fred H. Blood. R., 2.669 ; Robert S. Baker, D., 1,890. 
■ County Clerk— Tubal C. Owen, R . 2,468; Albert A. Carleton, D., 2,115. 

County Treasurer— Edmund Carleton, Jr.. R., 2,638 ; AVilliam B. Barron, D., 1,930. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Bethuel C. Farrand, R., 2,527 ; Harvey McAlpine, D., 2,048. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — John McNeil, R., 2,574; George W. Wilson, D., 1,990. 

County Surveyor— Israel D. Carleton, R., 2,529 ; Richard Beal, D., 2,034. 

County Coroners — James Bickerson, R., 2.567 : Asa Larned, R., 2,568 ; John Tierney, D., 
2.023 ; Henry Kochball, D., 2,012. 

Representatives— First District. N. D. Smith. R.. 1,078 ; L. B. Parker, I)., 849 ; Second Dis- 
trict, H. E. Bunce, R., 1,466 ; William T. Mitchell, D., 1,186. 

Legislative Sessions — Yes, 1.425 ; No. 339. 

1861. 

Assistant Judge Supreme Court — Raiulolijh Manning, 1.411; C. I. Walker, 176; John McNeil, 
40. 

1862. 

Governor— Byron G. Stout, 1,969; Austin Blair, 1,660. 

Lieutenant Governor — Henry H. Riley, 1,962; Charles S. May, 1,069. 

State Treasurer— C. C. Trowbridge, 1,947; Joim Owen, 1,689! 

Auditor General — Rodney C. Paine, 1,944; Erail Anneke, 1,693. 

State Secretary— William" R. Montgomery, 1.949; James B. Porter, 1,687. 

Attorney General— John T. Holmes, 1,945; Albert Williams, 1,691. 

Superintendent Public Instruction— T. H. Sinex, 924; John M. Gregor3-, 1,097; Samuel Cle- 
ment, 1,013. 

Commissioner State Land C)fficc — Charles H. Heyerman, 1.933; Samuel S. Lacey, 1,687. 

Members Board of Education — Daniel E. Brown, 1,948; Edwin Dorsch, 1,687. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLxMR COUNTY. 349 

Representative hi Congress — August C. Raldwin. l.ilK); R. K. Tiovvbiidge, l,(in7. 

Senator, Twenty-fifth Oistriet — Leonard B. Parker, I)., 1,855; Kzra Hazen, R., 1,777. 

Representatives — First District, Abrara Smith, D., 8()5; Kugenc Smith, 11., (397; Second Dis- 
trict. John Miller, D., 577; Newell Avery, R., 520; Third District, Oel Rix, D., -169; John Orinnell, 
R., 485. 

Sheriff— David Whitman, D., l,7(i:'.; Elijah R. Haynes, R., 1,859. 

Treasurer— Henry .Johr, !>., I,9:i4: Edmund Oarleton, Jr., R., 1,709. 

Register— Charles II. Waterloo, D., 1.888; Kred H. Rlood, R., I,7:i8. 

Clerk— George F. (Collins, D.. l,!i:!5; Tubal C. Owen, R.. I,(;(i9. 

Prosecuting Attorney- — O'Rrien J. Atkinson, I)., 1,871; Betliuel C. Farrand, R., 1,754. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — losepii F. Merrill, D.. 1.841; George F. Collins, D., 1,911; Will- 
iam Grace, Iv., 1,(;8(); John McNeil, 1!.. 1,7S0. 

County Surveyor— Israel D. Carleton, R., 1,8:58; Asa R. Stowell, D., 1,711. 

County Coroners — Ora P. Stewart, D., 1,954; Herman Horzog, D., 1,949, .Vsa Jjarned, R., 1 - 
C80; Dan Daniels, R., 1,677. 

1863. 

Regents of University — Ileiuy C Knight, 1,(598; Thomas D. Gill)ert, 1,(599; Edward C. Walk 
er. 1,721; J. E. Joiinson.'l .721 ; George Willard, 1,702; James A. Swoezey, l,(ii)9; Thomas J. Jos- 
lyn. 1,723; Alva Sweetzer. I,(i!i4; Oliver C. Comstock. 1.779; William .V. Jloore, 1.7t)9; /jna Pitch- 
e"r, 1,75(5; Nathaniel A. Balch, 1,749; Ciiarlcs II. Richmond, 1,770; Adam L. Ptoof, 1,777; Elijah 
P. Burt, 1.77(i; Joseph Coulter, 1.752. 

Associate Judge Supremi' Court — David Johnson, 1,74(5; James X. Campbell, 1,74(5. 

Circuit Judge, Sixtli District — Sanlbrd M. Green, 1,791; Zeph. B. Knight, 1,(59(5. 

1864. 

Presidential Electors— R. C. Beecher, 1,808; George W. Peck. 2,0C3. 

Governor — Henry H. Crapo, l,81(i; William M. Fenton, 2.(l()4. 

Lieutenant Governor — El)en O. Grosvenor, 1,818; IMarlin S. Bracket, 2,0(55. 

State Secretary — James B. Porter, 1,817; George B. Turner, 2,0(14. 

Auditor Genera! — Emil Anneke. 1.817; Ciiarles W. Butler, 2,0(55. 

State Treasurer — John Owen, 1,747; George C. Munro. 2.021. 

Attorney (ieneral — All)ert Williams, 1,745; Levi Bishop, 2,01:5. 

Commissioner State Land Ollice -Cyrus Hewitt, 1,749; George M. Rich, 2,009. 

Superintendent i'ublic Instruction — Oramil Hosford, 1,745; John D. Pierce, 2,012. 

State Board of Education— Wester J. Ba.xter, 1,745; 0. C. Comstock, 2.01 1. 

Associate Judge Supreme Court to fill vacancy — Thomas M. Cooley. 1,747; Alphcus Felch 
2,(113. ' - 1 

Congress, Fifth District — Rowland E. Trowbridge, 1,740; August C. Baldwin. 2.012. 

Senator. Twenty-tifth District— William Sanborn. R., 2.005; AVilliam ]j. Bancroft. D., 2.129. 

Sheriff — Andrew J. Cutnminffs. it.. 2,078; Samuel Russell. D., 2,143. 

Clerk— David D. O'Dell, R, 2.039; George F. Collins. ]).. 2,1(58. 

Register— David D. Fish, R.. 2,(I2S; Charles II. Waterloo, !)., 2,19(5. 

Countv Treasurer — Harmon Herzoir. R., 2,040; Henry Johr, D,, 2,17(5, 

Judgeof Probate— Etiward \V. Harris, R., 2,093; Dewitt C. Walker, D., 2,130. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Tubal C. (Jwen. R.. 2,0(55; O'Brien J. Atkinson, D., 2,144. 

County Surveyor— x(sa R. Stowell, R., 2,087; Horatio G. Rol»bins. D., 2,139. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — John McNeil. R., 2,070; William (Jrace. R., 2.084- George F 
Collins, D.. 2,146; Joseph F. Merrill. D.. 2,125. ' " ' 

Countv Coroners — Asa Larned, R , 2,085; Jani(>s P. Hagerman. R.. 2.07(); Alfred E Fetchet 
D., 2,139; John P. Quick, 1)., 2.141. ' ' ' 

Representatives— First District. Samuel Roberts, R, 87(5; B. S. Horton, D., 9(53. Second Dis- 
trict, Edgar White. R., (514; Cyrus .Miles. D., 707. Third District, Ezra Hazen, R.. 557; J J Boyco 
D., 444. 

1865. 

Associate Judge Supreme Court Isaac I*. Christiancy, It.. 1.51(5. 



350 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY 

Regents of University— Edward C. Waliver. R.. 1.320; George Willard, R.. 1,320; Eben Wells, 
D., 308; O. C. Comstock/l).. 3(59. 

1866. 

Governor — Henry H. Orapo. 2,5(36; Alpheus S. Williams, 2,105. 

Lieutenant Governor — Dwight May, 2,575; John G. Parkhurst, 2,009. 

State Secretary— 0. L. Spaulding, 2,57(3; B. M. Thompson, 2,098. 

State Treasurer— Eben 0. Grosvenor, 2,57(3; Luther H. Trask. 2.098, 

Commissioner of State Land office^Benjamin 1). Pritchard, 2,572; Louis Dillman, 2,102. 

Attorney General — William L. Stoughton, 2.570; George Gray, 2,098. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — Orarael Hosford, 2,575; Samuel Clements,- Jr., 2.098. 

Member School Board of Education — Edwin Willets, 2.570; J. W. Berchmore, 2,098. 

Auditor (xeneral — William Humplirev, 2.570; (jeorge Spaulding, 2,098. 

Congress— R. E. Trowbridge, R., 2.548; William L.^Bancroft, D.. 2,121. 

Senator, Twenty-fourth District — William Sanborn, R., 2,634; Thomson J. Hudson, D., 2,038. 

Representatives- First District, M. H. Miles, R., 893; B. S. Horton, D., 764; N. E. Boynton, 
W., 262. Second District, Edward Vincent, R., 723; J. L. Newell, D., 730. Third District, George 
A. Punstou, R.. 774; Oliver Dodge, D., 497. 

Sheriff— W. H. Dunphy, R., 2,031; Samuel Russell, D.. 2,033. 

Clerk— Hazzard P. Wands, R., 2,547; William R. Andrus, D., 2,117. 

Treasurer— Val. A. Saph, R., 2,537; Henry Johr, D., 2,130. 

Register— Fred H. Blood. R., 2.00O; Charles H. Waterloo. D., 2,057. 

Prosecuting Attorney- Edward W. Harris. R., 2,002; George F. Collins, D., 2,008. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — Fred C. Harrington, R.. 1.098; Charles F. Harrington. R., 1,471; 
William Grace, R., 2,509; George W^ Wilson, D., 2,080; Horatio G. Robbins, D., 2.059. 

Coroners— Asa Larned. R., 2,572; Jolin Nicol, R.. 2.570; J. D. Brown, D.. 988; Patrick Ken- 
nedy, D., 2,083; James G. Brown, D., 1,082. 

Surveyor— James S. Kennetick, R., 2,515; H. G. Robbins, D., 1,969; W.L.Bancroft, D., 111. 

1867. 

Judge Supreme Court — Benjamin F. Graves, R., 2.055; Sanford M. (xreen, D., 1.897. 

Regent of University— Thomas D. Gilbert. R., 2.106: Hiram A. Burt, R., 2,089; William M. 
Ferry, Jr.. D., 1,826; Eben Wells, D., 1,820. 

Circuit Judge. Sixth District - James S. Dewey, R., 1,820; William T. .Mitchell, D., 2,128. 

County Superintendent of Schools — John C. Clarke, R.. 2,077; Eno. L. Freeman, !)., 1,87(1. 

Delegates to County Convention — Marcus H. Miles. K.. 2.127; Omar D. Conger. R.. 2.141 ; 
Ezra Hazeu, R., 2,090; George W. Wilson, D., 1,788; William T. Mitchell. D., l,848;"Oel Rix, l)„. 
1.780. 

1868. 

Presidential Electors— Charles M. Crosswell, 3,060; Peter White. 2.706. 

Governor — Henry P. Baldwin, 3,055; John Moore. 2,713. 

Lieutenant (jovernor — Morgan Bates, 3,058; Salathiel C. Cottinberry, 2,714. 

Secretary of State — O. L. Spaulding, 3,059; Richard Baylis, 2,715. 

State Treasurer— Eben 0. Grosvenor, 3,058; John F. Miller, 2,714. 

Auditor — William Humphrey, 3,058; Louis Dillman, 2,714. 

Attorney General— Dwight .May, 3,((44; August C. Baldwin. 2.724. 

Superintendent Public Instruction— Oramel Hosford, 3, ((56; Duane Doty. 2,717. 

Commissioner of Land ottice — Benjamin D. I'ritchard, 3,055; Henry Grinnell, 2,715. 

State Board of Education — Daniel E. Brown, 3,058; Isaac W. Bush. 2,714. 

Congress— Omar D. Conger, R., 3,097; Byron G. Stout, D., 2,608. 

Senator. Twenty-fourth District— Bela W. Jenks, R., 3,008; Leonard B. Parker, D., 2.098. 

Representatives — First District, Nathan S. Boynton, R., 1,148; Benjamin S. Horton, D., 1.030. 
Second District, Edward ^'incont, R., 932; Cyrus Miles, D., 958. Third District, William W. Hart- 
son, R., 987; John A. Lamb, D., (395. 

Probate Judge— Edward ^V. Harris, R.. 3,002; DeWitt C. Walker, D., 2.702. 

Sheriff— Edward Potter, R., 3.023; Samuel Russell. D.. 2.744. 



iii>T(>i;v or ST. ci.Aiu corxTv. 351 

C'kTk— Hazzaid 1'. Wan. Is 1!.. l'.'.IST; Alheil A. Cailetoii, D., I'.TTl'. 

Treasurer— Val, A. Sapli. 1!., :i.O.")!l; Alexander (iilelirist, 1).. 2,7(10. 

Register— Fred II. Blood. 1!., :{,0!)(); Thomas Kennedy, I)., 2,(m8. 

Pnjseenting Atlorne\- — Cliarles F. irarrington. K , :!.ii(Il; George W. Wilson, I).. 2.70(). 

Cireuit Court Coinniissioners — William ( !race. K. II.OIC; R. ('. Farrand. U., :{,05(j; Joseph F. 
Merrill, D., 2,(i()7: George F. Collins, I)., 2,718. 

Coroner — John Nicol, D.. :{.(I54-, Asa Larned, K., ;;.(l,')2; Aura V. Stewart, 1)., 2,718; Samuel 
Edison, J)., 2,717. 

County Surveyor — Parker M. Brown. K.. :!,(l(;i; Sands C. Carpenter, D,. 2.7110. 

18G9. 
Judge Supreme Court — Thomas M. Cooley, R., 2,344; l>. I>ar\vin Ilugiu^s. 1)., 2,230. 
Regents of Universitv — Jonas II. .Meliowan. R., 2.:i:5!t; Jcjsepli Kstuhrook. It., 2 32!l- John F 
Miller, D., 2,245; John .M". B. Sill. D., 2,2:!(;. 

Cii-euit Judge, Sixteenth Judicial Distriet— Klisha F. .Mead, l.!Mi2; William T. Mitchell, 2..')8(). 
County Superintendent of Schools -John C. Clarke, R.. 2,:!:{2; DeWitt C. Walker, I>.. 2,228. 
County Drain C'omiuissioner — George A. l<\instou, R , 2.472: George A. Granger, D., 2.022. 

1870. 

Representative to lill vai-ancy — Tubal C. Owen, R., 192; Benjamin L. Ilorton, [)., 08. 

Governor — Flenry I'. Baldwin, K.. 2.49.'); Charles C. Comstock. I).. 2,21(1; Henry Fish, T.. 193. 

Lieutenant (loveruor — Morgan Bates. R.. 2.519; Jacob A. S. Wendell. I).. 2.254; Emory Cur- 
tis, T.. 128. 

Secretary of St^te — Daniel Striker. R.. 2.520: Jonathan W. Flanders. |).. 2. 2(11; John Fvans T 
124. 

Auditor — William IIumi}hrcv. It.. 2,521; Charles W. Butler. I».. 2.2(;0; Charles B. Carpenter 
T., 121. 

Treasurer — \'ictorv I'. Collier. It., 2,520; Andrew J. Bowcn. I).. 2.2()0; Ijuniau It. Atwater T 
124. 

Commissioner of Land ollice — Charles E. F<lnionds, It.. 2.520; J. <!. Ilubinger. I».. 2 2(11 ■ 
James II. Hartwell, T.. 124. 

Attorney General— Dwight .May. It.. 2.518; John Wilkinson. I).. 2 201; K. G. Fuller. T., 1.210. 

Sui)erintendent Public Instruction -Orainel Hosloril. It.. 2.510; Duaiie l>ot\-. D 2 203- \sa 
Mahan. T.. 120. 

State Board of Kducation — Witter J. Baxter. It. 2.524; W. Irving Bennett. I). . 2,253; Eben 
Hunt, T.. 114. 

Congress— (tmar I>. Conger, R.. 2,040; Byron G. Stout. D., 2.143; James S. Stewart. T., 107. 

Senator. Twenty-fourth ' Distriet— Bela W. Jenks, I!.. 2.427; Cyrus .Mills. D., 2.310 John 
Beard. T., 114. ~ 

Representatives— First District. Tulial C. Owen, It.. 808; Joseph T. S. .Minnie. D.. 881. Second 
Distriet. Fred L. Wells. K., 828: Samuel L. Boyer, D., 830. Third Distriet. Ezra Ilazen, R., 889; 
Drury F. Willoughby. D., (II (i. 

Sheritf— Edward Potter. R., 2. .392; Joseph Stitts. D.. 2.394; William Baird. T.. 109. 

Clerk— Hazzard Wands. I!., 2,525; (ieorge F. Collins. D.. 2,248; Norman Smith, T.. 117. 

Treasurer — Robert Thompson. I'.. 2.503: Nelson Potter, D.. 2.273; James Boyee, T.. 1(19. 

Register— Frank Whipple. R.. 2.200; John A. Lamli. D.. 2.33(1; F. II. Blood. l"02: James Bing- 
ham. 150. 

Attorney — (!liarles F. Harrington. It.. 2,574; Ilciinan W. Stevens. D. 2.13G; Bethuel C Far- 
rand. T., l(i(i. 

Surveyor— Parker .M. Brown, It.. 2.559; (U'orgo W. I.yddy, D., 2,221. 

Circuit Court Commissioner — William Grace, It., 2.117; Nathan K. Thomas. R. 2.419; DeWitt 
C. Walker. D., 2,201; John Ward Hill. D,, 2.2ol; Joseph I'. Mnrill. T.. 1()2: Anson E. Chadwiek 
T., 115. 

Coroner — Thomas J. Nicoll. I!.. 2.534; Asa Larned. R.. 2.525; James Demarest, D., 2,249; 
James D. Brown, D., 2,330; Isaac Wilkins, T., IIG; C. W. Robinson, T, 122. 



352 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

1871. 
Reo-ents of University— Claudius B. Grant, R., 2,435; Charles Rynd, R.. 2,4.36; John M. B. 
Sill, D.,''2,484; Charles B. Fenton, D., 2,483; William W. Baldwin, T., 4C; Joseph S. Tuttle, T., 46. 
' County Drain Commissioner— Moses F. Carleton, R., 2,705, Charles McMillan, D., 2,307. 
County Superintendent of Schools— George P. Whitmore, R., 2,545; William H. Little, D., 
2,429. 

1872. 

Presidential Electors— Eben B. Ward, R., 3,321; George V. N. Lathrop, D., 2,234; Austin 
Wales, N., 21; Charles P. Russell. Pro., 49. 

Governor— John J. Bagley, R.. 3,302; Austin Blair, D., 2,283. 

Lieutenant Governor— Henry H. Holt, R.. 3,315; John C. Blanchard, D., 2,300; William G. 
Brown, N., 46; Charles Woodruff, Pro., 21. 

Secretary of State— Daniel C. Striker, R., 3,324; George H. House, D., 2,301; Thomas C. Cut- 
ler, N., 21; John Evans, Pro., 45. 

State Treasurer— Victory P. Collier, R., 3,327; Joseph A. Holton, D., 2,298; Clement M. Dav- 
ison, N., 21; Ellis C. Manchester, Pro., 44. 

Commissioner of State Land Oflice — Leverett A. Clapp, R., 3,326; George H. Murdock, D., 
2.299; Ira D. Crouse, N., 21; Joseph S. Tuttle, Pro., 44. 

Attorney General— Byron D. Ball, R., 3,324; D. D. Hughes, D., 2,303; William A. Clark, N., 
20; Daniel P. Sagendorph, Pro., 44. 

Auditor General— William Humphrey, R., 3,324; Neil O'Hearn, D., 2,301; Cyrus Peabody, N., 
21; William Almon, Pro., 44. 

Superintendent Public Instruction— Daniel B. Briggs, R., 3,324; William Stearns, D., 2,302; 
Alfred Sawyer, N., 21; Myron A. Dougherty, Pro., 43. 

Member State Board of Education— Edward Dorsch, R., 3,324; Edward Feldner, D., 2,302; 
Christian Vanderveen, N., 21; Martin V. Brown, Pro., 44. 

Congress — Omar D. Conger, R., 3,321; John H. Richardson, D., 2,337. 

Senator, Twenty-second District— Fred L. Wells, R., 3,189; George L. Cornell, D., 2,491. 

Representatives— First District, Lawrence T. Remer, R., 948; J. Ward Hill, D., 837. Second 
District, Henry Howard, R., 1,151; Samuel L. Boyce, D., 1,016. Third District, Thomas H. Bot- 
tomley. R., 940; DeWitt C. Walker, D., 755. 

Judse of Probate— N. E. Thomas. R., 3,254; Val. A. Saph, D., 2,407. 

Sheriff- John B. Kendall, R., 2,931; .Joseph Stitt, D., 2,757. 

Clerk— Moses F. Carleton, R., 3,500; Carroll S. Eraser, D., 2,176. 

Register— William W. Hartson, R., 3,157; John A. Lamb, D.. 2,524. 

Treasurer — Joim Johnston. R., 3,364; August Ludwig, D., 2,315. 

Prosecuting Attorney— William Grace, R., 3,392; Anson E. Cluidwiek, D., 2,287. 

Circuit Court Commissioner — Alexander R. Avery, R., 3,345; Jabez B. Waldron, R., 3.283; 
George F. Collins. D., 2,311; Herman W. Stevens, D., 2,372. 

County Surveyor— Parker M. Brown, R., 3,381; John M. Hoffman, D., 2,290. 

Coroners — Asa Larned, 3,328; George H. Cottrell, 3,342; Malcom McKay, 2,354; Peter Rider, 
2.343. 

1873. 

Judge of Supreme Court — Isaac P. Christiancy, R., 4,732. 

Reo-ents of Universitv — Edward AValker, R., 2,617; Andrew Climie, R., 2,587; Duane Doty. 
D., 2,126; Andrew M. Fitch, D., 2,129. 

County Superintendent of Schools — Miles H. Carleton, R., 2,096; George R. Whitmore, Pro., 
794; Daniel G. Jones, D., 1.826. 

1874. 

Governor— John J. Bagley, R., 2,900 ; Henry Chamberlin, D., 2,484 ; Charles K. Carpenter, 
Pro., 6L 

Lieutenant Governor— Henry H. Holt, R., 2,937 ; Fred Hall, D., 2,379 ; J. W. Turner, N., 60 ; 
T. A. Granger, Pro., 63. 

State Secretary— E. G. D. Holden, R., 2,937 ; George H, House, D., 2,442 ; Samuel W. Baker, 
Pro., 62. 



IIISTOUY OF ST. CLAIPv COUNTY. 353 

Treasurer of State— Willuun B, McCreerv, R., 2,934 ; Joseph M. Sterliiiu;, I)., 2,443 ; James I. 
Mead, Pro., (;2. 

Commissioner State Land Olliee— Leo. A. Clapp, U, L'.D.'iO ; Cliauncev W. Green, D., 2,441 ; 
T. S. Skinner, I'ro., 68. 

Auditor Oeneral — Itaipli Kiy, I!., 2.0.37 ; John L. Evans, I)., 2,442 ; Josepii Newman, V., 62. 

Member Statf I?oard I'Iducaiion— l-;d<?ar Kexlbrd, U., 2,036 ; Ed W. Aiulrews, J)., 2,377 ; Car- 
roll S. Eraser. \.. 68 ; Joim I). Lewis. Pro,, r)7. 

Superinteiulcnt of I'nlilie Instruction- Daniel B. Briggs, 11., 2,025; Duane Dot\, 1)., 2,452 ; 
John Evans, Pro., 58. 

Attorney General — Andreiv J Smith, R, 2,035; Martin V. .Montuomery, D.. 2.444; Albert 
Williams, Pro., 60. 

Couiiress — Omar I). Conner, R., 3,162 ; Enos Goodrich, D., 2,226 ; Henry Fish, Pro., 21. 

Senator, Twenty-second District^Fred L. Wells, R., 2,910; DeWitt C. Walker, D., 2,464; George 
L. Mchlliienney, Pro., 51. 

Representatives — First District, L. T. Reraer, R., 867 ; W. H. Little, D., 741. Second District. 
Henrv Howard, R.. 1,242; John F. Talliot, D., 861; Alex. McNaughton, Pro.. 38; Tiiird Distriel, 
JohnBerke, R., 910; Rieliard Shutt, 1)., 689. 

Sheritt' — John B. Kendall, R , 2,!)72 ; James Gain, D., 2,304 ; Loren B. Forster, I'ro., 50. 

Clerk— Moses F. Carleton, R,, 2,059; Albert A. Carleton, 1)., 2,362 ; II. P. Stoughton, X., 55 ; 
George Morden, Pro., 40. 

Treasurer — Ciiarles I). Thompson, I!., .3.344 ; John E. .Miller, D., 2,042 ; Frederic Saunders. 
N., 47. 

Register— William W. llartson. R., 2,971 ; John A. Lamb, I)., 2,402 ; James H. Smith, N., 40. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Alexander R. Avery, R., 3,031 ; William F. Atkinson, D., 2,324 ; Anson 

E. Chadwick, N., 46. " 

County Surveyor — Eli B. Chauiberlin. R., 2,008 ; Sands C. Carpenter, D., 2,371 ; Thomas W. 
Stevens, X., 53, 

Circuit Court Commissioners — Herman W. Stevens. R.. 2,974 ; William Baird, R,, 2,962 ; 
Tliomas II. Wallace, D., 2,357; J. Ward Hill. 1)., 2,.335 ; IJethuel C. Farrond, N., 50 ; William R. 
Goodwin, X.. 43. 

Coroners— Asa Larned, R.. 2,94.3 ; John Xicoll. R.. 2,935 ; Julius A. McMartin, D., 2,429 ; Gus. 
Strauss. D., 2.374 ; Whipple Wheeler, X.. 63 ; P. G. Schrara, X.. 56. 

Woman Sutt'rage — For, 912 ; Against 3.427; For Constitutional Amendments, 1,025 voted for 
and 3.058 against. 

1875. 

Circuit Judge, Sixteenth District — Edward W. Harris, R.. 5,340. 

Rco-ents of Universitv— Samuel S. Walkei-, K., 3.092 ; Bvron iSl. Cutcheon, R., 3,091 ; Samuel 

F. Douglass, I).. 2,223; Peter White. D.. 2.223. 

Justice Su]ireme Court — Benjamin F. Graves, R., 5,334; Lyman D. Xorris, 2,206.; Isaac 
Marstoii. ;!.120. 

1876. 

Presidential Electors— William A. Howard. 4,0(57 : George V. X. L.ithrop. 3,710 ; M. W. Field, 
113 ; Charles K. Carpenter, 8. 

Governor— Charles 31. Crosswell. 4.058 ; William L. AVebber. 3.719 ; Levi Sparks, 112 ; Albert 
Williams, 8. 

Lieutenant Governor — .\lon/.o Sessions, 4.065 ; Julius Houseman. 3,819 ; Emory Curtiss, 8. 

Secretary of State— E. G. D. Holden. 4,667; George H. House, 3,713; Albert Stegeman, 112 ; 
Merit Moore. 8. 

State Treasurer— William B. McCreery. 4.064 ; John G. Parkhurst, 3,821 ; A. L. Chubb. 8. 

Commissioner State Land OfKce — Benjamin F. Partridge, 4,051 ; J. B. Fenton, 3,735 ; J. H. 
Richardson. 100 ; E. L. Brewer. 8. 

Auditor General— Ralph Ely, 4.055 ; Fred M. IloUoway. 3,818. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — Horace S. Tarbell. 4,178 ; Zel. Truesdell, 3,712. 

Attorney General— Otto Kirchner, 4,068 ; ^lartin Morris. 3.709; A. J. Chipman, 104. 



354 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Members State Board Education— W. J. Baxter, 4,063; Charles I. Walker, 3,713; Ethan R. 
Clark, 103. 

Congress — Omar D. Conger, R., 4,014 ; Anson E. Chadwick, D.. 3,731 ; Henry Whiting, G. B., 
119. 

Senator Twenty-first District— Crocket McElroy, R., 4,002 ; George W. Carleton, D., 3.772 ; 
Simon Langell, G. B., 101. 

Representatives — First District, Charles F. Moore, R., 1,303; John Brakeman, D., 1,237 ; Peter 
Wood, G. B., 55. Second District, Charles F. Harrington, R., 1,216 ; Nathan S. Bojnton, D.. 1,126. 
Third District, John D. Jones, R., 1,590 ; Stephen G. Taylor, D., 1,281. 

Sheriflf— John M. Hart, R., 3,890 ; George A. Carleton, D., 3,828 ; Henry W. Clark, G. B., 158. 

Probate Judge— N. E. Thomas, R., 4,021 ; Samuel Russell, D., 3,738 ; Jared Kibbee, G. B., 
106. 

Clerk— Moses F. Carleton, K, 3,981 ; Jacob L. Kellar, D., 3,749 ; Patrick A. McGinn, G. B., 
128. 

Treasurer— John Johnston, R., 4,064 ; Samuel 0. Welch, D., 3,672. 

Register— William W. Hartson, R., 4,181 ; Daniel Foley, D., 3.525 ; Charles S. Warn, G. B., 
159. 

Prosecuting Attorney— Alexander R. Avery, R., 3,991 ; William D. Wright, D., 3,780 ; Mile E. 
Marsh, G. B., 99. 

County Surveyor — Parker M. Brown, R., 4,064 ; Israel D. Carleton, D., 3,692 ; Alexander 
Sinclair, G. B., 102. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — Herman W. Stevens, R., 4,050; William Grace, R., 4,050; 
Charles Dodge, D., 3,735 ; Peter N. Packard, D., 3,724. 

Coroners — Asa Larned, R., 4,035 ; Chester Kimball, R., 4,061 ; Julius A. McMartin, D., 3,729 ; 
James D. Brown, D., 3,723 ; Norman Strevel, G. B., 99 ; John D. Gleason, G. B., 97. 

1877. 

Justices of Supreme Court— Thomas M. Cooley, R., 2,988 ; Henry F. Severns, D., 2,853. 
Regents of University— Victory P. Collier, R., 2,980; George L. Maltz, R., 2,982 ; Anson E. 
Chadwick, D., 2,858 ; John Lewis, D., 2,854. 

1878. 

Governor— Charles M. Crosswell, R., 2,998 ; Orlando M. Barnes, D., 2,404 ; Henry S. Smith, 
N., 1,466. 

Lieutenant Governor — Alonzo Sessions, R., 3,001 ; Alfred P. Swineford, D., 2,403 ; Lysander 
Woodward, N., 1,464. 

Secretary of State— William Jenny, R., 3,002 ; George H. Murdoch, D., 2,402 ; George H. 
Bruce, N., 1,.376. 

State Treasurer — Benjamin D. Pritchard, R., 3,002 ; Alexander McFarlin, D , 2,394 ; Herman 
Groeschel, N., 1,475. 

Auditor General — W. Irving Latimer, R., 3,002 ; William T. Schermerhorn, D., 1,092 ; Levi 
Sparks, N., 1,466. 

Commissioner State Land OtBce — James M. Neasmith, R., 3,002 ; George Lord, D., 2,403 ; 
John A. Elder, N., 1,466. 

Attorney General— Otto Kirchner, R., 3,000 ; Allen B. Morse, D., 2,404 ; Prank Dumon, N., 
1,466 

Superintendent Public Instruction — Cornelius A. Gower, R., 3,005; ZelotisTruesdel,D., 2,399; 
David Parson, N., 1,466. 

Member State Board Education— George F. Edwards, R., 3,001 ; Edwin F. Uhl, D., 2,404 ; 
George E. Hubbard, N., 1,466. 

Senator Twenty-first District— Crockett McElroy, R., 2,995 ; Dewitt C. Walker, D., 2,345 ; 
William W. Hartson, G. B., 1,494. 

Congress— Omar D. Conger, R., 2,953 ; William T. Mitchell, D., 2,473 ; Charles F. Mallary, G. 
B., 1,420. 

Representatives — First District, Charles F. Moore, R., 952; Palmer S. Carleton, D., 960; Albert 
E. Burt, G. B., 169. Second District, James H. White, R., 903; Henry J. Olney, D., 781; John Mc- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIIi COUNTY. 355 

Gill, G. B., 421. Third Distriet, Jiiines R. Mdhulc, R.. 1,201 ; William H. Uutler, D., (lit 1; William 
O'Connor, G. B.,'75C). 

Sheriff— John Hilton, R., 'AM'.^; George A. Carleton, D., 2.:!(;7; Ch.-irles Kapp, G. B., 1.4K). 

Register— Ileiirv C. :ManslieUl, R., 2,92(1; lewis .Vtkins, D., 2..')!)."); John A. I.anil). G. B., 
1,323. 

Treasurer — Kihvanl \'inceiit, 1!., 3,(i73; August C Gra^-, J)., 2,:!0."); John Kinnev,G. B., 1.47C. 

Clerk— Horace Baker, ]?., :i.(M(t; William Tower. 1).. 2.3(;2; Wallace An.es, (I. B., 1 .145. 

Prosecuting Attorney— Del. C. lluntoon, R.. 2,538; KlIiottG. Stevenson. P.. 2.82!1; William I>. 
Wright, G. B., 1.474. 

Circuit Court Commissioner— John McNeil, R., 2,986; William Itaird. R., 2.!)(j!I: Charles K. 
Dodge, 1)., 2,2(il; William M. Clinc, D., 2,237; James J. Barry.G. B., 1.(14(1. 

County Surveyor — Parker M. Brown, R., 3,023; Israel I). Carleton, H., 2,370; .Mcvander Sinclair, 
G.B., l,4r)8. 

Coroners — Asa Lamed, R., 2.n!l4; Chester Kimball, R., 2,!)87; Julius Granger, I).. 2,:;9.'); Louis 
0. Senghas, D., 2.40;'.: William V. Kdison. G. B.. 1,404; Samuel L. Aldrich, (i. P... 1,119. 

187!». 

Justice of Supremo Court — James V. Campbell, R., 3,189; John B. Shipman, D., 3,709. 
Regents of Cniversitv — Kben O. Grosvenor, 3,183; James Shearer, 3,171 ; George P. Sanford, 
3,710; Henrv AVhiting, 3J29. 

ISSO. 

Presidential Klectors— Garfield, R., 4,241 ; Hancock, D., 3,439 ; Weaver, G. B., 7,58 ; Pro.. 7. 

Governor— David H. Jerome, R., 4,080; Fred M. Hollowav, D., 3..")70 ; David Woodman, G. K., 
748 ; Isaac W. McKeever, Pro., 0, 

Lieutenant Governor — Moreau S. Crosby, R., 4,139; Ivhvard 11. Thompson. D.,3,.")ll ; Sullivan 
Armstrong. G. B., 7r)(; ; D. H. Stone, Pro., 7" 

Secretary of State— William Jenny, R., 4.229; Willard Stearns, !)., ;i.434 ; Ira D. Grouse, (J. 
B., 702 ; John Kvans, Pro., 7. 

State Treasurer— Beiijaniin D. Pritchard, R.. 4,2:il ; Isaac M. Weston, D.. 3.4.32; John .M. 
Morton, G. B., 701 ; Arthur D. I'ower, i'ro.. 7. 

Auditor General— W. L Latimer, R, 4,227 ; Richard .^loore. D.. 3,43(i ; S. U. ITcverlo. G. B., 
762 ; Watson Schneider, Pro., 7. 

Commissioners State Land Otiice— James M. Neasmilh. R,, 4,227 : Janus J. David, D.. 3.130 ; 
John A. Elder, G. B., 702 ; I'orter Heal. Pro.. 7. 

Attorney General — Jacob J. Van Riper, R., 4,227; H. P. Henderson. D., 3,43(i ; William New- 
ton, G, B., 7(52 ; Milton M. Burnhain, Pro., 7. 

Superintendent Public Instruction — Cor. A. Power. R., 1.22 ( ; Zelotis Truesdel, D., 3,135; 
David Parsons, G. B., 705 ; William II. Moore, Pro., 7. 

Members State Board Education -Kdgar Rexford. R.. 1.227 ; Albert Cram. D.. 3,430 ; V. \. B. 
Mcrwin, G. B., 702 ; Uriah R. Fvans, Pro., 7. 

Congress Seventh District— Omar D. Conger, R., 4,182 ; Cvrenius !'. Black. D.. :;.512 ; John J. 
Watkins^ (J. B.. 713. 

Senator— James R. McGurk, R.. 4,243; .Vluaui Suiiih, D.. 3,405 ; Val. A. Saph, G. B., 741. 

Representatives— First District. Calvin A. Blood, R. 1,:',59 ; Palmer S. Carleton, D., 1,250; 
Paul Vollmar, G. B.. 73; William O'Connor, I>ro., 12. Second District. James II. White, R., 1.239 ; 
William Jenkenson. 1").. 1,157; William B. Soulhwick. G. B., 207. 'fhir.l District, William H. Bal- 
lentine, R., l,(iS4; William O'Connor, G. B., 1,410. 

Judge of Probate— Joseph W. Avery, R., 4,125 ; De Witt C. Wrdker. D.. 3.022; John Mctiill. 
G. B., 047 ; Silas Wright, Pro., 10. 

Sheriff— John Hilton, R., 4,430 ; James Demarest, |)., 3,214 ; George .M. D. Graves. (;. B.. 743 ; 
Mainard Butts, Pro., 17. 

Countv Clerk— Horace Baker. R.. 4.240 ; .Marshal D. Frink. D.. :!.334 ; Charles Nelson. G. B.. 
795 ; John Woodard. Pro., 10, 

Register— Henrv C. .Manslield, R, 4.245 ; John W. (Justin. D. 3.287 ; John S. Dullie. G. B., 
837 ; George W. Sioue. Pro. 10. 



356 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTT. 

Treasurer— Edward C. Recor, R., 3,906 ; Charles Greib, D., 3,693 ; John Kyiuey, G. B., 798. 

Attorney — William Grace, R., 4,055 ; Elliott G. Stevenson, D., 3,9-17. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — Albert A. Carleton, R., 4,201 ; John McNeil, R., 4,220 ; John B. 
Mcllwain, D., 3,515 ; James J. Barry, D., 3,491. 

County Surveyor — Parker M. Brown, R., 4,240 : Israel D. Carleton, D., 3,423 ; Alexander 
Sinclair, G. B., 754. 

Coroners— John Nicoll, R., 4,211 ; James Bingham, R., 4,204 ; William E. Leonard, D., 3,472 ; 
C. T. Smith, D., 3,434 ; M. C. Cronk, G. B., 733 ; Samuel T. Aldrich, G. B., 726 ; Isaiah Butler, 
Pro., 15. 

The bridge or tunnel across Detroit River was favored in St. Clair County by a vote of 208, 
and opposed by one of 4,063. 

1881. 

Justice of Supreme Court — Isaac Marstou, R., 3,775 ; August C. Baldwin, D., 2,592 ; John B. 
Shipman, G. B., 565 ; Charles G. Hyde, Pro., 26. 

Regents of University — James F. Joy, R., 3,769 ; Austin Blair, R., 3,768 ; George V. N. 
Lathrop, D., 2,592 : Henry Fralick, D., 2,592 ; Charles J. Willett, G. B., 567 ; David Parsons, G. B., 
565 ; Isaac W. McKeever^ Pro., 26 ; E. C. Newell, Pro., 26. 

Congress- John T. Rich, R., 3,717 ; Cyrenius P. Black. D., 2.649 ; John Kinney, G. B., 587. 

Circuit Judge— Herman W. Stevens, R., 3,645 ; William T. Mitchell, D., 2,664 ; Val. A. Saph, 

G. B., 555. 

1882. 

Governor — ^D. H. Jerome, R., 3,400 ; J. W. Begole, F., 3,519. Begole's majority, 119. 

Lieutenant Governor — M. S. Crosby, R., 3,465 ; E. Pringle, F., 3,495. Pringle's majority, 30. 

Secretary of State — H. A. Conant, R., 3,464; W. Shakespeare, F., 3,501. Shakespeare's ma- 
jority, 37. 

State Treasurer — E. H. Butler, R., 3,480; L. S. Coman, F., 3,485. Coman's majority, 5. 

Auditor General— W. C. Stevens, R., 3,469; J. Blair, P., 3,396. Blair's majority, 27. 

Congress— John T. Rich, R., 3,210; Ezra C. Carleton, F., 3,766. Carleton's majority, 556. 

Stienff— William B. Morse, R., 3,457; Frank L. Follensbee, F., 3,490. Follensbee's majority, 33. 

Clerk— Horace Baker, R., 3,518; C. S. Warn, F., 3,442. Baker's majority, 76. 

Treasurer — Edward C. Recor, R., 3,405; Richard Shutt, F., 3,563. Shutt's majoritj-, 158. 

Register of Deeds— Henry C. Mansfield, R., 3,590; William W. Hartson, F., 3,382. Mansfield's 
majority, 208. 

Prosecuting Attorney — George P. Voorhies, R.. 3,102; Elliott G. Stevenson, F., 3,864. Steven- 
son's majority, 762. 

Circuit Court Commissioners — William L. Jenks, R., 3,415; Albert A. Carleton, R., 3,420 ; J. 
M. Kane, F., 3,565; C. K. Dodge, F., 3,493. Dodge over Jenks, 63. Kane over Carlton, 145. 

County Surveyor — Parker M. Brown, R., 3,467; P. Shea, F., 3,487. Shea over Browu 20. 

Coroners— Asa Larned, R., 3,459; Richard Cottrell, R., 3,458; Jed Spalding, F., 3,499; E. H. 
Budint^tou, P., 3,514. Spalding over Cottrell, 41. Budington over Larned, 55. 

Suite Senator — Justin R.Whiting, F., 3,526; James R. McGurk, R., 3,439; Whiting's majority, 87. 

Legislature — First District, Henry Meyer, R., 1,092; Frederick Lindow, F., 1,068. Meyer's 
■majority, 24. Second District, Edward Vincent, R., 1,298; John Kinney, F., 1,024. Vincent's ma- 
jority, 276. Third District, W. C. Huggett, R., 1.227; Byron F. Parks, F., 1,247. Park's majority, 20. 

Sacendorph, Prohibition candidate for Governor, received 24 votes in the city, and 45, all told, 
in the county. 

The total vote on the proposed amendment to the constitution increasing the salaries of the 
Circuit Judges was, yes, 1,775, no, 1,752; majority for the amendment, 23. 

The vote on the amendment creating boards of County Auditors was, yes, 720, no. 1,166 ; ma- 
jority against the amendment, 446. 

Total vote on the proposal to revise the constitution, j'es, 651, no. 746; majority against revis- 
ion, 95. 

Josiah W. Begole, P., for Governor, over David H. Jerome, R., 119. 

Eugene Pringle, F., for Lieutenant Governor, over Moreau S. Crosby, R., 30. 

Ezra G. Carleton, P., for Member of Congress, over John T. Rich, R., 556. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



357 



Justin 11. Wliiting, F., for State Senator, over James R. McGurk, R., 87. 

Frank L. FoUensbee. F.. for Slu-rifi; over William B. Morse, R., 3:5. 

Honice Raker, !{., I'or (^lork, over Charles S. Warn, F., 70. 

Rieharcl Shutt, F., for (loinity 'i'reasnrcr, over i'Alwanl C Recor. R., l.")8. 

Henry C. .^huisfield, R., for Reo:istorof l>eeiis, over William W. Hartson. F., 208. 

Elliott (!. Stevenson, F., for I'roseeutin<i Attorney, over George I'. \'()oriiies, !{., 7(i2. 

Charles K. Dodge. F., for Cireuit Court Commissioner, over William L. Jenks. R., 78. 

John !\I. Kane, F.. for Cireuit (\)urt Commissioner, over Albert A. Carlelon, 1!., 145. 

Jeilediah Spalding, F., for Coroner, over Richard Cottrell, R., 11. 

Ezra II. Bndington. P., for Coroner, over Asa Larned, R., 55. 

Patrick Shea. F.. for Surveyor, over Parker M. Brown, R., 20. 

The following is liie ollicial canva.ss of the Seventh District on Member of Congress. 



OOUNTIK 



LT. T. KicEi.lK. C. Takle- 
Rcpubliciui. Tf»N, Fusion 



St. Clair I 3,310 

Macomb i iiji'yi 

Lapeer i 2,48(! 

Sanilac .^. .^. .^. .\_ \M8 

Carleton's taajority, 289. 



n,766 
3.085 
L973 
L430 



COUNTIES. 



Huron.. 
Total. 



J. T. Rich, E. C. Carle- 
Republican, ton', Fusion 



1,454 



L286 



11,251 



11.. 540 



358 



HISTORY OJ" ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 359 



MILITARY HISTORY 



The volunteer.s for service in Mexico, from this county, who enlisted in Capt. Buel's Company 
in October, 1S47. were Thomas 1'. Gilman, John Doyle, Samuel iMcArgg, Hiram Hall, Amos Hall, 
John Wade. Thomas R. Smith, Horace Cartwright, Stephen Reaves, Jeremiah Hanifan, William A. 
Woodard, Hiram W. Carpenter, John A. Sanborn, Enoch Jones. Peter Crane, Jacob Spickermau, 
Lyman Snow, Edwin Snow, David Buel, John Clark, (Jeorge Whipple, William Stephens, George A. 
Campbell, George Wheeler. The officers were Capt. Buel, First Lieut. Delos Davis, Second Lieuts. 
J. E. King and E. Hawes. These soldiers, together with the regulars garrisoning Fort Gratiot at 
the commencement of hostilities, may be considered the only troops known in Michigan \vho took 
part in the war. Only a few volunteers went from Detroit. A supper was tendered to these 
soldiers at St. Clair, November 9, IS-tT; speeches were made by Judge Copeland, M. H. Miles, and 
others. 

The company was mustered into service November i:->, IS 17, and left for the front after 
Christmas. On January 16, tlie command left New Orleans for Vera Cruz. 

THK \V.-VU FOR THE UNION. 

When Pericles was called upon to deliver the oration over the soldiers who had fallen in 
the first campaign of the Peloponnesiau war, he began by extolling Athens, and having exjia- 
tiated upon her glories, her institutions and her sciences, concluded by exclaiming, "For such a 
republic, for such a nation, the people whom we this day mourn fell and died." In referring 
to the roll of honor, which nearly twenty years ago combined to defeat treason in this Repub- 
lic, it may not be inappropriate to recui" briefly to the condition of that country when the 
mighty arm of military power was invoked that the majesty of the law might be maintained. 
The Nineteenth Century dawned upon a nation glorious in the promise of a prophetic infancy. 
Tyranny and oppression, tw-in offspring of an inhuman parent, had been strangled but a few 
years before. In 18(30. the development of the resources of the States was but just beginning, 
and. under an acceptable and wholesome form of government, progressing rapidly. The 
finances of the country, notwithstanding the panic of 1857, were in a healthy and promising 
condition. Money was plenty, times "flush," to use a suggestive expression of the day; the 
factory and the loom made music all the years long, and the voice of the husbandman was 
heard amid the fields of ripening grain. Everywhere and on every side evidences of pros- 
perity were manifest. In the bleak North Atlantic States and the Sunny South, at the East 
and in the city beside the bay whose waters el)b and flow through the Golden Gate, comfort, 
contentment and hapi>iness formed the trinity to be found at every fireside. The commercial 
and marine interests were second to none on the globe; its paper was "gilt-edged," to exj^ress 
it commercially, and the white sails of America's shipping were almost as numerous on the 
sesa as the white caps that crested the waves. Immigration from Continental Europe landed 
on oiu- shores in an endless stream, contributing to the wealth as well as to the horny-handed ele- 
ment of strength and industry, without w'hich nations go down to w'elcome 2)enury and forget- 
fulness. At every hearthstone and in every household, when the thoughts of home and coun- 
try came, a prayer of thanksgiving went up to the Great Father that our love was not lavished 
in vain, and man was enabled to rise from the sorrows and disappointments of his every-day 
life as sunset's red glories, or the moon's silver hair floating down the broad-breasted mountains. 

The rumbling of the coming storm had been heard at intervals in the halls of Congress, 
on the stump, in the pulpit, at the hustings, when a Toombs or a Yancey lifted up a voice in 
defense of the slave power and its extension into the Territories. But its admonitions came 
and went as the idiosyncrasies of radical intolerance. As a result, many have gone before, and 
wait upon the threshold of Paradise for the coming of those loved ones left beliind, who have 



360 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

exchanged the feeble pulses of a transitory existence for the ceaseless throbbings of eternal 
life. Faithless and fearless on the march, in the strife and at the victory or defeat, they at 
last laid down at the mysterious frontier, leaving the exalted hope behind that, though the 
world was lost forever, there would be unfurled another realm of unimaginable glory, where 
they and all whom they loved on earth, might realize the promise which the Great Euler of 
the universe has made unto the just. These idiosyncrasies, as will be remembered, culminated 
on the 12th of April, 18G1, when Fort Sumter, ofl" Charleston, was fired into by the rebels. 
Nothwithstanding this overt act of treason, this first act in the bloody reality which followed, 
was looked upon as mere bravado; but when, a day later, Maj. Anderson's surrender was an- 
noiiuced, the patriotic people of the North were startled from their dream of the futiu'e, from 
undertakings half completed, and made to realize that behind all there was a dark, deep and 
well-determined purpose to destroy the Government, and upon its ruins erect an oligarchy, the 
cornerstone of which should be slavery. But the di-eams of these marplots were doomed to 
disappointment. Their plans for the establishment of a Southern Confederacy were to be 
overthrown, if not in their inception, before realization. Immediately upon the promulgation 
of the news of the siu-render. President Lincoln, who but a few short weeks before had taken 
the oath of office, issued his call for troops in the following 

PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas. The laws of the United States have been, and now are, violently opposed in several States 
by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way: I, therefore, call for the militia of 
the several States of the Union to the aggregate number of 75,000 to suppress said combination and execute 
the laws. I appeal to all lawful citizens to facilitate and aid in this effort to maintain the laws and the in- 
tegrity of the perpetuity of the popular government, and redress wrongs long enough endured. The first serv- 
ice assigned to the forces, probabl}', will be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been 
seized from the Union. J^et the utmost care be taken, consistent with the object, to avoid devastation, de- 
struction, interference with the property of peaceful in any part of the country; and I hereby command the 
persons composing the aforesaid combination to disperse within twenty days from date. 

I hereby con"vene both Houses of Congi-ess for the 4th day of July next, to determine upon measures of 
public safety, which the interest of the subject demands. 

Abraham Lincoln, 
William H. Sew.'Vrd, President of the United States. 

Secretary of State. 

The gatintlet cast down by the traitors of the South was thus acceiated in a tii-m, deter- 
mined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The world knows with what ready assent the 
people of the North responded to the call for the defense of that Union they hoiked to preserve. 
The world knows how they, in the strength of this hope, struggled and fought with the legions 
of wrong until the armor of many was eattght in the glint and sunlight of eternity, ere the 
dews had gone to heaven or the stars had gone to God. 

There was no wavering, if there had been a disjiosition to waver. The people were united 
in sentiment and prompt in action. The pen could be employed for months in sketching the 
uprising of the people, the formation of companies, and telling of the deeds of valor and hero- 
ism of the "boys in bltte." From this cotinty there is material here for volumes upon volumes, 
and it would be a pleasing task to collect and arrange it, but no word oiu' pen could employ 
would add a single laurel to their brave and heroic deeds. Acts speak louder than words, and 
their acts have spoken — are recorded in pages already written. The people of no county in 
any of the States of the Freedom and Union-loving North, made a better record during the 
dark and trying times of the great and final struggle between freedom and slavery — patriotism 
and treason — than the people of St, Clair. Monuments may crumble, cities may fall into de- 
cay, the tooth of time may leave its impress on all the works of man, btit the memory of the 
gallant deeds of the army of the Union in the war of the great rebellion, in which the sons of 
their cotintry bore such a conspicuous part, will live in the minds of men so long as time and 
civilized governments endiu'e. The people were liberal, as well as patriotic, and while the men 
were busy enlisting, organizing and equipping companies, the ladies were no less active. 
Committees were appointed to look after the necessities and to seciu'e comfort to the families of 
those who enlisted. The spirit of the resolutions of the Board of Supervisors, adopted in 1861, 
and carefully fostered by the board throughoitt the years of the war, jiervaded almost the en- 
tire community, which was divided into committees, and each committee assigned a duty. Ear- 



HISTORY OF ST. CI-AIU COl'XTY. 361 

nestly and honestly did each eoinmittee do its work. There were no lat^jjards, ho niggards. 
Men and money were given by tens and hundreds and thousands. No one halted to count the 
costs. The life of the nation was at stake, and the people were ready to sacritice all, every- 
thing for the preservation and maintenance of the Union. 

" A union of hikes, a union of lands — 
.\ union tliat none; can sever — 
A union of liearts. a union of litmds. 
The American Union forever." 

It would bo interesting to record the money contributions — voluntary as well as by means of 
taxation — made by the people during the yeiu's of the rebellion, but that would be impossible. 
Of the former, no accounts were kept. People never stopped to reckon the cost, or to keep 
account of what they gave. Whenever money was needed for any piu'pose, and pm-poses and 
needs were plenty, it was given and paid on demand. There were no delays, no excuses, no 
"days of grace." no time for consideration demanded. People were ready and willing. Hus- 
bands and fathers abandoned homes and their comforts, their wives and little ones for the dan- 
gers of tented lields of battle, assured that, in their absence, })lenty would be provided for their 
loved ones. Because of this knowledge, their dreams were none the less sweet, nor their 
slumbers less refreshing, even if their betls were made upon mother earth, and their covering 
only that of the starry dome above. 

MILIT.VRY STATISTICS OF ST. ('L.\IR. 
The number of men enrolled by assessors in June, 1862, and the number enrolled Sep- 
tember 10, 1862, with the number subject to di'aft and to exemption, in St. Clair County, are 
gjven as follows; Returned in June, 4,042; returned in September, 4,006; exempt, 972; sub- 
ject to draft, 3,034. 

The number of troops fiu-nished was 2,581, of whom 779 enlisted under enrollment sys- 
tem, 199 veterans re-enlisted, twenty enlist(>d for n.aval service; 20 drafted men commuted, and 
185 were produced by draft, aggregating 1,203 which, together with 1.378, who enlisted pre- 
vious to September 19, 1863, brings the total number of troops up to 2,581. 

The aggi'egate expenditure of St. Clair County for war pur})Oses, up to the close of the 
year 1866, was «;233,291.90. 

The amount expended in aiding soldiers' families was $89,428. 

The official army vote, as gleaned from the official returns of the Secretary of State, 1864. 
is as follows: 

For Sheriff — Cummings, 260: Russell, 84; Cummings' majority, 176. 
For Judge of Probate — Harris, 219; Walker, 70: HaiTis' majority. 149. 
For Clerk— Odell, 249; Collins, 81, Odell's majority, 168. 
For Register — Fish, 255; ^^'aterloo, 85; Fish's majority, 170. 
For Troasiuvr — Herzog, 255; Johr, 78; Herzog's majority, 177. 
For Prosecuting Attorney — Owen, 251; Atkinson, 94; Owen's majority, 157. 
For Senator -Sanborn, 188; Bancroft, 6S'; Sanborn's majority, 119. 
For Representative. Second District — White. (57; Miles. 31; White's majority, 36. 
St. Clair was repn^sentod in the Soldiers' ami Sailors' Monument Association by W'. L. 
Bancroft and T. C. Owen. 

John McNeil. Port Huron, was appointed one of the Commissioners for taking the vote of 
Michigan troops in 1864. His services were rendered near Franklin. Tenn., where the Second 
Michigan Cavalry was serving with the First Division Cavalry Corps. 

Marcus H. Miles was appointed Commissioner to superintend the draft, and C. M. Stock- 
well commissioned Surgeon. On iiccoiint of the efforts made by the people to sup])ly the (juota 
required from the county, without having recourse to the draft, the product of such draft was 
merely nominal. 

CENEKAL OFFICERS. 

Albert Hartsuff, I'ort Huron. First Lieutenant, and Assistant Surgeon U. S. A., August 5, 
1861: Brevet Ca[)tain and Major, Jtarch 13, 1865; Ca])tain and .Vssistaut Surgeon, July 28, 
1S66; Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, November 26, 1866: Surgeon, June 26, 1876. 



362 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Charles H. Peck, Port Huron, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster Volunteers, March 18, 
1864, resigned March 29, 1865. 

Omar D. Conger, Port Huron, member of State Military Board, from December 6, 1862 to 

January 19, 1869. 

RECORD OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

John Atkinson, Port Huron, commissioned Captain Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, 
July 31,1862; Major, June 7, 1364:; resigned October 14, 1864, to accept commission as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Third Michigan Infantrj-, to rank from July 29, 1864. Retired February 24, 
1866. 

William F. Atkinson. Fact Huron, enlisted August 13, 1862; Sergeant Company C, Twen- 
ty-second Infantry, 1862; Secoud Lieutenant, June 7, 1864; resigned November 7, 1864, to ac- 
cept Captaincy in Third Michigan Infantry. 

James J. Atkinson, Port Huron, commissioned Second Lieutenant Third Infantry July 
29, 1864: First Lieutenant, May 12, 1865; Adjutant. June 16, 1865; was mustered out May 
25, 1866. 

Robert S. Baker, Port Huron, commissioned Captain Twenty-seventh Michigan Infantry 
October 10, 1862; resigned May 4. 1864. 

Charles N. Baker, Port Hm'on, enlisted September 2. 1861; Sergeant Company K, Second 
Cavalry, 1861; Second Lieutenant, September 19, 1862; Captain, October 16, 1862; Major, 
December 31, 1864; mustered out with the rank of Captain August 17, 1865. 

Henry Allen. Algonac, enlisted July 29. 1862; Sergeant Company E, Twenty-second In- 
fantry, 1862; Second Lieutenant, June 6, 1863; First Lieutenant, October 11, 1863; mustered 
out June 26, 1865. 

Joshua R. Benson, Riley, Sergeant Company O, Third Michigan Infantry, June 10, 1861; 
Second Lieutenant Fifth Michigan Infantry, September 18, 1864; First Lieutenant, November 
29, 1864; mustered out July 5, 1865. 

Abraham Bigelow, Berlin, Sergeant Company G, Twenty-first Infantry; First Lieutenant, 
December 2, 1863; made prisoner March 10. 1865; paroled April, 1865; discharged May 15, 
1865. 

William A. Black, St. Clair, First Lieutenant Fourth Michigan Infantry, July 26, 1864; 
Captain, October 24. 1865; was mustered out May 26, 1866. 

Charles J. Bockius, Port Huron, entered service August 22, 1862; Quartermaster Sergeant 
Twenty-second Infantry. 1862; Second Lieutenant, June 7, 1863; First Lieutenant and Quar- 
termaster, April 19, 1864; mustered out June 26, 1865. 

John Boshau, St. Clair. Sergeant Company G, Fifth Infantry, August 28, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, October 9, 1864; First Lieutenant, January 23, 1865; mustered out July 5, 1865. 

Nathan S. Boynton, Cottrellville, First Lietitenant Eighth Cavalry, November 1, 1862; 
Captain, April 16, 1864; Major, January 8, 1865; mustered out July 20, 1865, and entered 
Eleventh Cavalry Regiment. 

Simeon B.Brown, St. Clair, commissioned Major Sixth Cavalry, October 15,1862; Colonel 
Eleventh Cavalry. August 14, 1863; Brevet Brigadier General United States Volunteers, Janu- 
ary 31, 1865, in recognition of brilliant service at Marion, Va. ; resigned June 11, 1865. 

George Buchanan, Port Huron, Sergeant Company K, Second Michigan Cavalry, Septem- 
ber 2, 1861; First Lieutenant, April 9, 1864; mustered out August 17, 1865. 

Ed. F. Bunce, Port Huron, commissioned Second Lieutenant Tenth Michigan Infantry, 
October 1, 1861; resigned June 20, 1862. 

James W. Bunting, St. Clair, entered service August 28, 1861, as Sergeant Company G, 
Fifth Infantry; commissioned Second Lieutenant September 17, 1862; discharged for disabil- 
ity, Mai-ch 8, 1863. 

Henry Burnham, Port Huron, Sergeant Company K, Third Infantry, September 19, 1864; 
commissioned Second Lieutenant March 19, 1865; discharged September 25. 1865. 

Archibald P Campbell. Port Huron, commissioned Captain Second Cavalry September 2, 
1861, and Colonel July 1, 1862; was discharged on account of disability September 29, 1864. 

Samuel B. Carll, Port Huron, commissioned Second Lieutenant Seventh Cavalry June 



lilSTORY OF ST. CLAIK roT-XTY 36-'5 

11, 18G3: wounded and mado prisoner near Richmond, A' a., March 1, 18()1; exchanged in June, 
1864; resigned May 2U, 1805. 

Henry Carleton, Marine City, commissioned Captain Twenty-second Infantry July :51, 
1862 ; was killed while traveling on railroad June 6, 1868. 

Moses F. Carleton, St. Clair, entered service as Sergeant Comjjany I, Fourth Infantry, 
September 02, 1864; promoted to a Second Lieutenancy October 24, 1865. but on account of 
the company wanting in numerical strength, he was not mustered in as a commissioned officer. 
His discharge bears date May 2(i. 1866, after service under Sheridan in Texas. 

George L. Cornell, St. Clair, commissioned Assistant Surgeon First Sharp- Shooters 
December 8, 1862: was discharged December 28,1803. 

Henry S. Dean, Green Oak, commissioned Captain Twenty second Infantry July 31, 
1862; Major, January 5, 1863; Lieutenant Colonel, June 7. 1804; mustered out June 26, 1865. 

Henry F. Decker, Port Huron, commissioned Second Lieutenant Fifth Infantry Janu- 
ary 19, 1861; First Lieutenant, October 28, 1861; resigned November 28, 1802. 

James Donelson, Port Huron, Sergeant Coujpauy A, Seventh Michigan Infantry, August 
22, 1861; Second Lieutenant, December 18, 1864; mustered out July 5, 1865. 

William H. Dunphy, McMnjihis, commissioned First Lieutenant T(>nth Infantry October 
1, 18()1 ; Captain, March 31, l8t)3: Lieutenant Colonel, February 21. 1865; Colonel, June 7, 
1805: mustered out as Lieutenant Colonel July 19, 1805. 

Townsend A. Ely, Gratiot, Sergeant Company C, Eighth JLnfautry, February, 25, 1805: 
Second Lieut<>nant. April 25. 1805; mustered out as non-commissioned officer July 30, 1S6'>. 

William F. Ernst. Port Huron, entered service as Sergeant Battery B, First Light Artil- 
lery, September 21, 1861; Second Lieutenant. February 8, 1864; First Lieutenant, October 28, 
1804: mustered out June 14. 18(i5. 

Norman B. Farnsworth, St. Claii'. commissioned Captain Fourth Infantry, July 20, 18(54; 
mustered out Jlay 2(), 18(')('). 

Ed. G. Farnsworth. commissioned Second Lieiiteuant Engineers and Mechanics Septem- 
ber 29, 1803, mustered out without rank. 

Edmond G. Fechet, Port Huron, entered service August 22, 1801, as Sergeant Company 
A, Seventh Infantry; commissioned S(>cond Lieutenant, September 1, 1862; wounded at An- 
tietam Septeml)or 17, 1802; commissioned First Lieutenant, Mav 1, 1863; discharged for dis- 
ability July 31, 1863. 

Edmond G. Fechet. Tenth Cavalry, promoted Second Lieutenant December 30, 1863; 
First Lieutenant, December 21. 18(U; nmstered out November 21, 18(')5. 

Edmond (t. Fechet. Eighth United States Cavalry. Second Lieutenant. July 28, 1806; 
First Lieutenant. July 31. 1S()7: Captain, May 26, 1870; now in the United States Army. 

Ai-thiu- H. Fish, Port Huron. Sergeant Company H, Third Infantry, August 26, 1864; 
Second Lieutenant, November 28. 18(')5; First Lieutenant, June 12, 1866; was mustered out 
May 25, 1866. 

James Gain. Port Huron, commissioned Second Lieutenant Seventh Infanlry June 19, 
1861: First Lieutenant, July 1, 1862: Captain, May 1, 18(53: mustered out October "5, 1S04. 

Henry Geismer, Marine City, counnissioned Assistant Surgeon Twenty-second ' Infantry 
October 7, 18(52: resigned July 12, 18(53; commissioned Assistant Surgeon Twenty- ninth In- 
fantry March 19, 1805; mustered out September (5, 1865. 

Perrin C. Goodsell, Mussey, commissioned Captain Fourth Michigan Infantry July 26, 
1864; resigned September 18, 1865. 

Joseph W. Grace, Gratiot, entered service July 8, 1S62; Second Lieutenant, !May 26, 
1865: discharged June 3, 1805. 

John W. (xustin. Port Hm-on, commissioned First Lieutenant Third Infantry July 29, 
1864; resigned June 14. 1805. 

Frank Gustin, Port Huron, entered service August 22, 1801; Second Lieutenant, October 
5, 1864: First Lieutenant. October 5. 1804; mustered out July 5, 1805. 

William 15. Hamilton, Berlin, (>ntered service August 22. 1802, nn Sergeant Comjiany B, 
Twenty-second Infantry; commissioned Second Lieutenant June"'. 1S!()3; prisoner at Chicka- 



364 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

mauga, September 20, 1863; paroled March 1, 1865; First Lieutenant, November 17, 1863; 
mustered out June 26, 1865. 

William Hartsiiff, Port Huron, commis.sioned Captain Tenth Infantry October 1, 1861; 
Lieutenant Colonel. Assistant Inspector General Twenty-third Army Corps, May 13, 1863; 
Brevet Brigader General subsequently, and mustered out with rank of Captain July 19, 1865. 

Thomas H. Hunt, Port Hm-on, commissioned Captain Seventh Infantry August 19, 1861; 
Major, July 30, 1S62; was discharged Ajiril 20, 1863. 

Charles J. Hunt, commissioned First Lieutenant Seventh Infantry June 19, 1861; Captain, 
July 30, 1862; wounded at Antietam September 17, 1862; transferred to Veteran Eeserve 
Corps September 21, 1863. 

Thomas C. Jackson, Ira, commissioned Second Lieutenant Twenty-second Infantry July 
31, 1862; resigned Xovemlter 17, 1862. 

Oscar Kendall, Port Huron, entered service August 4, 1862, as Sergeant Company C, 
'Twenty-second Infantry; commissioned Second Lieutenant April 19, 1864; mustered out June 
26, 1865. 

James Kennedy, St. Clair, Sergeant Company E, Twenty-second Infantry, August 4, 
1862; commissioned Second Lieutenant March 7, 1865; was mustered out June 26, 1865. 

Daniel Leach, China, commissioned First Lieutenant Tenth Michigan Infantry October 
1, 1861; died at Camp Big Spring, Miss., July 7, 1862. 

Edward M. Lee, Poit Hm-on, commissioned First Lieutenant Fifth Michigan Cavalry, 
August 1, 1862; Captain, January 1, 1863; prisoner at Buckland's Mills, Va.. October 19. 
1863; exchanged December 13, 1864; commissioned Brevet Colonel and Brigader General Unit- 
ed States Volunteers March 13, 1865, in recognition of brilliant services, and Lieutenant- 
Colonel April 13, 1865. This soldier was mustered out June 22, 1865. 

Oliver C. Leonardson, Port Huron commissioned First Lieutenant Third Cavalry Sep- 
tember 7, 1861; was discharged October 21, 1864. 

Orange F. Lindsay, St. Clair, entered service November 11, 1861, as Sergeant Company 
E, Tenth Michigan Infantry; was wounded September 1, 1864, and again March 16, 1865; 
commissioned Second Lieutenant May 20. 1865; was discharged without rank May 24, 1865. 

John W. Loucks. Jr., St. Clair, Sergeant Company A, Fifteenth Infantry, November 18, 
1861; commissioned Second Lieutenant October 30. 1862; and discharged for disability 
November 20, 1863. 

Willliam H. McDonald, Port Huron, Sergeant Company E, Tenth Michigan Infantry, 
November 13, 1S61; Second Lieutenant August 1, 1862; First Lieutenant, March 31, 1863; 
Captain, September 3, 1864: Major, June 7, 1805; was mustered out as Captain July 19, 1865. 

Colin McDougal, Port Huron, Sergeant Company G, First Michigan Infantry, July 17, 
1861; Second Lieutenant, May 26, 1862; resigned January 23, 1863. 

. Halmer E. McNeil, Port Huron, Sergeant Company G, Fifteenth Infantry, November 8, 
1861; Second Lieutenant, October 13, 1862: First Lieutenant, January 1, 1863; resigned Sep- 
tember 17, 1864. 

Edwin C. Miles, St. Clair, Sergeant Company G, Fifth Infantry, August 28, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, October 16, 1862; Captain Eleventh Michigan Cavalry, August 1, 1863; mustered 
oiat Aiigust 10, 1865. 

Marcus L. Miles, St. Clair, commissioned First Lieutenant and Quartermaster Eleventh 
Cavalry August 21, 1863; transferred to Eighth Cavalry July 20, 1865; mustered out September 
22, 1865. 

Stephen W. Millershaum, St. Clair. Sergeant Company F, First Cavalry. March 14, 1862; 
Second Lieutenant, March 7, 18(i5; discharged without rank March 25, 1865. 

Frank H. Morse, St. Clair, Sergeant Company H, Eighth Cavalry, November 1, 1862; 
Second Lieutenant, April 25, 1865; mustered out September 22, 1865. 

William B. Morse, St. Clair, commissioned Second Lieutenant Fourth Infantry, July 26, 
1864; resigned June 6, 1865. 

William J. Mulford, Port Hiu-on, Sergeant Major Third Infantry, August 26, 1864; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, March 12, 1865; First Lieutenant, November 12, 1865; mustered out May 25, 
1866. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COL'XTY. 365 

Guy Newbre, Emmett, commissioned Second Lieutenant First Sharp-shooters March 20 
1863; discharged for disability October 22. 1864. ~ ' 

John O'Connor, St. Clair, Sergeant Company G. First Infaotrj', July 11, ISlil; Second 
Lieutenant, July 24. 1865; discharged July 9, ISO."). 

Sandford D. Payne, St. Clair, Sergeant Company H, Eighth Cavalry, November 1. 1862; 
Second Lieutenant, December 31, 1864; First Lieutenant April 25, 1865; mustered out Sep- 
tember 22, 1865. 

Joseph Phelps, Algonac, Sergeant Company E, Ninth Infantry, September 12. ISIil; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, October 26, 1864; resigned July 31, 1865. 

James S. Potter, Sergeant Major Twenty-second Infantry, August 1, 1862; Second Lieu- 
tenant, October 11, 1863; mustered out June 26, 1865. 

Stephen M. Richards, St. Clair, commissioned First Lieutenant Fifteenth lufuutrv Jan- 
uary 1, 1862; resigned October 2, 1862. 

Jacob L. Richmond, St. Clair, Sergeant Battery H. First Light Artillery, October 17, 
1861; First Lieutenant, January 22, 1863; Captain, August 8, 1863; discharged as First Lieu- 
tenant, January' 8, 1864. 

John Sackett, Port Huron, commissioned Second Lieutenant Twenty-second Infantry July 
31, 1862; First Lieutenant, December 15, 1862; died of disease January 1, 1863. 

William Sanborn, Port Hm'on, Major Twenty-second Infantry, August 8, 1862; Lieuten- 
ant Colonel, January 5, 18<)3; wounded at Chiokamauga, Tenu , September 20, 1863; discharged 
for disability June 7, 1864; Brevet Colonel United States Volunteers, March 13, 1865; Brevet 
Brigadier General United States Volunteers, March 13, 1865, in recognition of distinguished 
services during the war. 

Peter B. Sanborn, Port Huron, commissioned First Lieutenant Company K, First United 
States Sharp-shooters, January 7, 1862; was discharged for disability October 1, 1862 

James J. Scarrett, Port Huron, commissioned Major Tenth Infantry November 20. 1861; 
died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., November 15, 1863. 

James R. Saville, Ruby, Sergeant Comjiany H, Third Infantry, August 26, 1864; Second 
Lieutenant, Mav 12, 1865; First Lieutenant, November 28, 1865; was mustered out Mav "''5 
1866.- ' J . 

James H. Slawson, First Lieutenant Twenty-seventh Infantry, October 10, 1862; died at 
Port Huron, December 2, 1862, from effects of gun-shot wound, inflicted by one of his men. 

Moses R. Smith, Port Huron, connnissioned First Lieutenant Second Cavalry September 
2. 1861; resigned June 8, 1862. 

James H. Smith, Port Huron, Sergeant Company K. Second Cavalry. September 2, 1861; 
Second Lieutenant, October 16, 1862; First Lieutenant. May 211, 1863; wounded and made 
prisoner at Dandridge, Tenu.. Deeonilier 24, 1863; Captain, March 1, 1864: mustered out Au"-ust 
31, 1865. 

William A. Smith, Marion, First Lieutenant Twenty-second Infantry, July 31, 1862; 
Captain. January 5, 1863; died October 11, 1863, of wounds received at "Chickamau"-a Sep- 
tember 20, 1863.' 

Friend D. Soules, Emmett, Sergeant Company A,' First Sharp-shooters, November 20, 1862; 
First Lieutenant, November 20, 1864; discharged May 15, 1865. 

Edgar G. S|)alding, Port Huron. Sergeant Company C, Twenty-second Infantry, .Vugust 
12, 1862; Second Lieutenant, Decembi'r 15. 1S62, wounded and made prisoner at Chickanuuitra 
September 20, 18(54; paroled March 1, 1865; First Lieutenant, June 7,1864; muster(»d out June 
26. 1865. 

John Spears, Riley, Sergeant Comj)any I, Tenth Cavalry, Septemlxn- 16, 1863; Second 
Lieutenant. October 19, 1865; mustt>red out November 11, 1865. 

Augustus L. Si)encer, Port Huron, connnissioned First Lieutenant ]3attery H, First Lio-ht 
Artillery, March 6, 1862; resigned August 3, 1862. 

William St. Clair, St. Clair, commissiimed First Lieutenant Fifteenth Infantry. January 
1, 1862; Captain, October 1, 1862; resigned August 13. ]8f)3. 

Fred S. Steele, St. Clair, Second Lieutenant Fifth Infantry, June 19. 1861; resigned Sep. 



366 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

tember 16, 1862; commissioned First Lieutenant Eighth Cavahy November 1, 1862; resigned 
January 22, 1864. 

Cyrus M. Stockwell, Port Huron, commissioned Surgeon Twenty- seventh Infantry, 
December 23, 1862, resigned December 2U, 1863. 

Addison R. Stone, Memphis, Assistant Surgeon Fifth Cavahy, Sef)tember 25, 1862; dis- 
charged for disability September 8, 1863. 

George W. Strong, Port Huron, entered service November 27, 1861, as Drmn ilajor Fif- 
teenth Infantry, Company Q. 

William T. Strout, Port Huron, Sergeant Company A, Seventh Infantry, August 22, 1861; 
First Lieutenant, September 21, 1863; Quartermaster, October 5, 1864; mustered out July 5, 
1865. 

Malcolm Swayze, Port Huron, Second Lieutenant Fifteenth Infantry, January 1, 1862; 
died of disease at Jeflerson Barracks, Mo., May 27. 1862. 

Charles A. Thompson, Port Huron, Corporal Company A, Seventh Infantry, August 22, 
1861; Second Lieutenant, July 1, 1862; First Lieutenant, May 1, 1863; wounded at Wilder- 
ness, Va. , May 6, 1864; discharged October 5, 1864. 

Daniel S. Tompkins, Port Huion, First Lieutenant Twenty-seventh Infantry, October 10, 
1862; Captain, November 18, 1864; mustered out July 26, 1865. 

Charles S. Traverse, Port Huron, Captain Fifth Infantry. June 19, 1861; wounded at Fair 
Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862, and died July 22, 1862. 

George D. Tucker, Algonac. Sergeant Company E, Ninth Michigan Infantry, September 
3, 1861; Second Lieutenant, September 16, 1862; First Lieutenant, February 24, 1863; Cap- 
tain, July 7, 1864; miastered out November 16. 1864. 

Abram C. Vandeberg, Port Huron, First Lieutenant Fifth Cavalry, August 14,1862; Cap- 
tain, December 1, 1862; discharged on account of disability November 10, 1863. 

Francis M. Vanderburgh, Port Huron, Sergeant Company E, Tenth Infantry, November 
ir>, 1861; Second Lieutenant, June 20, 1862; First Lieutenant, August 1, 1862; wounded at 
Antioch Station, Tenn. , April 10, 1863, and died there eight days later. 

David W. Vanderburgh, Port Huron, Assistant Surgeon Tenth Infantry, March 31, 1863; 
mustered out July lU. 1865. 

Hazard P. Wands, St. Clair, First Lieutenant Twenty-second Infantry, July 31, 1862; 
Captain, June 6, 1863; made prisoner at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 20, 1863; paroled 
March 1, 1865; mustered oiit June 26, 1865. 

Amos C. Welch, Port Huron, Sergeant Company K, Second Cavalry. September 10, 1861 j 
Second Lieutenant, July 31. 1865; mustered out without rank, August 17, 1865. 

Henry A. Wells, Port Huron, Sergeant Company C, Third (/avalry, September 17, 1861; 
Second Lieutenant, October 17, 1865; mustered out without rank February 12, 1866. 

Daniel West, Attica, Second Lieutenant Fourth Cavahy, August 13, 1862; resigned 
December 20, 1862. 

Israel P. Whitmer, Atlas, Captain Twenty-seventh Infantry, November 20, 1863; mus- 
tered out Jiily 26, 1865. 

Benjamin S. Whitman, Berlin, Captain Second Cavalrv, September 2, 1861; resigned 
May 12, 1862. 

David G. Wilson, Port Huron, Company E, Twenty-seventh Infantry, September 29, 
1864; Assistant Surgeon Fifth Cavalry, March 10, 1865; transferred to First Cavahy June 13. 
1865; mustered out March 10. 1866. 

George B. Wilson, Port Hm'on, Assistant Surgeon, Third Infantry, October 15, 1861; re- 
signed June 4. 1862. 

George W. Wilson, St. Clair, Captain Fifth Infantry, Jime 19, 1861; wounded at Fair 
Oaks, May 31, 1862: resigned January 23. 1863. 

Jefferson J. Wilder, Capac, First Lieutenant Twenty-Second Infantry, July 31, 1862; re- 
signed February 21, 1863. 

Albert Wilford, Huron, Sergeant Company G. Twenty fourth Infantry, August 12, 1862; 
First Lieutenant, July 19, 1864; mustered out June 30, 1865. 



IIISTOI'.V OF ST. (LAU; COUNTY. 3t)7 

Augustus Zanier, Port Huron, First Liouti'iiaat Fifth Tufaiitr\, June I'.), ISCd; rosi<fn(:Hi 
October 28, ISfil. 

F. B. Galbraith and C. C. J(>rome witc among the Surgoou.s who reported for field service, 
in May, 18G4, to Dr. Jose()h TunniclitV, State Agent at Washington, for Michigan. 

KIUST .\IICHI(;.\N' IN'F.ANTKV. 

The organization of the First Infantry began June 28, ISfil, while yet the Three Months' 
Regiment was in the tield. The command left en route for the seat of war September 16, 
1861, under Col. John C. Robinson. From this period until July 1, 18()2. it participatecl in 
the affairs of Mechaniosville, June 26; Gaines' Mills, June 27; Ft^ach Orchard, June 2U; \\'hite 
Oak Swamp, June '40; and Malv(>rn Hill, July 1. Entering the cor[)s 'd armee under (Jen. 
Pope, it was engaged at (iainsvill(>, August 21), and at Bull Run, August 30. It was present 
at Fredericksbui'g during the terrific fighting round that position; sultsecpiently it took a j)rom- 
inent part on the Held of Chancellorsville. A.fter aseries of brilliant meetings with the rebels, 
it arrived at Grottysburg July 2. 1N();3. and during that and the two succeeding days, added to 
its laurels. 

To notice the varied servic(>s of tliis command is beyond oni- limits; however, the part it 
took in the war for tiie Union, will be evid(>nt from tlie following n^cord of well-fought ticdds: 
Williamsport, Md., July 12; A\'a])ping Heights, Va., July 21; Culpeper, Va., Octolier 13; 
Mine Run, November 29, ISfiii; A\"ilderness, Va., May 5, f), 7; Spottsylvania. Va. . May 12: Wye 
Biver, North Anne. Jericho Mills, Noel's Tavern and Tolopotomy. betwe(ui May 20 and 80, 
1864; Magnolia Swam|) and Betliesda Church, June 1 and 2; Petersburg, June IS; Weldon 
Railroad, Va., August lU, 20, 21, 1864; Hatcluu-'s Run, Five Forks, and Appomattox Court 
House, in February, March, and April, 1S65. 

Cnjiitaltiex. — Myron Fox, First Infantry, killed on steamer Knickerbocker Sept, 10, 18()2; 
George M', Language, First Infantry, killinl at Bull Run August 30, 1S()2; Thomas Underwood, 
First Infantry, killed at Gaines" Mills June 27, 1862; William Hilbnan, First Infantry, killed 
at Gettysburg July 12, 18t'>3; William Sliockence, First Infantry, killed at Poplar Grove Church 
September 3'0, 1861; John Stewart, First Infantry, killeil at" Gaines' Mills June 27, 1862; 
James ^Vallace, First Infantry, killed at Gaines' Mills Juno 27, 1N62; Martin Worden, First 
Infantry, killed at Washington, D. C. July 26. 1861; Harris Hemminger, Fii-st Infantry, 
killed June 27, 1862; Charles J. Wonderlick, First Infantry, killed at Hatcher's Run. Va., 
February 6), 1865. 

Dixch'iryed. — Charles Alexander, 1S62; Alfred Wilson, 1863; Michael Murray, 181)3; Samuel 
J. Navlor, 1863; Michael Collins, 1863; John O'Connor, 1865; Jacob Sence,"l862; Thomas 
Hvslop, 1865. 

SECOND MIi'HK:.\N i.mwntkv. 

This left its rendezvous at Detroit June 5, 18()1, and was th(> tirst three years' command 
from Michigan to report at the front. Its strength, perfected July 1, was 1,115 men. From 
Blackburn's Ford, Va., July, 1861, to the siege of Petersburg, Va.. April 3, 1865, it particij)ated 
in no less then forty-two general actions. The command was mustered out at Washington 
July 29, 1865. and reported at Detroit for dischai'ge August 1, 18()5. 

Discliaiyeil. — Ezra Spears, ISfi:!; IM. H. Higgins, 18(55; George Busca, 1865; Ed. Bastedo, 
1865; James Gibbons, 1805; Robert Bellou, 1865; George Canton, 1865; Israel Reno. 1S65; 
Joseph Stone, 1S()5; John Chlier, 1S65; Robert Bellows, 1865; William Luman, 1865; Ed. O. 
Morev, 1S65; Charles Strong. 1865; James O. Mills, 1S65; William L. :M;u-kle. 1865; Thomas 
Mills. 1865; Isaac W. Baker, 1865. 

Ca.siialtii''<. — John Collins, killed at Knoxville, Tenn., November 'SO, 1863; William H. 
Snyder, killed at Petersburg, Va., Juno 18, 1864; Cornelius Collins, killed at Petersburg, Va., 
June 17, 1864; John Wilson, killed at Petersburg. Va. . June 17. 1864; William S. Cos. died 
at Washington, D. C, September 9, 1864, 

THIRD MICIIIGAX I.NF.\NTKV. 

This regiment was organized at Grand Rapids, accepted May 15, 1861, and left the city- 



368 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

under Col. Daniel McGonuell. for the Potomac, June 13, 1861. It was consolidated with the 
Fifth Infantry, June 13, 1864:, The thirty-seven battles and skirmishes in which it partici- 
pated, form its record. The principal affairs are: Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 1861; Bull 
Run, July 21, 1861; the siege of Yorktown, April 4 to May 5, 1862; the Wilderness, Todd's 
Tavern, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anne, in May, 1861; Petersburg. June 16 to 22, 1864; 
Strawberry Plains, August 14 to 17. 1864; Poplar Spring Church, September 30, 1864; Hatcher's 
Run, February 2 to March 25, 1865, ending with the military affair at Appomattox, April 9, 
1865. During the service, the command lost four officers and ninety-six privates on the field; 
forty-seven men died from wounds received, and two officers and seventy-five privates died on 
account of disease. A partial consolidation with the Fifth Infantry was ordered June 13. 
1864, and the original organization mustered out of service June 20, 1864. The Third was 
re-organized, and served until mustered out, May 26, 1866. The command was disbanded at 
Detroit June 10, 1866. 

Casualties. — Charles H. Bartlett, died at Murfreesboro, Term., January 17, 1865; Thomas 
Chambers, died at Nashville, Tenn., June 2, 1865; T. Chambers, died at Nashville, Tenn. , May 
1, 1865; William Watson, died at Victoria, Tex., Sejjt. 14, 1865; Aaron Coggan, died 1865; 
Isaac Kilgore, died at Nashville, Tenn., May 13, 1865; Lester I. Robbins, died at Victoria, Tex. , 
Aug. 28, 1865; Ransom Ward, died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Jan. 2, 1865; William Watson, 
died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., December 1. 1864; Jared Harris, died at Knoxville, Tenn., April 
9, 1865; John Dickman, died at Murfreesboro. Tenn., December 25, 1864; Charles DeForrest, 
died at Huntsville. Ala., May 25, 1865; Henry Short, died at St. Louis, Mo., December 18, 
1864; Thomas Weir, died at Nashville, Tenn.," March 2, 1865. 

Discharged. — Horace Mudge, 1866; Charles Morrison, 1866; James Stacker, 1866; Godfrey 
Myer, 1866; James Golden, 1866; John T. Traver, 1866; Walter Shiel, 1866; Nathaniel C. Ken- 
dall, 1866; George W. White, 1866; Judson Barrett, 1866; Peter G. Schramm, 18<')6; Thomas B. 
Shaw, 1866; Daniel Robbins, 1866; Asahel Kingsley, 1865; James G. Brown, 1865; Eugene B. 
Mersereau, 1865; Calvin Allen, 1865; Patrick Darcey, 1865; John Chambers, 1866; Robert 
Balmer, 1866; Timothy Caster, 1865; Joseph B. Chadwick, 1865; Lowrie Dickson, 1866; Sid- 
ney V. Walkei', 1866; Joseph C. Flanagan, 1866; Simeon Hartwick, 1866; Porter Plaisted, 
1865; Charles Schultz, 1866; John Snyder, 1866; Andrew Smith, 1866; David S. Hobbs, 1865; 
Samuel Fulkerson, 1865; Henry P. Holland, 1865; Albert Hill, 1865; Phillip Ingles, 1865; 
Charles P. Fair, 1865; Charles Lapiens, 1866; Lavis Lawson, 1866; Albert McCullom, 1865; 
Daniel A. Sholes, 1865; Gus Newstead, 1866; Henry Shiel, 1866; Samuel Ramsey, 1866; 
Thomas Ramsey, 1865; Alexander H. Telfer. 1865; Reuben Tradwell, 1866; Peter Welsh, 
1866; Martin V. Westbrook, 1866; Nelson H. Cunningham, 1865; Solomon Dickman, 1866; 
Charles Johnson, 1866; Benjamin Moore, 1866; John McDonald, 1865; James Payne, 1865. 

FOURTH MICHIGAN INF.\NTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Adrian, and mustered into service, under Col. Woodbury, 
June 20, 1861. Its term expired June 19, 1864, when it was mustered out, and proceeded to 
Detroit, where it arrived on June 26. That portion which remained was consolidated with 
the First Infantry, and served with this command until ordered to join the Fourth (re-or jan- 
ized) Infantry, June 24, 1865. The service of the old command was principally on the bat- 
tle fields of Virginia. From the period of re-organization to the close of the war, it was pres- 
ent at Decatiu-, New Market, Ala., and Murfreesboro, Tenn. The command was mustered out 
at Houston, Tex., May 26. 1866; and was disbanded at Detroit. June 10, 1866. 

Casualties. — Dewitt C. Farrar, killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 14, 1862; George W. Dayton, 
died at Murfreesboro March 5, 1865; George W. Huffman, died at Murfreesboro January 22, 
1865; Henry S. Marsh, died at Huntsville, Ala., March 23, 1865; Alfred Lynn, died at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., June 10, 1865; James Barden, died at Huntsville February 11, 1865; Jesse Bel- 
knap, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 19. 1865; Conrad Fritz, died at Huntsville, Ala., 
January 26, 1865; William C. Kelly, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 29, 1865; Edward 
Lozon, died at Huntsville, Ala., Februaiy 3, lS(i5; Franklin Nestle, died at Nashville, Tenn., 
January 9, 1865; True Smith, died at Mm'freesboro, Tenn,, February 1, 1865. 



IIlsl'OKY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. .-^69 

Dischiirgcd. — Erne.st, Smith, 1S(5G; Amos A. Haskell, ISOti; Hiram K. Lashbrook, ISI.ifi; Eliliii 
Ackorman. 1800; John M. Thompson, ISOfi; Hendrick Tijrohon, ISOO; Benjamin Dowe}', 1S()0; 
George Williams, iSOO; James iM. Rice, ISOO; Thomas J. Millen, 1S(')0; Gecn-ge Aki-ed, ISOO; 
William F. Allen. 1800: George G. Bowman. ISIifi; Charles Bellaw, ISOO; Jewett Benedict, 
1800; Lewis L. Lee, ISfifJ: Josenh Duchesne, ISfiO; Jabez Fox, ISOO: James Fitzgwrald, 
1800; Andrew Hartman, ISOO; William \V. Hartson, 1800; Clark O. Jnstin, ISGO; Henry 
Krouse, 1800: Charles Kendall. 1800: Charles Lights, 1800; Patrick :Marion, 1800; Michael 
Mclntyre, 1800; William ilouudtree, 1800; I. A. Rooker, 1800; William Snjith, 1800; Fred. 
Schriner, Sr., 1S()0; Fred Schrinor, Jr., ISOO; Thoraas Sterling. 1800; Charles Spademan, l80(j; 
Douglas Scott. 1800. 

FIFTH M1C11I0.\N INF.WTKV. 

This regiment was organized at Fort Wayne, and mustered into the United States service 
August 28, 1801. It comi)rised the following commands: Sherlock Guards, of Detroit, Com- 
pany A: Mount Clemens Guard. Company B; East Saginaw Volunteers. Company C; lugersoll 
Killes, Company H; Governor's Guard, C^ompany F; Saginaw City Light Infantry. Com])any 
K; Livingston Volunteers, Company I; Washington Guard, Company G; Pontiac ^'olunteers, 
Company D, and Huron Rangers, Company E. The commissioned officers belonging to this 
county, who went into service with the regiment, were Captain, JudsonS. Farrar; First Lieutenant, 
Edgar H. Shook: and Second Lieutenant, Henry C. Edgerly. The strength of the command at 
date of muster was UOO men and officers, under Col. Henry D. Terry. Previous to leaving Fort 
Wayne. Buhl, Newland & Co., of that village, presented the regimental color, w^hich is now in 
possession of the Soldiers' Society of Macomb and St. Clair, who render it doubl<> honor on 
account of the service it has seen, as well as in memory of the ton comrad(>s who fell in its de- 
fense. The Fifth Infantry left D(>troit en route to the front, S(>ptember 11, ISOl; went into 
camp near Alexandria; skirmished with the rebels at Pohick Church, January 0, ISO'i, and in 
JIarch entered on regular duty in Berry's command of Phil Kearney's division of McClellau's 
Peninsular Corps. It was engaged in the siege of Yorktown from April 4 to May 4, 18G'2, los- 
ing thirty-four killed and 11!) wounded at Williamsburg May 5. The place of honor was be- 
stowed on the Fifth Infantry that day by Gen. Kearney, which place was well filled, sinc(! the 
command took the rebel rille pit at the bayonet's point. Fair Oaks was contested May ;31. 
The affairs of Peach Orchard. Glendale and Malvern Hill took place June 2'.). 8(1 and July 1, 
1S02. At Peach Orchard thirty men wer" killed and 111* wounded. Charles H. Hutchins was 
among the killed, and Charlies S Traverse received wounds which resulted in his death at 
Washington, July 22. In the report of Capt. Farrar, dated Harrison's Landing. July 4, 
special mention is made of Capts. Gillooly and Matthews, Lieuts. Shook, Ladiic, Jid- 
gerly, Pomeroy, Johnson, and Adjt. John W. O'Callaghao. Maj. Fairbaidcs died of 
wounds at Wa.shington Jidy 25. 

The second Bull Run, August 28; Grovetown, August 29, and Chantilly, September 1, 
won new lam-els for the ri>giment. At Fre<lerieksburg. December F5. Lieutenant-Colonel John 
Gillooly, the commanding officer, was killed with nine of his men. The body was searched 
out by Lieut. H. B. Blackman. of Howell, who brought it, to Michigan for burial. 

The regiment crossed the Rai)i)ahannock. May 1, 18()-5. participated in the aft'air of The 
Cedars. May 2. and on the :kl entered the battle of Chancellorsville. losing in those affairs 
seven killed and forty -three wounded, together with Lieut. Col. Sherlock, who fell at Chan- 
cellorsville. Gettysburg was fought July 2 and 3; Wajiping Heights, October 1, Kelly's Ford, 
November 20: Locust Grove, November 27; and Mine Run, November 29, ISfi^. In the affair 
at Gettysburg the command lost 19 killed, 90 wounded, and 5 prisoners. It sufi'erod a small 
loss in the sul>seipient engagcMuents. Among the killed at Locust (irove was Lietit. Dan B. 
Wyker. After thi> afl'airat Mine Run. the Fifth went into camp near Brandy Station, leaving 
that jioint Deceml)er 28, 18(53, with 177 officers and men: it reached Detroit January 4, 18(34, 
where a furlough of thirty-six days was granted. 

The regiment recruited at Detroit, and again left under Col. Pulford, for the front, Feb- 
ruary 10. 1S04, and arrived at Brandy Station, February 14. Crossed the Rapidan, May 8, 
and entered th(> Wilderness ^lay T), at Orange Court House. In the opening action of the cam- 



370 HISTORY or ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

paign of 1864, Capt. G. W. Rose was mortally wounded, and Col. Palford and Maj. Matthews 
severely wounded. On the 6th, Captains E. H. Shook, and W. W. Wakenshaw were wounded 
yet took a full part in the battle of the Wilderness. Capt. Hurlbut was killed. At Todd's 
Tavern on the 8th: Po River, 10th; Spottsylvania. 12th; North Anna River. '23d; Tolopot- 
omy, 30th of May. 1864, the regiment well sustained its name. Lieut. Pierce was killed at 
North Anna. The Fifth Michigan Infantry, as organized in 1861, may be said to have lost its 
individuality after the affair at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, for on the 10th day of that month, 
the Third Michigan Infantry was consolidated with it. 

The regiment as re-organized entered service at Petersbiu'g June 16 to 2'2. On the 25th 
and 26th, it served on picket and fatigue duty; on the 27th and 28th was present at Deep 
Bottom. It participated in the affairs at Poplar ■ prings Church, September 30; at Boydton 
Road, October 27, 1864, After this it formed the garrison at Fort Davis on the Jerusalem 
Pike Road, On March 26, 1865, it was present at Hatcher's Run, and at Boydton 
Road. On April 2, on service with the Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Its share in the 
capture of Petersburg, Va., April 3, 1865, cannot be over estimated. Subsequently the com- 
mand served at Sailor's Creek, April 6; at New Store April 8; and closed a term of magnifi- 
cent services to the Union, at Appomattox Court House, Va. , April 9, 1865, when Gen. Lee 
sun^endered. The command participated in the grand military review, at Washington, May 
23, 1865, was mustered out Jixly 5, arrived at Detroit July 8; and was disbanded July 17, 1865. 

Casualtieii. — William C. Hall, killed at Fair Oaks May 31, 1862; James Hunt, killed at Fan- 
Oaks May 31, 1862; Martin Farr, killed at W^illiamsburg May 5, 1862; Samuel Sadler, killed at 
Fair Oak? May 31, 1862; Noah Roberts, killed at Williamsburg May 5, 1862; Robert Hann, 
killed at Fair Oaks May 31, 1862; Adam Huesner, killed at Fair Oaks May 31, 1862; George 
Keller, died at Alexandria November 18, 1862; C. W. Anderson, died May 7; Samuel Wilcox 
died May 26; David Bowlby, died in prison; Tim S. Tabor, died at Camp Michigan March 
1, 1862; Isaac Putman, died at Camp Michigan March 2, 1862; Orange H. Preston, died at 
Camp Michigan April 7. 1862; Rufus P. Smith, died at Camp Michigan April 4, 1862; John 
A. Parker, died at Camp Michigan May 16, 1862; Eben Pratt, died at Washington April 3, 
1863: Charles Jones, died at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863; John Rivard, died at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1863; John Hackett, died at Fredericksburg April 28, 1863; Alexander Morey, 
died at Gottysbiirg July 2, 1863; Richard Aylward, died at Gettysburg July 2, 1863; John 
D. Markell, died at Washington December 27, 1862; Victor Lindsley, died at Philadelphia 
September 15, 1863; Orthello Phelps, died May 5, 1864; James Harkness, died May 12, 1864; 
Cornelius Tower, died at Washington January 10, 1864;. James E. Galerno, died May 14, 
1864; Samuel W. Lumsden. died at Boydton Pike Road October 27, 1864; George Corey, died 
at City Point, Va., October 31, 1864; John Hackett, died at Fredericksburg April 28, 1863: 
Robert Clark, died of wounds, March 2, 1865. 

Di,<icharged.—Wilniot D. Whitford, 1862; Joseph H. Rice, 1862: George H. Adrian, 1862; 
JohnFoster, 1862; George Hand, 1862; Charles Weimer, 1862; Cutler Bennett, 1862; Alexander 
Kilgore, 1862: James King, 1862; James Quick, 1862; Alonzo Winas, 1862; John O. Massev, 
1862; Fred Foster, 1862: Eli Dutton, 1862; Leonard Dutton, 1862: Birney Dutton, 1862; James 
North, 1862; James Fye, 1862; Ernest C. Smith, 1862; Noah Farrington, 1862; Jacob Piper, 
1862; Henry Hunt. 1862; Richard Bochan, 1862; Lvman W. Nesbitt, 1862; Oliver Smith, 1863; 
Louis Peshua, 1863; William Cubbins, 1863; DeWitt Walker, 1863: Reuben Crawford, 1863; 
Francis Rice, 1863; John Stanton, 1863; John Jones. 1863; H, L. Dutton, 1863; A. J. Bickford, 
1863; Stillman Turner, 1863; Hiram Fuller, 1863; William Cadhan, 1863; Charles H. Carleton, 
1863; John Remnant, 1863; John Mini, 1863; Thomas Lewis, 1864; John Gronow, 1864; William 
Marvin, 1864; Thomas Lipscomb, 1863; William Fields, 1864; Hem-v Carleton, 1864; Patrick 
Hickey, 1864; Eliphalet King, 1864; Alfred Ingraham, 1864; Thomas Pitts, 1864; John Collins, 
1864; Mathers Tyson, 1864; William Lyon, 1864; Julius Writter, 1864; JosiahD. Wickbam,1865: 
Charles Chapman, 1865; Stedman B. Farrar, 1865; Fred Hager, 1865; Calvin Russell, 1865; 
James Craig, 1865; William Mclntyre, 1865; Robert AV. Cooper, 1862; Lodolphus Smith, 1865; 
John Rivard, 1865; George Clinton, 1862; Solomon Lossing, 1865; J. O. Schrepferman, 
1865; James H. Reeckert, 1865; Richard Boshaw, 1865; Robert Clark, 1865; John 0. Ding- 



IIISTOHY OF ST. CLAIi: COUNTY. oTl 

man, 1 805: J;nnt's Ilslev. \biib; JoLii E. Loo. 1S()5; Lambert Ladroot, 1802; Jolm Mcl.saacs, 
LS05; Robert Mothcrsel'l. 1S05; Wilbur Sheldon, 1805; Bartlev Tihon. 1805; Robert Canieron, 
1805; Williiiui A. Huil. IMir.; Dan H. Tower, 1S05; Cbarle.'^ \V. AVillcy. 1S()5: Patrick Mijran, 
1805; Jacob riper, 1805; Charles JIulloy, 1805: Suiuner Ktarks. 1,S()5"; Franklin Ho<;-le, 1805; 
John Schoner. 1865. 

.SIXTH MirlllCAX IM'ANTllV. 

This regiment left en route for the field with 94-1 officers and men. August 30, 1801, add- 
ing to its rosters within the half-year 130 recruits. The legimcMit left Baltimore for New- 
Orleans in April, 1802. and formed one of the regiments of occin)ation. During the battle of 
Baton Rouge. August 5, 1M>2, it sustained a loss of 10 killed. During the year, no less than 
143 died of wounds and diseasi>. 48 wounded, and 7 ])risoners. which together with los.ses due 
to other casualties, redticed the strength to 750 rank and iih'. 

January 14, 1.S03. the command aided in the destruction of llie rcl)ei gun lioat Cotton; 
Ponchatoula was captured February 23, the camp at Tangissaho and 00 rebels cajitured May 
(i; the capture of Port Hudson occurred July 9, in all of which the Sixth Infantry took a lead- 
ing part. In the first assault on Fort Hudson the couunand lost one-third of its number. 

A regiment of heavy artillery was formed out of the material of the Si.\th Regiment,, 
July 30, 1803. During the first six months of the year there died 115 uu-n. and 22 were 
severely wounded. 

The varied service of this regiment during the campaign of 1804 was of no ordinary char- 
acter. The command lost 3 men killed, 155 died of disease, and 18 taken jjrisoners. During 
the last months of service it took part in all the affairs from Ashton. Ark.. July 24. 1804. to the 
siege of Mobile, April, 18()5, and was discharged at Jackson September 5, 18r)5. 

I>isrliargi-(i. — Charles Smith. 18(i3: Byron Beach, 1805; A\'illiam Tate. 1805. 

si:vi;ntii Mu:iiui,\N infantkv. 

This was mustered in ;it Monroe, and left for the s^eat of war Sejitember 5, 1801. with 884 
men and otKcers, to which iiamber 214 men were added before July I. 1802. It participated 
m the sanguinary affairs of Balls" Bluff. Afltietam and Fredericks! urg. It was the lirst 
Fnion regiment to cross the Rappahannock, where it annihilated the r(4)el sharj) shooter 
brigade. 

The regiment passed through the Potomac e.imi)aigia of 1803. with a loss of 00 dead and 
S3 wounded, of which number 21 wei-e killed and 44 wounded at Gettysburg. July 3. 

This command took a very brilliant part in the campaign of 18()4. with the army of the 
Potoruae. It lost 41 men killed. 7 who died from th(> effects of li;irdships, 131 wounded and 
31 prisoners. The Seventh Infantry served with distinction at Hatcher's Run, from February 
5 to March 2U, 1805; at Cat Tail Creek, April 2; at Farmville. on the 7th; and at the siege of 
Petersburg from June 17, 18('>4, to A]iril 3, 180^ The command was nuistered otit at Jeffer 
son, Ind., July 5, and was disbanded at Jackson July 7. 1805. 

CaaiKillii's. — Samuel F(4chet, died at Harrison's Landing July lit, 1S()1; Andrew Mortimer, 
died May 14, 1802; Thomas Lindsay, died at Washington Juno 1. 180;5; Rjbert Shanks, died 
at Washington September. 1802: James Ackles, died at Hai-])er's FeiTy September 28. 1802, 
John Atkins, died at Hamson's Landing August 8. 1802. 

7J/.sc/io)f/c(/.— John Morton. 18(>2: William J. G. F. Barthelmess. 1802: Benjamin L. Der- 
mott, 1802; John Gabra. 18()2: Robert Smith. 1802: William B. Fenton, 1802: John A. Strong, 
1802; William E. Helmor, 1802: Frederick Schrock. 1S02: Thomas W. Stevenson, 1802: Thomas 
O'Connor. liM)3: James C. Sprague. 1803: Joseph W. Baker. 18(')3: William L. Leeson. 18()3; 
George S. Bicker. 18()3; Joseph Wilt. 1803; Patrick Furlong. 18C)3: Martin Lav(41o. 1803; 
George E. Twiss, 1802: James Balligor, 1802: Charles S. Davidson. 1802; Paris Davis. 1802; 
William Darcey, 1802; Allen McMullen, 1802: George S Ricker, 1803: James Rolls. 1803; 
Robert Smith, 1802; George S. Ricker. 1805: John Pierson, 1805, James Clark, 1805. 

KIOIlTil MR'llir.AN INFANTIIV. 

This was partially organized at Grand Rapids, and completed organization at Fort*Wayne, 



372 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

September 23, 18(31, when it was mustered into service, and left for the field •September 27, 
under Col. Fenton. Its first engagement was at Port Royal, S. C, and its last at Petersburg. 
Va. . April 3, 1865. This command was singularly fortunate in its varied travels, and gained- 
for itself the name — "Wandering Regiment." Having participated in thirty-seven important 
enci'ao'emeats, the survivors of the war returned to Detroit August 1. 186ij, where they were 
discharged two days later. 

Dischargedt. — Charles M. Merriam, 1865; Alexander AVurtz, 1865; Jackson D. Rosencranz, 
1865; George Treeve, 1865; Elijah Harrington, 1865; Wilbur F. Dickenson, 1865; George 

Wellman, 1865. 

NINTH MICHIG.\N INFAXTFiY. 

This command left the camp at Detroit en route for X/ouisville, October 25, 1861, under 
Col. W. W. Duffield, with 913 officers and private soldiers. The Ninth was the first Michigan 
recriment to take an active part in the Western military movements. In November, 1861. it 
moved to Mouldroun's Hill, wuei-e it acted as "engineers and mechanics," until January 4, 
1862, when it entered on regular field duty. From Pulaski, Tenn., and the pursuit of Morgan, 
in May, 1862, to its last engagement at Jonesboro, Ga. , September 1, 1864, the record of the 
command is exceptionally brilliant. The number of battles in which it participated is not so 
laro-e as that appearing to the credit of other regiments; yet the importance of those great 
contests, and the round on duty which fell to the command, make up in greater measure, what 
their actions want in number. In the State records an error gives credit to the Ninth for being 
present at Murfreesboro, July 13, 1861, though not organized until October of that year. 
Betrinninc with Murfreesboro, of July, 13, 1862, and looking over the list of battles, we find 
that the Ninth took a brilliant part at Lavergne, December 27. 1882; at Stone River, from 
December 29, 1862, to January 3, 1863- at Chickamauga, Sei^tember 19, and 20, and Mission 
Ridge, November 25, 1863; at Rocky Face, Ga., May 8; Resaca, May 14; Dallas. May 27, 
Kenesaw, June 25; Chattahooohie River, July 5 and 6; siege of Atlanta, July 22 to August 25; 
and at Jonesboro, September 1, 1864. J'he regiment left Marietta, Ga., October 31, 1864, for 
Chattanooga, where it,. was placed on guard duty, and where it remained until transferred to 
Nashville, March 29, 1865. There it was muste^'ed out of service, September 15. 1865, and, 
returning to this State, was discharged at Jackson September 27. 1865. 

Discharged. — William Kendall, 1862; Charles Segeman, 1865; Alfred Stevenson, 1865; 
Byrara Dutcher, 1865; George -M. Denis, 1865; Moses A. Shaw, 1865; Aaron Denio, 1865; 
Anson Clark, 1865; William Van Ostrand, 1865; Ed. S. Hunt, 1865; John Edwards, 1865. 

TENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This command was organized at Flint, under Col. E. H. Thompson, commandant of camp. 
It was mustered into service February 6, 1862, and left for the front under Col. Lum, April 
"22, 1862. It served on thirty well-fought field^ from Farmington, Miss.. May 9, 1862, to Ben- 
tonville, N. C, March 19 and 20, 1865. It was mustered out at Louisville. Ky., July 19, and 
disbanded at Jackson, August 1, 1865. 

Casualties. — George L.Fairchild, died. at Farmington, Miss., July 8. 1862; Edmund Shirts, 
died at Farmington, Miss., June 21, 1862; Thomas Porter, died at Farmington, Miss,, July 2, 
1862; Sanford Monroe, died at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 10, 1862; Isaac D. Fraziei-, died at Ham- 
burg July 17, 1862; Ezekiel Townsend, died at Flint, Mich,, June 26, 1862; John Baird, died 
at Henderson, Ky,, July 5, 1862; James Newtou, died at St. Louis, Mo., August 16, 1862; Free- 
man Yound, died April 10, 1863; William Jones, died April 10, 1863; James Chapman, died at 
Antioch April 12, 1863; James Murphy, died at Antioch April 10, 1863: William H. Smith, 
died at St. Louis, Mo., November 6, 1862; John H. Robinson, died at Nashville, Tenn., April 
13, 1863; Julius Millika, executed for desertion, May 15, 1863; William McCoy, died at New- 
port, Ky., July 6, 1863; Daniel Haviland, died at Nashville, Tenn., August 23, 1863; Nathan 
Wasey, died at Dalton, Ga., February 25, 1864; James Farrell, died at Dalton, Ga., February 
25, 1864; Michael Williams, died at Kenesaw, Ga., June 24, 186 1; Eugene Chase, died at 
Peach TreeCreek, Ga., July 19, 1864; Frank Thomas, died July 19, 1864; George Watkins, died 
at Jonesboro, Ga. , September 1. 1804; W. H. Robinson, died at Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 373 

1804; Jonathan Jonos, diod at Joucsboro, Ga. , Soptembor 1, 1804; Valentine Renblo, died at 
Jonesboro, (la., Soptembor 1, 18(i4; ^lartin Farroll, died at Atlanta, Ga., September ".^'.t, 18f)4; 
Hoiirv Graham, died at Jonesboro. Ga., September 1, 18t)t; Thomas Stickland, died at Ander- 
sonville Prison Juno 14, 18(')4: Henjamin Duchesno, died at Nashville, Tonn., December 24, 
18f)4: George Kitchen, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 24, 1804; Archibald Madison, died 
at Goldsboro, N. C, April 21, 1805. 

/;/.sf/i((rgfd. — Benedict Elmer, 1802; Henrv A. Cope, 1802; Edward Phillips, 1802; John 
Stokes, 1802; George B. Nestle, 1802; Charles C. Hunt, 1802; John (Uayton. 1802; Christian 
Cline, 1802; James G. Brown, 180:^; Philander Allen, 180:]; Silas Ack(>rman. 180:5; Elias Jones. 
180:?; Elihu Ackerman, 180:^; Henry Woodcock, 18(5:J;*lohn D. Ti)ipin<>-, 180:^; ]<',dward Young, 
180:-]; Peter Walsh, 180:^; Danforth P. Goss, 180:^; Simon Shirts, isi):^; John J. Kobert.son, 
180::5; James Caughill, 18();}; Noah Arnold, 180;:5; John McKenzie. 1803; Ji;lius j\I. Carrington, 
1804; James P. Johnson, 18()4; Kobert Stephens, 18(;5; Alexander Young, 1805; Thomas Packer, 
1805; Jason Clark, 1805; Nathan Boyce, 1805; William Belcher, 1805; William Port(>r, 1805; Mur- 
ray H(^ath, 1805; John Butlor, 1805; Lawrence Butler, 1805; William H. Parsons, 1805; Hiram 
K.' Belcher, 1805; Denis McConnell, 1805; James Welsh, 1805; Edgar Hill, 1805; John W. Gor- 
don, 1805; David Cami>au, 1805; George Wilson. 1805; Cyi'us Carpenter, 1805; O. F. Lind- 
say, 1805; William H. Bailey, 1805; John Pomeroy, 1805; Rasselans Lawrence, 1805; Adna 
Allen. 1805; Luther Allen, 1805; Bonjamin F. Reeder. 1805; Milliam Ayres, i8()5; John Pal- 
mer, 1805; John IJennott, 1805; Thomas Farnsworth. 1805; George lianfell. IS05; ^Vrmentus 
Briggs. 1805; W. W. Delahook. 1805; Michael Flynn, 1805; Louis Fletchot, 1805; S. H. Flan- 
agan, 1805; I'xlward Fry, 1805; James Forbes. 1805; W. H. Johnson, 1805: Theodore Lerene. 
1805; James Linen, 1.S05; Frank H. JNIoi-so, 1805; Oscar F. Morse. 1805; John Phillips, 1805: 
Henry S. Palmer, 1805; Peter Smith, 1805; Robert Sittoll, 1805; Heniy Sheldon. 1805; James 
Simpson, 1805; Henry Smith, 1805. 

ELKVE.STII MlCHKiAN IXl'ANTUV. 

This command left White Pigeon December II. i8(>l, with 1,004 men -and oflicors, for Ken- 
tucky. The only service rendered by the command was the repulse of ilorgan, at Gallatin. Tenn. , 
August i:^. 1N02. Previous to November of that year, no less than 1 18 soldiers of the Eleventh 
succumbed to disease. On the ;31st of December, 1802, and the 2d of January, 1803, the regi- 
ment, then in the Foivrteeuth Army Corps, was warmly engaged at Stone River, losing 82 
killed, 79 wounded and 29 missing, a total of 140. Soon after this engagement, the regi- 
ment was detached to act as provost guard at Murfreesboro, and it remained on that duty until 
the advance on TuUahoma, in June. On the 1st of July it was engaged in a sharp skirmish at 
Elk River, with a loss of one oflicer taken prisoner. After the conclusion of this movement 
of the army, the Eleventh wont into camp at Di>cherd. Tenn., w^horo it remained until the 
advance into Georgia on the 1st of September. The march over the mountains was accom- 
plished under great difficulties, and at a test of great endurance on the part of the troops. 
On the 11th of Se[)t ember, the command was present at Davis' Cross-Roads, covering the retreat 
of Negley and Bayard's troops. On the 19th of the same month, the regiment lost 7 killed, 7G 
wounded and 2:3 prisoners. The total number of deaths in the ranks during the year was 90, 
woimded 90 and prisoners 42. At Mission Ridge jind Grayville, the command rendered good 
service. 

During the year 1804, the regiment took a most important part in the Georgia camfiaign, 
losing 37 men killed. 17 died of disease and SO wounded. It was honorably discharged Sep- 
tember 30, 1S04, after a term of brilliant service. The men who re-enlisted as veterans re- 
mained and served with the new Eleventh, which arrived at Nashville March IG, 1805. The 
command was discharged at Jackson September 23, 1805. 

TWELFTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

The organization of this command was begun under Col. Francis Quinn, at Niles. in So]>- 
tember, 1801. and completed February 22, 1S02. Jloved from camji for Pittsburg Landing, 
March 18, and was in time to participate in the action at that point April and 7. The 



374 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

rogimanfc was present at laka, Miss., Septembflr I'J; Metaiuora, October 5; Middlebiirof, Teun., 
December 24, 18(52; at Mechanicsvilie, Miss., Juuo 4; Vicksbarg, June and July; Little Rook, 
August and September; Clarendon, Ark., Juno 21!; and Gregory's Landing, September 4, 1864. 
Tiie command arrived at Jackson, Mich., February 27, 18(jo, and was disbanded March (i, 1865. 
Discharged. — Franz Luugerhausen, 1865; Samuel Porter, 1865; John Crowley, 1865; 
Patrick Egan, 1865. 

TIIIRTHIvN'rH MI('HI(;.\N INF.VNTRY. 

This regimjut was organized under Col. Charles E. Stuart, at Kalamazoo, and mustered 
into service January 17, 1862. The command leF for Pittsburg Landing February 12, 1862, 
which point it reached in time to take a 'part in the fighting. Its record shows twenty-six im- 
portant engagements, beginning with Shiloli, Tenn., April 7, 1862, and ending with Benton - 
ville, N. C, March I'J, 1865. The regiment arrived at Jackson, Mich., July 27, 1865, where 
it was discharged. 

Discharged. — Frank Yax, 1865. 

FOLUiTEUNTIl MICHIGAN IXK.VNTRV. 

This regiment left Ypsilauti, April 17, 1862, for Pittsburg Landing, with a force of 925 
rank and tile. During the first, ten months it participated in numerous engagements; in the 
battle of Stone River, January 8, 1863, it won an enviable reputation, taking part in that af- 
fair after a march of thirty jniles through rain and mod. It formed the relief for the cavalry 
at Franklin, from the 8th to the 14fch of Mirch, 1862; moved to Brentwood, April 8, and re- 
turned to Nashville, July 8. There it received orders to relieve the force at Franklin, where, on 
September 6, it was equipped as a cavalry regiment, and eight companies seat forward to 
Columbia. The service of this command was exceptionally brilliant, and its conduct sans 
reproche. Returning, it reported for discharge at Jackson, Mich., July 18, 1865, and was dis- 
banded on the 29th. 

Casaalfies. — Benjamin Bisby, died at Farmington, Miss., June 22, 1862; Wesley Warmes- 
ley, died at Farmington, Miss., July 23, 1862; Ceorge Aimett, died at Farmington, Miss.. July 
29, 1862; John D.avis, died at Nashville, Tenn., May 2, 1864; Patrick Doran, died at Benton- 
ville, N. C, March 10, 1865; Paschal Cashway, died' at Goldsboro, N. C, April 6, 1865; Ezra 
Davis. Jr., died at Goldsboro, N. C. , April 6, 1865; George H. Campbell, died at Kings- 
ton, Ga. 

Discharged. — Simon Norris, 1863; John Doner, 1864; William J. C. Davis, 1862; John A. 
Bernard, 1862; James McSorley, 1865; Charles Alexander, 1865; John Graham, 1865: Lyman 
Parker, 1865; Henry Spawn, 1865; Patrick Carroll, 1865; Ephraim Rebell, 1865; William F. 
Guyott, 1865; Joseph Rielly, 1865; William Marsh, 1865; Peter Raebold, 1865; David B. Davis, 
1865; John Dantler, 1865; Hiram Brentnall, 1865- W. J. C. Davis, 1865; Jacob Dantler, 
1865; Joseph Bearden, 18(15; John Dillon. 18l)5; William Hellings, 1865; Joseph Fountain, 
1865; Bernard G. Kearns, 1865; Robert McCarthy, 1865. 

FIFTEENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This was organized under Ool. J. M. Oliver, at Monroe, and mustered into service March 
20, 1862, with a force of 869 names. The command reached Pittsburg Landing in time foi- the 
military affairs at that place. April 6 and 7, 1862, and served with distinction throughout the 
Mississippi, Georgia and Carolina campaigns, concluding its services at Bentonville, N. C 
March 19, 1865. Arriving at Detroit Septoinbar 3, 1865, the regiment was disbanded. 

CasiialHes. — George Ingram, died at Evansville, Ind. , June 28, 1862; Andrew Strong, 
died at Grand Junction, May 14, 1863; Joseph H. Lewis, died at Snyder's Bluff, Miss., July 
24. 1863; Thomas H. Griffiths, died at Cairo, 111., September 4, 1863; William Orr, died at 
]\Iemphis, Tenn., January 15, 1864; John Nicholls, died in Andersonville Prison, July 3, 18(34; 
Elias Horton, died at Chattanooga, December 2, 1864; George Muspratt, died at Soottsboro, 
Ala., March 18. 1864; Isaac McGarry, died at Jackson, Miss.. August 1, 1863. 

Discharged. —Charles W. Green. 1862; James E. Vaughn, 18(52; John Hope, 1862: Joseph 
Gagnier, 18(52; Bartholomew McAulifl", 1 ^62; John O'Brien, 1862; Hiram Wynsth, 1862; James 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 375 

A. Morgan, 18(53; Aaron Hulin, 1865: Arch McLeod, 1805; Thomas W. Bigg, 18*i5; John Klien, 

1865; Louis Gebeau, 18f)5; Abram C. Green, 1865; Peter Bontriger, 1805; George S. Morrell, 

18fi5; Fred Misselbeck, 1865; Henry Luck, 1865; Peter Vienga, 1862; Berry Bright, 1865; 

Jacob Humsberry, 1865; JohuD. Metcalfe. 1865; Samuel Metcalfe, 1S65; William Sickles, 1865; 

James Scrambling, 1865; Andrew Burk, 1865: John Spry, 1862; Patrick O'Connor, 1865; John 

Parker, 1865; Louis Smith, 1865; Ambrose Masechecker, 1865; Jacob Lovvrio, 1865; Fred Smith, 

1865. 

SIXTEENTH MICHIGAX INFANTRY. 

Originally known as Stockton's Independent Regiment, this command was organized at 
Cant]) Backus, Flint, by Col. T. W. B. Stockton, and left for Virginia September 16, 1861, 
vith 761 officers and men. This command took part in no less than tifty-two imjtortant 
actions, beginning with the siege of Yorktown, Va., April 4, 1S6'2, and concluding with the 
siege of Petersburg, April 3, 1865. The regiment was mustered out at Jefferson ville, Ind., 
July 8, 1865, and reported at Jackson, for discharge, July 12, where it was disbanded July 25, 
1865. 

Casualties. — Patrick Dowling died at Washington, D. C, April 16, 1865. 

Discharged. — Timothy J. Wheaton, 1862; Edward Armstrong, 1863; Thomas Fresinger, 
1865: Thomas C. Thoda," 1865; William Brennan, 1865; Thomas Hedden. 1865; William 
Button, 1865; Joseph Forbes, 1865; Daniel McCov, 1865; Charles A. M Holinguist, 1865; 

William H. Wilson, 1865. 

SEVENTEENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This, also known as the Stonewall Regiment, was organized at Detroit in May, 1862, and 
left for. the front, August 27, under Col William H. Withington. It took a most important 
part in the war for the Union, won renown at South Mountain September 14, 1862, and fin- 
ished a brilliant career at Petersburg April 3, 1865. The command arrived at Detroit, June 
7. 1865, where it was disbanded. 

Di.'ielianied. — George W. Hough, 1863; Andrew J. Geister, 1864; George Gillespie, 1865; 
Fred Green," 1865. 

EIGHTEENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This was organized at Hillsdale by Hon. Henry Waldron, and left for Cincinnati, unde'' 
Col. E. Doolittle, September 4, 1862. The force comprised 1,002 men and officers. 

On the first of November, 1862. this regiment was stationed at Lexington, Ky. . and re- 
mained at that point until February 21, 1863, when it marched toward Danville, arriving on 
the 22d. On the 24th of February, 1863. with the foi-ees under Gen. Carter, it retreated 
from Danville to the Kentucky River, skirmishing with the rebels under Gen. Pegram during 
the retreat. On the 28th, the regiment joined in the pursuit of Pegram, following the rebels 
as far as Buck Creek, making a long and rapid march, partly over a rough, mountainous road. 
On Ajtril 2, it returned to Stanford. On the 7th, it was ordered to Lebanon, and thence ju-o- 
ceeded by rail to Nashville, arriving at Nashville April 14. It was stationed at Nashville, do- 
ing duty as provost guard from Jiine 14. 

The list of deaths from fatigue and hardships of war, during the year, was 89. There 
were 35 made ]irisoners. 

From November, 1863, to June 11, 18()1, the regiment acted as provost guard at Nash- 
ville. From July to September it served with distinction in Alabama. At Decatiu', on Sep- 
tember 24, a detachment of 231 officers and men encountered 4,000 rebels under Forrest, and for 
five hours gave battle. The detachment was annihilated. In October, the regiment jilayed a 
most important part in the defense of Decatur. It remained in Alabama until June 20, when 
it left for Tennessee, where it was mustered out, at Nashville, Juno 20. It received its dis- 
charge at Jackson, July 4, 18(55. 

NINETEENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This command was organized tuuler Col. H. C. Gilbert, at Dowagiac, August, 1862: left 
for the front, September 14. and entering on active service with the Army of the Ohio, took a 



376 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

prominent part in twelve well contested fields, from Thompson's Station, March 5, 1863, to 
Bentonville, March 19, 1865. The command was mustered out at Washington June 10, and 
disbanded at Jackson June 13, 1865. 

Vasualfies. — Joseph Hoffert, died at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864; George L. Bassett, died 
at Eesaca.Ga., May 17, 1864; Peter Morass, died July 20, 1864; James G. Chancey, died at 
Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. 

Discharged.—Winmm Cartwright,1863; Phillip Wright, 1865. 

TWENTIETH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This command was organized at Jackson, under Judge Fidus Livermore, and left en route 
for Washington, September 1, 1862, with a force of 1,012 men and officers, under Col. A. W. 

Williams. 

This regiment crossed the Rappahannock December 13, 1862, but being in the reserve of 
the battle of'^Fredericksburg, its loss was only 11 wounded, most of them slightly. After the 
return to camp, near Falmouth, the regiment suifered much from sickness. Embarking at 
Aquia Creek, February 10, 1863, for Newi:)ort News, it was favorably located at that point, 
and the health and spirits of the men rapidly improved. Leaving Newi>ort News March 19, 
it proceeded via Baltimore, Parkei'sburg and Cincinnati to Kentucky. On the 9th of May, a 
detachment of 100 men having been dispatched to break up a party of guerrillas, were at- 
tacked on their return by the advance guard of the rebel forces under Gen. John H. Morgan, 
and were obliged to fall" back with considerable loss. The following morning the entire force 
under Morgan'attacked the Twentieth in its position in the narrows of Horse Shoe Bend, on 
the Cumberland River. The tight lasted all day, the enemy tinally retiring with a loss, as as- 
certained, of between 300 and 400. The loss of the Twentieth amounted in all to 29, of whom 
5 were killed, 19 wounded and 5 missing. The regiment afterward fell back to Columbia, 
and June 3 received orders to proceed with the remainder of the Ninth Corps to re-enforce 
Gen. Grant, at Vicksburg. It aided in fortifying Haines' Bluff and Oak Ridge, and on the 
surrender of Vicksburg the regiment moved with the army to Jackson. July lO and 11 it was 
eno-atred in skirmishing before that place with a loss of 3 wounded. After the evacuation of 
Jackson, the Twentieth was sent to Madison Station to destroy the railroad. July 24, it again 
reached Haines' Bluff. In this campaign of twenty days, the heat was terrible, and many 
fainted on the march. During its stay in Mississippi, the Tweutieth lost by deaths from dis- 
ease, 18 men and 2 officers, and at times almost half the regiment were sick. Embarking 
Auu-ust 3, the regiment proceeded to Kentucky and on the 10th of September participated in 
the^movement on Knoxville, Tenn., marching via Cumberland Gap. October 10, the regiment 
took part in the engagement at Blue Springs, with a loss of 1 killed and 2 wounded. During 
the year, the number killed in battle was 8. and deaths resulting from disease 90. Before the 
close of the year 1863, the command lost 43 men in killed and wounded in the retreat on 
Knoxville. 

From January 16 to March 21, the command was continuously engaged in the vicinity of 
Knoxville. On the latter date it left en route for Annapolis, and there was attached to the 
Potomac Army. Every action from that of the Wilderness, May 6, to Poplar Spring Church, 
September 30, beheld the presence of this regiment. During the year, 9ll were killed, 55 died 
of disease, 344 were wounded and 114 missing in action. The regiment closed its campaign 
at Petersburo- in April, 1865; left for this State June 1, and received its discharge at Jackson, 
June 9, 1S65. 

TWENTY-FIRST MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Ionia, under Commandant J. B. Walsh, in July, 1863, mus- 
tered in September 4, and left for the seat of war, under Col. Stevens, September 12. Its 
service beo-an at Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and finished at Bentonville March 19, 1865. 
The command returned, and was disbanded at Detroit June 27, 1865. 

Discharged. — Judson Barrett, 1863. 



Iir.STORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 377 

TWENTY-SSCOND INl'ANTRV. 

This regiment was raised in tho courtios of St.. Clair, Maoomb, Oakland, Livingston, La- 
peer and Sanilac; being what was then th(3 Fifth Congressional District. Its rendezvous was 
at Pontiac, with Hon. Moses Wisnor in command. The work of organization began July 15, 
and was coinplotod August 21), 1S()2, the day it was mustered into service. Tho tield oflicers and 
staff wei'e as follows: Moses Wisner, Colonel: Heber Lefevre. Lieutenant Colonel; William 
Sanborn, Major;' A. P. McCoDncll. Surgeon; Wells B. Fox, Assistant Surgeon; Edgar ^\■e(>ks. 
Adjutant; Thomas C. Boughton, (Quartermaster; Asher E. Mather, ('haplain. The Company 
officers are named as follows: 

Company A — Cajitain, K. C. Hatteu; First Lieutenant, E. M. Wisner; Second Lieuten- 
ant, William Albertson. 

Company B — Captain, Alonzo McKeeler; First Lieutenant, William Hulsart; Second Lieu- 
tenant, H. "W. Howgate. 

Com])any C — Captain, John Atkinson; First Lieutenant, Jefferson -f. Wilder; Second 
Lieutenant. John Sackett. 

Company D — Captain, T. C. Beardsley; First Lieutenant, A. S. Matthews; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Elijah Snell. 

Company E — Captain, Henry Carlet(m; First Lieutenant, Hazzard P. Wands; Second 
Lieutenant, Thomas C. Jackson. 

Company F — Captain, A. Ashley; First Lieutenant, George W. Robertson; Second Ijieu- 
tenant, Huber B. Pearson. 

Company G — Captain, Joseph Goetz; First Lieutenant, William C. Stockton; Second 
Lieut(>nant, Augustus Czizek. 

Company H — Captain, H. S. Dean; First Lieutenant, William A. Smith; Second Lieuten 
ant, Lewis Brown. 

Company I — Cajitain, F. W. ivimberk; First, Lieutenant, "Walter Bowers; Second Lieu- 
tenant, James Page. 

Company K — Captain, Alexander G. Galbraith; First Lieutenant. Henry Briedenback; 
Second Lieutenant, St. John A. Simons. 

Septemljer 4, 18()2, the regiment left Pontiac en route to Kentucky 997 strong. A liag 
was presented to the command by the young ladies of that city, which was presented by J. S. 
Dewey before the departure of the regimimt. Col. Wisner died of ty])hoid fever at Lexington, 
Ky.. JanuaiT 4, ISfi:?. Maj. Dean's report, made December 21', ISfi;', deals historically with 
the military operations of the command from November, 1802, to the close of February. 1803. 
He states: 

From November 1, 1802, to February 21, 1803, the regiment was encamped at Lexington, 
Ky., doing picket and provost guard duty. February 21, marched from Lexington to Danville, 
arriving at the latter i)lace at 4 P. M. , February 22, distance 35 miles. February 23, 
marched for Nicholasville, distance 21 miles, arriving 7 A. M., February 24; thence 
by rail to Lexington, distance 12 miles. Companies A, F. D, I, C, and H, re- 
turned to old camp, one mile from Lexington. Companies E, K, (i, and B, moved 
by rail to Cynthiana, distance 23 miles, arriving at 2 P. M., February 24. February 
28, this detaclnnent returnt^d to Lexington by rail. Here the regiment remained in camp until 
March 21, when it moved by rail to Nicholasville, an-iving at that place at 3 A. jM., March 22, 
distance 12 miles: marched for Danville at G A. M. of tho same day, arriving at that place at 
4 P. M., distance 21 miles; quartered the men for the night. JFarch 23, 8 A. M., moved out 
of town one mile into camp; March 24. were attacked by the enemy under Gen. Pegram, and re- 
ceived orders to fall liack to Kentucky IJiver bridge (Hickman Bridgi'), which was accom])lished 
with the loss of two men slightly wounded and one man taken prisoner, distance 12 miles, arri v(>d 
at the bridge at 1 A. M. March 25, at 8 A. M., marched out three miles on Danville road, 
when skirmishers found tho enemy's picket, formed line of battle. ke[)t up light skirmishing 
till 3 P. M., when the regiment was ordered to fall back to north side of Kentucky Kiver, dis- 
tance 4.J miles. March 20, 8 A. M.. moved to support of battery on bank of Kentucky River; 
8 P, M., retui-ued to camp. March 27, 9 A. M., marched for Nicholasville, arrived 1 P. M., 



378 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUJfTY, 

distance 9 miles. March 28, 5 A. M., inarched for " Camp Dick Robinson;" arrived there 
at 12 M., distance 13 miles. March 29, marched to Lancaster, distance 7 miles. March 30, 
moved to Duck River, distance 3 miles; found the ouemy had destroyed the bridge; marched 
back through Lancaster to Crab Orchard, distance 15 miles. March 31, marched from Crab 
Orchai'd to Buck's Creek, distance 17 miles. April 1, returned to Crab Orchard, 17 miles. 
April 2, marched to Stanford, distance 10 miles. Hers the regiment went into camp and 
remained until April 8. when it took its line of march for Lebanon, Ky.. distance 44 miles; ar- 
rived at Lebanon April 10, 8 A. M. April 12, at 11 A. M., ordered to take cars for Nashville, 
Tenn., leaving at 6 P. M., Ajjril 13, and arriving at Nashville 6 P. M. ; 14th, quartered for the 
night in barracks: 15th, went into camp one mile out of the city; distance from Lebanon to 
Nashville, 150 miles. The regiment remained at Nashville, doing " interior " guard duty 
ntil September 5, when it moved by rail to Bridgeport, Ala., distance 122 miles, arriving there 
September 6; crossed pontoon bridge and encamped on the island in Tennessee River. Sejstem- 
ber 13, moved in light marching order for Rossville, Ga. , distance 32 miles; reached Ross- 
ville September 14 and encamped; September 17, marched to Ringgold, Ga. , 15 miles. Sep- 
tember 18, returned to Rossville. September 19, moved out on road northeast of the Ringgold 
road 3 miles; at 12 M., crossed over to Ringgold road; here remained in line of battle until 9 
A. M. September 20, were ordered to the left to re-enforce Gen. Thomas; became engaged at 
2 P. M. The result of. this engagement is shown by the accompanying report. What remained 
of the regiment returned to camp at Rossville, on the night of September 20. On the 21st. the 
regiment was ordered to the rear. On the 23d, it encamped on "Moccasin Point," on the 
north l)ank of the Tennessee River, 7 miles from Rossville. It was engaged at this place in 
building fortifications and doing j^icket duty until October 28, when it was ordered to the 
south side of the Tennessee River, to the support Of Gen. Hooker. Threw up rifle pits on hill 
commanding Lookout Valley, returning to camp on Moccasin Point October 30. At that time 
the regiment was attached to the Third Brigade, Second Division, Foui-teenth Ai-my Corps, 
that was acting with the Second Brigade, Second Division, Foui-th Army Corps, Brig. 
Gen. Whittaker commanding, to whom the regiment is indebted for many acts of kindness and 
consideration. The regiment is now attached to the Engineer Brigade, commanded by Brig. 
Gen. William F. Smith, Chief Engineer of the Military Division of the Mississippi. 

The marches of the regiment through Kentucky were performed at a season of the year 
when the roads were bad, and portions of the march were accomplished amid heavy falls of 
snow and rain, but under these trying circumstances the men of the Twenty-second, as they 
have always done, discharged their duty faithfully. 

Fort Whittaker, Opposite Lookout Mountain, i 
NEAR Chattanooga, October 13, 18()3. f 
Sir — Having had the honor of commanding the Twenty-second Michigafi, Col. Le Favour, in my brigade 
in the battle of Chickamauga, and being personally observant of their undavmted heroism, I send a eopy of 
my report to advise you more especially, and a copy of the tabular statement accompanying, that you may 
see their loss. Let me urge j'ou for the good of our service, and as a reward to a chivah-ous officer, to use 
3'our influence for the promotion of Col. Le Favour. 

Respect full}- _yours, etc.. 

W. C. WniTTAKER. Brigadier General Fourth A. C. 

To the Governor of Michigan, Lansing, Mich. 

The following is from the report of Col. Whittaker: * * * " My command was then 
moved by the flank in two lines at double ([uick time up the valley for nearly a mile, under a 
heavy fire of shell from a rebel battery. Several were killed and wounded in this charge. 
Arriving at the point occupied by Gen. Thomas, we found him sorely pressed and yielding 
stubbornly to superior numbers. I was directed to drive the enemy from a ridge on which he 
had concentrated his forces in great numbers, supported strongly by artillery, and was immi- 
nently threatening destruction of the right by a flank movement. Forming my command in 
two lines. Ninety-sixth Illinois on the right. Twenty-second Michigan on the left, and One 
Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois on the center of the first line. Both lines advanced then at a 
double (juick against the enemy. The conflict was terrific; the enemy was driven nearly half a 
mile; rallying, they drove my command a short distance, when they in turn were driven again 
with great loss. Both lines had been thrown into the conflict on the second charge, and the 



IIISTOKV OF ST. CLAUl COINTY. 



379 



■whol(> line kept uj) a deadly and well directed lire upon the enemy, wlio fought with o-reat de- 
termination and vigor. The Twenty-second Michigan, after lighting for nearly three hours, 
having exhausted their ammunition, boldly charged into the midst of (jverwholming numbers 
with the bayonet, driving them, until overcome by superior numbers." 

The following is from Lossing: " Wooil had barely time to dispose his troops on the left 
of Brannau before they were furiously attacked, the Confederates keeping up the assault by 
throwing in fresh troops as fast as those in front were repulsed. Meanwhile, Gen. Gordon 
Granger, who, at llossville, had heard the roar of guns where Thomas was jiosted, had moved 
to his support, withour. orders, and appeared on his left Hank at the head of St(M-dman"s division 
of his corps. He was directed to push on and take position on Brauuan's right, when Steed- 
man gallantly fought his way to the cre.st of the hill at the ai)pointed place, and then turning 
his artillery upon the assailants, drove them down the southern slope of the ridge with great 
slaughter. They soon. returned to the attack, with a determination to drive the Nationals from 
the ri<lge. They were in overwhelming force, and i)r(>ssed Thomas in front and on both Hanks, 
Finally, when they were moving along a ridge and in a gorge, to assail his right in tiank and 
rear. Granger formed the brigades of Whittaker and Mitchell into a charging party, and 
hurled them against the Confederates, of whom Gen. Hindmau was the coinmandm-. in the 
goi-ge. They were led i)y Steedman, who, seizing a regimental tlag, headed the charge. A ic- 
tory followed. In the space of twenty minutes. Hindmau and his Confederates disappeared, 
and the Nationals held both ridge and gorg<>. The latter had lost heavily. Steedman's horse 
was killed, and he was badly bruised by a fall, and Whittaker was stunned by a bullet and fell 
from his horse." 

Col. Le Favour says of his regiment at Chickamauga, on September 20: "The second 
charge the rebels drove the brigade to the bottom of the hill. It was re-formed, marched up, 
and .again took the crest. 1 he r(>giment was out of ammunition, and word was sent to Gen. 
Whittaker to that eSect. ' You must use your steel,' was the reply. The regiment rushed 
forward with fixed bayonets and emi)ty muskets, under a most territic fire of grape and musket- 
ry, received the counter-charge of the enemy, repulsed and drove them at every ])oint." * * 
"Cartridges all gone. 'You must use the bayonet,' says Gen. Whittaker to the Twenty- 
second. The enemy again furiously advance. The sun has gone down on that bloody field; in 
the twilight it is difficult to distinguish friend from foe. The Twenty-second rushes forward 
with bayonets fixed and empty musk(>ts under a terrible lire of grape and musketry, meet the 
charge ;;t the enemy, drive him at every point. An order comes to • fall l)ack:" 'tis too late: the 
regiment is closed in on both fianks, cut off, and darkness finds nearly all the living in the 
luinds of the enemy, the ilead on the field. " 

The following interesting account is by CoL John Atkinson, then a Captain in the regi- 
ment : 

C-VMP Lk Favoi-u. ne.M! Chattanooga. September 2!I, 1863. 
Mn. KiiwAUi) Lk Favoch, Dktrott, Mich.; 

Dcfir iS'tr— Knowinj;- tliiit ni:inv of llie ])eoplc of Michij;iiii will look anxiously for news from our 
rejriinent. I take tlie libertv to give you what facts I can gather relating to the part it toolc in the late battle. 

From Brig. (Jen. Wlnttaker I learn tliat on Friflav, the ISih inst., he was ordered to advance with liis 
brigade from Kossville toward Ringgold, as far as the Cliiekamauga Kiver, take possession of the bridge and 
hold it without bringing on a general engagement. He met the reb<ds at I P. M. and fought till .-> P. JI., 
driving them, thouirh more than two to one in numliers. On Satiu'dav uioruing lie was re-enforced by 
Mitcliells and MeC.iok's brigades and bv tlie TweiUy-seeond ,"\Iielugan aiid Twenty-nintli Ohio, under Col. 
Le Favour. Col. Le Favour, with his eonunand, was attached to (ien. Whittaker's brigade. That day and 
night were passed in line of battle. Sundav. at !) A. M., the light conunenced on Gen. Thomas' line, which 
was broken and compelled to fall back. Oen. Whittaker was ordered to advance to the right and re-enforce 
Tliomas at a point some four miles distant. Moving rapidly, he found the rebel eavalry in position to slop 
him. but soon drove them off. ami succeeded in taking up liis position near the right of 'I hoinas' line. Steed- 
man, commanding First Division, reserve corps, received word from Thomas that the enemy must be driven 
from the hill to his right. (Jen. Whittaker was ordered to the work and advanced in two lines, the first com- 
posed of the Ninety-sixth Illinois, on the right. One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois in tlie center, and Twen- 
ty-second -Michigan on the left; the Second and Fortieth Ohio on the right, Fightyfourth Indiana in the 
center, and Eighty-ninth Ohio on the left and in rear of the Twenty second Micliigan, both under Col. 
Le Favour. Charging on the enemy's lines, the}- drove them from the hill full half a mile. Here the rebels 



380 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

rallied, and Longstreet's corps came rushing down in masses eight Hues deep. The gallant brigade received 
and repulsed them with terrible lo.ss. Lieut. Col. Sanborn was wounded while in front of the regiment. The 
noise making it impossible to make himself heard from his place in the rear, and desiring to halt the line, he 
rushed in front, and just as he had succeeded in restoring order and halting his regiment, he received the 
wound. The Color Sergeant. Philo G. Durkee, was shot through the breast and face, and fell dead the first 
round. Corp. IStan.sell, of the color guard, from Company H, grasped the colors, but had scarcel}' raised them 
when a ball passed through his head, killing him instantl_y. Corp. Vincent, Company C, lifted the colors, and 
a moment after received a ball in the thigh, wounding him severely. He was carried to the rear. First 
Sergt. William F. Atkinson took the colors, handing them to Sergt. Kendall, Company C, who carried them 
the rest of the day, and had them when the regiment went into the last charge. 

The second charge the rebels drove the brigade to the bottom of the hill. It was re-formed, marched up, 
and again took the crest. Col. Le Favour sent Gen. Whittaker word that his ammunition was exhausted. 
"You must use your steel," was the reply. And now the rebels advanced a third time. The sun had gone 
down. In the twilight it was difficult to distinguish friend from foe. The Twenty-second rushed forward 
under Col. Le Favour in person, with fi.xed bayonets and emptj' rau.skets, under a most terrific fire of grape 
and musketr}'. I'ceeived the charge of the enemy, repulsed and drove them at every point. Gen. Steedman 
sent an order to fall back, liut too late. Before it arrived the regiment was closed in upon by rebel hordes 
on both flanks and cut off. This brave charge. Gen. Steedman says, saved that portion of the army. 

Gen. Whittaker, who fought at Shiloh and Murfreesboro, says he never heard such heavy musketry, 
and never saw such magnificent charges. He had four staff officers killed and received him.self a slight 
wound in the side. 

He, Gen. Steedman and Gen. Gordon Granger behaved in a manner worth}' of the men they led. Eacli 
was seen in advance of his staff, and where the danger was the greatest. Gen. Steedman's horse was shot 
under him. Gen. Granger received a bullet in his hat. Their bravery is the talk of the army, and their gal- 
lant conduct will never be forgotten. During the entire fight Col. Le Favour rode along the line, his hat in 
one hand and drawn sword in the other, cheeiing on his men — and whose voice could cheer them like his? 
for not a heart in the brave band but loved him; not a man but would willingly die that his Colonel might 
live. (ien. AVhittaker told me personally that he never saw soldiers behave more gallantly. Col. Sanborn is 
complimented by every one for his coolness and bravery. And more than one brave fellow has wept those 
tears which only brave men weep, on hearing that his wound will keep him from us for a long time, perhaps 
' forever. Not merely as an officer did we all respect and honor him. His great heart broke over those dis- 
tinctions that separate ofiicers and men, and made him not only the commander but the brother. 

Capt. A. M. Keeler is among the missing. He must have been in command of the regiment on the sec- 
ond charge, and went into the third and last well. He and the Adjutant, Matthews, reported wounded and 
a prisoner, are said to have been everj'where along the line, encouraging .and urging on their men. Capts. 
Snell, Wands. (Jalhraith and Goetz, when last .seen, weve severely wounded, probably mortall}'. Capt. Smith 
had his leg amputated. Lieut. Ed. G. Spaulding was wounded on the first round through the hip. He went 
to the rear, but finding his wound less severe than he supposed, again returned to his company, and remained 
with it during the entTre da_y, he being in command. Sergt. AVilliam F. xVtkiuson. Acting Second Lieutenant, 
was slightlj' wounded above the knee, but, binding his handkerchief around his leg, remained on the field 
Capt. Kimberk, Lieuts. Robertson. Hamilton, Button, Willets, Drake. Aid-de-Camp to Col. Le Favour 
Mead, Andrews and Allierfson were uninjured previous to the tliird and last charge. Only Lieut. Albertsou 
escaped, Capt. Kimberk not going to this charge. 

Many are undoubtedly prisoners, but a number even of those must be wounded. 

All behaved with the greatest gallantrj'. Drs. McCounel and Lawrence were on the fl(dd to the last, 
dressing the wounds and giving the necessar}' directions for the proper care of the disabled. They have the 
thanks of their comrades, 

I send you lists of the killed, wounded and missing. It would undoubtedly gratif_y the friends of all to 
see them published, as the suspense and uncertainty attending the affair must be very great. 

Michigan is again called upon to mouru many a gallant son; but a new glory has been added to her 
history. We pause in the great work to drop a tear, not for the brave who have fallen, but for the dear ones 
at home, to whose hearts a new sorrow has been brought. 

What remains of the regiinent is upon the hills on the north side of the river, just opposite Lookout 
Mountain, which is occupied and fortified by the rebels. Its present strength, not including the band, is 149 
enlisted men. nine Lieutenants and two Captains. The Major and myself were on Gen. R, S. Granger's staff at 
Nashville up to the !3th inst.. when we were relieved, by request, for the purpose of reporting to our regi- 
ment. We arrived here on the morning of the 22d. The armies lie in the presence of each other. From the 
hill where I write, I can see our troops fortifying the plains below, and the rebels the hills beyond them. 
Last night the line of each army could be traced by its camp fires. Another great battle, in which the whole 
force of the Southern Confederacy will be hurled upon our brave army, is expected to open at any hour. 
I am, very truly, j'our obedient servant, 

John Atkinson, Captain Company C. Ticenty-second Michigan. 

Tills regiment, which, on the 2cl of November, 1863, had been detached from the Four- 
teenth Army Gori-s, and attached to the Engineer Brigade, remained at or near Chattanooga, 
Tenn., until the 2Gth of May, 1864, engaged in the usual duties of the engineer service. 
From the 2d to the 21st of November it was employed in btiilding a road from Chattanooga to 
Bro\?n's Ferry, on the Tennessee River. On the 22d, it proceeded with a pontoon bridge up 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIIl (Orxi'V. 3^1 

the Tonnessee River, iuid laid the Hiime for the crossing of the command of (Jen. Sherman to 
attack tlie rebel position on Mission Ridge. Returning to Chattanooga, the regiment thr(>w a 
bridge across the river at tliat place, on the 25th, and on the ls( of Deeomlier moved its cainj) 
to the foot of Lookout Mounlaiii, and waa employed until the KHh in repairing the railroad and 
the railroad liridges. At the latter dat(> the regiment moved into Chattanooga, where it wan 
employed in building storehouses and similar duty. D(>taf'hments of the regiment were sent 
up the river, and employed in cutting and rafting timber to Chattanooga; others were engaged 
at Moccasin Point, in setting u]) a j)ortable steam saw mill, and in getting out lumber. On the 
lytli of November, the reginunit moved to Lookout Mountain, continuing its service as artisans 
and engineers for some months. On the 'itith of May, it marched from Lookout Mountain, 
and on the 31st reported at h(>ad(piarters of the Department of the Cumlierlaud, then in the 
tield at Brown's Mill Creek, Ga. Tlui Twenty-second and the Ninth ^Michigan Infantry were 
organized on the 1st of June into a brigade, to be known as the Reserve Brigade, Dei)artment 
of the Cumberlatul. and the fornuu- was detailed for provost duty. Tt j)artioipated in the move- 
ments of the Army of the Cumbei'land in its march to Atlanta. On the dth of July, it mov(>d 
to Vining's Station, on the Western Railroad, and on the ISth to Pace's Ferry, on the Chat- 
tahoochie River. The regiment was hero employed in building bridges across the Chatta- 
hoochie. On the 21st of July, it marched toward Atlanta. On the 27th of August, it encami)ed 
at Red Oak, on the Montgomc^ry Railroad, and on the 29th destroyed a portion of that road. 
On the 30th and 31st, the regiment marched toward Jonesboro, eneamj)ing south of that place 
on the 2d of September. Returning in the direction of Atlanta, it marched into that place 
on the 8th, and was em])loyed until the 31st of October on provost duty. At that date it moved 
to Marietta. Ga., eighteen miles toward Chattanooga. 

On the 31st of October, 18()4, the regiment left Marietta, as part of the escort to the head- 
(juarters of Maj. Gen. Thomas, and arrived at Chattanooga November 0, having made the march 
of 138 miles in a little over six days. The Twenty-second formed a part of the Reserve Brii^ade. 
Ai-my of the Cumberland, which was doing duty as provost guard of the department It re- 
mained at Chattanooga during the winter at that duty, and furnishing guards for steamers 
leaving that port, and was also engaged in building barracks. On .\pril 1. ISC),"), the regiment 
was transferred from tlie Reserve Brigade to the command of Maj. Gen. Steedman, command- 
ing the district of Etowah and on the 7th was assigned to the Third Brigade, Separate Di- 
vision, Army of the Cumlierland, at Chattanooga, whore it continued to serve until June 20, 
when it was ordorel t ; Xa-ihviile. where it was mustered out of service on the 2()th. and on tho 
27tli left for Michigan liy rail, via Louisville, Indianapolis and Michigan City, and arrivin>' 
at Detroit on the 30th. was there paid oil" and discharged on the 11th of July. 

The regiment while in service was engaged at Danvill(>. Ky., March 24, 1863; Hickman's 
Bridge, Ky., March 27, 18(53; Pea Vine Crei>k. Tenn., September 17, 1S()3: Mc.Yftees Church, 
Tenn., September 11), 1863; Chickamauga, Tenn., September 20, 1S()3: Wantahatchie (near 
Chattanooga), Tenn., Se])tembor 28 to October 28, i863; INIission Rid"-e, Tenn.. Noveml)er 
26, 1S63; Atlanta, Ga., July 22 and 23, 1S64. 

This regiment had carried on its rolls 1,586. and its losses were 374. of which 1 oflicer 
and 52 men were killiMi in action; died of wounds, 2 officers and 27 men: of disease, 3 otKcers 
and 28U men. 

In August or September, 1862, and soon after tho Eighteenth and Twenty-second Regiments 
went to the field in Kentucky, they were brigaded under command of ('ol. Doolittle, of the 
Eighteenth. The Government at that time being remarkably careful of rebel ])r()]iertv, l)oth 
man and beast, it became necessary for Col. Doolittle to issue an ord(n' against killing ho^s. 
Tn the Twenty -second was the waif, Johnny Clem, who had straggled from his home with an 
Ohio regiment, and then joined the Twenty-second ^lichigan. The first that is known of this 
littlt> wanderer of ten summers— small enough to live in-a drum — he is beating the loni' roll 
for the Twenty -second. Although a mere child, he had learned all sorts of tricks from the 
soldiers, and did not fully yield obedience to all orders. One morning the Colonel heard a 
nniskot report in tho immediate vicinity of the camp, and, being desirous of lindinf out the 
cause hurried out among the bushes, and there found Johnny and his victim, a ho". near bv. 



382 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

" John," says the Colonel, " don't yon know that it is against orders to kill hogs?" "I know 
it; but, Colonel. I don't intend to let any rebel hogs bite me!" 

At Cbickamauga he was a marker. On Sunday of the battle the little fellow's occupation 
is gone. He picks up a gun, fallen from some dying hand, finds ammunition, and begins on 
his own account, blazing away close to the ground, like a firefly in the grass. Late in the 
waninc dav this waif, left almost alone in the whirl of battle, a rebel Colonel dashes up, looks 

down on h'im, orders his surrender. " Surrender," he shouts. " you little !" Scarcely 

were the words spoken, like a flash Johnny brought his piece to an order, slipped his hand to 
the hammer, swings up the gun to a charge bayonet; the rebel raised his saber to strike, the 
o-lancino- barrel lifted into range, and the haughty Colonel tumbled from his horse. 

Clem was afterward captured, but says that after the most of the regiment had been made 
prisoners by a large force of rebels and were being marched to the rear, they were fired upon 
by another rebel force, when he dropped as if shot, and after lying for some time on the 
ground, and until the escort had moved ofl", he traveled to Chattanooga during the night, a 
distance of about ten miles. 

This bov attracted the attention of the noble hearted Thomas, who sent him to school at 
his own expense, thea obtaiuei an appointment for him at West Point, and he is now a very 
gentlemanly officer of the army. 

Casualties. — Merritt Allen, died at Lexington, Ky., December 25, 1862; George L. Aglor, 
at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 20, ISGS; Fred Herger, at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 
20, 1863; Joseph Grleuny, at Chattanooga, Tenn., October 20, 1863; Noble Hunter, at Chatta- 
nooga. Tenn., October S. 1863; William Ross, at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 20, 1863; 
Charles Huff, at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 20, 1863; Ed Goodwin, at Chickamauga, 
Tenn,. September 20, 1863; Thomas Verrall, at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 20, lS63; 
F. W. H. Laveare, at Chickamauga. September 20, 1863; John A. Koepfyen, at Nashville, 
Tenn., June 30, 1863; Albert Staples, at Lexington., Ky., April 15, 1863; William Baird, at 
Nashville, Tenn., Aiigust 1, 1863; Dominique Maure, at Lexington. April 6, 1863; John P. 
Lutz, at Stevenson, Ala.. October 12, 1863; John McNulty, at Chattanooga, Tenn.; Christian 
Slowman, at Nashville, Tenn., February 18, 1864; Franz Shultz, at Nashville, Tenn., Novem- 
ber 1, 18*63; John Bryan, at Atlanta, Ga.. September 26, 1864; William H. Moore, at Mm-- 
freesboro, Tenn., November 25, 18()3; Oscar Bartlett, at Danville, Va.. January 22, 1864; Will- 
iam J. Holcomb, at Danville. Va., January 14, 1864; Charles McCauley, while a prisoner of 
war, 1864; Reuben S. Eaton, at Camp Sumter, Ga., May 18, 1S64; James Ayers, at Camp 
Sumter, Ga., June lU, 1864; John J. Hannah, at Camp Sumter, June 9, 1864; James A. 
McMurray, at Danville, Va., April 10, 1864; Henry Walker, at Camp Sumter, Ga.. June 6, 
1864; William Pettyplace, at Danville, Va., March 16, 1864; Patrick Atkinson, at Anderson - 
ville, Ga., June 26, 1864; James Williams, at Danville, Va., January 5, 1864; Cornelius Glee - 
son, at Annapolis, Md.. May 9, 1864; John Zett, at Andersonville, June 28, 1864; William 
Max'jadden, at Andersonville, September 1, 1864; William Pangborn, at Andersonville, 
August 1, 1864; Robert Tripp, at Grand Rapids, Mich.; Lewis Maudell, at Indianapolis, May 
9, 1864; F. E. Yacht, at Andersonville. May 15. 1864; William Keeler, at Chattanooga, June 
9', 1864; Ralph F. Babcock, at Danville, January 5, 1864; Theo. Bouchard, June 12, 1865: 
August Boortz, at Chickamauga, September 20, 1863; Sumner T, Kenyon, at Jeflfersonvi lie, 
Ind., April 17, 1865; Constantine Miller, at Florence Prison, S. C, February 28, 1865; Chai-les 
Burt, at Charleston Prison, S. C, Septem))er 30, 1864; James H. Lane, on steamer Sultana, 
April 28, 1865; William R. Phillips, at Annapolis, Md., December 27, 1864; Charles H. Rood, 
at Andersonville, August 1, 1864; James Russ, at Andersonville, July 23, 1864; Merritt Allen, 
at Lexington, Ky., December 25, 1862; Richard Davy, at Camp Sumter, July 1, 1864; Homer 
McCoUum, at Nashville, Tenn., November 15. 1864; Virgil McCoUum, at Burtchville, Mich., 
January 13. 1864; Loviis Defoe, at Chattanooga, Tenn., May 18, 1864; Benson Elliott, at 
Chattanooga, Tenn., Jime 6, 1864; Thomas Borden, at Chattanooga, Tenc., April 30, 1865; 
Lorenzo Dingman, at Chattanooga, Tenn., April 4, 1865; Jared B. Gray, at Romeo, Mich., 
January 16, 1865; Charles Martin, at Chattanooga, January 1, 1865; William Marien, at Anderson- 
ville, Ga., September 19, 1865; Robert M. Woolsie, at Andersonville, Ga., May 4, 1865; Leon- 
ard Harder, at Lexington, Ky., November 29, 1862. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTV. 383 

/>/,sr//«)-(/«/,— Wantou A. Tri|)]). 1802; James liandolph, ISfil^; Poter Gilloy, ISfil'; W. J. 
Almass, 1SB8; Philo Beardslco. LSd;!; Cbarles Largue, LS*;:^; James Bardeu, 1803; U. S. Hol- 
land, 18(53; Duncan McLeod, 18()3; Stephen Pray, 18()3; Bradford Keed. 1803; Daniel 
Kennedy. 1803; Edwin Randoljih, 1S03; John Markoll, 1803; John McDonald, 1803; Benja- 
min Smith, 1804; Alvah Peck, 1804; Ely McShane, 1803: Joseph Dehutte, 1805; Henry Car- 
niss, 1805; Francis Tosh, 18(')5; Augustus Tosh, 18()5; John Denny, 1865; Thomas Wilcox, 
1805: George H. Lee, 1805; Enunons Hall, 1805; Marcus Young, 18()5; William Andrews 
18()5; William Barden, 1805; John K. Burley, 18()5: George E. Bush, 1805; .John H. (!;u-.son, 
1805; Elijah Campbell, 1S()5; John C. Cameron, 1805; Charles Dufty, 1805; James W. 
Dicktiy, 1805; A\'illiam li. Estey, 1805; Asel Gi'oome, 1805; George Hyde, 18G5; Ransom 
Helman, 1865; William B. Johnson, 1805; Palmer Kellogg, 1805; William Koepf"-en, 18(55; 
John J. London, 1865; William Litnoy, 1805; William Lashbrook, 1805; Heurv Lashbrook, 
1805; James Mc/Murray, 18()5; Daniel S. Oliver, 1805; Archil)ald Kupert, 1805; John W 
Stonehouse, 18t)5; J. A. Yincent, 18()5; James Walsh, 18()5; George AVorth, 1805; John 
Whiting, 1805; Orlando Brown, 1805; Philip Berg, 1805; George Hannah, 1S05: Robert 
Helliker, 18()5; Samuel E. INIartiu, 1805; Samuel J. Miller, 1805: Charles MoAuley, 1805; 
Uriah Shufeldt, 1805: Freeman T(>rril, 1865: Ira Wilson, 1805; Edward E. Coubin.' 1865; 
Joseph Taeey. 18()5; James Green, 1805; John Adamson, 18(55; John E. Davis, 1865; Louis 
Beson, 1805; Nelson Churchill, 18(55; Isaac Biddlecomb, 1865; Ii-a C. Marks, 1805; George 
W. Hopkins, 18(55; Frederick Nicollo, 1865; Truman S. Cook, 1805; Sebastian Allman, 1805; 
John Barney, 1865; C!harles Barney, 1865; Robert Brabant, 1805: Joseph N. Burch, 1865; 
George W^ Bennett. 1865: Daniel I5oshaw, 1865; Jay W. Carr, 1805; Hiram A. Cusick, 1805- 
James Campbell. 18(55; John Draves, 1805; Schuyler Dingman, 1805: James Duchesne, 18(55; 
Sydney Dove. 18(55: Jacob Fox. 18(55; Gottliel) Fritz, 18(55; Andrew Goister. 1805; Patrick 
Gleeson, 1805: John Gill. 18(55; Augustus Ham. 1865; David P. Ingles. 1865; William A. 
Jackson, 1805: Webster A. June. 1865: AN'illiam Kiddle. 18(55: John Kennedy, 1865; Thomas 
Kemp. 1805: Daniel C. Larapman, 1805; Sylvester Moore. 1865; Thomas C. Phillips, 1865; 
Alfred Roberts. 1865; .ilbert Rice. 18(55; William E. Rico, 1865; Peter Raymond,' 1865; 
Henry Streets, 1805; Charles H. Skinner, 1865; Harry W. Smith, 1805; Frederick Stockberrv, 
18(55; Llewellyn Vosburg, 18(55; Charles K. Jackson. 1805; Oliver Dumais. 1865; Francis 
Skinner. 1805; Timothy Fuller, 18(55; Sheldon A. (juick, 1865; John A'an Voohees, 1865; 
Robert Smith, 1865; Stephen Ross, 1865; John M. Le Bay, 18(55; Julius Jonas, 18(55; H. G. 
L. Jonas. 18(55; Frederick Klusendorf, 1805; C. F. Mugglei)erry. 18(55; .Vngustus Muftrle- 
berry, 1805: Antoine Rose, 18(55: Frank Rose, 1805; Henry Schwincke. 1805: Peter Mercer- 
eau, 1865; Hem-y Harson. 18(55; James Bakei-. 1865; David Hawson, 1865: Albert Stewart 
1865. 

TWE.NTV-THIl'.D MI('I11G.\N IMWNTKV. 
This command was oi-ganized at Saginaw under David H. Jei-ome. then Commandant of 
camp, and left the rendezvous September 18, 1862, under Coi. M. W. Chapin, for Kentuckv, 
with a force of 983 officers and private soldiers. The command was engag(>d on ■■■arri.son 
until the summer of 18(53, when it participated in the aft'air at Paris. Ivy., July 211. Subse- 
([U(>ntly it look a lu-ominent part in twenty-three engagements, the last at Goldsboro, March 22, 
1865; and retiu-ning to the State wlis mustered out at Detroit July 20, 1865. 

TWKNTV-FOUKTIl MICfllGAN IN'KANTItV. 

This command was mustered into service at Detroit. .Vngust 27, 18(52. 

Casualties.- Henry Wallace died at Philadeljthia, Octi ber IT, 18(54. 

Discliarficd. — Peter La Croix, 1805; Joseph Parker. 18(55; Christopher Mahon, 1805; 
James Baker, Jr., 18(55; Charles Barney, 1805; Joseph Br.ibant. 1805; Henry Campbell. 1865; 
David W. Curry. 1865; George W. Fox, 1865; William H. Warner. 1805; Daniel Herrin, 
1805; Thomas Cobbeldick, 1805; Joseph Sampler, 18(55; Joseph t^nibell. 1805: Thomas Rob 
erts, 1805. 

TWE.NTV-l-ll'TIl M ( HIG.VN INf.VSTKV. 
This command was organized at Kalamazoo, under Commandant H. G. Wells, bv Col. 



384 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. . 

Orlando H. Moore, and mustered into service September 2'2, 1862, with a muster of 896 
officers and men. Its first battle was at Munfordville, Ky., December 27, 1862, and its last 
at Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864 The command was mustered out at Salisbury after 
the surrender of the rebel Gen. Johnson, and. returning to the State, received discharge at 
Jackson. July 2, 1865. Asahel W. Snyder was the only soldier rejiorted from St. Clair. He 
was discharged in 1865. 

TWENTV-SIXTH MICIIICAX INFANTRY. 
This was organized at Jackson, and mustered into service December 12, 1862. It left en route 
to AVashington, under Col. Judson S. Farrar, of Mt. Clemens, December 13, with a force of 
903 officers and enlisted men. The regiment was engaged doing provost duty at Alexandria, 
Va. , until April 20, 1863, when it entered on regular service, being present at Suifolk from 
April 22 to May 14, 1863. The operations of the command were conlined to Virginia, in 
which State it won laurels on no less than twenty-seven fields, concluding a term of brilliant 
service at Petersburg April 3, 1865. The regiment was mustered out at Bailey's Cross Roads 
June 4, and returning was paid off at Jackson June 16, 1865. The command was on service 
in New York City daring the riots of 1863. Under its Colonel, it was subsequently a garrison 
regiment on Staten Island from July, 1S63, until October of the same year. Stephen L. Craine 
was the onlv St. Clair soldier. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY. 

This was organized at Ypsilanti April 12, 1863. The nucleus of the Twentj'-seventh was or- 
dered fi'om Port Hm'on to the former point, where it was consolidated with the Twenty-eighth, 
under the name of the Twenty-seventh Infantry. Eight companies, of 1(18 men each, were mustered 
in April 12, 1863, and ordered to report at Cincinnati, where organization was completed. This 
command was stationed at various posts in Kentucky, until the advance of the Ninth Corps, to 
which it was attached, into Mississippi. From the battle at Jamestown, Ky., June 2, 1863, to 
that near Knoxville, Tenn., January 23, 1864, its service was confined to Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky, with the exception of the term passed before Vicksburg, Miss., June 22 to July 4, 1863. 
It entered the Virginia campaign at the "Wilderness May 5, 1864, and closed its service in 
that State before Petersburg April 3, 1865. The regiment received dischai-ge at Detroit June 
30, 1865. 

Casualties. — Charles Mawley died at Cincinnati August 31. 1863; William Murphy, killed 
at Crab Orchard, September 27, 1863; Ira Heminger, at Spottsylvania, June 3, 1864; Henry 
Card, at Petersburg, July 30, 1864; William Sailbender, at Petersbm-g. June 27, 1864; 
George Slone, at Petersburg, August 12, 1S64; M. O'Loughlin, at Knoxville, November 29, 
1863; D. Buchanan, at Petersburg, June 25, 1864; Adam Baird, at Petersburg, June 18, 
1864; Alonzo Dingman, at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864; George A. Fields, July 24, 1864; 
George B. Wey. at Petersburg, June 16, 1864; Robert Chambers, April 5,1865; Byron Hicks, 
at Salisbm-y, N. C, February 7, 1865; Thaddeus W. Casler, at Cincinnati, Ohio, August 15, 
1863; Charles E, Putnam, at Port Hiu-on, Mich., November 24, 1864; Charles Bishop, at Rich- 
mond, Va,, October 12, 1864; Christian Barsdofer, at Salisbury, N. C, December 16, 1864; 
Denis Hagan. at Port Huron, Mich., November 28, 1862; Robert Little, at Andersonville, 
Mav 22, 1865; Andrew McAuley, at Salisbury, N. C, March 22, 1865: Oliver T. Muun. at An- 
dersonville, May 13 1864. 

Discharged'.— Richard S. Tuttle, 1863: Mvron H. Phillips, 1864: Robert H. Ellsworth, 
1864; Erastus Fuller, 1864; L. J. Crawford, 1863; John Rooney, 1863; Francis C. Bellinger, 
1863; Henry H. Stevens, 1863; Charles D. Herrington, 1862; Lisle B. Harrison, 1865; John 
Henry, 1865; Henry Eddy, 1865; Ai-chibald McAllister, 1865; William Seward, 1865; James 
Stewart, 1865; James E." Tacker, 1865; Jerome N. White, 1865; James T. Walsh, 1865; 
George Brines, 1S65; Robert H. Ellsworth. 1865; Charles Lefever, 1865; Zimri Mitchell, 
1865; Levi E. McCullen, 1865; Michael McElroy, 1865; Asa Proser, 1865; George Reuhle, 
1865; Alexander Stern, 1865; Jesse Wright, 18f)5; Antoine Valentine, 1865; Josiah S. Pierce, 
1865; L. W. Guuney, 1865; David Murphy, 1865; Msitthew Craven, 1865; Jerome Burley, 
1865; JosejA Cobbledick, 1865; Andi-ew J. Cole, 1865; Thomas Dunn, 1865; Louis Diirette, 
1865; George Dingman, 1865; William Johnson. 1865: Elihu Mills, 1865; James McAuley, 



HISTORY OF ST. C'LAII! COUNTY. 385 

1805; James McDowoll, 1805; Michael Murph}', 1805; Androw Minihan, 1805; James Put- 
nam, 1805; William Ruddock, 1805; Lester Westover, 1805; (Jeorj^o H. Dunn, 1805; Henrv 
Taylor, 1S05; Robert \\ ilson, 1805; John P. Grow, 1805; James i'attersou, 1S05; Jacob () 
Kore, 1805. 

TWENTV-i:i<;irrii mhiiicax ini'axtrv. 

This regiment resulted from the aonsolidation <if the Twenty- eighth, rendezvoused at 
Marshall, under Com S. S. Laeey, and the Twenty-ninth, rend(>zvoused at Kalamazoo, Com. 
W. B. "Williams. This organization of ten full companies left Kalamazoo, under Col. Delos 
Phillips, October 20, 1804, and arrived at Camp Nelson, Ky., November 10, 1804. Its regular 
service began at Nashville, Tenn., December 12, 1804, and clo.sed at Wise's Forks, N. C, 
March 10. 1805. The command was mustered out June 5. 1800. and ri>1uiniug roi'pivod its 
discharge at Detroit Junn 8. ISOti. 

Discharged. — T. Smith, 1S05; Andrew Huvol. 1800. 

TWK.N'TV-NINI'II MICIlKi.VN INKANTKV. 

This command was designated as theThiity-lirst Michigan Infantry, in the military orders 
of 1804. The name Twenty-ninth was. however, given to it, and its organization completed 
xinder Com. John F. Driggs, at Saginaw, October 3, 1804, which city it left October 0, cii 
route to Nashville, Tenn., imder Col. Thomas Saylor. The command was mustered out at De- 
troit Se]itember 12, 1805. 

Cdxitaltij. — Theojihilus Bouchard, died at Chattanooga June 18, 1805. 

Discharged. — Nelson Harvey. 1805; .Jacob Diem, 1805; George Aldrich, 1805; Richard 
King. 1805; Henry Klein. 1805; Henry Parker. 1805; Anthony Poquette. 18(')5; John Smith, 
1805; S. Sturde]>iiant. 1805; Jesse A\"yun, 1805; Albert M. Weeks. 1805; E. W. Streeter, 
1805; John Jones, Jr., 1805; F. Lipson, 1S05; Patrick Tracey. 1805; AVilliam Campbell, 
1805; James Totton, 1805: William F. Stevens, 1805; Joseph Lombier, 1805; E. R. Sandiu- 
son. 1805; James Milson. 1805;, lames Pincomb, 1805; Ezra Carter, 1805; John Denny, 1805; 
Charles Harvey. 1805; Peter Brennan, 1805; Louis Shaw. 1805; Oliver Rock, 1805; P. F. 
Sullivan, 1S()5: William Small, 18(55; G. A. "Warner, 1805: D. M. Hawser. 1805: Walter 
Johnson. 1805; Alfred C. Smith, 1805; Silas White. 1805; Daniel Williams, 1805; Jolin 
Wilk, 1805; Clark Watson, 1805: Fred Ross, 1805; James Pollard, 1805: William Cook, 1805: 
Lansou Philli])s. 1805; James B. Newcomb. 1805; F. Destrous, 1805; Erastus Demarse. 
1805: John Destrous. 1805; John Betwee, 1805: John Mason, 181)5: G. E. Dodge, 1805; 
William Streeter, 1805; Sealer Simpkins, 1805; David Gano, 1805; Charles Miller, 1805; 
James Robertson, Jr., 1805; ^^■illiam J. Gardner, 1805; Walter Cartwright, 1805; Brazilla 
Snay, 1805: John Snay, 1805; Gill)ert Thibault, 1805; J. W. Finch, 1805; John Dulac, 
1805; Harmon J. Davis, 1805; Richard Lavere, 1805; John Lee, 1805; Martin McHugh, 
1805; T. W. Main. 1805: Jacob Dawson. 1805: Charles J. Annes, 1805; Robert Bellan, 1805: 
William Elliott. I8f)5: Andrew B. Horton, 1805: John Pa])ineau, 1805: Henry E. Finch, 
1S()5: J. Lesperance, 1805; JoseiJi Rose, 1805; C. W. ' Tomlin, 1805; R. S. Towlaud, 1805; 
Enos S. Whitcomb, 1805; Patrick McC^uinn, 1805. 

TF1IKTIETK MICHIGAN IXFANTRV. 

This regiment was raised under authority from the War D(>i)artment, for special service 
on the Michigan. frontier, its term of service being one yeai-; and by orders from this Depart- 
ment, dated November 7, 1804. its recruitment commenced, under Col. G. S. Warmer, at Jack- 
son. TliH organization was completed at Detroit. January 9, 1805. and the command entered 
on service. The headquarters were at Jackson first; then removed to Detroit, and ultimately 
established at Fort Gratiot, when* Companies A and B were stationed. Company D was sta- 
tioned at St. Clair. E at Wyandotte, K at Jackson, H at Fentou, G at Detroit and C. F and I 
at Detroit Barracks. The regiment jierformed its duty well, and was mustered out of service 
June liO, 18()5. Of the l.OM otlicers and private soldiers belonging to the conmiand, 18 
died of disease during the term of sevice. 

Discharged. — George A. Wynn, 1805; Benjamin DeiT, 1805; Henry Graves, 1805; John 



386 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

H. Siu'line, 1865; Henry Bm-bank, 1865: Thomas Bailey, 1865; John Goomerly, 1865; Alex- 
ander Mewperter, 1865; Noah Tompkins. 1865; E. T. Barrows, 1865; William H. Le Roy, 
1865; George W. Burgess, 1865; William Clai-k, 1865; Louis Grifford, 1865; Charles M. lu- 
gersoll, 1865; Samiiel Johnson, 1865; John Ryman, 1865; Joseph Tubbs, 1865. 

FIRST MICHIGAN CAVALRY. 

This command was organized in August, 1861, under Col. T. F. Broadhead, and left ^Detroit 
for Washington with a force of 1.144 officers and private troops September 29. It participated 
in all the actions along the Upper Potomac, Shenandoah and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains 
before the close of the year, with the result of losing 30 men killed, 58 wounded, 60 who died of 
disease, and 170 who were made jjrisoners. During the early part of the year 1863, this regiment 
was engaged on guard duty in front of Washington, on a line extending from Edward's Ferry to 
the mouth of the Occoquan River. The duty was the most arduous and difficult the regiment had 
to perform, requiring incessant watchfulness and vigilance; but while two cavalry regiments 
from other States, who were sharing in the service, lost each about two hundred men, the loss 
of the First was only 30. During the rebel Gen. Stuart's raid in February, a detachment 
of 56 men of this command was sent forth to watch his movements; near Occoquan, the enemy 
came within range of this detachment, and was driven back in confusion. On June 27, the 
regiment took up its line of march northward on the Gettj'sburg campaign, and engaged in 
fifteen battles and skirmishes in as many days. It met Hampton's legion July 3, and defeated 
it in six minutes, losing 80 men and 11 officers of the 800 who went into the tight. The suc- 
ceeding day it defeated two regiments of rebel cavalry at Fairfield Gap. At Falling Waters, 
it captured 500 rebels and two stands of colors belonging to the Fortieth and Forty-seventh 
Virginia Infantry. The number of men carried away by disease diu'ing the year was 29. 

The operations of the command during 18(54. from the expiration of its furlough at Detroit, 
February 7, was of varied brilliancy.. It made the crossing of the Rapidan May 4, 1864, and 
served in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac during the summer of that year. In 
August it moved into Virginia, and was attached to the Army of the Middle Division, under 
Gen. Philip H. Sheridan. The command marched 1,645 miles dui'ing the year; lost 82 men 
in battle; had 102 wounded and 33 who died of disease. During the winter of 1864-65, the 
regiment participated in the following engagements: Mount Crawford, Va., October 2, 1864; 
Woodstock, October 9; Cedar Creek, October 19; Madison Court House, December 24, 1864; 
Louisa Court House, March 8, 1865; Five Forks. March 30 to April 1; South Side Railroad, 
April 2; Duck Pond Mills, April 4; Ridge's or Sailor's Creek, April 6; Appomattox Court 
House, April 8 and 9; and Willow Springs, D. T., August 12, 1865. 

The command re-enlisted at Fort Bridger in November, 1865, and consolidated with the 
Sixth and Seventh Cavalry Regiments, forming the Fir.st Veteran Cavalry. Here, also, it was 
mustered out March 10, 1866. 

Caimallies. — John Dorsey, killed at Appomattox, Va., April 9, 1865. 

Discharged.— 3 i\Qoh Gordon, 1863; Eben Beach, 1864; Collins F. Miller, 1864; Montra- 
ville Daniels. 1864; Thomas McKenzie, 1864; Barton Tibbitts, 1864; James H. Morrell, 1865; 
Abram Vanorman, 1865; Matthew J. Cuthers, 1805; Thomas J. Comar, 1865; William 
Eaton. 1865; Henry Rattery, 1865; Walter P. Reeves, 1865; Martin Stovels, 1865; Eugene 
C. Weber. 1865; Francis Wright, 1865; Seth Francis. 1865; William Waley, 1865; John R. 
Jones, 1865; Sheperd D. Jones, 1865; John McKenzie, 1865; James Ketcher, '1865; Archibald 
McNeil, 1865; E. W. Buckbridge, 1865; Denis Crickmore, 1865; Sylvester Evans, 1865; 
Morgan Camp. 1865; John Swoish, 1865; Chancy Whiting, 1865. 

SECOND MICHIGAN CAVALRY. 
This command was organized under Col. F. W. Kellogg at Grand Rapids, and left for St. 
Louis November 14, 1861, with a force of 1,163 officers and men. In December and -January, it 
participated in the raid, under Gen. Carter, into East Tennessee, severing the rebel communica- 
tions and destroying his stores. During this duty, which occupied twenty-two days, the command 
was engaged in several severe skirmishes. During February and IMarch, 1862, it was stationed at 



IHSTOUY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 3S7 

Mmfrocsbnro and Franklin. In February, it was 0ni:jaifO(l, on the ISth, near ArUton: on tlio 
lUth, at Caiuesvillp; on tho 27tli, Lear Spring; Hill. On the 4th and ath of March, it enj^at-ed 
the rebels on the Columbia l*ik6 road, in which affair it lost one killed, four wonnd(Kl and one 
])riHoner. From the Stli to the I'-'th, it jjarticipaled in movements which resulted in drivin" the 
rebel force across the Duck Kiver. It encountered the rebels undiM- Stearns and Forest, March 
25, inflictini; on tliem severe lossiis and taking fi fly two prisoners, with commi.ssar\- wu-'ons, 
etc., etc. Again, between Franklin and Triune, June 4, it lost two kilh'd and three wounded. 
On the 23d, it was eni;at,'ed at Kover. the succeeding day pursued the enemy through Middli-- 
town, and on the 27th charged the rebels into Shelbyville. July 2 and -i, it .assisted in drivini' 
tho rebels out of the Elk lliver position, and through Gowau. Daring the fall, it participated 
in the Georgian military enterprises. 

From Danbridge, Dec(>mber 24, 1803, to the Alabama battles in Octobei', IStU. it won many 
honors. During December, 181^)4, this regiment j)articipated in the battles around Nashville. 
Pulaski. Richland Chvek and Sugar Creek. In bSOr>, it was engaged at Pricetown Yard. Cor- 
inth. Tuscaloosa, Triiuie, Hridgeviile and Talladega. After a magnilicent service, the command 
reported at Jackson, and was discharged August 2t). ISfiS. 

Catiualtics. — Benjamin Allen, died at Xew Madrid, Mo. . March 23, 1802: Levo Cook, at 
Corinth, Miss., June 13, 18(')2; Joseph Hiptemberger, at Kienzi. Afiss, August 11. 1S*')2; 
Charles Heynard, at Farraington, Miss.. July 3, 1802; Calvin M. Heynard, at Farmington. 
Miss,, July 5, 1802: John Leonard, at Rienzi, Miss, July 8, 1802: Iris Evarts, at Xew All^any, 
led., October 2G, 1803; Elisha Lewis, at Mnrtreesboro, Teun., March 2-"), 1803: Milton '\\"ash- 
burn. at Lexington, Ky., ISlareh 1. 1803; Oscar Adams, at Spjirta, Tenn., November 2(1. 1803; 
Hiram ^V■ithel■ell. at Slioal ('reek, Ala., September 25, 1804; William Craig, at Madisonville. 
Ala.. Febru;iry 2C.. 18(34; John T. Myers, at Detroit, :Micli., S(-pteml)er lo. 1804; Charles 
Freeland, at Chattanooga. Tenn.. May 8. 1804; S. McMillan, at Nashville. Tenn., Septemb(>)' 4. 
1804; M. H. Beach, at Carter Creek." Tenn.. June 19, 1 80)4: James Quant, killed at Franklin. 
Teim.. December 23, 1804: William Fry. killed at Shoal Creek, Ala.. October 30. 1804: 
George Tell, died in Andersonville May 22. 1804; Alonzo Worden, died at Macon. Ga.. June 
30, 1805. 

Discharged. — Jesse Thorn. 1802; Henry Kingslev, 1802; William H. Eddison, l80l': 
Solomon Bean, 1862; William Valentine, 1802; Joseph Armsirong. 1802; Noah F. Farr. 18(52: 
George Vanorman, 1802; Jos"ph H. Smith. 1802: John Davidson. 1802; William N. Cole, 1802: 
Benjamin Teiple, 1802; Samuid V>. Carll. 1803; Levi Lewis. 18()3: C. Broekway. ]N()3: Jack- 
son Kimball. 1804; Charles Broekway, 1805: Heniy Burnham. 1S05: John Chambers. 1805: 
Daniel Fleming, 1805; Joseph C4ambl(\ 18()5; Nathaniel H(>nry. 1S()5; Archer B. Hunter, 
1805; Jerome Inman, 1805; Samuel Jacobs, 1805; Jackson Kimball, 1805; Andrew Kitchen, 
1805; Columbus Lewis, 1805; Fernando D. Loop. 1805; Sandford Mills. 1805; Charles 
Moak, 1805: Charles P. Mills, 1805: Diogenes I. ]\Iallory. 1S02; Augustus Minkee. 18(i5; 
George I. Milliard. 1805; George Minim, 1805; Nathan Magoonaugh. 1805: K. K. M. 
McCollogh, 1805: George Parker. 18(55: Jacob Rohi-. 1S05; .Vdam lieid, 1805; James Sanders. 
1865; Albert P. Strimpson, 18(55; Henry W. Hopkins. 18(52: David Cantiue. 1805: John 
Flinn, 18(55; Charles Battmeyer. 1805: John Hunt, 18(55; P. .\. Dorland, 1805: Augustus 
Dillmore, 18(55; Charl(>s C. Hunt, 1805; Ephraim Kellum, 1805; Eleason B. Mason, 18(55; 
John Olney, 18(55; Levi stiller. 18(55; James Burt. 18(55; Henry Clark. |n05: George W. 
Tripp. 18(55; Henry Hengstebeck. 1805; Horace Plaisted. 1805; Charles Ambrook. 1805; 
Amos C. Welch, 1805: Henry Sales, 18(55; Alfred Sht'ldon, 1805; Ervin Brown. 1805; Joseph 
Creamer. 18(55- Michael Foits. 1805; George Washburn. 18(55; Robert Warren. 1805; Walter 
Smith, 1805; James Welch. 1805; Richard Welch. 18(55. 

TIIIIUI MKIIKiVN CAVAI.UV. 
This was organized at Grand Rapids, and left for the front under Col. J. K. Mizner. Novem- 
ber 28. 1801, with 1,1(53 rank and tile. It entered upon field service at Xew Madrid March 13, 
18(52, and concluded its first and brilliant series of work at CofTeeville December 5. 18(52. Dur 
ing the Ih-st twelve months its losses were 7 killed, 45 woimded, 11*4 died of disease, and 57 were 



388 HISTORY OF ST. CL.VIR COUMTY. 

made prisoners. In 1803, the command was prominent in almost every well-fought field in Nortli- 
ern Mississippi and Western Tennessee. In the affair at Grenada, the Third Cavalry was in the 
advance, and gained possession of the town after a sharp engagement. It destroyed at that 
point over sixty locomotives and 401) freight and passenger cars. The command aided largely 
in driving the noted rebels, Dawson, Richardson and Cushman from Western Tennessee, 
together with the numerous bands of guerrillas infesting that district. From November 1, 
1862. to the close of the war, the Third Regiment captured 1,101) privates and 50 officers; 
marched 10,800 miles. August 1, 1864, it was organized as a veteran regiment, and duiung 
the succeeding twelve months lost 11 men killed, and 115 who died of disease. It foi-med Maj. 
Gen, Canby's escort at the surrender of Gen. Taylor, and was subsequently attached to Sher- 
idan's army, until mustered out February 10, ISOO. 

CasHulfies. — Mark Johnson died at New Madrid, Mo., Ajjril 16, 1802; Aaron Springer, in 
Michigan. June 11, 1802; George Pritchard, at Cincinnati, June 19, 1802; John Price, at 
Corinth, Miss., October 7, 18(53; George Lashbrook, at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., September 28, 
1864; John Sayers, at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., January 2, 1865; John Slaght, at Detroit, 
Mich., March 7, 1865; Denis Smith, at San Antonio, Tex., October 6, 1805. 

Discharged. — William H. Ecker, 1803; Henry Bowen, 1803; Welcome Lashbrooles, 1863; 
William T. Cowles. 1803; Audi-ew Emerson, 1804; D. H. Yalintine, 1804; Charles P. Fish, 
1806; Charles P. Lester, 1806; John Diebell, 1800; Stephen T. Bryce, 1804; Elias Galerno, 
1866; William Havens, 1860; Joseph Macauley, 1866; Thomas McNett, 1866; Sylvester Apley, 
1866; Daniel Cane, 1800; Jacob Edmunds, 1800; Levi Hemy, 1800; Robert Meikle, 1800; 
Charlie Pelkley, 1806; William Valentine, 1800; John T. Leyan, 1806; Mahlon S. Ackerson, 
1800; Hiram Clanharty, 1800; John Spears, 1800. 

FOURTH .MICHIGAN CAVALRY. 

This was organized at Detroit, July 21, 1802, under Col. R. H G. Minty, with 1,233 men and 
officers, fully equipped. The command left for Louisville, September 26, 1802, and entered at 
once upon that brilliant service which may be said to end with the capture of Jeff Davis. It 
participated in eight general engagements and over a hundred skirmishes during the war. The 
command was mustered out at Nashville July 1, and discharged at Detroit July 10, 1805. 

Casualties. — George Hiscock died at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 23, 1804; John Gillis, at 
Andersonville, Ga., August 20, 1804, 

Discharged. — John Fleming, 1805; Peter Gallagher, 1805; Regin Wright, 1805; William 
D. V. Monroe, 1805; Henry Provost, 1805; Charles W. Raymond, 1865; Peter House, 1805; 
Joseph Lakenow, 1805; Andrew Anderson, 1805; James Burke, 1865; Andrew Bow, 1865: 
William Brodhagon, 1865. 

FIFTH MK.IHIOAN CAVALRY. 

This was organized under Col. J. T. Copeland in August. 1862, and left for Washington De- 
cember 4. A battery of light artillery was raised in connection with this command. During the 
first months of its service, it was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Toward the close of 
1804, it belonged to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, then operating against Gen. Earlyfunder 
Oen. Philip H. Sheridan. On November 12, 1804, it advanced to Newtown, and engaged a 
l)rigade of rebel cavalry, which it drove thi'ough that town, when the enemy being re-enforced 
the tegiment was forced back, losing one killed and three wounded; advancing again in the 
evening, it charged the enemy's breastworks, and after a sharp fight the regiment was repulsed 
with a loss of two killed and four wounded, when it returned to camp, where it was employed 
on the usual camp and picket duties until February 27, 1805, when it broke camp and moved 
with the Cavalry Corps toward Staunton, Ya. , being the commencement of Gen. Sheridan's cel- 
ebrated raid to the James River. On the 8th of March, the regiment became engaged with a 
portion of Rosser's cavalry near Louisa Court House, assisted in routing the rebel force and 
capturing the town, in which was destroyed a large amount of property; the railroad depot, 
with rolling stock and telegraph office, was also destroyed. The regiment also participated in 
tearing up the track and burning the railroad property along the line of the Lynchburg & 
Gordonsville Railroad, and in destroying and rendering useless the locks, aqueducts and mills 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR rOI'NTY. 389 

on th(» linci of tlm .l;iim>s Kivor Canal. Tlic pomiuand reached "White House Landing on the 
lUth of March, and soon .ifter with the Cavah'v Corps joined the Army of the Potomac, and 
proceeded to the h-ft of the line. On the 3(Hh of March, tlu* regiment became engaged with 
the rebel cavalry, and asRisted in driving them within their works at Five Forks. The Slst of 
March and 1st of April it was engaged with the enemy at Five Forks, and on the 2d at the 
South Side Railroad; on the 4th, at Duck Pond Mills; on the (ith, at the battle of the Ridges, 
or Sailor's Creek, and on the Sth and Uth at Appomattox Court House. After the surrender 
of Lee, the regiment moved with the Cavalrj' Corps to Petersl)urg, Va., where it remained for 
a short time and then went with th(> army into North Carolina; from thence it marched to 
Washington, D. C".. and participated in the review of the Army of the Potomac, on the 'i."5d of 
May and immediately thereai'ter, with the Jlichigan Cavalry lirigade. was ordered M'est, and 
proceeded by rail rin the Baltimore it Ohio Railroad, and the Ohio .-md Mississippi Rivers, by 
steamer, to St. Louis, and thence by steamer, via the Missouri River, to Fort Leavenworth, 
where the men of the regiment having two years or more to server were transferred to the Fir.st 
and Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and on the 22d of June the organization was mustered out of 
service, and immediately thereafter proceeded to Michigan. Arriving at Detroit July L it was 
[)aid off and disbanded. Its record of battles and skirmishes is as follows: 

Hanover, Va. , June 30. lSt')3; Hunterstown, Penn. , Julv 2, 18<);-5; Getrvsburg, Penn., 
July M. 1868; Monterev, Md., Julv 4, 1803; Cavotown, Md., Julv-"). 1S()3: Siiiithtown, Md., 
JulyO, 1863; Boonsboro. Md., July 6. 1863; Hagarstown, Md.,"julv6. ]S63; Williamsport, 
Md!, July 6, 18()3; Boonsboro, Md.. July 8. 1863: Hagerstown. Md., July Id, 1863; A\'illiams 
port, Md., July 10, 1863; Falling Waters, Md., July 14, 1863; Snicker's Gap, Vu., July 19, 
1863; Kelly's Ford, Va., September 13, 1863; Culpepper Court House. Va.. September 14, 
1863; Raccoon Ford, Va., September 16, 1863; M'hite's Ford, Va., September 21,1863; Jack's 
Shop, Va., September 26. 1863: James City, Va., October 12. 1863; Brandv Station, Va., Oc- 
tober 13, 1863; Buckland's Mills. Va., October 19, 1863; Stc^vensburg, Va., November 19, 
1863; Morton's Ford, Va., November 2('), 1863; Richmond. Va., March 1. 1864; Wilderness, 
Va., !j[ay (i and 7, 1S64: Beaver Dam Station, Va.. Mav 9, 1864; Yellow Tavern. Va.. May 10, 
11, 18()4': Jleadow ISridge, Va., Mav 12, 1864; Milford," Va., Mav 27, 1864: Hawes' Shop,"Va., 
Mav 28, 1864; Baltimore Cross Roads. Va., May 29. 1864; (fold Harbor, Va., May 30, June 
1, 1864; Travillian Station, Va.. June 11. 12. 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., -July 21, 1864; Win- 
chester. Va., August 11, 1864; Front Royal, Va., August Ui. 1864; Loetown, Va., August 2.3, 
1864; Shepardstown, Va., August 25, 1864; Smithiicvld, Va.. August 29. 1864; Berryville. Va., 
September 3. 18(54; Summit, Va.. Sejitember 4, 1864; Ope<pian. Va., September 19, 1S64; 
Winchester, Va.. September 19, 1864; Luray, Va., September 24, 1864; Port Republic, Va., 
July 26, 27, 28, 1864; Mount Crawford, Va., October 2, 1864; Woodstock. \n.. October 9, 
1864; Cedar Creek, Va., October 19. 1N64; Newton. Va.. November 12, lS(i4; Madison Court 
House. Va., December 24. 1864: Louisa Court House, Va., !\[arch 18, 186,"); Five Forks, \ii., 
March 30, 31, April 1, 186,"); South Side Railroad, Va.. Ai)ril 2, 186"); Duck Pond Mills, Va., 
April 4, 1865; Ridge's or Sailor's Creek, Va., April 6, 186,5; Appomattox Court House, Va., 
April S, 9, 1865, 

Co«i(a///es.— William J. Anderson died at Washington. A])ril 4. 18()3: Freeman Perkins, 
at Newby's Roads. Va., July 21. 1863; Alpheus G. Day. at Benyville, Va., .Vugust 18, 1864; 
Elisha Parish, at Washington, D. C.,Octol)er 19, 1864; William (^uiuu, at Annapolis, Md., Decem- 
ber 16. 1864: E. S. Butler, at Washington. D. C. July 17, 1863: George F. Crippin. at Ander- 
souville, (xa.. July 15, 1S64; H. C. Kirkham. at Andersonville. Ga.. October 14. 1864; Free- 
man Perkins, on st(>amer Baltic. December 3. 1864. 

IJiscliargcil. — Charles Vouughans, 18()2; Thomas Lambert. lMi2; Charles Huntley, 1863; 
Lewis J. Patridge, 1863; William T. Dopp, 1864; Moses Bondy, 1865; Alliert Eaton, 1865; 
Schuyler Jones. 1865; William Kilgore. 1865; Charles Martin. 1865; C. B. Miller, 1865; 
Henry McKinstry, 1865; Robert McNaught. 1865; Joseph Neighman, 1865; Anthony Phillips, 
1865; Frederick A. Pond. 181)5; Homer SpeiTv, 1865; Albert Thompson, 18(55; Charles S. 
Warner, 1865; Asel H. Hewitt, 1865: Joseph Standclifl', iSfU; Thomas Densmore. 1865: Will- 
iam Franklin. 1865. 



390 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

SIXTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY. 

This was organized at Grand Rapids by F. W. Kellogg, under Col. George Gray, and pro- 
ceeded to Washington December 10, 1862. During the year 18(53, this command gained distinc- 
tion with the Army of the Potomac, losing 36 killed, 75 prisoners, 65 missing and 45 who died of 
disease. In February, 186-4. it advanced against the rebel Kilpatricli; served as Gen. Sheridan's 
escort in the ride after Mosby's guerrillas. The Sixth served in the same actions as the Fifth, 
beginning at Hanover, Va. . June 30, 1863. and closing at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 
1865. It was mustered out at Leavenworth, Kiin., November 24, 18i55, and discharged at Jack- 
son. November 30, 1865. John Lemon, discharged July 7, 1865, is the only soldier from 
Macomb reported in the ranks of the command. 

Casualties. — John Hunt died at Washington, January 24,1863; Peter Shufelt, May 26, 
1863; James Winn, at Washington, September 9, 1863; W. Dixon, at Washington, November 
10, 1863; Harvey Tucker, May 15, 1864; Frederick Williams, at Richmond, November 9, 
1864; JohnYnx. at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31. 1S;U; Alexander MsClure. at Hawe's Shop, Va., 
May 28, 1864; Henry Worden, at Washington, D. C, July 10. 1864; Stephen Pray, at Trev- 
illian, Va., June 11, 1864; Joseph Kilboiu-n, at VVinchester, Va. , September 19, 1864; James 
W. Pettys. at Richmond Prison, June 3, 1864; Shubal Dutton, at Andersonville Prison, 1864; 
Michael Gibbons, at Andersonville Prison, Julv 5. -1864; Sydney Maher, at Richmond. 1864. 

Discharged.— David Langdon, 1863; William Baird," 1864; Charles K. Steele, 1863; 
William Surloin, 1865; Harrison Loop, 1865; T. A. Edmundson. . 1865; Jeremiah Brayman, 
1865; David Blair, 1865; George Chambers, 1865: Oliver E. Durant, 1865; Benjamin C. La- 
compte, 1865; Darius P. McGruirk, 1865; Alexander McDonald, 1865; Nathan McClui'e, 1865; 
Perry Oakes, 1865; Charles Pettys, 1865; Simon Smith, 18()5. Other soldiers transferred to First 
Michigan Cavalry. 

8EVK.\T11 MIl'IIIGAN CAVALUV, 

This counnand entered the tield dm'ing 1863, two battalions leaving Grand Rapids for Wash- 
ington February 20, and other companies joining in May. This regiment was in the Held 
before either the B^ifth or Sixtli Cavalry, aad remained in service for some time after the dis- 
charge of the latter regiments. ■ The command was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 
and arrived at Jackson, December 20, 1865, i-eceiving its discharge December 25. 1865. The 
soldiers were compelled to p;iy 125 railroad fare home, but this money was allowed them sub- 
sequently. Of the Macomb soldiers serving with the Seventh, the names of William Moore, 
discharged August 29, 1863, and William L. Guiles, discharged August 11, 1865. are the onlj 
ones appearing in the reports. 

Casualties — William Brown, died in rebel prison, March 1, 1864; Henry Johnson, died 
in rebel prison. 1864; Peter Mason, died in rebel prison, September 4, 1864; John Willson died 
in rebel prison. 1864. 

i;«.sc/(a/-(;-?d.— Charles Gordon, 1863; Harvey Hyde, 1865: Addis R. Knight, 1865 

EIGHTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY. 

This regiment was organized at Mount Clemens, under Col. John Stockton, in 1862-63, 
and mustered into the service of the Union, May 2, 1863, forming a command of 1,817 men 
and officers. This command left for the front in detachments, eight squadrons being sent for- 
ward to Kentucky, May 12, 1863, under Lieut. Col. Warme>'. 

The otficors furnished by Macomb County to this regiment were: Col. John Stockton; 
Lieut. Col. Henry C. Edgerfy; Surgeon, John B. K. Mignault; Hiram M. Snell, Charles G. 
Robertson, Edward Fishpool, John S. Smith, Benjamin Treat, Adolphus C. Stockton, Arthur 
Eastman, John W. Bennett, Andrew I. Abbey, John M. Crawford, Almiron P. Armstrong, 
William C. Stockton, Charles C. Lamb. Aaron L. Abbey, ail noticed in the section of this 
chapter devoted to officers commissioned from St. Clair County. 

To do justice to this command would require a volume in itself; therefore, it will only be 
necessary here to note the several engagements in which it took a very prominent part. 

1863 — Triplet Bridge, Ky., June 19; Lebanon. July 5; Lawrenceburg. July 9; Salvica, 
July 10, Buffington's Island, Ohio, July 19; Winchester. Ky.. July 25; Saliueville. Ohio. July 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. ^V.U 

20; Liinciistor, Ky., July 30; Stamford, ICy. , July 8 1 ; Kint^ston, Touu., Si'])toiubor 1 ; (Jl()V(v 
land. Tenn.. September 18; (Jalhoun, Teun., September 2i'); Athens, Se])teinher 27; Loudouu, 
September 21); Philadelphia, October 23; Sweet Water. October 21); Lenoir Station, November 
12; Campbeir», November 10; Knoxville, November 13; Kutlodijjo, December 10; Hoam'H Sta- 
tion, December 14; New Mark(>t, December 25. 

18(54 — Mossey Creek. Teini., January 10; Dandridf^e, January 17: I'air (larden, January 
24; Seviervillo, January 27; Keuesaw Mountain, Oa., July 1; Sweet \Vat(>r, July 3, Chatta- 
hoochie, July 4: Moore"s lii(li^(% July 12; Covington, July 2S; Macon, July 3(); Sunshine 
Church, July 31: Eatonton, Au^^ust 1; Mulb(>rry Creek, Aiignst 3; Heni-yville, Tenn.. Novem- 
ber 23: Mount Ph^a.saut, November 24; Duck River, November 24; Nashville, December 14-22. 

The regiment lost during itK term of Service no less than 321 men and officers; of which 
number 23 private soldiers and one officer were killed in action; 7 soldiei's died of wouods re- 
ceived in action, and 2S8 privat<> soldiers and two officers died of diseases caught and fostered 
in the iield. 

The command was mustiu-ed out of service, at Nashville, in September, ISC)."), and on the 
28th day of that month was discharged at Jackson. The r)l3 men transferred from the 
Eleventh Michigan Cavalrv, .Inly 20, 18(35, were discharged with the members of the original 
Eighth. 

Casualties. — David Din-ham, died at Covington, Ky., August 2(5, 18(53; Albert C. Peter- 
son, died at Camp Nelson, Sept(>mber 24, 1863; John S. AVatson, died at ICnoxville, Tenn.; 
Andrew Whalen, died at Ijexington, Ky., June 1, 18(53; Charles Bolio, died at Knoxville, 
Tenn., December 24, 1803: John Wells at Gtranny Cove, Tenn., January, 1864; Homer 
L. Ives, died at Macon, lira., July 31, 1864; Curran Chamberlain, died at Florence, S. C, 
March 1, 1865; John Gossnu>ir, died at Danville, Va., December 21), 18()5; John (torman, died 
at Danville, Va., December 27, 1865; Gotliob Lehman, died at Andorsonvillo. September 7, 
1864: Thomas H. Ward, died at Camp Nelson, Ky., March 2, 1864; August B. Soles, died at 
Charleston, S. C, October 20, 1864; James Wolvin, died at Mount Clemens. Mich., May 26, 
1863; Gastof Osterland, died at Camp Joe Holt, Ky. , December 18, 18(54. 

Dischwijcd. — Peter C. K<>rchum, 1863; Daniel Gnjgoiy, 1863; Patrick lieardon, 1803; 
Lucius Lorce, 18(54; Stewart ('ollins, 1865; James Hayter. 18(55; Patrick Pagan, 1805; Sam- 
uel H. Parker, 1S65; George Brabant, 18l55; John Dame, 1865; Otis L. (rill)ert. 1805: Lncien 
Lorce, 1805; Hiram Mann, 1805; Henry Crone, 18(55; John Flattery, 1865; Charles C. Gilbert, 
1865: Christian Labahn, 18(55: Darius Nelson, 1865; Calvin L. Wilson, 18()5; Elihu Lock- 
wood, 1805; Hamilton M^-ers, 1805: Aaron Finch, 1865; Gotleib Gosmeir, 1S05: John A. Bunt- 
ing, 1805; William W. Garfii>ld, 1865; Fred Griesliack, 1S05; Oscar F. Morse, 1805: Gottfried 
Newman, 1865; William CollhofY, 1865; Francis Hubert, 1865; Edward Morse, 1865: James A. 
Price, 1805; William A. Parks, 1S05; Alonzo Justin, 1805; William E. Kimball, 1805; Joseph 
F. Kimball, 1865; Alfred Moore, 1865; Thomas Parker, 1865; Nelson Utley, 1S(55: William 
rtley, 18(55; Robert M. Curtiss, 1865; John L. Chatlee, 1805; Peter Smith. 18(55; Jamos Bid- 
dlecomb, 18(55; Daniel Carr, 1865; Edward Soper, 18(55: Winlield H. M'eb.ster, 18(55: Robert 
Motherwell, 1805; Jauu-s W, Bradley, 1865. 

NINTH MICHIGAN CAVALUV. 

This command was organized 1802-03, at Coldwater, and in May, 18(53. left the rendezvous 
for Kentucky, leaving two coiii])anies to follow when their ranks would be filled. This regiment 
served in fifty-six well fought battles and skirmishes, losing 181 officers and ])rivate soldiers dur- 
ing its cam))aign. Its regular service b(>gan at Trijilet Bridge, Ky., June 24, 18(53, .and con- 
cluded at Morrisville, N. C. .\i)ril 13, 18(55. It was mustered out at Concord July 21, 1805, and 
reported at Jackson for discharge July 30, 1805. 

Discharged. — Wesley W. Knickerbocker, 1865; John Murray, 1865. 

TKNTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY- 
This command was organized at Grand Rajjids, inider Col. Thaddens Foote, of the Sixth 
Cavalrj', and mustered into service November 18, 1803, with 1)12 men and officers. The regi- 



392 HISTORY OF ST. CLxVIR COUNTY. 

ment left for Kentucky December 1, 1863, and entered upon duty at Burnside Point, January 

25, 1864, subseuently taking a prominent part in fifty-fom- engagements with the enemy, and 
endino- a term of spIendiJ service at Newton, N. C, April 17, 1865. The command was dis- 
charged at Jackson, Mich., November 15, 1865. Troops from St. Clair, if any, were not 

reported. 

ELEVENTH MICHIGAN CWALRV. 

This was organized under Col. S. B. Brown in August, 1863, at Kalamazoo, which place 
it left for Lexington, Ky., December 17, 1863. It was consolidated with the Eighth Michigan 
Cavalry, July 20, 1865, and mustered out with that command at Nashville, Tenn., September 
22, 1865. 

Dischaiyed. — William Leach, 1865; Calvin Stewart, 1865; Elias Secoi'ey, 1865; Michael 

Connell, 1865. 

FIRST MICHIGAN ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. 

This command was organized at Marshall, under Col. W. P. Innes, and left for the front 
December 17, 1861. A detachment of this regiment was the first to enter Bowling Green, Oc- 
tober 31, 1864; its term of service expired, but the re-enlisted veterans, recruits and officers en- 
abled it to continue in the service. The record of the military affairs in which it was engaged, 
begins with Mill Springs, Ky., January 19, 1862, and concludes with Bentonville, N. C, March 
19, 1865. The command was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., September 22, and disbanded at 
Jackson October 1, 1865. 

Discharged. — Reuben Treadwell, 1863; Abram Van Antwerp, 1863; Bernard Walker, 1864; 
IraD. LoojJ, 1865: Charles Conant, 1855; Barney H. Conant, 1865; Robert Smith, 1865; Thomas 
D. Thody, 1865; William Patterson, 1865; James Parker, 1865; Robert H. Edmundson, 1865; 
William Harvey, 1865; Charles R. Barnes. 1865; -John Bowen, 1865; Charles Chortier, 1865; 
Milo D. Gates, 1865; Elias E. June, 1865; Jabez Gier, 1865; William Harson, 1865; Al- 
bert L. Hatch, 1865; Fabius Jacques, 1865; William Lee, 1865; Joel Phillips, 1865; John 
M. Robertson, 1865; William Whaling, 1865; Moses Robinson, 1865; Paulette Smith, ]8()5; 
George E. Warner, 1865; Stephen Warner, 1865; Allen Whaling, 1865; James Glassford, 
1865; William Hunt, 18(55; Peter Kelly, 1865; David McLaughlin. 1865; Archibald J. Mc- 
Naught, 1865; James Trumbull, 1865; John A. Wheeler, 1865; John Crimmain, 1865; Will- 
iam Mazellos, 1865. 

Casualties. — James A. Stearns died at Bridgeport, Ala., July 15, 1864. Simon McCoy 
died at Nashville, Tenn., August 26, 1865. 

FIRST LIGHT ARTILLERY. 

The First Battery of Michigan Artillery was mustered into service at Coldwater, in May, 
1861, and left t-n route for Virginia in June, 1861. The battery was furnished with six brass 
six-pounders, carriages and full eipiipments. Toward the close of the year it was armed with 
six Parrott ten-pounders. It participated in the advance on Murfreesboro, and was engaged in 
the action at Stone River December 31, 1862, and on the Ist, 2d and 3d of January, 1863. 
It remained in camp near Murfreesboro until June 24, when it moved with the advance of the 
army. On the 25th, it silenced the batteries of the enemy at Hoover's Gap. Between the 4th 
and 19th of September, it crossed the Tennessee River, Raccoon and Lookout Moimtains, having 
on the way a skirmish at the foot of Lookout Mountain. On the lyth, it participated in the 
battle of Chickamauga, losing its commanding officer, Lieut. Van Pelt, and five men killed, 
eight wounded and thirteen missing. Owing to the loss of horses, forty-six being killed, and 
the failing of infantry supports, two guns fell into rebel hands. During the year, nine men 
were killed in action, twenty wounded, three died of disease. In 1864, the battery formed part 
of the Chattanooga garrison, and continued on duty there until July, when it moved to Jack- 
son for discharge, which it received on the 28th of that month. During its service, it took part 
in fourteen engagements, beginning at Rich Mountain, W. Va., July 11, 1861, and completing 
its field service at Mission Ridge, Tenn., November 25, 1863. 

The Second Battery was organized at Grand Rapids, and mustered into service November 

26, 1861. It served in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas. Two of 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 39 3 

its members were killed, while prisoners in the hands of the rebels, while thirty-three died of 
disease. Its dutv was well porformod, and merited the oulogr passed iinon it at its discharj^e, 
June 14, 180-). 

The Third Battery was raised at (jrand Rapids, in connection with the Third Michi<jan 
Cavalry, and left fcfr Tennessee Docemlier IT, 1S61. From Corinth, Miss., May 10. 186'i, to 
Bentonville, N. C, March 'Jl, 18(55, it won siijnal honors, and was dischari,'ed at Detroit June 
22, 1865. Its losses by death were thirty-four men. 

The Fourth Battery was formed at AVhito Pigeon, in connection with the Eleventh Infantry. 
It left, en route for Kentucky, December U, 18(il. 

It was engaged in the action at Hoover's Gap, Tenn., on the 26th of June. 1863, and in 
the battle of Chickamaiiga Septemlier I'Jth and 20th. At Hoover's Gap, it did th(> enemy con- 
siderable damage. Its loss in this action was one wounded, and at Chickamauga, nine wounded 
and three missing. November 2:i, it was furnished with si.x twenty-pounder Parrott guns, and 
placed in charge of Fort Negley. It played upon the enemy's W(jrks during the battles of 23d, 
2-lth and 25th of that month. It participated in the march u|) Lookout Mountain, and in the 
aliair at Mission Ridge on the 25th. Dm-ing the latter part of 1804, the battery, with its sup- 
ports, rendered good service against the rebel Hood, at Fort Rosecrans. The command left 
this post July 15, 1865, and arriving at Jackson seven days later, reported for discharge. 

The Fifth Battei-y was raLsed at Marshall, and left for the seat of war December 17, 1861. 
During the year 18(53, it formed a portion of the artillery reserve garrisoning Nashville. It 
formed a part of Gen. Hard's brigade, at Mm-freesboro. from June until Ofctober, 18(53. From 
that jieriod until July, 18(54. it was stationed at Nashville. One S(>ction participated in the 
raid made in July, by the forces under Maj. Gen. Rousseau, in Alabama and Georgia. To 
facilitate their movements, which were very rapid, one piece of the section was abandoned on 
the Blue Mountains. One section, for the period of nearly four months prior to the 1st of 
November, was stationed at Springfield, Tenn., when it was moved to Nashville, where it 
remained until February 10, 1865. At this date, it moved to Decatur, Ala. It began field 
service at Pittsburg Landing .\pril 7, 18(52, and performed its last field duties at Nashville 
December 1(5, 1804. The greater portion of its service was in garrison. Its arrival at .lack- 
son, July 16, was followed by its discharge on the 30th of that month, 1865. 

The Sixth Battery, organized at Coldwater in October, 1861, moved to Kentucky March 3, 
1862. At the battle of Richmond, in that State, its sis guns were cajitured by the rebels. 
During the year 18(53, the battery formed a portion of the Munfordsville and Bowling Green 
garrisons. 

From January to April 24, 1864. it was stationed at Knosville. It was equipped 
thoroughly during the latter month, and entered on the Atlanta campaign, and reached Chat- 
tanooga after sharing in the pursuit of Gen. Hood. 

During the war, the battery was in operation in thirteen general engagements, entering 
service in the lield at Richmond, Ky. , in 18(52, and concbuling field service at Wise's Forks, 
N. C, March 10, 1805, where it lost one killed and two wounded. After a term characterized 
by general good service, it returned to Jackson, and reported for discharge June 24, 1805. 

The S(>venth Battery was raised in connection with the Thirteenth Michigan Infantry. 
It moved to Kentucky February 12, 1802, under Capt. C. H. Lamphi>re. The battery served 
in Western Virginia in November, 1862, but was ordered to Memphis, Tenn., during tiie 
month, and from thence to the Yazoo River, Miss. It took part in the battle of Chickasaw 
Bayou, December 2S and 21*, losing ten wounded, two of them mortally. 

In January, 1S(5:^, it moved with the Union forces to .Vrkansas Post, and at the taking of 
that jilaee \\as held in reserve. After the surrender of .Arkansas Post, it proceetled to Young's 
Point, La., opposite Vicksburg. During February and March, the battery lay at Young's 
Point and at Millikim's Bend, Fja. In April, it embarked on transports which ran the rebel 
blockade of the river at Grand Gulf, landed at Bruinsbnrg, and, on the 30th, marched toward 
Port Gibson. The battery pai'ticipated in the campaign of Gen. Cirant, following the advance 
on Port Gibson. At the battle of Thompson's Hills. May 1, it lo.st two killed and two 
womided. It was in the engagement at Champion Hills on the 10th. and on the 17th assisted 



394 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

in driviug the rebels from Black River Bridge. On the 19th, it arrived in the rear of Vieks- 
buriT, and was among the first to commence the attack on that place. It participated actively 
in the siece, shelling the enemy's works and the city daily, and was present at the surrender 
on the 4th of July. Taking part in the movement on Jackson, it was engaged in the skirmishes 
of the 8th, 9th and 10th. and on the 11th took position before the fortifications at Jackson, from 
which it assisted in driving the enemy. After the evacuation of Jackson by the rebels, the 
battery returned to Vicksburg, and during the month of August proceeded to Carrollton, La. 
Its lo.sses for the year were, fom- killed, seventeen died of disease, and foui'teen wounded. 

In November, 1863, the battery was moved from Carrollton to Aransas Point, Tex. After 
participating in several light engagements, it returned to Carrollton June 19, and thence to 
Fort Morgan October 11. 1864, where it remained until April 10. 1S65, when it moved on 
Mobile. After the capture of that rebel post, it rendered garrison duty until July, when it 
was ordered to report at Jackson for discharge. It arrived in that city August 2, and was 
disbanded four days later. 

De Goiyer (Light) Battery was formed at Monroe, under Capt. Samuel De Golyer, in 
March, 1862, and left, en route to St. Louis, on the 13th of that month. It took an active 
jaart in the military affairs of Tennessee and Mississijipi during November and December. 
1862, 

In January, 1863, it entered upon duty at Holly Sjarings. In the Mississippi campaign 
of that year, it performed good service at Thompson Hill Slay 1: Raymond. May 12; Cham- 
pion Hills, May 16; Vicksburg, May 19. After the capture of Vicksburg, it remained on duty 
there to the close of the year. 

During 1864, the principal operations of the Battery were carried on in Georgia. It 
moved to Chattanooga in October, and thence to Nashville on November 18, It returned to 
Chattanooga February 16, 1S65, and was stationed there until ordered to Jackson, Mich,, in 
Mav. Ai-riving in the State July 4, 1865. it received its final discharge on the 22d of that 
month. During its term of service, it participated in fifteen engagements, and won a very fair 
record. 

The Ninth Battery was raised at Detroit and left for Washington, under Capt. Daniels, De- 
cember 4. 1862. Its service was entered upon at Aldie, Va. , April 27, 1S()3, and concluded at 
Turner's Ferry, Ga., Angust 29, 1864, Its losses aggregated twenty-seven men This battery 
was discharged at Jackson, July 14, 1862. 

The Tenth Battery, comjn-ising 104 men, was organized at Grand Rapids in January, 1863, 
and left for the front February 26. Its first service was garrison duty at IJpton Hill, Va,, where 
it served until attached to the Army of the Cumberland October 28, 18(')8. While serving with 
the Seventh Cavalry one man was killed and one died of disease. During the summer of 1864, 
the battery was distributed, so to speak, among gnn-boats, transports and artillery organiza- 
tions. The remnant of the Tenth aided in the repulse of Gen. Wheeler's forces at Dalton. 
The battery moved to Chattanooga in October, thence to Riceville and thence to Detroit, where 
it arrived July 12, i860. 

The Eleventh Battery was formed at Coldvvater, and proceeded to the front with the Ninth 
Cavalry May 23, 1863, Its fu-st reception to the enemy was given June 15, at Tripplets Bridge. 
Again on July 5 it threatened the rear of Gen. J. H, Morgan's troops at Lebanon, and con- 
tinued in his pursuit for some time until the capture of the refugees on Butfington's Island. 
The three sections of this battery rendered great services during the year, having been instru- 
mental in the final defeat and capture of Gen. Morgan's force at Salineville, Ohio. July 26, It 
rendered good service at Lenoir September 22. During its term of service, it lost nine men, 
who died of disease. The changes and varied service of this battery during 1864 were many 
and severe. The number of deaths resulting from disease was eleven. A section of this bat- 
tery serving on Strawberry Plains, crossed the Holstein River and joined the main command at 
Knosville, It was ordered to report at Jackson for discharge, and arrived at that post August 
19, 1865, 

The Twelfth Battery was formed in connection with the Eighth Cavalry, but did not go 
to the fi-ont with that regiment, owing to its non-completion. At a later date, however, it was 



IIISTOUV OF ST. CLAIK COIXTV 395 

mustered iu and rendered good service in Indiana against John Morgan's raiders. In January, 
1864, the battery was placed in position at Cumberland Gap, and guarded that route during the 
year. May 10, it moved with the Si>cond Brigade of the First Division, Army of the (himlier- 
land, to Strawberry Phiius. Having ccm^iih^ted its term of service, it was ordered to report at 
Jackson where it arrived July 12, and was mustenHl out August 1, ISOS. 

Th(> Thirteenth Battery was organized at Graiul Rai)ids, under Capt. Callaghan, and left 
for Washington February 3, 1S()1, under Capt. O. Riordau. During its term of service, it lost 
thirteen men. The command was discharged at Jackson July 1. 1865. 

The Fourteenth Battery was formed at Kalamazoo, Und left en route to the front February 
1. 1S64. It was e<juipped .Vpril 20, and ordered to position at FortBunkcn- Hill. May lo. Its 
principal services wore rendered round tlie defenses of Washington. It ])arti('i|)ated in re[)ell- 
ing the assault of Gen. Early on the outer forts in July. During the year ISIU its losses, 
wholly by disease, were eight n\on. Its service in 1865 was garrisoning Forts Carrol, Gribble 
and Snyder, which duty it performed diligently until ordered home, June 17. 1865. Arriving 
in Jackson four days after, it reported for discharge, and was nuistered out July 1. 1865. 

Caftnalties. — Samuel Cove, died at New Madrid, August 7, IS(>2; David Jones, died at Colum- 
bus, Ky., December 7. 1S6'2; Horace Crawford, died at Vicksburg, Tonn,, August 2'^, 18615; Isaac 
Crawford, died at Vicksburg, Tenn., August 24, 1808; John Geiss,died at Corinth, :Miss.. August 6, 
lS(i:}; Nelson Harvey: Josejih Wolven; Joseph Moore, died at Vicksburg, Miss , Nov. 11. 186lj; 
John J. Ernst, died at Fort Gaines, Ala., December :!I, 1864; Jiichard A, Cusick, di(»d at 
Nashville, Tenn., Februarv 2. lMi5: Harlan P. Carey, died at Chattanooga, Tenn . March 4, 
1865. 

£)j.sc/(a>-(/('(/. -James Chaml)ers, 1862; John .Mcllveonv, 18()2; Nicholas Groat, 1862; 
James Parlin, 1862; Thomas McGinn. 1862; Hezekiah H, Haskell, 1862; Reuben A. Howe, 
1802; Eber Gereau, 1862; Lorenzo Oppel], 18()8; George Herrin, 1863; George W. Van 
Mater, 1863; Anthony Burgoyne. 1863: Andrew J. Hanovt>r, 1863; James Chambers, 1864; 
James Ferguson, 1864; W, T. Williams, 1805: Charles H. Fnllerton, 1865; .\dam Summerer, 
1865; John M. Shindler, 1865: Louis Parent, 1865; Austin Abbey, 1865; John M. Richards, 
Edmund G. Griffin, 18(U; Freeman Keen, 1864; John Mit.liell, 1864: Eugene Fechet, 18r,4; 
James (). Robertson, IStiS: F. Benninghoff, 1865: John Endlick, 1865; E. B. Chamberlain. 
1865: George Ott, 18r.5: Horace C. Parlin, 1865: Adam Stein. 1865: Peter Woods, 1S65; 
Edward M. O'Brien, 1805; Charles Beckwith, 1864; Isaac Justin, 1865; Thomas Bain, 1865; 
Stephen Crawford, 1864; Phillij) Chaffee, 1862; Seb. Ferber, 1805; William A. Herron, 1805: 
Thomas Lazier. 1805; .\mbrose Rogers, 1805: Peter Seymour, 18(55; Henry Ward, 18()5; Henry 
Cox, 1805; Amasa M. Chaffee, 1805: Lewis Defort, 1865; Columbus Flurey. 1865; Enoch 
Fox, 1865; Paul Ganthi(>r, 1865; Charles Hemple, 1865; Louis Lefilair, 1865; August Murray, 
1805; Nicholas Orth, 1805; Thomas Snay, 1805; Frederic Snav, 1805; Alexander Thiliault, 
1865: Peter Wolvin, 18(*)5; Henry Watson, 1865; John C. Rix,'l805; Henry Palmer, 1865. 

OTHKR MILIT.ARV nR(3.\NIZATI0N.-;. 

Among the other militaiy organizations were " Dygert's Sharpshootei-s, " the ''Stanton 
Guards," the " Provost Guards"," the " Local Defense Companies," The Jackson Guards, Com- 
pany A, Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, was originally the " Jackson Guards " of the city of 
Detroit. It entered service on the 15th of June. 1801, joining its regiment (a three months' 
organization) at Chicago. It Tuoved thence to Missouri, and was jtart of the garrison of Lex- 
ington when that [lost was attacked, on the 15th of Se])t(>rai)er, ISfll. by an overwhelming rebel 
army under Gen, Sterling Price. The Union troops, under C"ol. .Mulligan, held out for nine 
days before their small force surrendered. They were then jiaroled, and in October this regi- 
numt was mustered out of servicer In December following, however, it was re-organized, the 
Michigan company re-enlisting, and tilling up with recruits from this State. The regiment ])ro- 
ceeded to Western Virginia, in June, 1802, and has since been on duty there. 

The Fair Pair (liinnls. — Early in the war, a company was raised at Paw Paw, in this State, 
■which went into service with a New York regiment, and is yet known as Company C. Seven- 
tieth New York Infantry. It was engaged at Chancellor.sville. May 3, 18(53; at Gettysburg, 



396 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

July 2, losing five killed and eight wounded; and in the same month at Wapping Heights. 
The company was never recognized by the War Department as a Michigan organization. Its 
officers were appointed by the Governor of New York. 

The volunteers from St. Clair who were scattered throughout those commands, are named 
in the following list: 

First Michigan Sharpshooters Discharged. — Thomas C. Allen, 1863; Phillip Koejafgen, 
1863; John McFarlane. 1865; Birney Button. 1865; Mark Schell, 1865; William McQueen, 
1865; James Maul, 18()5; Charles Boylan, 1865; Stout Van Orman, 1865; Martin E. Arm- 
strong, 1865; John Airheart, 1865: Emmett M. Bennett, 1865; Josiah Ross, 1865; John Isaacs, 
1865; John Fitzgerald. 1865; Richard Campbell, 1865; Charles Valentine, 1865; William J. 
Ross, 1865; Jay R. Brewer, 1865; John Randall. 1865; Ira King, 18(55; Charles Lashbrooks. 
1865; Charles Ross, 1865; James Richardson, 1865; James Sanders, 1865; John C. Young, 
1865; David Blair, 1865; Henry Fye, 1865: Benjamin Kilbouru, 1865; Michael Murray, 1865; 
Charles B. Payfer, 1865; Royal G. Piatt, 1865; Charles H. Drouilliard, 1865. 

Casualties. — George "\V. Moore, killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; Cyrus W. Hall, 
killed at Wilderness, May 6, 1864; James B. Smith, killed ?.t Petersburg, July 2, 1864; William 
Austin, died at Washington, May 12, 1864; William Styan, killed at Petersburg, June 17, 18()4; 
Michael McCoy, died at Camp Douglas, November 13, 1863; John Johnson, died October 31, 
1864; Anthony J. Tyson, died at Southside Railroad, Va., September 40, 1864; Fred Smith, 
died at Annapolis, Md., March 23, 1864; Jacob Gohl, at Audersonville, Va., October 26, 1864. 

Dygerfs Sharpshooters Discharged. — Ira Airheart. 1863; Orrin K. Hopkins, 1863. 

FIRST MICHIGAN COLORED INFANTRY. 

This was organized in the fall and winter of 1863, under Col. Henry Barns, and mustered 
into service February 17, 1864. The command left Detroit March 28. 1864, under command of 
Lieut. Col. Bennett, and reported at Annapolis early in April, where it remained until ordered 
to Hilton Head, S. C, April 19, 1864. Its first engagement was at Baldwin, Fla. , August 8, 
1864, and its last field day at Singleton's Plantation, S. C, April 19, 1865. The command 
was discharged at Detroit, October 17, 1865. Martin Stephenson died at Beaufort, S. C. , Octo- 
ber 7, 1864. 

Discliarged. — George H. Griggs, 1865; Thomas B. Brown, 1865; Samuel Bryant, 1865; 
Gilbert Biu-ress, 1865; John Clemmins, 1865; Charles Livai-, 1865; Samuel Smith, 1865; George 
W. Lett, 1865; George Aiken, 1865; Ely Trice, 1865. 

soldiers' and sailors' convention. 

A convention of soldiers and sailors of the United States was held at the court house in 
the city of St. Clair, on Monday, the 27th day of August, 181)8, for the purpose of organizing 
a Soldiers' and Sailors' Union, having for its object the maintenance of their best interests, 
the fostering of that spirit of patriotism which led them forth to battle for their country, to 
secure a proper recognition of their just claims, to procure employment in the general pursuits 
of life for themselves and their comrades in arms who may need assistance, to extend to mem- 
bers who by reason of wounds, sickness or other misfortunes are prevented from pursuing their 
usual employments, and to the widows and orphans of fallen comrades such aid as will allevi- 
ate their necessities, and further to urge upon the Government and people the just claims of 
honorably discharged soldiers and sailors, and the care and protection of the widows and or- 
phans of those who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. 

The call was made July 31, 1866. Every honorably discharged soldier and sailor in the 
county of St. Clair was earnestly requested to attend the convention and assist in the formation 
of a Union for the mutual benefit of all who have stood shoiilder to shoulder in their country's 
service 

The organizers are named as follows: S. B. Brown, Eleventh Michigan Cavalry; William 
Sanborn, Twenty-second Michigan Infantiy; N. S. Boynton, Eighth Michigan Cavalry; H. P. 
Wands, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry; M. H. Miles, Eleventh Michigan Cavalry; William 
B. Morse, Fourth Michigan Infantry; Joseph Ai-mstrong, Second Michigan Cavalry; T. P. 



HISTORY or ST. CLAIK COrXTY. 



397 



Miles, Eleventh Mifihitrnn Ccavalry; A. C. Baffin<;ton, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry; W. H. 
Dnmphy, Tenth Michigan Infantry; George W. ISuchanan, Socoud Michigan Cavalry; W. H. 
Hartsuff, Tenth Michigan Infantry; Albert H. Landon, United States Navy. J. C. Kuhn, United 
States Navy; William H. Hart, United States Navy; Ambrose Caswell, United States Naw; 
Kichard H. Kogers, United States Navy; Oliver Morton, United States Navy; William Clenden- 
ing. United States Navy; John \V. Lewis. United States Navy; A. S. Hayward, I'nited States 
Navy; N. S. Boyton, Eighth Michigan Cavalry; James Hagter, Eighth Michigan Cavalry; John 
Jones, Twenty-second Micliigan Infantry; Franklin Northrop, Eighth Michigan Cavalrv; Oliver 
Dmant, Second Michigan Infantry; Thomas W. Main, Twenty second Michigan Infantry; James 
Robertson, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry; Charles A. Hayward, Eighth -Michigan Cavalry; 
Martin Bringham. Eighth Michigan Cavalry; Samuel Fitzgerald, Third Michigan Infantry. 

The convention elected Gen. S. B. Brown, President; Col. John Atkinson, Vice President; 
Sergt. Patterson, Recording Secretary; Lieut. E. G. Spaulding, Corresponding Secretary, and 
Col. Henry Whiting, Treasurer. 

80L1)1KUS ,\ND SAILOR.S OF MACOMB AND .ST. CLAIR. 

This organization of veterans may be numbered among the great military associations of 
the United States. Its re-unions are characterized by a do^sire to do honor to the past, to keep 
the memory of fallen comrades green, to lay down precedents for the future. The society may 
be said to date its organization from August 31, 1871. when the members of the Twenty-second 
Michigan Infantry assembled at Romeo, and elected the following officers: President. Gen. 
William Sanborn, of Port Huron; First Vice President. Col. H. S. Dean, of Ann Arbor; 
Second Vice President, Prof. O. D. Thompson, of Lapeer; Socretarj', Lieut. E. G. Spauld- 
ing, of Port Huron; Treasurer, Capt. G. W. Robertson, of Mt. Clemens; Orator, Lieut. Irv- 
ing D. Hanscom, of Romeo. Capt. Edgar Weeks delivered the oration on that occasion. The 
re-unions of the Twenty-second and Fifth Michigan Infantry, and of the Eighth Michicran 
Cavalry, since that time have been held at vai'ious places in Macomb. St. Clair and Oakland 
Counties. The following poem, by William H. Clark, was read before the veterans assembled 
at Mt. Clemens. August 81, 1S81;" 



' Why meet wi- comrades, licrc to-daj'? 
Why i^Mlhcr friends; why this display? 
War's nide alarms are past aud j;oue. 
No more we Jiear tlie warlike drum. 
Or fife's shrill cry. 

' Why burnish up our memories here'? 
What joys or sorrows are so near. 
Th.at wake to life scenes of the past, 
Exciting sceue.s, dissolvini; fast 
In days of fear"? 

'Full twenty j-ears have passed away, 
The time seems short, aye. but a day. 
The martyred Lincoln called for men 
Our i^lorioiis Union to maintain. 
The Nation's stay. 

' A Union which our fathers wrought, 
A land for tis so dearl}- bought, 
In days when men wer<> sorely tried, 
Who pledged their all, and nobl}' died, 
Not all for nought. 

' Columbia's sons. O know je not 
That traitors would with hideous blot, 
Di.sgrace the Flag that i)at riots made, 
Strike out the stars tliereon displayed. 
In fearful fray? 



' O hear ye not those threat'niug tones, 
Now drawing nearer to youi' homes, 
Observe ye not the coming storm, 
Now bursting near with loud alarm? 
Then why delay? 

'Sons of !Maeomb, and broad .St. flair. 
O .see ye not that fearful glari'? 
AVhich lighteth up Fort Sumter's wall, 
The openhi.g strife on Southern soil, 
O do not stay. 

' Bni rally, sons of noble sires, 
Light tip your homes with patriot fires. 
Wave high the Starr_v Banner, high. 
And swear its fealty to stand by, 
Tho' death has sway. 

" Now Wayne. St. Clair and old Macomb, 
With Oakland. Saginaw and Livingston. 
And Shiawassee, ail arise. 
The fighting Fifth to organize, 
And mareh away. 

" In earl}' ilaj', down to the front, 
To meet the foe, the battle's brunt. 
Its record shining mid the storm. 
We weep to find four hundred gone. 
So bravo and true. 



398 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



"And the gallant Twenty-second, too, 
Bravely into the breach it flew. 
On many a hot and bloody ground, 
Noilly fighting, always found. 
A good name wins. 



' While raem'ry brings years that have fled. 
Forget not those now with the dead. 
Who bore with us the strife and heat; 
On silent camping grounds they sleep. 
With arms at rest. 



"And next, the hardy Eighth comes on. 
To breast the waves of secession. 
With sturdy ranks and hearts so true, 
John Morgan's troops to interview 
And gain the day. 

'And we surviving comrades now. 
With wrinkles gathering on each brow. 
In mutual toil, privations met, 
The crown of victory there is set. 
Without display. 



'■ It is with joy, comrades, this day 
That we here meet, in peaceful way, 
And in each face reflecting bright. 
Preserved, though scarred from war's sad blight, 
All hail this day. 

" A country saved, united land, 

A Union worth}- to comaiand 

True freedom in its broadest sense 
' Liberty and Union' its defense, 

Hail, glorious land." 



The meeting held at Mt Clemens in September, 1881, was, perhaps, the largest and most 
enthusiastic of all the happv re unions of Michigan troops Among the guests were Capt. W. 
F. Atkinson, Col. Wormer, Col. W. D. Wilkias. Col. Duffield, Col. Pulford, and others, of De- 
troit: Col. Dean, of Ann Arbor; Chaplain Jacokes, of Pontiac; George F. Lewis, and others 
from home and abroad. Several old battle flags stood upon the stage, among them the torn 
banner of the Old Fifth. Col. Farrar was President of the Day. Mayor Russell made an ad- 
dress of greeting in which he cordially welcomed the visitors. He considered that Mt. Clem- 
ens was honored by their presence; the homes and hospitalities of her people were at their dis- 
posal. The Mayor touched upon the pleasures of the re-union, principal among such being 
the renewing of old friendships formed amid the trials of war, the recital of the experiences of 
camp and field. Veterans of the Fifth could tight again Fair Oaks and the Wilderness, while 
the hearts of the Twenty second would warm once more as they told of Chattanooga. 

Capt. W. F. Atkinson delivered the following oration: 

" We are again together, not so many as of old, not so yoting as we were, but with the 
same true hearts, with the same love for our cotantry, and willing, if necessary, to risk our lives 
for its preservation. 

"As the good citizensofMt. Clemens kindly entertain ns, we will renew the friendships of 
the camp, and marcli, and battle field, turn back on memory's golden wings and call up faces 
long since among the missing, tramp again over the hard stone roads and hills of Kentucky, 
Tennessee and Virginia, and sing once more the good old songs that echoed so sweetly on the 
Southern air. 

" At times like this we can forget the bones that ached and the heels that were blistered, 
and remember the camps in beautiful groves and the mellow squeak of the Confederate shoat 
as a bayonet sacrificed him on the altar of liberty. The delicious odor of boiled hen and sweet- 
potatoes comes to me now as sweetly fragrant as the rose, while the flame from the top rai 1 ciu'ls 
graceftilly round the camp kettle, and soars upward to the cloitds where the spirits of departed 
foragers whiff it with joy. We will be boys again for a day and let the world take care of 
itself. 

" Michigan sent none but good regiments to the war, and none of them did her more honor 
than the ones you represent. 

" There is in the hearts of the people a great love for and pride in the Fighting Fifth. 
Its glorious record commenced early in the war, and on every battle-field of Virginia new laurals 
were won. One by one, sometimes hundreds at a time, brave men fell from its ranks, but al- 
ways with their faces to the foe. Its flag was ever seen in the thickest of the fight, and was 
never lowered. Many a brave man's blood was given for that flag, and it is to-day, torn and 
tattered though it be. one of the fairest jewels in Michigan's crown of glory. 

" 'Tattered, torn is the beautiful flag 

For which our brothers fought and fell; 
Tattered, it looks lik'j a very r.ag. 
That flag they loved so well. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COINI'Y. 391> 

" ' But wlifii ou rcsiiiTOClion iiioni 
(jtiilirii'l sounds the ri'veillc. 
In answer to the Aniiel's horn 
A irallant siyht you'll sec. 

" ' For onee again the Fiyhlini;- Filth 

Th(Mr glorious banner high shall lift 
.\nil plaee it wliere in Heavenly hall 
"I'uill wave the proudest of them all.' 

"I can see some of the boys smilo at the idea of Col. Farrar and Maj. Slathews becoming 
angels, but yon know Heaven's ramparts are to be stormed when taken, and the old reo-imeut 
will go at thera and over them as it did over the rebel breastworks at Cold Harbor, at North 
Anna, at the Wilderness and :it i'etersburg whi-re its flag was first to wave on the rebel works. 

''On a May day nin(>te('ii years .igo the ladies of ^It. Clemens presented to a (uivalrv refi- 
ment th(>n just organized, a silken Hag. On its fane shoi'ie a sttir for every State. It was the 
Hag of Washington, of Jackson, of human liberty — the stars and stri[)es; and as the eloipiont 
tongne of your honor(^cl citizen, Kobert P. Eldredge. told them to ttike and protect that banner 
for the sake of themselves, their homes, and the gen(>r<itions yet to be. every man of the gallant 
Eighth vowed to shield it with his life; and well they ke[)t that vow. The regiment was bap- 
tized in blood before it was out a week. It ciiptureil John Morgan. It swept over Kentnckv 
and Tennessee, carrying death in its ])ath to the rebel foe. The mountains of Georgia heard 
the clatter of its horses' hoofs. It was with Stoneman at the Chattahoochie, iind Macon, and it 
faced Longstreel day by day, when the I'uion army fell back on Knoxville. It was in thirtv- 
nine battles, and the soil of four Slates has been made holy by the blood of its men. What has 
become of its beautiftil Hag I do not know, but the ladies who gave it did not trust in vain. 
Men of the Eighth Calvary, you may well feel proud of your old regiment, and I did not wonder 
when I heard that your brave old comi-ade, Col. Wormor. claims that it is higher honor to be a 
member of the Eighth than to wear the stars of a Major General. 

"Of the Twenty-second Michigan, what can I say that will even faintly do justice to that 
splendid regiments Its men are dearer to my heart than those of any other, for I shared with 
them the many joys and sorrows of a soldiers life. I saw them as with proud steps and gal- 
hint bearing they tiled out of the fair ground at Pontiac. No body of men were ever better 
calculated for their work, and never in the trying scimes of the war did they falter in the line 
of dtity. I saw them day I)y day, on the march and in the camp, on the skirmish lino and in 
the battle, do honor to their country and their State. They helped drive the rebels from Ken- 
tucky. Th(>y marched with Uosecraus through Tennessee. They forced their way over the 
mountains of Northern Georgia and reached Chiekamauga to find the Union army on the re- 
treat badly beaten and demoralized. They were ordered to the front to stop the onward march 
of the victorious rebels while the rest of the army formed a new line. You all know thi> history 
(.f their terrible light. You have heard of the gallant charge they made, how. 

" ' Stormed at by shot and shell, 
Nobly they fought, and well.' 

How live times Long.street's victoriotis troops were hurled against them and five times 
(biven back. You htive heard how Col. Sanborn led the regiment in its brilii.'int charge, and 
you know that round that flag fought and fell that day some of Michigan's bravest men, and 
how at last, its ammunition gone, it was surrounded and the remnant of that heroic band taken 
prisoners. You have heard of their suft'erings in the prisons of the South, -and when you hr^ar 
of the Twenty-second you may all feel proud, for 

'■ 'Sons of Marorab and broad St. Clair 
And Oakland's rolling fields were there,' 

and as long as the Union lives their names will be remembered in honor." 

Upon the conclusion of the speaking the associations met at their headqtiarters and held 

btisiness meetings. 

The Fifth, of which there were 150 members present, elected ofiSeers as follows: Presi- 



400 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

dent, W. D. Wilkins; Frrst Vice President, E. H. Shook; Second Vice President, DeWitt 
"Walker; Third Vice President, D. Owen; Secretary, T. J. West; Treasurer. D. P. Kose; His- 
torian, H. K. Sweet 

The Twenty- second, 107 members present, elected the following officers; President, A. 
M. Keeler; First Vice President, S. C. Mead: Second Vice President, A. P. McDonnell; Sec- 
retary, A. E. Collins; Treasurer, J. J. Snook. 

The Eighth Cavalry, 90 members, elected: President, J. H. Riggs; First Vice President, 
G. S. Wormer; Second Vice President, A. E. Calkins; Third Vice President, H. C. Wells; 
Fom-th Vice President, W. L. Buck; Treasm-er, C. Crowely; Secretary, T. M. Birdsall; Histo- 
rian, J. M. Lamb; Orator, W. H. Clark; Corresponding Secretary, R. F. Allen. 

The Macomb and St. Clair Association, 200 members present, elected officers as follows: 
President, William H, Clark; First Vice President, Peter Churchill; Second Vice President, 
James Smith; Third Vice President, Porter Beebe; Fourth Vice President, William Jenney; 
Secretary and Treasurer, E. A. Jennings. Among the Presidents of the Macomb and St. Clair 
Association as organized in June, 1877, were Col. Sanborn, Major A. M. Keeler, Col. J. S. 
Farrar, and the present President— William H. Clark, Jr. The association was formed in 
1S77 by fifty-one soldiers of this district, to which number seventy-six have been added. 

THE soldiers' AND SAILORs' RE-UNION. 

The annual re-union of the Macomb and St. Clair Counties Soldiers' and Sailors' Associa- 
tion and Companies H and I, of the Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, was held at Ar-ma- 
da, August 25, 1882. A large delegation of citizens and ex-soldiers, headed by the Capac 
Band, with Prof. A. M. Keeler as Marshal of the Day, and P. B. Kade and Amos Finch as As- 
sistants, met the incoming morning trains, and upon the arrival of which a procession was 
formed and a line of march taken through the principal streets to the Baptist Chiu'ch, where a 
speech of welcome was made by H. H. Spencer, Esq., President of the village, and responded 
to by William H. Clark, Jr., President of the Macomb and St. Clair Counties Association. A 
prayer by Rev. H. N. Bissell was followed by an address by Capt. P. C. Goodell, of Detroit, 
who was followed by the Hon. Dexter Mussey, Rev. Mr. Young, of Romeo, and others. The ex- 
ercises at the chm'ch being concluded, the procession formed in the same order and marched to 
the hall of H. H. Spencer, where an excellent dinner had been prepared by the ladies of Ar- 
mada and vicinity, which was jjartakeu of with a hearty relish. 

After dinner, speeches were made by W. H. Clark, Jr., and others. The exercises were in- 
terspersed with music by the band, and the general verdict was that the re-union was a grand 
success. 

At the business meeting of the Macomb and St. Clair Association, the following business 
was transacted : Hon. Dexter Mussey, Capt. P. H. Goodell and Rev. N. N. Bissell were elected 
honorary members of the Association. 

Next came the election of officers, which resulted as follows : President, H. C. Mansfield, 
of Port Huron City; First Vice President, J. S. Farrar, of Mount Clemens; Second Vice Pres- 
ident, A M. Keeler, of Richmond; Third Vice President, Andrew Latenbooker, of Now Haven; 
Secretary and Treasurer, Moses F. Carleton, of Port Huron City. 

OUR country's defenders. 
A meeting was held June 25, ISSl, for the purpose of organizing an encampment of "Our 
Country's Defender.?." The following officers were elected: Commander, E.G. Spalding; 
Lieutenant Commander, E. B. Taylor; Adjutant, E. S. Post; Quartermaster, George K. Nairn; 
Surgeon, H. R. Mills; Chaplain, M. F. Carleton; Officer of the Day, N. C. White; Officer of the 
Guard, J. W. Burns; Outpost, Hiram Mann. 

THE guards. 
The Port Huron Guards had forty-five men in the parade and sham battle at Detroit, dur- 
ing the re-union of the Army of the Potomac, in June, 1882. The following was the prize 
drill roster: 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAII! COrXTV. 401 

Capt. S. H. Avcrv, First Lieut. T. J. Hiitdiinsou. Second Liout. George Phillips. First 
Sergt. N. C. Wliito. "Secoml Sorgt. AVilliam Stapleton, Third Sorgt. V. H. Tuttlo. Fourth 
Sergt. C. C. Richardson. Fifth Sergt. E. E. Flynn, First Corp. John Fitzpatriek, Third Corp. 
John W. Dempster, Fifth Corj.. H. Kauinoior. Si.xth Corp. (x. \V. Boynton, Seventh Corp. 
Charles Phillips. Privates — John Bums, C. C. Casler. L. Casler, William Chadwick. Edward 
Doery, Thomas Fish, Maurice Goodman, B. E. Hall, E. ]'! Hall, Samuel Husseii, Charles Howes, 
George F. King, (ieorge Kaamei(>r, William Kessel, Cvrns McCain, W. •). .Mulford. G. C. ^lei- 
sel. A. B, IMcCollom, Eohert McNicol, John McKen/j'e. E. S. Post, E, S. Petit, Edwin Toft, 
Frank J. White. The history of this command is given in the sketch of Port Huron City. 

I'll [I- siikkiuan's horse. 
This celebrated horse was sold by A. P Sexton for $1)0 to Russell Leonard, who sold him 
to his son W. Leonard. The latter broke the horse to harness and used him to haul wood to 
Port Huron, until he sold him to Mr. Inslee, IMr. Leonard lives in the town of Burtchville (at 
at that time Grant), on the Comsto3k road, about throe miles from Lake])ort. The horse 
was bought at Port Huron by E. J. luslee. for Col. Camiibell, for ^IT"). Froju the fact that the 
horse was sent to Col. Campbell, at Grand Rapids, where he first saw it, the General evidently 
snpposed tliat it was purchased at Grand Rapids. He was i)urchas(>d from a Mr. Leonard who 
now lives back of Lakeport. in the town of Burtchvill(\ in this county, aiul who ha<l obtained 
him from a Mr. Sexton, at that time living in Lakeport, but now in Ohio. Previous to selling 
him, Leonard had driven "John," as ho was then called b\- his owner, but little, yet he was re- 
garded as a horse of great promise, and known in the country near his owner's homo as the 
" Leonard colt." He was a horse that one would not forget after seeing him once. So marki>d 
was his appearance that A. McDonald, of Lakeport, who was a member of the Sixth Cavalry, 
and in the light when Sheridan oame "riding down the valley,'' tells us that as •'gallant 
Phil" dashed down the lines after his twenty miles' ride, though not knowing that (.'ol. Camp- 
bell had presented the horse to his chief, ho (McDonald) turned to his nearest comrade, a fel- 
low-townsman, with the remark: "That horse that Sheridan is riding, is the one that Archie 
Campbell tonk nut fr<ini I'ort Huron. It's the Leonard colt sure, though he has grown a lit- 
tle." 

COXCLUSIOX. 

In the foregoing pages, the writer has essayed to give a measure of justice to the soldiers 
of St. Clair. Of those who labored at home, something nuist also bo said. Immediately suc- 
ceeding the commencement of hostilities, the ladies of the county became thoroughly imbued 
with a souse of thai dut.- which they owed to their country; they formed societies of aid to the 
sick and wounded soldiers of the army, and so organized themselves as to be able to render 
most effective service. The citizi-ns whose days for Held service ended with the clo.se of the first 
half of the century, acted well their parts at home. Their co operation with the .State Mili- 
tary Board resulted in most im])ortant aid to the Republic. 

The history of the times is one which speaks of duty done. The troops of St. Clair, 
attached to the various regiments sent forward from Michigan, were soldiers in the full accep- 
tation of the term. When they are considered, with what pride may their fellow-citizens and 
relatives look back to the seventh decade of the nineteenth century, when such a number of 
gallant men went forth to otVer themselves upon the altars of patriotism — to preserve the Re- 
public. The most terrible fate threatened the truest federalization u[)on the earth. A visible 
enemy from within, aided by nnnumberod enemies of Liberty fn)m without, entered into a con- 
spiracy to destroy all that which the Revolution acrpiired for us. The soldiers who combated 
the powers of the conspirators, who beat down every obstacle which the wealth of the slave- 
holders and their aristocratic allies placed before them, must live for ever in the hearts of the 
])ooi)le. The soldiers of l!S()l-(55, have, next to those of Lexington and Yorktown, left names 
which can never die so long as memory lives; tbey left precedents, illustrious examples, which 
the present and the futui'e must always observe when the Republic is threatened. Let the 
people follow in their tracks, and transmit from generation to generation, a land of illimitaljfe 
possibilities, a patriotism incorruptible, a government at once strong and just, and a set of 
]^ublic principles honorable to the age. tluit so, happiness m;iy reign in every home within the 
Union, and teach the outside world the value of Freedom. 2<'i 



402 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



COURTS AND BAR OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



The beginning of the law history of St. Clair was made in the older county of Macomb. 
From 1818 to 1821, and even later, the districts of Huron and St. Clair were under the one 
local government, so that, before commencing the history of St. Clair courts and bar it is 
necessary to review briefly the law proceedings in which the two counties were interested pre- 
vious to January, 1822. 

The first session of the District Court was held in the house of Christian Clemens, at 
Mount Clemens, July 10, 1818. Chi-jstian Clemens, Chief Justice, with Daniel LeRoy and 
William Thompson, Associate Judges, presiding. 

The first case brought before this tribunal was the admission of Ezra Prescott to the bar 
of Macomb. Having produced his certificate as an attorney of the Supreme Judicial Court of 
New Hampshire, it was ordered that he should be admitted an attorney and counselor iit law 
of this county. John Stockton was Clerk of the Court. 

The next sitting of the court took place July 14, 1818. The grand jury made no present- 
ments and was discharged. The only civil suit brought before the Judges was that of Mitchell 
and Leo Trombley rersun Josei)h Dupree, an appeal from Justice LeRoy's Coiu't. Mr. LeRoy 
retired from the Iseuch when this case was presented; however, on account of not being ready 
for trial, the case was continued. 

The session of I8l9 began February 1, with the same Judges presiding. James Felton, 
the Sheriff, returned the names of twenty-fom- grand and twenty-four petit jurors. The fol- 
lowing are the names of the Grand Jurors who were present: Z. W. Bunce, Oliver Record, 
Andrew Westbrook, Baptiste Yax, William Brown, Josej)h Mina, John K. Smith. Elisha Har- 
rington, Edward Tucker, Jacob Tucker, John Connor, Isaac Russ, H. R. Underhill, Pierre 
Pheoix, Felix Pelhy, Baptiste Nicla. Hugh McKay, Julius Forton, Francis Labady, James 
Graham, John B. Beaubien, Gideon Olmstead. This jury retired under care of Constable J. B. 
Chapaton. The cases brought before the court were as follows: 

Michel Trombley, Supervisor of Hm-on Township, appealed from Justice Harrington' s court 
his complaint against John Tucker, which was ordered discontinued. His comjalaints versus 
Julius Forton, Louis Chovar, Charles Pelten, Edward Tucker, Francis Labady and Benjamin 
Trombley. The other cases were those of Andi-ew W^estbrook l\ William Austen, an appeal from 
Justice Smith's court, and the continued case of Trombley c. Dupree, which were continued. 

The session of the court in 1820 was merely marked by the gi'anting of a license to the 
Chief Justice of that court, as follows: 
M.\coMB County, ss. February Term. 1820. 

Christian Clemens, of said county, having made application to said conrt for a license to keep a tavern, 
and having satisfied said eourt that a tavern is necessary at his place of residence for the accommodation of 
travelers, that he is of good moral character aiid has sutticieut accommodation for such purpose, therefore 
.said court have granted liim this license. 

WlI.LI.\M TUO.MPSON, 

Daniel Lb Rot, 
J.4.MES Fuller. Assistant Justices of said County. 

Joseph Hays. 

The following references to the first session of the County Court, to the lawyers of the period, 
and to the old court house, were made by Mr. Weeks and Judge J. B. Eldredge. The 
first court for the trial of causes and the transaction of general business was held at Mt. 
Clemens, at the residence of Christian Clemens, Chief Justice, on the 10th day of July, 1818, 
and was presided over by the Chief Justice and his two associates, whom we have already named 
in the list of appointments made for this cotmty. At this session was admitted to practice Ezra 
Prescott, of New Hampsuire. whose appointment to the office of Prosecuting Attorney is also 
recorded in the list above jneutioned. 



HISTORY Oi'^ SI'. CLAIP COUNTY. 40:5 

The first suit uu'ntiouod iu tlio roeorils is that of rvfiteholl ami Lih) Tronihlov c. Joseph Dii- 
pree, which was an appeal from a -Justice's court, iuvolviiij;- about S:',."), ami which was continued 
to the next term. This closed the labors of the court for that term. .Jolm Stockton was chn-lc. 
The next term was held at the same place, commeneino- J'\il)ruary I. ISllJ. The tii'st indict- 
ment found by the f;-raud jury of this county was for assault and l)attory against -John Harsou. 
The hrst trial of a cause was at the second term, and was the case above mentioned of Tronil>l(>y 
and Trombley rn. Dupree, in which was rendered a verdict l)y a jury foi' ihe plaintifVs of S'JCi. ,">(). 
This verdict was rendered by (he iirst ))(>tit jury of wliich any record is j)resoi'V(\l, and tlieir 
names are as follows: Nathan Cog-o-swell, James Thorrinu-ton, \\'illiam .Smith, Harren Under- 
hill, Ezekiel Allen, L(!vi J31ount. James A. Clark, Kobert Stockton. John Tucker. Benjamin 
Trombly. John Ji. Vernier and Louis Chai)aton. The third term of the court was held at the 
same jilace, February 7, 1820. At this session considerable business was transacted; cloven 
indictments were found, two of wliich were against one Henry Gottrell, for '"contempt of 
law.'' This is an olfense unknown to the books, either of connuon or statutory law. thou<''h 
a wholesome "contempt of hiw " has always Ixh'U entertaini>d by the great mass of the [leople. 

While the cducati'd legal mintl turns back with a sensation of pride and satisfaction through 
the pages of history, in the contein])lation of the majestic system of our jurisprudence, and 
makes the grand assertion that •' law is the ])orfection of human reason." we find here a re- 
corded case of the pojiular opinion that " law is an injustice and a humbug." The record of 
the nest term of the c-ourt shows that a court house had been built, and thercMU (he court sat. 
This court house was built of logs and stood for some years on the site of th(> present court 
house. At this terna was admitted to ])ra('tice as an attorney. B. F. H. \^'itherell. who died 
recently in Detroit, then occupying the bench in that county as Circuit Judge. There was at 
the same time admitted one Spencer ("oleman, in 1821, who presented the corti(icati> of ILm. 
James Kent, Chief Justice of New York (author of Kent's Commentaries), that he (Coleiuan) 
was an attorney of that Slate. We cannot give the date, but the fact exists, that about (his 
period there was admitted to the l)ar of this circuit a lawyer whose name and fame have 
since become familiar to the world; we refer to Anson Burlingame. afterward minister to China. 
known to all the treaty powers of the world. Hon. C. I. AValker. one of the professors in i he 
iMiehigan University Law r)ei>artmeut, was admitted hero, as was also he lale Cornelius 
O'Flynn. who died reecMitly in Detroit. It was this court that ailmitted to citizenship .\le.\an- 
iler D. Frazer, the oldesl memljer of the Michigan bar. 

Among the early lawyers of the county, or rather those practicing in the countv courts, 
were Cornelius O'Flynn, .\lexander D. Frazer, R. V. Eldriilge, Ji. F. H. W'i theicll. O.D. Rich- 
ardson, William A. Fletcher, Charles \\ . A\Jiipple, Backus. Jacob il. Howard. Thomas 

Ashley, Ezra I'rescott, J.mies F. .Toy. 

The record of persons admitted as attorneys and counselors at Jaw shows the following 
names and dates: Ezra Proscott. July 1". 1818; Thomas Ashley. June. 1820; Spencer Cole- 
man, February, 1821; George McDougall, February 4, lS2:i: Jacob M. Howaj<i. July HI, J8:{8; 
Franklin Sawyer, Jr., July 1(), IS:!;i; James F. Joy, A])ril 12. 18;57: Dewitt C. Walker. April 
12, 1887; Royal P. Grouse, April 18, J8:57: Harlehigh Carter; Prescott B. Tluirstou. April 
l;5. 1837; Solomon Lathrop, April 12. JSlH; Edward P. Harris, October 12. 1837: H. D. 
Terry, A])ril 11. IS38; Peter S. I'almer, October 17, 183'J; John A. HiJJis, Octol)er JU. lS:i<); 
John J. Leonard, October J(), 1S3'.I; Abner C. Smith, Octol)er 1<). JS3'J; Amos Dolby. ap])ointed 
October 23, 183U; H. D. Terry, ;ip]>ointed December SJ, 183'J; Amos Dolbv. appointed April 8, 
1839; Richard Butler, appoint(>d October 8. 1839; R. P. Eldridge. appointed May 13, 1831»; 
James L. Conger. April lo. 18111; C. B. H. Fessenden. .\i)ril Id. J8K); .SvJvester Larne(J. 
April 4. 1845.'" 

.-T. CI-.MK roU.NTV ColKT. 

TJie first meeting of the County Court of St. Clair was held at St. Clair \'iJlage Jaiuiary 
28, 1822. with James Fulton. Chief Justice, and John K. Smith. Associate Justice. James B. 
WooJverton. SherifT; John Thorn. Clerk of St. Clair; Ira JIarks. Constable; and Renl)en Ham- 
iJton. Crier, were also present. The first Orand Jury impanelciJ was coiiposed of tJn^ following 
members: W'ilJiam Thorn. John Connor, Louis Choitier. J'jjijali JI. .Vllen. Harvey Stewait. 



404 HISTORr OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Samuel "Ward, Andi-ew H. Westbrook, James Bourclenan, Oliver Eicard, Jacques Leson, Peter 
Brandamour, Joliu Robertson. Nicholas Hoofmaster. Eben Brach, Thomas Cook, Francis Cbor- 
tier, David Cottrell and George Cottrell. The jurors who did not appear were Nathaniel Ful- 
ton, Lorin Blanchard, Philip Jarvis, Peter Bice, William Harson and Francis Harson. Janu- 
ary 29. 1822, the following names were retm-ned to court as Petit Jurors: William Brown, Da- 
vid Robertson, Isaac Davis, James Robertson. Moses Birdsall, Joseph Mini. Joseph Chortier. 
Hezekiah Adams, Ekim Russell. Michael Duchesne. M. Duchesne, Jr., and Thomas Robertson. 

The first question pre.sented to the court was the api:)lication of Andrew Westbrook for a 
tavern license. James Robertson and David Robertson were his bondsmen. The court granted 
the api^lication, provided the tavern be conducted at the Westbrook dwelling house. William 
Brown was granted a similar license on the same date. Licenses were also granted to Moses 
Birdsall, Zephaniah W. Bunce and James Robertson, on the same date, to conduct taverns. At 
the session of the court, January 30, licenses to keep tavern were granted to Oliver Record, 
James Fulton. 

James Fultoa was licensed to maintain a ferry across Pine River. January 30, 1822, James 
B. Woolverton was granted a like permission to keep a ferry on Belle River. The rates ordered 
by the court were: Each person, i)\ cents; man and hoi-se. 9 cents; horse and carriage, 1 
shilling; every separate or additional beast. 3 cents. Jean B. Desnoyer was granted a license 
to maintain a ferry across the mouth of Black River, July 6, 1824. Louis Chortier was 
licensed to run a ferry across Belle River February 1, 1825. 

On January 30, 1822, Isaac Davis and Lewis McKniff, and also John Harrow, were allowed 
to stand out on bail, to answer charges against them before the July session of the court. 

The July term of County Court began the first Monday in July, 1822, with Zephaniah W. 
Bunce, Chief Justice; Samuel Ward and Thomas Oakes, Associate Justices. The cases of the 
United States vs. John Harrow, and the same against James Cartwright were continued to next 
session. Reuben Hamilton was appointed LTuder Sheriff July 1, 1822 

The session of January, 1823, was convened with the same Ju.stices presiding as in July. 
1822. Henry Cottrell appeared as Sheriff; SethTaft, Constable; Reuben Hamilton, sub-Sheriff: 
George A. O'Keefe, Prosecuting Attorney. The licenses granted in 1822 were renewed, and 
new licenses ganted to Reuben Hamilton and Charles Chortier, to keep taverns. The trial of 
James Cai'twright, Sr., resulted in a verdict of not guilty, Januaiy 29, 1823. The case agaiast 
John Harrow was dismissed, and a iioUe prosequi was entered in the case of the United States 
vs. John Cartwright, Jr. 

The first civil cases before the court July 8, 1823, were those of J. B. Chamberlain vs. 
Eufus Thrall, and Andrew Westbrook vs. Seth Taft. H. Sanders. William Brawer. Attorney 
Whitney appeared for Chamberlaiii, and Larura for Westbrook. In the case of the United States 
vs. Andrew ^^'estbrook, the indictment was quashed. Mr. Witherell appeared as Prosecuting 
Attorney. 

The session of 1824 opened with Z. W. Bunce, Chief Justice; Samuel Ward and David 
Oakes. Associate Justices. Charles Larned appeared as an attorney. 

The January session of 1825 was opened by Justices Samuel Ward and David Oakes. B. 
F. H. Witherell and Henry Chipman, lawyers, were present. A number of tavern licenses 
were renewed, and new ones granted. John Thorn was Clerk, and Henry Cottrell Sheriff. 

The session of 1820 began February 1, with Judges Bunce, Ward and Oakes presiding. 
George A. O'Keefe and William Robertson, were the attorneys in attendance. 

The court met January 29, 1827, with the same Justices, Sheriff and Clerk as in former 
years; B. F. H. Witherell. Prosecuting Attorney; Samuel Larned and William Terry, attorneys, 
present. The causes of Thomas Palmer vs. Richard Sansbury: William Austin vs. Z. W. 
Bunce; the United States vs. Lambert Beaubien and Louis Chortier; John E. Lasher vs. Will- 
iam Gallagher; the United States vs. Sewell Keyes; Joel Eastman vs. John Martin; John Mar- 
tin vs. Jacob Ciuy, were brought before the court. 

This was 1 he last session of the County Court of St. Clair. On October 10, 1827, the 
business depending l)efore the court, with the record books and papers, were transferred according 
t1i° legislative net of 1827. to tho offir'p of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the first session of 
■which began Octol-ii>i- K;. 1827. 



iii>r()i;v OF ST. cLAiii cor.vi'V. 405 

The Circuit Court of St. Clair Coucty bold its tir.st sessiijii Octobw Ki. 1827, at tlie court 
house iu the villaf,'e of St. Clair, with Solomon Sil)lcy. Cii-cuit Jiuli^e. one of the Juilfros of the 
Supreme Com-t of Michigan Territory. Henry Cottrell was SheritV. Tli(> first (irand •Jiuy called 
was composed as follows : Joseph Jlini, (Teorifo Harrow, Ira ^larks. Jonathan Austin, Asel 
Aliel, John S. Fish. Antoine Chortier, John Thorn, Jean Bte. Ti'tit, Clark "Warden. Levi Jiar- 
ber, Daniel Foggason, Isaac Davis. GtHirge Palmer, Charles I'liillijis, David Cottrell and David 
Robertson. Lambert Beaubien, Charles Chortier. George .Jasperson, Joseph Bnckley. Seth 
Taft, Eber Ward and William Austin, Sr., were not present, although summoned. Judge 
Sibley fined each S5, and they began to realize that the Circuit Court was qnito a difil'ereut 
institution from that to which they had been accustomed for the pi'evious six y(iars. 

The second day of the term (October 17. 1S27.) James Fulton was ajipointed Deputy Clerk 
of the Circut Court. George A. 0"Keefe and B. F. H, W'itherell, I'msecutiug Attorney, were 
the attorneys present. The cases brought before Judg(< Sibley wei'e those of Palmer vs. Sans- 
berry; Jose|ih Campeau vs. .Vnselme Petit: Knajip vs. J'^dward Hopkins; the United States 
vs. James Cartwi-ight; same vs. Morris ^Ic(iarry: same vs. (iilliert Elliott: Campeau vs. J. B. 
Yax and Harman Chamberlain vs. Henry Ct)ttrell. The first session of the Circuit Court of St. 
Clair County closed October 1!S, 1827. 

April session of 1828 was advertised to open xV.[)ril21. 182S: but neither the Judge nor 
Circuit Court Clerk being present. Deputy Clerk James Fulton adjom-ned the court. On the 
22(1 this action was re])eated; however, on the 23d, Hon. Henry Chi])man, Judge of the Terri- 
torial Supreme Court, arrived, and Henry Cottrell, the Sheriff, announced the fact of the coiu-fc 
being in session. The attorneys pn^sent were A. D. Frazer, B. F. H. Witheroll. The latter 
was ordered to be paid >?2r) for his services as Prosecuting Attorney dui'iug the session. 

A motion for a new trial in the case of the United States vs. Elliott was made by Alexau- 
(li'r D. Fraser, on the grounds that there was no evidence before the jury who tried the ease 
the previous day (April 24, 1828); that the assault and battery, charged in the indictment, as 
being committed on Morgan, was so conmiitted within the County of St. Clair. Second, that 
the Judge did not charge the jury, as was ])rayod for by defendant's counsel, that the .itt'euse 
should be proved, on trial, to have been conunitted in this county, in order to justify the jury 
in the conviction of the defendant, and third, that there were only two witnesses on the trial of 
the ease; that they contradicted one another and that there was no credible testimony produced. 
A new trial was granted. In the case of the assault on Andrew Westbrook by the eccentric 
George McDongidl, a plea of not guilty was entered, and the trial continued. John Knapj) 
was sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment in the county jail, and to pay the costs of the 
prosecution. 

The October session of 182S was presided over by Judges William Woodbridge and Henry 
Chipman, both of the Territorial Supreme Court. B. F. H. W'itherell. District Attorney, was 
not present, but the court appointed C. W. Ewing Prosecuting Attorney ft)r the term. On the 
rciiircs being returned, it was found that the persons summoned were not legal gi'and jurors, 
on account of an impropriety iu the sununons, and so they were discharged. The (^;i8es before 
the court were: United States v. Chortier. same v. L. Beaubien, same v. Gilbert Elliott, same 
v. Ge^)rge ^FcDougall. same v. John Scpiires. same v. L. .\ustin, Palmer v. Sansburry, Cham- 
berlain V. Cottrell. Josepli Campau v. Auselme i'etit. Thomas S. Knapj) v. Edward Hdjjkins 
and ^lartin Peekins. A. W"estl>rook v. Henry Saunders, H. Saundere v. A. Westbrook, Ed Hop- 
kins v, L. Facer (Hopkins died before meeting of court). James B. Woolverton v. H. Saunders. 
Hiram Maun v. Horace Jerome, H. Chamberlain v. H. Jerome. II. McDonald v. Friend Palmer 
and Thomas Palmer. K. McDoiudd v. Ansel Frost; all cases coutinueil. There were a few 
other cases disposed of before the close of the se.ssion, October 21, 1S2S. 

The October session of 182!) was characterized by its desire to dispose of all the old cases 
continued from session t<i session for the previous seven years. The Presiding Judges were 
Solomon Sibley and Henry Chi]imau. 

The term of 188(1 began Octobcn- IU, ISljt), with William Woodbridge and Solomon Sibley. 
.Judges. A number of assault and battery cases, including the Gilbert Elliott case, were dis- 
posed of. 



406 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIi; COUNT V. 

The record of the session of 1831 is limited. In October, 1832. the first female plaintitf 
came into court before Judges Eoss Wilkins and Solomon Sibley. Her cause was entered pre 
maturely, as there was no intention on the part of the defendant to break his promise to marry. 
When the case was called, the conciliating fact was announced, that the action was abated by 
the marriage of the plaintiff. The entire proceedings in this case were as summary as they 
were rapid. 

A petition was presented to the Judges of the County Court November 11, 1830, asking 
that Hosea Powers be appointed Surveyor of St. Clair County. The document was signed by E. 
Beardsley, Jeremiah Herrington, John Kennedy. Z. W. Bunce, D, B. Herrington, Keiiben Dodge, 
John B. Desnoyers. P. W. Whiting, Louis Facer. H. Chamberlin, Ira Porter, Horatio James, 
William Cox, Samuel Baker. Thomas C. Fay, Daniel Stewart, Samuel F. Hopkins, James 
Byrne, Robert Hogge, Israel Carletou, Edmund Carleton, Samuel Carleton, Z. Burnham, Peter 
Carleton. Benjamin Bissell, Charles Phillips, James Fulton and Isaac Pulsifer. The prayer of 
the petitioners was granted by John K. Smith, C. J., and Louis T. Brakeman, Associate Justice, 
November 20. 1S30, and Hosea Powers became Surveyor of St. Clair. 

The first record of admission to the bar of St. Clair County is given under date October 
IS. 1832, when George A. O'Keefe moved the admission of Hosea Powers. Judges Boss Wil- 
kins and Sibley apjiointedB. F. H. Witherell, A. D. Eraser and Daniel Goodwin a committee to 
examine Powers, which examination being reported, he was admitted an attorney and counselor 
at law, October 19, 1832. The heaviest sentence delivered by the coiu-t since its establishment 
in St. Clair County, was that against Jacob Spurbank October 19, 1832, who was condemned to 
ihrce. years hard labor in the county jail, and costs of prosecution. 

The lawyers practicing in the St Clair County Circuit Courts from 1827 to 1832, were 
O'Keefe, Frazer, Witherell. Goodwin, Whipple and Powers. The Judges were Sibley, Chip- 
man, Woodbridge and Wilkins. Bunce, Fulton. J. K. Smith, Ward and Oakes were the old 
County Judges. 

ROLL OF ATTORNEYS. 

In the foregoing pages, mention is made of the lawyers admitted to the bar of St. Clair 
County previous to 1833. Here the names of those admitted since 1843 are recorded. 

Bethuel C. Farrand, born at Aurelius. Cayuga Co., N. Y., aged twenty-three years at date 
of admission to bar in 1843. 

Edward W. Harris, born at Bradford, Orange Co., N. Y., admitted to bar in 1854, at the 
age of twentv- three \'ears. 

Nahum E. Thomas, born at Perry. Wyoming Co., N. Y., was admitted to bar in Ohio in 
1868, and in Michigan in 1870. 

DeWitt C. Walker, admitted to bar at Mt. Clemens, Mich., in 1839, at the age of twenty- 
three years. 

William T. Mitchell, elected Circuit Judge. 

True P. Tucker. 

John J. Falkenburg, admitted to St. Clair bar in May, lS4n. 

Joseph T. Copeland. Justice of Supreme Court 1852-57. 

William Grace, admitted to bar of St. Clair in March, 1847. 

Volney A. Kipley, admitted to bar in March. 1849. 

John Devine, Lexington, admitted an attorney in September, 1849. 

Omar D. Conger, Lexington, admitted member of St. Clair bar in March, 1852. 

William L. Bancroft, admitted in March, 1852. 

Smith FalkenbiTry, St. Clair, was admitted in 1852. 

Marcus H. ifiles, St. Clair, was admitted in 1852. 

Cyrus Miles, Port Huron, was admitted in September. 1852. 

Augustus Van Buren, St, Clair, was admitted in 1853. 

H. P. Vi'oman, Port Huron, admitted an attorney before Supreme Court in February, 1853, 

Samuel D, Sibbitt, St. Clair, admitted in April. 1854. 

John S. Crellin, Port Huron, admitted in June, 1855. . 

Anson E. Chadwick, Port Huron, was admitted an attorney in June, 1855. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIi; CUl XTY. 407 

Martin Ferris, St. Clair, admitted June, 1S55. 

Joseph F. Merrill, St. Clair, admitted Atijjast, IS'ifi. 

Lester Cross, St. Clair, admitted An<;ust. lS5f). 

Harvey McAlpin, Port Huron, admitted Xovembor, 1850. 

Geoi-ge \V. A\'ilson, St. Clair, admitted Xoveinher, ISy*) 

Samuel Jamieson, was admitted an attorney at law in j\[ay, 1858. 

Tubal C. Owen. St. Clair, admitted in November, 1858. 

O'Brien J. Atkinson, Port Huron, admitted I^efore Wayne Conuty Criminal Court in June 
1801. 

Hazz;ard P. Wands. St. Clair, .idmittod Novomlier, 1858. 

John Atkinson, Port Huron and Detroit, admitted before Supreme Court in 18(53 trraduated 
from Law Department Michitran I'niversity in 18('i2. 

Charles F. Harrini^ton, I'ort Huron, was admitted at Detroit in 18(5:3. 

H. G. Bobbins, was admitted in September. 18li4. 

Henry Hart. St. Clair, admitted in A])ril. 18()5. 

I. Ward Hill. St. Clair, was admitted at Detroit in April. 18()5. 

Thompson J. Hudson, Port Huron, admitted November, 1865. 

Albert J. Chapman. St. Clair, admitted Se]itember, 1807. 

Herman W. Stevens. Port Huron, admitted May. 1808. Elected Circuit Jud^e 

Edwin T. Solis, St. Clair, admitted September," 1808. ° ' 

Jaboz B. Waldron, St. Clair. admitt(>d April. 18<Jl>. 

Valentine A. Sajih. Marine City, admitted April, 1809. 

AVilliam F. Atkinson, Port Hui-on, admitted in May, 1871. 

Frank Whipple. Port Huron, in .May. 1871. 

James L Parsons, in May, 1S71. 

Ale.xander E. Avery, Grant, admittcnl December, 1871. 

Frank P. O'Dea. admitted in May, 1871. 

George A. Waterbury, admitted in March, 1872. 

Thomas H. AVallace.' Port Huron, admitted in May. 1872. 

John Donnelly, Detroit, admitted in May, 1872. 

James J. Barry, admitted in October, 1872. 

Del. C. Huntoon, born at Marine City, was admitted in June, 1874. 

James J. Atkinson, Port Hur(jn, was admitted in September, 1874. 

James L. Coe. was admitted in September, 1874. 

Elliott G. Stevenson. Port Huron, admitted Sej)tember, 1874. 

Peter N. Packard, admitted 1875. 

Charles F. Baird, St. Clair City, was admitted in Ajtrii, 1875. 

Joseph A\'. Avery. Grant, was admitted in May, 1870. 

^\'illiam D. Wai'ght, Port Huron, admitted in May. 1870. 

Michiiel Stapleton, admitted at Mt. Clemens, in January, 1873, deceased. 

William Potter. 

Charles K. Dodge, Port Huron, admitted at Hoiighton. September, 1875 

Charles R. Brown. 

George P. Voorheis, Port Huron, admitted at Lansing in April. 1874. 

Albert McCall, Columbus, was admitted in !March. 1870). 

^\'illiam M. Cline, admitted at Sanilac in 1875. 

L. G. Sperry. Mem]>his. 

Milo E. JIarsh. Port Huron, admitted at Ann Arbor. May 1. 1872. 

Byron Burch. born at Xilestown. Ont.. was admitted an attorney in September, 1870. 

M'illiam H. Carleton. born in China Township, was admitted an attorney in 1876. 

Chiu-les Pierce Gilchrist born at Marine City, was admitt«il before Washtenaw Circuit 
Coiu-t March 2(5. 1877. 

Frank J. Devlin, born at St. Catherines. Ont., was admitted an attorney June 7, 1877. 

Lewis D. Wilson, born at Massillou. Ohio, was admitted an attorney July 7, 1877. 



408 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

William J. Miller, born at Paris, Stark Co., Ohio, was admitted to the St. Clair County 
bar April 6. 1878. 

Albert A. Carleton, born at Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., was admitted an attorney Oc- 
tober 21. 1878. 

Moses F. Carleton, born at North Haverhill, Grafton Co., N. H. , was admitted to bar De- 
cember 21, 1878. 

Samuel W. Vance, born at Williamsburg. Durham Co., Out., was admitted March 25, 1878. 

Michael H. Mngan, born in Denham Townshij), Oxford Co., Ont. , was admitted to bar 
March 15, 1879. 

John B. Mcllvaine, born in Metcalf Township, M. Sex Co., Out., was admitted to St. 
Clair County bar. March 15, 1879. 

P. H. Phillips, of the firm of Atkinson, Stephenson & Phillips, was admitted in 1879. 

P. A. Hurd, a native of Vermont, was admitted March 29, 1879. 

William L. Jenks, born in St. Clair County, was admitted to bar October 1. 1879. 

C. P. Conger, born at Poi't Huron, was admitted an attorney at law. at Washington, June 
30, 1879. 

Hiram Kimball, a native of West Eandolj^h, Vt. , was admitted June 26, 1880. 

John M. Kane, born at Marine City, was admitted to bar December 24, 1880. 

Thomas Wellman, a native of Port Hm'ou, was admitted December 24, 1880. 

Jen-y W. Jenks, born at Port Hm-on, was admitted March 19, 1881. 

Arthur L. Sleeper, a native of Pontiac. was admitted February 13, 1882. 

R. Haruden, born in New York State, was admitted July 14. 1879. 

Oliver A. Ivers, born in St. Clair Township, was admitted October 2, 1880. 

TRIAL OF ABBOTT FOR THE MURDER OF YOUNG. 

A special sitting of the court was held at St. Clair, July 27, 1829, in conformity with an 
order of the Judges of the Supreme Court, dated July 13, 1829, gi-anted on application of B. 
F. H. Witherell, District Attorney, to iuqiiire into a murder said to have been perpetrated by 
two soldiers of the United States Army, then confined in the county jail. The Judges presid- 
ing were William Woodbridge and Solomon Sibley. The jury sworn comprised L. J. Brake- 
man, Jacob Peer, Jerry Marks, William Brown. George Palmer, Daniel Stewart, O. Record, 
James Robertson, D. Robertson, George Cottrell. Thomas Dait, Jacob Harson, Joseph Mini, 
Ant. Chortier, D. Cottrell. The witnesses summoned were E. P. Gardner, Harvey Henderson, 
Willifmi Hendi-icks, Silas Johnson, Allan Bills. Hugh McElroy. John Carlin, Hiram Owens, 
Ed Fletcher, John Clark. Jonathan Burtch, James Harrison, Andrew Lawrence, T. S. Starr and 
James Garrison in behalf of the United States. Dr. Zina Pitcher was summoned as witness in 
behalf of Thomas Abbott, one of the prisoners. 

On July 28, George A. O'Keefe was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in this case, vice the 
absent Witherell. The indictment against Thomas Abbott, charging him with killing William 
Young, of Fort Gratiot, was read on July 29, to which Abbott pleaded not guilty. A motion 
by O'Keefe to continue the cause was set aside, and a petit jmy sworn to try the case. The 
members of this jiuy were John Miller, Asel Abel, James H. Cook, Isaac Pulsifer, John Doran, 
James Hall, Samuel Ward, I. A. Pomeroy, John Yale, David Oakes, Ph. Wright and Charles 
Chortier. The prisoner challenged Clai-k Warden and John Thorn, who were set aside. The 
witnesses for the prosecution were then sworn, the jury placed in charge of Constables, and the 
court adjourned until the 3()th. The jmy heard the evidence and ai'guments on the 30th, and 
retiring in charge of Reuben Hamilton, found a verdict of not yiiilty, when Abbott was dis- 
charged. 

TRIAL OF COLLINS FOR THE MURDER OF WlHlTIIY. 

The prisoner, William Collins, was then jilaced on trial for the mui'der of John Worthy, a 
soldier of the garrison of Fort Gratiot. He pleaded not guilty. The jurors were Jean Bte. 
Desnoyer, Isaac Pulsifer, John Miller, Frank Duchesne, D. Oakes, John Thorn, Joseph Buck- 
ley, Ph. Wright, Samuel Ward, Charles Chortier, John Doran and John Yale. Clark Warden 
and Reuben Dodge were challenged by the prisoner, and set aside. The witnesses for the Unit- 



IIISI'OIIY OF ST. ('r>Ali; CorXTV. 4U9 

ed states were Earl P. tianlner, William Herulricks, Hiii>h McKlroy, Allan Bills, H. Owcmis. 

John Norraau, Purdy, Sergt. John Clark and David (^aiiiphcll. The jury having; heard 

the evidence, retired in charge of Ueubeii Hamilton. On Friday, July iil, IS2U, the jury re 
turned the following verdict: " We lind the prisoner at the bar. William Collins, nol (/"(/'// of 
murder in the manner and form as charged in the indictment, but we do find him (/nilh/ of 
■maiiHlaiuihtcry Collins was sentenced to eighteen mouths imprisoiimcnit in Si. Clair County 
Jail, and to pay the costs of the prosecution. 

.irUOES OF TllK CUUJl IT. 

Among the Territorial Judges who presided over the courts of this circuit wore Wtiod- 
wanl. Sibley, Woodbridge. Chipraan, Wilkins. In later days. Judges Morell, (Ireen, Dewey, 
Mitchell and Harris ])resided, the eli>ction of whom i.s ref(>rrod to in the [lolitical history. 

Sanfonl ^I. Green, formerly Judge of the St. Clair County ('ircuit Court, was born at 
Grafton, ll'-nsselaer Co., N. Y., May 30. 1807. In 1SI!7, he c;ime to Aficliigan, and located 
lands -whore is now the village of Owosso. On the resignation of Judge Hansom iu 1S4S, and 
the transfer of Judge Whijtple, iNIr. (h'een was a])pointed Circuit Judge of the l<'ourth Circuit. 
He resigned this position in 18(57. In June, 1S72, he was a])pointed Judge of the Eightocmth 
Ciroiit. to fill vacancy. In IStiO, he published a hand book on the practice of the Circuit 
Courts, and took an active part in the revision of the statutes of Michigan. He also ])ub- 
lishi'd a work on the highway laws of Michigan, 

Edward W. Harris, born ]\tay 1, ISIJl. at Kradford. Oratvg(< Co.. Vt. In lS:i7, he (^ame to 
Michigan with his parents, who settled at Rochester, ( )akland County. T)i due time. h(( attended 
the academy for several years. In JSr)4, he gniduated at the State and National Eaw School at 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and in December of that year located at Port Huron. In 1855. he formed 
a partnership with O. D. Conger. In bSG'i, he was apjiointed Judge of Probate of St. Clair 
County, in place of Alaj. Scarrett, resigned. In 186(3, he was elected prosecuting attorney. 
In 1S68, he was elected Judge of Probate, serving until 1872. In 1873, he was appointed 
Jxidge of the Sixteenth Circuit, in ])lace of Judge Mitchell, re.^igned, and iu 1875 was elected 
to the same place without opposition. 

A meeting of the bar of St. t!lair County was held Decemlier 31, 1881, to take action in 
the matter of the retirement of Circuit Judge E. W. Harris, and the welcome to the incoming 
Judge, H. \V. Stevens. Judge Mitchell presided. The lawyers O'Brien J. Atkinson, B. C. 
Farrand and George P. Voorheis were appointed a Committee on Resolutions. Messrs. Atkin- 
son, Chadwick, A. R. Avery, F. \\'hi])ple and Judge Mitchell delivered addresses. 

ri:.minis(;i;ncivs of tiif h.\r. 

From the days of Counselors 0'K<'efo,0'Flynn and Wetherell to the |)resent. the members 
of the legal circle of St. Clair have enjoyed a very fair fame, not only for al>ility, Init also for 
the amount of men'iment — concentrated fun — which has been at their disposal and liable to 
break forth at any moment and under any circumstance. TIk^ earn(>st drollery of the O'Keefe 
was balanced — held in check as it were— by the light-souled Wetherell and other young circuit 
lawyers of that day. Many of the doings of those pioneer lawyers have been referred to in 
the history of pioneer times: hav(> even found mention in church history. Here it will be 
only necessary to review some of th<> sayings and doings of a few of these lawyers who were 
at the head of the St. Clair bar, whih; yet the legal circle of the county was unencmnbered by 
the number of members from within, or the number of clients from without This in its(df is 
a matter of such interest that the work of writing or compiling such a sketch was undertaken 
and accomjilished by a well-known lawyer of Detroit, who, in earlier years, wa« a member of 
the St. Clair County liar, and fn)m his paper the following is e.\tracted: "The I'esignatiou of 
Judge Mitchell of Port Huron and his return to his practice recalls many incidents in the his- 
tory of the Bar of St. Clair County. We lir.st became ac([nainted with that bar in 1S57. At 
that time it was at its zenith, and Judge Mitchell was at its head. Others were more brill ant 
and far more happy in thc>ir manner, but none had his power and hidden resources. 

"He was then, as he has continued to be since, a man of peculiar habits. Those who knew 



410 lIISTOliY OF tsT. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Tiim little supposed him to ]ack industry and resecarch. But they were mistaken. If he loitered 
while others worked, he worked while others slept; and few men brought to the trial of a 
case moi'e actual work. As a speaker he lacked eloipience, but pressed his points forward in 
such an awkward way that it was very hard to turn them. He was in body as in mind. We 
recollect his coming into the gymnasium when a certain piominent hotel keeper, who prided 
himself on his knowledge of boxing, had the gloves on and was trying to get some one to act 
as victim to his scientilic pummeling. 'Come and put on the gloves, Mitchell,' said he. The 
invitation was accepted, and the consequence was that an awkward blow from some direction 
unknown to the ring knocked Mr. Hotel Keejwr down. He got up, and like Lincoln in his 
wrestling match when thrown, manfully declined to continue the struggle 'with any siich awk- 
ward devil as that.' Just so in his cases. The blow came from strange qi\arters and at 
strange times, but it fell with a giant's power, and usually crushed his antagonist. And yet it 
must not be understood that Judge Mitchell is either awkward in mind or body. Indeed, there 
are few liuer looking gentlemen. And could he get rid of something like sensitive bashful- 
ness, few could appear so well. 

" His partner at the time we speak of was Harvey McAlpin, who died some years later by "iiis 
own hand. Poor Harvey! The years that have passed since his untimely death have only added 
to the deep regrets it caused. He was a finished scholar, and an elegant and eloquent speaker, 
a brilliant conversationalist, a rare wit and an honest man. He had been but three years at 
the bar when he came to Port Huron in IS-jB and stepped into the front ranks, where he more 
than held his own. He was attacked pretty sharply at first, but severely let alone after the first 
encounter. It was understood to be dangerous business to play with him. True P. Tucker 
was still in practice, though dissipation had deprived him of the great abilities he once pos- 
sessed. His greatness rested in tradition, and only gave flickering evidences of its existence. 
Gen. Cass once pronounced him the most promising young man m Michigan, and we doubt 
not the estimate was just. But whisky intervened and did its work. He was a wreck. He 
had an eye that looked a man down and a tongue that cut like Damascus steel. We recollect 
his argument in a case where he had sued his old friend, Jedediah Spalding, now also with the 
dead, for services in taking testimony before a referee. He charged him S5 per day. Three 
young lawyers were sworn as to the value of his services. Mr. H — put them at $3 per pay, and 
Mr. V — at $2.50. 'Your Honor,' said he, to "Squire Minnie, ' Mr. H — swears his services are 
worth three dollars. Does that prove that a iiuni is not worth five dollars? Mr. V — says he would 
serve his client for §2.50 per day. So he might and his client would be a 'cheated man at that.' 
"John S. Crellen, though advanced in life, was just beginning practice. He was a brill- 
iant orator, and an excellent lawyer. As an extempore speaker he had no equal then in that 
county and he has had none since. He could speak with force and interest upon any subject, 
and with little preparation. He too has crossed the river of mystery and solved the problem 
of the future. 

"But the oddest chicken in the coop, if we may so sjieak, was the jjresent member of Con- 
gress, the Hon. O. D. Conger. There was an idea current that in his youth he was a student, 
but it was so far back that the oldest inhabitant could not swear to it. He could give you 
more ciirious information than any one else, but where he got it was the mystery. He could 
tell the names and habits of all the birds in Michigan —could even tell you how to stuff their 
skins and preserve their beauty; was acquainted with the difl'erent kinds of timber and knew 
where they could be found, and a thousand other things which no one else ever learned. At 
the bar he trusted entirely to Providence. He never examined his cases — he would say the law 
ought to be so and so — but didn't jiretend to tell how the courts had held it to be. His .sound 
common sense, and a thorough knowledge and apjireciation of the great foundation principles 
of the law usually kept him on the right track. Judge Mitchell cultivated the court; Judge 
C'onger generally despised it, and looked hopefully to the twelve jieers of the realm who were 
to decide the facts. The result was that judges usually treated him illy, and jurymen gave their 
verdict in his favor. As a jury lawyer —especially in his own county — he had elements of 
strength possessed by no other man in the State. He reads upon the faces of a jury the thoughts 
which are passing in their minds, and has a hapjiy way of presenting his argument in a man- 



his'loiiY OF ST. CI. All; corxrv. 411 

UM- tJuit will meet the pocuiiaritios of o<a';.li. D.>a(\)a B:iriiar>i of Detroit, was onoe proseeiitod 
for obstructing Mill Creek. He was defended by C. I. "Walker, Daniel Ooodwiii aud A\'illia;n 
T. Mitchell, all since judges. ('.oug(H- was determined to convict him. One juryman sat stol- 
idly under his argument. He couldn't move him. The court adjourn(^d for dinner. He in- 
quired who aud what ho was, aud learned that he used to ran logs i;i)on some stream in Maine: 
that after being absent for some weeks, as the drive approached a certain turn in the stream, 
the i-aftsmen used to soo their wives and children, waiting upon a distant eminence to catch the 
the tirst glimpse of them, and fh(>n, hurrying over the rapids, sion lind themselves at home. 
After dinner. Conger describ.Hl the scene — described the an.xious iraiiatience with which the 
father and husband hurried on over the shoals and rocks, and the joy with which he was 
greeted. A tear stood in the corner of the eye of the obstinate man, which the advocate alone 
iiuderstood. Then in tierce invective he described such a man as D(>!U'on B.iraard obstructing 
the stream, delaying the drive for days and weeks, standing, as it were, between the outstretched 
arms of the husband and his wife and preventing their embrace. There was a verdict of 
guilty that evening, whicli we b(>lieve the court set aside as being against the law and the evi- 
dence. He is great in repartee. Judge Mitchell was examining a witness one day and Conger 
wanted some questions repeated, whiiih he said he didn't liear. 'I can't furnish you ears,' said 
Mitchell. "Oh, is that so,' said Conger. ' I should think you could without injuring your 
family.' They were trying a rei)levin suit, brought by one Merchant against one Anger, for a 
calf. The testimony of live witnesses on each side showed that each faniilv had a pet calf, 
marked exactly the same, and about the same age. One was Ruby aud the other Rosa, and 
each was taught to shake its head when the children called it by name. It was proved that this 
calf shook its head when the young Merchants called it Euby. I'his was in Judge Mitchell's 
favor, and he dwelt upon it as settling the controversy. Conger replied, 'It is true the calf 
answered to Ruby. The difference between the names Ruby aud Rosa would be detected at 
once by his Honor (Judge Grei^n), or by my frieud J iidge Mitchell, but it would be otherwise wi th 
a calf educated in the country." I'^ven Ju<lge Oreen let himself smile." 

A score of other names could be introduced, each bringing forward a jileasiug memory. 
Lorenzo M. Mason, who came in lS;jT: Bethuel C. Farrand. a pioneer of the State since 1825, 
and one of the oldest, if not actually the senior member, of the St. Clair Bar; E.W. Harris, a 
lawyer of the circuit since 18:57: William Grace, O'Brien J. Atkinson, and others whose names 
are mentioned in the roll of iittorneys, had each an important place in the old law circle. It 
is scarcely time to ])ass in review the younger members of the bar. It cannot lie doubted for a 
moment, that among them then* is to be found intellectual excellence coujiled with industry, 
both of which must win from the future their rewards. It is certain that the history of the 
profession within the country, could it b(> written, would exhibit man\' exam]>les worthy of 
imitation, and also nianv which should be stuelied closelv. onlv to be avoided. 




412 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



THE PRESS. 



The Wesfrrn Sun was the first newspaper iniblished in the Indiana Territory, now compris- 
ing the four gi-eat States of Indiana. Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, and the second in all that 
country once known as the " Northwestern Territory." It was commenced at Viucennes in 
1803, by Elihu Stout, of Kentucky, and first called the Indiana Gazette, and July 4, 1804, was 
changed to the Wefiteni Sun. Mi: Stout continued the jiaper until 1845, amid many discour- 
agements, when he was appointed Postmaster at the place. 

William Mitchell, proprietor of the Detroit Mills, recently discovered among some 
old papers, a copy of the first issue of the first newspaper ever printed in Detroit. 
It is Voluma I, No. 1 of the Michigan Essay, or The Impartial Obsen-er, edited, as is well 
known, by the famous Father Richard, parish priest of St. Anne's Chiu-ch, and Delegate in 
Congress from this Territory. It bears date August 31, 1809. It was announced to be pub- 
lished every Thursday, at $5 per annmn. In size it was about half as large as a small four- 
page evening paper of the present day, contained four pages, each comprising four columns, 
and was printed in very large type. The news in it was mostly taken from Eastern papers of 
forty days earlier date, and brought uji European affairs to June 11, or a date eighty days pre- 
vious. It was just at that time that Napoleon was crushing Austria and the Tyrol after the oc- 
cupation of Vienna. In the home news department is an account of the first manufacture of 
salt in West Virginia. The fourth page is filled with selections from the essayists, no much 
afl'ected at that period. The only advertisements are those of the jiublisher, James M. Miller, 
who seems also to have been a book-seller, and one of the opening of the primary school of St. 
Anne's Chiu-ch. Among the books advertised is " The Child's Spelling Book, or Michigan In- 
structor," price 25 cents. The editor of the Essay seems to have enjoyed a good sense of 
humor, as the following paragraph under the heading " Humorous" indicates: 

" Count Tracey complaining to Foote that a man had ruined his character, ' So much the 

better,' replied the wit, • for it was a d d bad one, and the sooner it was destroyed the more 

to your advantage. ' " 

La Jonrnal dn Chretien was published in 1811, and, in ISl'i, a large book, called "Epistles 
and Gospels for Sundays and Holidays." A printer named Coxshan succeeded Miller in busi- 
ness. In the summer of 1817, the first regular newspaper published in Michigan was started 
at Detroit. It was the successor of Rev. Gabriel Richard's magazine. It was called the De- 
troit Gazette, and was published by Messrs. Sheldon & Reed, two enterprising young men, the 
former of whom ]iublished an interesting sketch of the early history of Michigan. The Gazette 
existed until 1833, when the office was destroyed by tire. 

The third was the Michigan Herald, Henry Chipman, editor. The Herald was established 
in 1825, and discontimied in 1S2U. 

A paper was commenced in Mom-oe in 1825, by Edward D. Ellis, and called the Michigan 
Sentinel. It was a small ])aper, and was mostly tilled with acts of the old Territorial Council 
and laws of Congress. This was jirobably the fourth paper in Michigan. 

The fifth was the Northwestern Journal. This paper was published in Detroit by George 
L. Whitnej'. The first number made its ajipearanee on Friday morning, November 20, 1829. 

The sixth was the We-'iiern Emigrant, published at Ann Arbor by Thomas Simpson. I 
think the first number was issued in December, 1829. 

The seventh was the Monroe Inquirrr, piiblished at Monroe by John L. Green. The pros- 
pectus pul)lished in the Journal of November 20. 1829, says the Inquirer -wiUhe neatly printed 
on a super-royal sheet, the first number to issue in June next. The enterprise collapsed. 

The ninth was the Oakland Chronicle, published at Pontiao, June 1, 1830, by Thomas 
Simpson, formerly of the Western Emigrant. In Apiil, 1831, the Chronicle was sold to parties 



HISTORY OF ST. CI.AIK COt XIY. 413 

ir Detroit. Tlie paper was then discontiuiKxI. I do not know which of thesp twa last-men - 
tionctl j)apors claim ]iriority with r<>ijard to date of issue. 

On the I'Jth of February. l.S:-!t), a tomporanco society was organized under the name of 
the r>ctroit Association for the Suppression of Intemperance. A re.solution was adopted to 
hav(> the proceedings published in the four newspajiers of this Territory. 

Tliose four ])apers must have been the D(>troit (la?:cll(' and the Xiirllnrcstcrii .JoKvnaJ. of 
Detroit, and the Wcslern Kiiiifirant, of Ann Arbor; the Micliiiiaii [iKinircr to be published in 
the nejxt June, may have been intended for the fourth. Tiie Mii-liiiiaii Kssai/ and the Michigan 
Herald had then passed out of existence. 

The ninth was the Detroit Courier. The first number t]f this ]>a[)er was issued December 
23, I83t). 

The tenth was the Dfinovralic Free Press and Miclii(/aii I iilfUi.(j<iiccr. The first niimber 
was issued May 5, 1831. 

The next paper in Mom-oe was started in 1834 by E. G. ^loi-ton. now of the Monroe Mon- 
itor, and called the Monroe .lonrnal and Miehigan fntpiirer. The office was sold the same year 
to start what was called at the time the tirst paper in Pontiac. ami. as a printer. I\Ir. Morton 
went to that place with E. J. Van Buren to assist him in arranging the olfice and commencing 
the paper. This article in the Monitor also says: "In tlu' autumn of that year, we believe the 
Adrian II a/(7//0H-c;' was commenced by- Mr. Ingalls; but we very much doubt whether, in the 
spring of 1834, there was a pa|)er in the Territory except in Dc^lroit, St. Clair and Monroe." 

The Miclii(/an Herahl. Xo. 1 of Vohune I, was issued JIaj- 10, 1S"25. The last number in 
this file is dated August 2'.). 1827. and is Volume III. In this paper, under date of Mav 17. 
182."), E. D. Ellis announces that he is about to commence the publication, at Moiu'oe, of a pa- 
per to be cailed the J//c/(/;/a». ,SV'((V/Hf'/. and subsequently the receipt of the first co[>y of that 
paper is acknowledged. In the llei-ald of Nov(>mber 22. 1825. is the following advertisement, 
signed by E. D.Ellis: •' The undersigned, editor and proprietor of this paper. res])ectfully 
suggests to merchants and others the propriety of extending to said establishment advertising 
and other patronage. As the ScntinrI has a considerable circulation in Monroe and Wavne 
Counties, advertising patrons would have the advantage of its extension in both of these 
counties, and likewise into the counties of Lenawee and Oakland. It is hoped that the inde- 
l)endent principles upon which this press has been established, and upon which alone it will 
(!ver depend for support, will insure to this establishment a moderate share of business.'' 

There are about 273 news|)aiii'rs and periodical publications in Michigan now, of all classes. 
Of these. 224 are published weekly. 17 daily and weekly, 2 daily. 7 semi-weekly. 1 triweekly. 
1 semi monthly, lO monthly. I ([uarterly and 1 yearly; 112 are Republican. 40 Democratic, i'i 
independent and neutral. 14 religious and lo miscellaneous, .\iuong the latter are 2 Meth- 
odist, 7 Adveutist (2 Dutch or lloUandisch), 1 E])iscopal. 2 Catholic and 1 Baptist, (5 mining. 5 
educational, 1 Masonic, 1 Odil Fellow, 1 Grange, 3 medical and 1 agricultural. Seven are 
]>rinted in the German language. () in the Dutch, 1 in the Swedish and 1 in the Danish. 

Tin: '-ST. CL.MU wiik;." 

The first newspaper published in the county was that by ^lessrs. Fay iV: Perrv in 1834. 
It was ]irinted on a press sent from Georgetown. S. C, by Mr. Fay, to Palmer Village, in 1833. 
After the inauguration of this journal, the projector ri>turned to South Carolina, where he died 
within a few yoai's, or about the time Michigan was admitted into the Union of States. 

The ir/i/flf was issued December 1, 1834. at Palmer Village, now St. Clair, with T. M. 
Perry editor and publisher. Tiiis little political sheet continued in existence until 183<) or 
1837, when the name was changed to the St. Clair Rejnildiran. with Mr. Perry as editor. The 
lirst St. Clair Repiihliran was issued with comparative regularity for a few yeai-s, when all 
record of its being ceases. 

THE rouT uriuiN onsEi'.VKi!. 

This newspaper was inaugurated in 1837, with E. B. Harrington editor. Wiien the enter- 
prise was oriijinated. the following jirospectns was issued : 



414 IIISTOUY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

PROPO.SALS FOlt I'UUr.ISHINf; AT IIUKON' CITY, ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THE 

"LAKE HURON OBSERVER," 

A ^Veekly Paper of Imperial Size, at |2 Per Annum. Payable in Advance, ^3.50 at the End of Six Months, 

or $3 at the End of the Tear. 



It is. perlmps, unnecessaiy here to enter into dctiiil of tlie causes or circumstances which have led to the 
establishment of a new paper In this county, or to discuss the merits or demerits of tlie paper ah-eady estab- 
lished. Suffice it to say, the growing importance of the county, and the interests of its iuliabitants, seem to 
require a public journal through wiiose columns a fair expression of the opinion of the people in different 
sections of the county can be" had, upon all political and other questions of general importance; such is 
intended to be the character of the Ohsermr. Although decidedly a Democratic Journal, its columns will 
always be open for the discussion of important political questions, whether of general or local interest, when 
such discussions are couched in candid and decorous language. 

Our Canadian friends at Port Sarnia and its vicinity will tind the Observer a ready vehicle for the con- 
veyance of information respecting their village, harbor, railroad and other topics of general importance. 

It is hoped the Observer will be conducted in such a manner as to be .sustained by the inhabitants of 
the county, and to merit the confidence and support of the public generally. 

Huron City, January 24, 1837. 

Attached to this proposition was a space for subscribers' names. Copies of the prospectus 
were placed in the hands of many influential men, both in this county, at Detroit, and through- 
out York State, who became honorary canvassers for the journal. The names of the original 
subscribers are thus given : 

E. B. Harrington. Cummings Sanborn. Amon Baker, A. & J. B. Comstock, G. F. Boynton, 
D. W. Powers, H.^Harding, N. D. Horton, 0. Thompson, E. C. Bancroft, E. Burch, E. P. John- 
ness, D. B. Harrington. F. C White (Whitestone), A. S. Pratt, T. Crocker, John S. Heath, John 
Thorn. E. K. Mofl'att (La Forge Village, N. Y.), J. F. Batcheller, John H. Westbrook. J. Hal- 
stead. Clift Comstock, Willard Orvis. Lucius Beach, Ashley L. Whitcomb, Hiram Marin. A. 
W. Campbell. H. Hamilton. Shepard & Bottsford. Joseph L. Kelsey, Z. W. Bunce, Jesse H. 
King, Lorenzo M. Mason, J. W. Campfield, Edward Petit, D. Babcock. H. Chamberlain, John 
Doran. Jared Miller, 1). J. Kockwell, John Westbrook, James Beard. Joel Tucker, John Swart- 
hout, David Senter, Justin Rice, John Jackson. Michael Jackson, Benjamin Newhall. Chesi^er 
Kimball, Jr., Henry Gill, Fr. Harsen, James Harsen, John Hughes, D. Churchill, John 
Smith, R. B. Dimond, Eben Westbrook, A. H. Westbrook, Jacob Peir, Oliver Westbrook, Jer- 
auld Miller, Jos. P. Mini, P. F. Brakeman. Lucius Beach, White & Harrington; with a num- 
ber of subscribers outside the county. 

The stockholders, or owners of the Observer, whose names appear in an assignment of their 
interests in the paper, to Dan B. Harrington, Joshua S. Heath, and John Thorn, members of 
a committee appointed to arrange the affairs of the company, gave this committee power to dis- 
pose of the office. This resolution was passed July 14, 1837, and bears the signatvu-es of G. T. 
Boynton, Edward Petit, A. & J. B. Comstock, Williard Orvis, Elijah Burch, J. S. Orvis, J. W. 
Campfield. William Robertson, Jr., B. A. Luce, Ira Porter, Hiram Whitcomb, Z. V. Thornton, 
and E. C. Bancroft. The Lake Huron Observer was, after a few years, merged into the Repre- 
sentative, again assumed its old name, which it held until, under the able management of W. L. 
Bancroft, it changed to the Port Hin-on Observer. 

On August 4, 1849, the following notice apjaeared in the Observer: 

The undersigned has disposed of the press, type and materials of the Observer office, to Mr. J. H. 
Hawes, and his connection therewith terminates from and after this date. 

Subscribers who have paid in advance will be furnished with the^paper, at the usual rate, for the term 
for which payment has been made; all legal and yearly advertisements, will be continued m publication for 
the time and on the terms agreed upon with the undersigned, who alone is authorized to settle and receipt for 
tlie same, and to whom only pa3'nient will be made. W. L. Bancroft. 

Subsequently changes occtirred in the proprietary and editorship. 

As a specimen of Mr. Bancroft's editorial work, let his article in reply to a letter of the 
Ann Arbor American, asking for an exchange of journals be quoted: "We shall be most 
happy to exchange, Mr. American; but vee also most cordially detest the cause you have es- 
poused. It is not only anti-Americau in its very inception, but. we believe, if once established 
here and elsewliere. as the policy of the civilized world, it would do more than any other 



IIISTOItV OF ST. CLAli; (OIXTV. _ 415 

one tbiug oould do, to obstruct the onwanl marcli of [jroj^'i'oss and r(ifonii. which, sooner or 
later, are destined to unite the bnruan family, for the achievement of universal, social and 
political amelioration." This is only one of the introductory jnirai^raplis to a stirring editorial. 
It is one such as an American, bearing the same name as our Amerit^an historian, should write, 
and such an one as the petit writers of the jirosent would do well to copy from. George J3an- 
croft, speaking of Mar([uette, the foreigner, said, '"the West will build his monument;" here 
at homo \V. L. Bancroft favors the peopling of the West liy fi.reign(>rs. and looks on migration 
as indispensable to human happiness. 

E. J>. Harrington, editor and projector of the Port Hnrun Od'icrrcr, was l>orn in Ontario 
County, N. Y. He was a brother of D. B. Harrington, and son of Jeremiali and Mercy (Baker) 
Harrington, the former born October 29. 1774. In 181 1, the family moved to rfandusky, Ohio. 
and thorice to Frem.ont where a settlement was effected. E. B. Harrington was not only a i)io- 
neer of Michigan Territory, but also one of that civiliziKl class who hail th(! courage anil enter 
jn'ise to inaugurate a weekly journal in the backwoods of this State in 1S87. To him must 
credit be given for bringing the Lake Huron Obxerrcv to light. Mr. H. traveled extensively 
through the Union: but his journalistic life began and ended at Port Huron. 

\Villiani Lyman Banci-oft, born at Martiusburg, Lewis Co., X. Y., A'lgust 12, ]S2ri, 
moved to Michigan with his parents in 18^2, and settled at i'ort Huron in 184 L He studied 
under D. B. Crane at Detroit, and completed his education at Amhurst Academy, Massachusetts. 
In 1842, he entered the ofiice of the Milwaukee Uoiirier. where he remained two y(>ars. In 
1844, he came to Port Huron, pui'chased the Observer office here, arul became editor of that 
journal. In 1S4S, he disposed of his interest in the journal, and vvnt to Oswego, N. Y., where 
he studied law under W. F. Allen, afterward State Judge of Apj)eals. Returning in 1851, he 
entered on the practice of law. and from time to time held the editorial chair of the Commer- 
cial. In his biography given in other pages, the servic(>s rendi^red by Mr. Bancroft to the 
press society, and eommori'o of St. Clair County, are nijticed. 

TKK IM)KT HURON COMMKKCIAL. 

The i'ort Huron Comincrriul was tirst published June 7, 1851, with George E. Lewis, 
editor. A reference to the chi'onological or miscellaneous cha])ter. will show the varied 
changes in the editorial de[>artmeut of this journal. The ('(iinmcrcidl had W. L. Bancroft for 
its editor, and was, as it is now. the leading Democratic journal of this portion of the State. 
December 21). 1855. the name •)? H. S. Potter & Co. ajipears upon the pajier. In its earlier 
years the day of issue was Saturday, changed to AVednesday, and subsecpiently in 1878. to 
Sunday morning. 

George E. Lewis, known as the (jcitial Sdyiiixiiciau., Fred Lewis, etc., etc.. was born in 
Harvard, Worcester Co., Mass., June 7, 1828, came with parents to Mount Clemens in 1835, 
set first type in office of Maromh Sldtesman. then edited l)y John N. Ingersoll. subse(piently 
held positions in the ofiice of Mount Clemens Patriot, in 18:58; the Detroit Daili/ Coinmirciaf 
Bulletin in 1848; the Macomb County Herald in 184'.); the Port Hur(.)n Commereial in 1851; 
the Peiiiti-'iHldr Advorate in 1855. In March, 18()8. he inaugurated the Daily Ciiiirier of 
Saginaw: projoetinl the S(i<jinairiait in bSfj'J; the .Mount Pleasant .hinoial in 1880, and the 
Ihtilij Moniiiii/ Call at Bay City in ISSI. 

James Talbot was born at West Flamborough, Can., December 10. 1816. His j)arents 
came fi'om Ireland several years prior to that date, making a settlement on the Kentucky side 
of the Ohio Kiver. In the first American home of the Talbots, a few of James Talbot's broth- 
el's were born. About the year 1812, the family moved to London. Can., where a kinsman. 
Col. Talbot, resided as Land Commissioner for the British Governmeut. 

In 1885, James Talbot, accompanied by William \\4ieat(m, arrived at Port Hui't)n:and 
moved thence up Black River where Elder Beard was engaged in hewing down the ]>ine forest. 
There also he became acquainted with the ]>rockways. After some time, he I'eturned to his home 
on the Thames. There he married ^liss Maria House, a descendant of the first Dutch settler of 
that name in New York State. This marriage took place in 1^17. In 1851, ili\ Talbot came 
to Port Huron to reside jiermanently. Her.' all their children were born, with two exceptions; 



416 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

one of them dying in infancy was buried in a Canadian cemetery. Two others died at Port 
Huron, while five children are living. 

Mr. Talbot climbed slowly up the ladder of public e.steem; he possessed many endearing 
qualities which won for him a large circle of friends and the confidence of the people. Dur- 
ing the war for the Union, he was Supervisor for the First Ward of this city, and upon bim de- 
volved the duty of furnishing aid to the families of the soldiers furnished from that district of 
the city. How he administered this department is even to-day referred to with pleasure. 

In 1868, he became the principal owner of the Sunday Commercial, which journal he con- 
ducted with marked ability. During the construction of the Great Western Railroad, he was 
engaged in assisting the surveyors and in other woi'k of a similar character. Under the old city 
charter he was elected Street Commissioner three times successively. He had the contract for 
crradino- Pine Grove avenue and some other streets on the old Military Reserve, and lastly the 
paving of Military street. 

His last days were devoted to a review of the condition of the laud of his fathers. The 
interest which he evinced in the cause of Ireland, as expounded by Parnell and his associates, 
was such as would become the largest souled political economist in the Union. His advocacy of 
Ireland's cause brought to the minds of many the fact of the oppression of which thej^ knew 
little, or from which they just escaped. 

An accident, which must be considered the direct cause of Mr. Talbot's death, occurred 
May 14, 1881. It appears that he and Mrs. Talbot visited some friends at Sombra, Can., on 
that day. During the return journey a severe hail-storm set in, which urged the travelers to 
seek shelter in the house of Mi-s. Brown, three miles east of the St. Clair River. Here, after 
entering, Mr. Talbot passed the rope halter or strap through the window, so that he could hold 
the horse withoirt exposing himself to the terrific storm. The down-pour of hail and the light- 
ning flashes made the horse fractious, and durin^ the lunging of the animal, the finger of his 
master became entangled in the rope. This finger was jerked off above the middle joint, and 
with it a sinew, thirteen inches long, was extracted. On Saturday following. May 21. 1881, 
the sufferer received an apoplectic stroke, which resulted in his death early on Sunday, May 
22. The funeral of this estimable old resident took place May 24, 1881. Tfie pall-bearers 
were Dr. S. D. Pace, Dr. Kibbee, S. D. Clark, William Dwyer, Lewis Atkins and S. H. Robin- 
son. 

John Atkinson, formerly of the St. Clair County bar. now a leading lawyer of Detroit, was 
born at Warwick, C. W., May 24, 1841. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Shinuers) Atkin- 
son were natives of Ireland, who came to the Canadas some years previous to 1841, and made a 
settlement at Warwick. The family moved to Port Huron at an early day in the history of the 
city, and there Mr. Atkinson received that practical education which fitted him in later years 
to take a leading place in war and law. His studies at the Michigan University resulted in a 
most successful graduation from the Law Department of that institution in March, 181)2. Re- 
turning to Port Huron, he entered a law partnership with Judge William T. Mitchell. In July, 
1862, h(i was commissioned Second Lieutenant Twenty-second Infantry, and by his military 
tact won all those positions credited to him in the Military Chapter of this book, serving with 
distinction until February, 1866. In May, 1S66, he re-entered on the practice of law with John 
S. Crelliu and O'Brien J. Atkinson. He was Collector of Customs at Port Huron in 1866-67. 
In the fall of 1870. he removed to Detroit, which city he has since made his home. In 1870, 
he was nominated for Attorney General on the Democratic ticket; and in 1872 for State Sena- 
tor on the same ticket. The party met with defeat, and with the party Mr. Atkinson was beaten 
politically. He was owner of the Port Huron Com.mevciai for some time, during which his edi- 
torials claimed a high order of merit. He married Miss Lida Lyons, of San Antonio, Tex. , 
February 1, 1866; the family belong to the Catholic Church. Mr. Atkinson is politically a 
Repaibliean, and must be considered one of the most important accessions to the ranks of that 
party during the last two decades. As a lawyer of the State his talents and energy are well 
known, and win for him a daily increasing pul)lic confidence. 

William F. Atkinson was born in Canada January S, 1846. His parents, James and 
Elizabeth (Rhinn?rs; Atkinson, natives of Ireland, settled in Canada about 1841, and moved 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 417 

witli thoir family t') Pdrt Huron iu May, 1854. In Jauimry, ISfiO, William F. entered the 
office of the Port Huron Commercial . August 13. 186"2, be enlisted in Comjjany C, Twentv- 
seeond Michigan Infantry'. Within the 8ul)se(juont year, he rose tn th<! rank of First Sergeant. 
September 20, ISO/}, be was wounded and made prisoner at Chickamauga. From that time un- 
til bis escape from prison, January lU, 1804. be was subjected to all the trials incidental to life 
in tb(» prisons of Richmond and Danville. Following bis oscajjc came the troul)lous journey 
of odd miles through the* fastnesses of West Virginia, which ended F(>bruary 10, when he 
reached the lines of the Union army. In !March, he r(>joined bis regiment at Chattanooga, 
June 7, was commissioned Second Lieutenant and ajjpointed Signal Ollioc^r on the staff of (len. 
Sherman. November 7 following, be resigned, to accept th(( Captaincy of (3onipanv K, Third 
Michigan Infantry, and served with the command until its muster out. May 25, 1S()(). On bis 
return to Port Huron in June, lS(j(), he received an appointment in the Customs Department. 
In January, 18(57, be traveled South and worked as a printer at Nashville, St. Louis and Indian- 
apolis during that year. In the fall of 1867, be returned to Port Huron, accepted an editorial 
position on the Comiiwrcial. which be held until the close of 18011. Sul)sequently, be was en- 
gaged in the insurance business with Cyrus Jliles; was admitted to the l)ar June 1. 1870, and 
practiced at Port Huron until May 1, 1878, when be moved to Al])pna. He rc^turned to Port 
Huron a year later, was City Attorney in 1875-70, continuing to ])ractice there until Novemb(>r 
23, 1880, when be moved to Detroit to become a meml)er (jf the law tirm of Atkinson & Atkin- 
son. William Atkinson was married to Miss Kate M. Donnelly February 28, 1870, daughter 
of William Dounellj, of Plympton 

John F. Talbot, son of Jam(>s and Maria (House) Talbot, was born at Otterville, C. ^V., 
January 10, 1850. He came with his parents to Port Huion. Mich., iu 1851. In the schools 
of this city he received bis education, studying until 18t)9, when he enter<>d the Commcn-inl 
office, just then purchased from Col. John Atkinson by his father. Mr. Tallmt has been closely 
connected with this journal from 1809 to the present, with, ]>erbaps, the exception of one year, 
which he devoted to the editor.sliip of the Detroit Dailij Uhi'dii. 

James H. Talbot, brother of John F. -Talbot, is a native of Port Huron. He attended the 
city schools until ISlii), when be entered the Commprcial office. His interests have been closely 
identified with this paper from 1809 to the present day. 

Harry L. Talbot, born at Port Huron in 1855, studied in the schools of this city until 1809, 
when be began work in the office of bis father. Ho married Miss Blanche Dale, of Port Huron, 
July 3, 1878. He resides in the city and is a member of the Comniercidl staff. 

Henry S. Potter, now of Detroit, was editor and jMiblisher of the Comtiicrcliil and I'ost- 
master of the village of Port Huron in early days. Mr. Potter is a native of Connecticut. 

George Goodale, now city editor of the Detroit Frcr Fress, was connected with the Coii- 
mcrrial for a few years. 

Nathan C. Kendall was editor of the pajjor from 18()0 to 1808. He served throughout the 
war in one of the Michigan infantry regiments. T. J. Hudson and S. P. Purdy were j)ublisb- 
ers of the Commercial for a little ovor a year. W. F. Atkinson, Col. John Atlcinson. Pet(>r F. 
O'Sullivan and Baron Jasmuud. an early settler ori the St. Clair, were cftnnected with the 
paper. Col. Atkinson's sketch is given in this chapter. 

Eugene James Schoolcraft, son of James and Sarah (Kuddick) Schoolcraft, was born at 
Port Huron, Ajiril, 1855. His father was a native of Michigan, liorn at the Saull de St. Marie. 
and mother a daughter of William Reddick, of Ireland. Mr. Schoolcraft was educated iu the 
schools of Port Huron, under Miss Blennerbassett and Miss Nancy Sanborn. In 1870. ho 
entered the Commercial office. The years 1873 to 187G, were passed in the 7Vme.s- office. In May. 
1878, be purchased a fourih interest in the Commercial, with which journal he is now con- 
nected, both in the business and journalistic departments. Mr. Schoolcraft was married, August 
1, 1870, to Miss Emnui Harder, daughter of Christian and Bertha Harder, Jiatives of Germany. 
They are the parents of one chihl. Lulu B., born May 31, 1S80. Mr. Schoolcraft was not of 
age to serve in the war for the Union. He is not a m(>mber of any of the secret .societies. Po- 
litically, be is a Democrat. 

John Murray, son of Denis and Margaret (Rutledge) Murray, natives of Ulster and Con- 

27 



418 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

naught respectively, was born at St. Mary's, Perth County, C. W., May 26, 1849. The 
family moved to Tillsonburg, Oxford County, in 1852, where Mr. Murray attended the common 
schools until 1864. He was Princif)al of the Mt. Elgin Schools from 1872 to 1875, and of the 
Tillsonbui-g Schools from 1875 to 1881. In the latter year, he visited Michigan, and located at 
Port Huron in 1882, where he holds a position on the Commercial staff. He was married to 
Miss Nellie Worden July 23, 1881, daughter Mr. Worden and Melissa Worden, the former a 
native of Iowa and the latter of Michigan. 

PORT HTKON TIMES. 

The Port Huron Press was established by J. Scarritt in Sejatember, 1858. This jom-nal 
continued regular publication until merged into the Port Huron Tim.es in 1870. 

The Port Huron Times. The first number of this newspaper was issued June 25, 1869, 
with James H. Stone, managing editor, and the Port Huron Times Company owners. The 
company was organized early in 1869, and recorded articles of incorporation July 19, 1870. 
The capital stock was $6,000, or 210 shares of S25 each, which .sum was actually paid in at date 
of organization. The shareholders were: James W. Sanborn and John P. Sanborn, twenty-two 
shares each; H. Howard, twenty shares; John Johnson, sixteen shares; W. B. Hibbard, foxu'- 
teen shares; Frederick L. Wells, Edgar White and James H. White, twelve shares each: John 
S. Bottsford, ten shares; James H. Stoue, eight shares; Alexander Crawfoi'd, G. luslee, O. L. 
Jenks, William Hartsuff, J. M. Hvibbai-d, H. A. Batchelor, James Beard, A. H. Fish, D. B. 
Harrington, four shares each; D. N. Runnells, W. Wastell, G. E. Brockway, three shares each; 
J. W. Thomson, M. Walker, J. Byron Hull, G. K. Nairn, C. F. Harrington, H. Hunt, J. P. 
Havnes and W. E. Preache, two shares each; Aaron Smith, H. Williams, E. M. Cady, W. R. 
Mulford, H. Traver. E. G. Spaulding, J. W. Thomson, Jr., G. E. Twiss, H. McMoran." W. W. 
Campfield, J. J. Hoyt, W. B. Morse, S. D. Pace, C. M. Stockwell, G. W. Howe, H. G. Barnum 
and John McNeil, one share each; and Edward W. Harris, six. 

In June, 1869, the first power printing press introduced into the county was placed in this 
ofBce, and on it the first number of the Times was printed. 

The Michigan Press Association awarded the Tim.es the first premium as being the best 
made-up newspaper in the State, September, 1870. A month later, November 1, 1870, the 
editor, J. H. Stone, resigned his position to accept the editorship of the Kalamazoo Daily Tele- 
graph. L. A. Sherman, of the Detroit Daily Po.sf, accepted the position of managing editor vice 
Mr. Stone resigned. Within a few months, a tri -weekly edition was issued (March 4, 1871), the 
weekly form was changed from folio to (juarto, and a business boom seemed to strike the office. 
The Tri-Weekly T^mcs was discontinued March 23, 1872, when the Daily Times was inaugu- 
rated. In December, 1874, J. H. Stone accepted the editorial charge. The progress of tlie 
Times since 1872 is remarkable. To-day it is one of the newsiest, best edited, and profitable 
daily journals in the State. 

Lorin Albert Sherman, son of Albert C. and Mary Ann Scotford. the former a native of 
Connecticut and the latter of Utica, N. Y., was born March 14, 1844, in Bennington Township, 
Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mr. Sherman, Sr., died September 10, 1844. The next year, Mrs. Sher- 
man, her son and two sisters moved to Alexander. Genesee County, and thence to Darien Town- 
ship, Genesee County. In 1851, the family came to Michigan, settling at DeWitt Village, near 
Lansing. Dm-ing the stay of the family in these places Mr. Sherman attended the district 
schools. In 1853, the family moved to Olivet. The year following, Mr. S. entered the Olivet 
Institute, under Prof. Bartlett, where he studied diu-ing six terms. In 1857, he entered Hills- 
dale College, where he studied for a few terms. The year following, he went to Jackson, where 
he was engaged in mercantile life until 1861, when he enlisted in the First Michigan Infantry, 
then organized under Gen. John C. Robinson. He served until July 1862, when he received 
his discharge for disability. Like other soldiers of the war he suffered fi'om many of the 
diseases common in the army of that time. From March, 1862, to time of discharge, he served 
as Hospital Steward at Newport News. He served at Meohanicsville. Gaines' Mill and other 
military affairs throughout Virginia, as referred to in the military chapter. Toward the close 
of 1862, he went to Adrian, where he was employed in a book store, then entered the Adrian 
Expositor as book-keeper and clerk, and became editor of that daily journal two years later. In 



HISTORY OF ST. CLMK COUNTY. 4T!> 

the siniui^' of ISfiCi, he was appointed ni<^ht editor of the Detroit I'ost under Gen. Carl Sohiirz. 
now editor of the New York I'oftf. In the fall of IStSO, Mr. Sherman was ajipointed mana<;ing^ 
editor of the Detroit Pout, which position he held until the fall of ISOT. when he resumed the 
dual position of ni^ht and State news editor. He remaiti<>d in the office of the Pout until INTO, 
when lie accepted the position of Manager of the Port Huron Wrelxhj Times in November of tliat 
year. In March, 1871, ho inuai^urated a tri-weeldy edition, and the year following estal)]ished 
the Ddilg Times, which journal he now manages. In the spring of ISTS. James H. Stone re- 
signed ills position on the Times to accept the managing editorship of the /'o.s/ ami Trilnnie. 
when j\lr. Sherman again assumed the management of the paiier. 

Mr. Sherman was married, September 0, IS()5, to Miss Estella C Ward, daughter of 
•fosiah Ward, a ])ionoer lawyer of Adrian, Mich., who died in Nevada, in ISfU. They were the 
parents of four children, viz.: Fred. W., boi'u February :■{. IStiT; Edith E.. born March 20, 
187:?; Albert Ward, born Janiiaiy 20, 187."), died November m. 1875. and William T.. Ixu-n 
December IS, 188 J. 

Mr. Sherman served for eight years as Chairman of the Republican City Coiumittee: four 
years minnber and Secretary of (he lii-publican (bounty Conimittee, and three years meiub(>r of 
the Jjoard of Education, during which time he superiutend(>d the rebuilding of tlie high school. 
Through his elVorts the Telephone Exchange was established at Port Huron. January 1, is80. 
and also the line from Port Huron to Detroit in September, 1881. He manages the telephone 
business of the city and district, and is even now extending the lines. 

The City Oimra House, built by D. B. Harrington, has been under the management of Mr. 
Sherman since it was (irst com])leted. .Vfter its destruction by lire and relmilding. he was 
again requested to assum(< th(> management. He was one of the first advocates of a system of 
water-works for the (uty, and also a [)rime advocate for the construction (jf the P. H. &i N. W. 
R. R. It may in truth be said that tlu>re has not been a more able or persistent su])porter of 
local j)rogi-ess and improvement than ^Ir. Sh(>rman. His position on the Time's afforded him a 
riU-e opportunity, and how this opportunity has been availed of by him is (>videnced in the sue 
cess which waited upon his labors in this direction. 

Among the principal members of the Times staff were Gill. R. Osmun, now State editor of 
Detroit Krenimj News; Del. T. Sutton, a favorably known editor of the Richmond Rerieir: 
Hatheway, now of the Grand Rajtids l)emoci<(t\ A. B. Eraser, now of Chicago: George P. 
Brown, of Point St. Ignace, and the present editor, J. Bartle Paiker. 

Jacob Bartle Parker, son of l^benezer and Rosetta (Plum) Parker, natives of Suffolk County, 
England, was born at Dundas, Wentworth County, Canada West. August 15, 1858. He re- 
ceived a common school education at Dundas. In 1S()9 or 1S70, he left school and entered the 
office of tht> Dundas Banner, in October, 1870, under James Somerville, M. P. of Canada Par- 
liament. There he served until November, 1875, when he entered the composing room of the 
Hamilton Specldlor (daily). In February, 187('), moved to Woodstock and engaged on the Sen- 
liiiel, then edited by G. R. and \. P:itfullo. In October. 1878, the Perieir and Se)itinel amal- 
gamat(>d, when Mr. Parker passed some months at his home in Dundas before leaving to take a 
(losition on the Lindsay Post, then [)ublished by IMr. Barr, of New York. In October. 1871). he 
moved to .Vll>ion, Mich., where he entered the office of the Repulitieati. under Benjamin Baxter 
Bissell. In A[)ril, 1881, he received an offer from the Port Huron Times. Coming to Port 
Huron Lhe same month, he entered upon his first jom-nalistie labors as city editor of that daily 
joiu'nal, which i)osition he now occupies. Mr. Parker was married. October 2(1. .1880, to Jliss 
Ida Cowherd, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Cowherd, of Bradford, Brant County, Canada 
West, old and well known settlers of that district. Mrs. Parker was born December 7. 1S5S. at 
Brautford. 

Albert H. Finn, formerly editor of the Fort Gratiot Sun, now of the Clnistiau At/nienle. 
took the position of assistant local editor on the Daily Times, in June. 1882. 

four lltmoN .lUHKNAI,. 

The Port Huron Jniinial was inaugurated in 1878, under the title The Saliii<l<ii/ .Morn 
iinj Journal, by Messrs. Kilets and Morse. T. Lew Kilets |)urchased the office March 10, 1^,74^ 
It assumed the name Port Ifitron Journal Jitne 2, 1875. 



420 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

Thomas L. Kilets, son of Caspar and Sarah (Degesr) Kilets, the former a native of Penn- 
sylvania, HoUand descent, and the latter a native of York State, of French descent, was born at 
Hamilton, C. W., November 5, 188'J. The family moved from Brampton, Out., to Buffalo, in 
1850; in 1851, moved to Madison Mills, Mich.; in 1852, the family removed to Lexington, 
and in 1854 again returned to Brampton, and Mr. Kilets, then being fifteen years of age, 
entered into an apprenticeship m the office of the Toronto Globe, and served two years. In 
1856. the family again returned to Lexington, and Mr. Kilets worked on the Lexington Signal, 
Leader d- Jeffersonian until 1868. In 1868, he entered the office of the Weekly Times, then 
edited by James H. Stone, and the following year took a position in the Commercial office un- 
der Talbot & Son. In March, 1871. he visited Chicago, where he worked in Culver, Page, 
Hoyne & Co.'s and Rand & McNally's printing offices. In July previous to the Chicago fire, 
he left for Alpena, where he entered the office of the Alpena Pioneer, under A. C. Teft. In 
the spring of 1872, he came to Port Hui'on, and took a position on the Old While Hat, a Gree- 
ley campaign sheet. This paper collapsed in November, 1872, when he entered the Commer- 
■cial office. October 18, 1873, he inaugurated the Port Huron Journal, which he and Mr. 
Mor.se conducted until March, 1874. This journal Mr. Kileta conducted as an indejiendent pa- 
per until 1876, when he espoused Greenbackism, which political faith the jsaper supported un- 
til sold to Milo E. Marsh, now of Lansing. Subsequently he conducted a job office at Port 
Huron. This he sold to the Burkholders, of Port Gratiot, June 18, 1880. In November, 1880, 
he re-assumed control of the office, re-establishing at Port Huron; May 21, 1881, he inaugurat- 
■ed a small advertising sheet called the Port Huron Headlight. This was merged into the 
Weekly Mail. February 4, 1882. Tliis journal is now published and edited by him; this is a 
thirty-two -column quarto, of which four pages are printed at Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Mr. Kilets married Miss Carrie I. Saph, daughter of Arnold Saph, an old settler of St. 
'Clair, May 18, 1874. They are the parents of Harry L., born June 11, 1876, and Lewfurges 
H. , born February 12, 1878. Mr. K. is politically a Greenbacker, and religiously a Spiritualist. 

THE TRIBUNE. 

The Tribune was issued December 17, 1881, with James H. Shults as editor and proprie- 
tor. It is a forty-column quarto, ijiade up sjaecially for the office, without patent insides, good 
in mechanical and literary style, and gives promise of taking a front rank among the weekly 
journals of the State. 

James Henry Shults, son of James L. and Betsy (Rounds) Shults, natives of Allegany 
County, N. Y., was born at Howell, Mich., March 18, 1852. The family moved to Gratiot 
County, where J. H. attended the common schools of St. Louis. He was engaged as school 
"teacher for some time in that district. In 1874, he entered the St. Louis Herald, under J. B. 
Graham, remaining in that office until 1877. That year he entered the Mt. Pleasant Times of- 
fice as local editor, managed that journal for a few months, until leaving for .Chicago in the 
fall of 1877. He remained at Chicago in the employ of Donnelly, Lloyd & Co., and on the 
istaff of a Chicago weekly until December, 18S0. when he moved to St. Louis, as publisher and 
•owner of the Herald. Remaining there until March 1, 1881, he sold his interest in that jour- 
nal to Mr. Tucker, and subsequently published the Minden Po.s^, which he suspended during 
the great fires of 1881. This journal i-esumed publication under Mr. Shults, its founder, June 
15, 1882. In November, 1881, he came to Port Huron, and issued the Saturday Tribune, De- 
cember 17, 1881. Mr. Shults is editor and manager of both papers, and is fully satisfied with 
the progress of each. 

THE ST. CLAIR BANNER. 

The St. Clair Banner was cast to the breeze in 1842 by John N. Ingersoll, and continued 
its fiery political course until 1853. The well-known editor, John N. Ingersoll, born at North 
Castle, ^Vestchester Co., N. Y., May 4, 1817, came to Michigan in 1837. That year he worked 
in the office of the Free Press; subsequently was foreman in the Advertiser; became editor of 
the Macomb Statesman in 1839; began the publication of the St. Clair Banner in 1842 at St. 
Clair Village, which he issued until 1846, when ho published the Lake Superior News — the pio- 
neer journal of that country. In 1849, he was elected Representative for Lake Superior Teri-i- 



HISTOKV OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 421 

tory, iind the same year found him Speaker of the Legislatxu-e. In IcSW), he was on the staff 
of the Detroit Bulletin, and also owner of the Hesperian Mae/aziiie. In lSr)2, he was manag- 
ing editor of the Detroit Iktihi Times. In ISSfi, he moved to RochcHter, N. Y. , where he lie- 
came one of the editors and ]niblishers of the Dailij Trihinw. In ISaS, he purchased the 
Owosso Americmi, conducting the pajier until 1862, when he moved to Corunna. For over two 
decades he edited the Shiawassee Aiiieriraii. 

THK ST. CL/VIR REPUULICAN. 

Th(> St. Clair (Hmercer succeeded the Banner in 1853, with A. M. Tenuey. editor and pro- 
prietor. In 1855, the St. Clair Herald made its appearance, with J. .). Falkenhury editor. 
This journal was a boisterous political sheet, hated by many, loved by few. In fact, tlie St. 
Clair Village papers, up to 1855, could boast of an unenviable notoriety in this connection. 
From a notice, under date Sejitomber, 1854, we learn the following: " Arlhur IM. Tenney, E.sq., 
hde editor of the St. t'lair Ohnrrrer. at the recent term of the Circuit Court for this county, re- 
covered a iudtiment of §50(1 airainst I'alkcidinrv of the St, Clair Herald, for libel, in chartnno' 
that he, Tenney, had as conimitteenian embezzled funds contributed liy citizens of St. Clair for 
the purchase of a tire engine. 

" In the case of Reamer r.v. Falkenburv. also for libel, the plaintiiT obtained a verdict of 
$1.(100." 

Matters improved in 185() by the inauguration of the St. Clair liepiddican (as we know it 
now), which continues to till a high position among the newspapers of the State. In 1865, 
this journal fell into possession of Hazzard 1'. Wands, who was its controlling spirit until the 
office was purchas(Hl by Mr. Moore. The lieitubliertn is now well managed by Mr. Moore, and 
ably edit(id by S. S. Hopkins, 

The C/i/c/ and the iSVa(((/ac(/ were projected in lS()(l-()]. The former was a small cam- 
paign sheet, edited by J. K. Averill, which ceased to exist after the campaign of that year. 
The Standard was issiaed irregularly for some time, and then, like niau)' other good things^ 
passed into the past. 

Capt. Hiizzard P. Wands, editor of the St. Clair Republiean, died August 15, 1877, at .St. 
Clair. Mr. W ands was attacked with chills and fever about ten days previously, and later by 
diphtheria, but his condition was not considered dangerous until four days passed, when his phv- 
siciaus became satisfied that the result of his sickness was uncertain, since his system was greatly 
weakened and impaired by previous sickness and feeble health. Mr. Wands had a very large cir- 
cle of acquaintances who were de(>j)ly ]iained to learn of his sudden demise. It is about seven- 
teen years since he came to St. Clair from Canada, where his early life was passed, though we 
cannot learn positively whether he was born in Canada or went there at an early age. Ho 
studied law in the office of T. C. Owen and was admitted to the bar in November, 1861. He had 
but fairly begun practice before he enlisted in the Twenty-second Infantry, organized in the 
summer of 1862, going out as First Lieutenant of Company E. Upon the death of Cajit. Henry 
Carlton at Nashville. Lieut, AN'ands succeeded to the Ca]»taincy of the c<mi])any. He served 
with credit and was captured by the rebels at the battle of Chickamauga, wh(>re so many of his 
comrades were taken prisoners. lie remaini^d in rebel prisons about a year and never fully re- 
gained his health, which was greatly impaired l)y the confinement. 

About the close of the war, he purchased the St. Clair Republiean and had editorial 
charge, being most of the time .sole publisher as well. In 1866, he was elected County 
Clerk on the Republican ticket and re-elected in 1S6S-70. serving in all six years, and 
very capably discharging the duties of the place. Ho was appointed in 1875. by Gov. Bagley, 
County Agent for the care of dependent and neglected children, and had served as Alderman in 
the Common Council of St. Clair, besides filling various other municipal offices. 

H(> was a well-infonned man, and diligent in whatever work he was engaged. His age 
was forty-one years. He was an active member of the .Nfethodist Church of St. Clair, and, if 
we mistake not, one of the officers of the society at the time of his death. 

Charles R. Green was editor up to September, 1878, when he retired. He was succeeded 
bv C. G. Conner. 



422 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Stephen Sibley Hopkins, printer, was born at Romeo June 4, 1847; bis father, Cyrus 
Hopkins, descendant of the signer of the Declaration of Independence (Step Hopkins), was a 
long-time resident of Romeo; his mother, M. C. Parker, a native of New York, still lives at the 
village. At the age of fourteen years, Sibley became connected with the paper, Romeo Argu.<^, 
and followed the fortunes of that paper through various names and administrations for about 
twenty years, a portion of the time being editor and jxiblisher; in the fall of 1S81, he removed 
to the city of St. Clair and became connected with the Republican, which position he still 
holds. He married, October 20, iSfJS, Gertrude, daughter of William Maynard, of Romeo; her 
parents were natives of Western New York, who removed to Michigan in 1844, and have been 
Z'esideuts of Romeo for the past twenty years; they have had one child born to them, which 
died in infancy; they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is Republican in 

olitics. 

MARINE i:iTV lvi;i'ijliTKIi. 

The Marine City Gazette was established in June, 1874, with Mr. Bissell, now of St. Ig- 
iiace, Mackinac County, editor. After Mr. Bissell ceased to control the Gazette, the name of 
the pajier was changed to that of the Marine City Reporter. This joui-nal is now well con- 
ducted, newsy, and a particularly earnest exponent of local interests. 

AVilliam Norton Miller, editor of the Marine City Reporter, was born at Mount CJemens 
July 15, 1S59. His parents. Norton L, and Mrs. Frances E. (Lewis) Miller, are old residents 
of Macomb County. Mr. Miller, Jr., received his education at Mount Clemens under Prof. 
Wesley Sears. In 187(3, he went into the office of his uncle, George F. Lewis, of Saginaw, 
where he finished his study of printing and newspaper work. In 1876, he returned to Mount 
Clemens, when he took a position in the Monitor office. In 1870, on the transfer of the Moni- 
tor to Nellis & Son, Mr. Miller entered the Republican office, and was virtually conductor of 
that journal until his removal to Marine City in December, 1881. He was married, March 18, 
1879, to Miss Clara M. Spier, daughter of Samuel J. Spier, of (iralesburg, Mich. They are the 
parents of one child — Jennie, now aged three years. Politically, Mr. Miller is a Republican; 
a trained newspaper man. industrious antl po])ular. 

THE KijRT GRATIOT 8UX. 

The Fort Gratiot Enterpritie was founded by Bui-kholder Brothers. The office was sold to 
"Will Berry, under whom the paper promised to be a success. The office was in the old Phcenix 
Block, and was burned in the lire of 1881. In December, 1881, the Sun was published, with A. 
H. Finn editor. 

Joseph E])hraim Soults, son of William and Susan (Bell) Soults, both natives of County 
Down. Ireland, was born in Royal Oak Township, Oakland Co., Mich., August 15, 1858. He 
was educated in the schools of Royal Oak, and at Birmingham High School. In 1879, he es- 
tablished a job office at Royal Oak Village, and there published the Midget io partuershij) 
with Albert H. Finn. This little journal contained good local columns, and received a fair 
support. In October, 1879, the office was removed to Capac, where he established the Capac 
Argils. This paper was published there until May 19, 1882, when the office was removed to 
Port Gratiot, where the Argus was merged into the .S'int, then published by Albert Finn at that 
village. June 24, 1882, Mr. Soults purchased the entire interest in the Sun. and is now editor 
and proprietor of that jom'nal. The San was first issued at Fort Gratiot, December 3, 1881. 
The office is valued at i? 1,300; the type and presses are as good as new, and the support ten- 
dered very fair. The weekly issue is 624 copies. 

Adolph Cohoe, now of St. Iguace, was musical editor of the Argus. 

Albert Henry Finn, sou of Rev. Silas Finn and Cynthia (Eaton) Finn, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and New York respectively, was born at St. Clair City June 15, 1862. Commenced the 
newspaper business July, 1879, in company with Joe E. Soults, establishing the Royal Oak 
Midget, a thr(<e-columu four-page paper. Continued it until September, when the office was 
moved to Capac, St. Clair County, where the Argns was established in October, 1879; contin- 
ued with the .l/vyus until September, 1880, when he left to attend Kalamazoo College, but still 
holding half- interest. The latter part of October, 1881, returned from college to Fort Gratiot, 



HISTOIIV OF ST. CLAIR rOTTNTY. 423 

wlu'ri' ho established the Siui in Decomhor, 1881, actiiijr as editor and manager, until Julv 
1882. when he sold out to' J. E. Soults, and accepted a ])osition on the Port Huron Times. In, 
t)ie lall of 1882, he received an appointment on the Christian Advocate. 

The Brockway Centre E.cpo.iitor was issued May 18, 1882, with Del. T. Sutton proprietor, 
and J. A. Menzitis, editor. 

Del. T. Sutton, editor aiul puhlisher of the Richmond lieriew. was born October 1, 1858. 
The greater portion of hi.s life was spent on a farm in what is known as the Kellogg neighbor- 
hood, in the townshi])of Ray. in this county. He then removed to Richmond, when" his father, 
William R. Sutton, etigaged in the mercantile business. Residing at that place for some years, he 
then removed to New Haven. He lived at tliis place for several years, when he moved back to 
Richmond. In June, 1870, in company with George W. Kenfi(dd, he started the Richmond 
Hciuht. After an existence of about two weeks, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Sutton 
assuming the whole business, which he continued until November of the same year, when he 
sold out to David L. Cooper, in whose employ he remained tor about eight months. He then 
assumed the position of local and assistant editor of the Port Huron Dailij and Weekli/ Times, 
whore he remained for several months. His nest enterprise was the establishing of the Grecn- 
Ixirlc Sentinel, a campaign journal. In October, 1878. he removed to Homer, Calhoun County, 
to edit and publish the Index. He was married to Miss Lillie B. Thompson, of Richmond, 
December 25, 1878. In August, 1880, he returned to Richmond and purchased the Richruond 
Reriew, of which journal he is now editor and publisher. 

The Memphis Tritmne was established in 1882, and the first number issued June 8 of that 
year. The editor and proprietor is A. H. Patterson, formerly of the Almont Herald. The 
Tritmne is a twenty-eight-columu folio, two pages of which are ])rinted at Memphis and two 
pages at Detroit. 

The Capac Ragle is the name of a paper established at Capac l)y Charles A. Bacon in No- 
vember, 1882. It has eight pages of five columns each, and presents a very creditable appear- 
ance. Its motto is, "Capa<! and St. Clair County first, and the world afterward." 

The Daily Telegraph was pul)lished at Port Huron in the fall of 1882, with Mr. Thomas, 
editor. It is a small four-page joiu-nal. 



'^^^ 



424 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



RELIGIOUS HISTOKY. 



Throughout the history of the townships, villages aad cities of the county, sketches of the 
various religious societies are given. Here a notice of organization or re-organization is placed 
before the reader. 

The footsteps of the French Catholic missionary and of the children of his church were the 
first marks made by white men on the sands of the Atlantic shore, as well as upon the shores of 
our great lakes and rivers. They built a church at St. Augustine, Fla., over 300 years ago. 
and a little later raised the cross in the wilderness of the North. The iu'st convent was es- 
tablished at New Orleans, in 1727; the first cargo of wheat sent down the Mississippi was 
raised at the Jesuit Mission: the first sugar-cane plantation in Louisiana was cultivated by them, 
and the last survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was a son of their church. 

On account of the aversion with which the Puritan element regarded the English Protestant 
Episcopal Church, that society was not established within the Union until 1784. when Samuel 
Seabury was chosen Bishop of Connecticut. In 1785, the Independent Protestant Episcopal 
Church of America was organized. The prayer book was altered to meet the political require- 
ments of the Republic, as set forth in 1790, 

The Presbyterian Chiu-ch was established in the United States toward the close of the 
seventeenth centui-y by Francis MacKemie. an Irish Presbyterian. In 1716, a synod was held; 
in 1740, George Whitefield came, when the Old Side and New Side branches were formed. At 
the beginning of the nineteenth centm-y the Cumberland Presbyterian organized. In 1838, the 
Old School and the New School Presbyterians formed societies, and again, after the war, 
the Southern Presbyterian Church was formed. 

The Methodist Church, founded by John Wesley, took root in New York in 1766, when 
some of his adherents from Ireland organized a class with Phillip Embury and Capt. Webb as 
leaders. In 1771, Francis Asbmy came as Superintendent, and two years later the first Meth- 
odist Conference was held, consisting of ten preachers of foreign birth. The actual organiza- 
tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church took place in 1784. 

In this county the varied forms of Christianity have made great advances. Chm-ches have 
multiplied until every village and town show their spires and cupolas, containing bells of har- 
mony, which have long since ceased to peal the hynm of debasing bigotry. The centennial of York- 
town witnessed peace throughout the land, religious dissensions and savage bigotry entombed, and 
the Republic happy in the possession of citizens, each one of whom essays to serve God after 
his own notion, without impertinent interference with his neighbor's faith. The people have 
evidently realized the fact that the evil example offered by members of every religious society 
does more to check Christianity than all the sophistry of the infidel, the arms of the united 
Musselmans, or the presence of 100,000 Mongolian mandarins and high priests. Abuses will 
continue so long as the world exists, but the number may be lessened if each section of the 
Christian Church will do its duty, by watching its interests closely — by minding its own busi- 
ness. 

In the following pages, the organization of each church in the county, as shown in the records, 
is given. There are no public records to base data regarding the first Catholic congregation 
formed in this county; but it may be presumed that large numbers of the French Missionary 
Fathers visited the camping grounds of the Indians along the Huron, erected temporary altars 
and offered the sacrifice of the mass in presence of the wondering red men. After the French 
Canadians made settlements here, they were visited regularly by the priests of Detroit, until the 
establishment of permanent missions. Since the American pioneer period the following relig- 
ious societies were formed within this county: 

The organization of the Protestant Episcopal Chui-ch of Port HiU'on was perfected Febru- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 425 

ary 3, 1840, by the election of Nicholas Ayrault and John WoUh as Wardens; Bartlett A. Luce, 
Joseph B. Flanagan. Lorenzo M. Mason, Daniel B. Harrinj^ton and Jo.seph McOreary, Vestry- 
men. 

The Methodist Episcopal C'hnrch of Port Huron was orj^aiii/,(^d February 15, 1840, when 
Rev. Elijah Pilcher, P. E., appointed Joseph Flanua<;an, William Iv. (toodwin, J. W. Cam- 
field, G. F. Boynton and Othiol Gould a board of trustees for the lirst society of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Clair was organized January 27. 1841, when Rev. 
Solomon Steele appointed Moore R. Barron. James Ogden, George Clark, Andrew H. Wesbrook 
and Archibald P. Philli]is, Trvistees. 

The Congregational Society of Newport was organized within the Newport Schoolhouse 
April 5. 1842, with Zael Ward. Selden A. Jones and Davis Donihoo, Trustees. Elisha Jones and 
Zael Ward presided over the meeting. 

The Congregational Society of St. Clair elected Reuben Moore, Elisha Smith. George 
Palmer, Everett Beardsley, Hamilton P. Cady and Samuel Geluter, Trustees. May '■), 1842. 

The Congi'egational society of Port Huron was organized March 27, 1843. John Town- 
send, A. Bottsford, M. S. Gillett, D. Northrup, E. B. Clark and John Miller, Jr.. were elected 
Trustees. 

The Congregational society of Algonac was organized May 5, 1845, with Aura P. Stewart, 
M. W. Brooks. James Burt, Satnuel Roberts, Laban Tucker and Horace Biers, Trustees. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Algonac elected Charles l'hillii)s, Silas ^Miller, Henry 
Robertson. Daniel Daniels, Peter Tarble, James Miller and Charles L. Poole. Trustees, July 
22, 1845. 

The First Baptist Cluu-ch and society of St. Clair was organized June 2, 1849, with H. 
H. Mather, Rufus Swift and Daniel Stewart, Trustees. M. H. Miles. Rufus Swift and Daniel 
Stewart introduced the Constitution and By-Law.s. 

The Fir.st Methodist Episcopal ('hurch of Newport was organized by the appointment of 
Tubal C. Owen. Isaac Wilkin. Reuben Warner and Hezekiah Clark. Trustees. November 8, 
1851. The appointments were made by William Glass, preacher in charge. 

The Methodist Episcojial Chun-li of Algonac met at the House of 1). D. Gillett, January 
30, 1855. and tilled the vacancies in Board of Trustees by appointment of George "W. Owen, 
O. H. Reynolds, William Quibl)l(>. .lames Miller, F. C. Folkerts and Fredric Parker. Trustees: 
Daniel G. Gillett. preacher. 

The Fir.st Methodist Episcopal Church of Memphis. Riley Township, was presided over 
in 1855, by Samuel P. Lee. who, in January 23, that year. appoint(>il (i(>org(> Riggs, George N. 
Chilson, David Mansfield, John Wheeling and Amsey W. Sutton. Trustees. 

The First Bajitist Church of Ira was organized September 8, 185(5, when E. (t. Marks. S. 
1). Irons and Thomas \\"ard were elected trustees. 

The First Baptist Church and Society of Columbus was organized March lit. 185S. with 
W. B. Wright. S. A. Fenton. R. S. Freeman. John Eastwood. Manson Farrar. Hiram Hunt, 
Michael Folts, Joseph Morgan, Harly Hills and Hosea Fuller, Trustees. 

The German Methodist Ej)iscopal ChiU'ch of Newport and St. Clair was organized June 
15, 1858, with Frederick Valker. John Reeder, August Heiliytag. A. Zimmerman and Carl 
Drews, Trustees. 

The Methodist Episcopal CMiurch of Lakeport was organized November 2, 1858, when .Sol- 
omon S. Littletield appointed -foseph Y. Pettys. James Bingham. A. P. Sexton, George 
Wade and Joseph Stephenson. Trustees. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lynn was organized ilay 15, 1858. when Rev. Morey 
Harrington, preacher in charge of Mill St. Circuit, appointed J. \. Cole, John Stonehouse, C. 
P. Stone, D. S. Evans and William Bettes. Trustees. 

The German Presbyterian Congregation of Port Huron was organized October 10, 1859, 
with Izzard Freuud. H. Schmidt. Peter Hill, P. Heinrich Hoffmann and Pet«r Atwater, Trastees. 

The ifethodist Episcopal C'hurch of Vicksburg was organized November 9, 1859, with 
Peter F. Brakman, Nelson :\rills. Amsley M. Griffith, D. Carlisle and William Smith Trust- 
ees, and William Tuttle. pastor. 



426 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The First Bai^tist Society of Port Huron was organized December 5. 1859, with John 
Lewis, John Howard, J. J. Scaritt, J. B. Hull and Calvin Ames, Trustees. The meeting to 
organize was presided over by Calvin Ames. 

The Pilcher Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal Church was the corporate title of trustees, 
appointed by Rev. George W. Owen, of the Columbus Circuit, February 8, 1860. The trustees 
were Charles Simmons, George Fuller, William O. Fuller, Josiah P. Merchant and Samuel 
Stephen. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Merrilville, in Brockway Township, was organized 
March 20, 1860, when Rev. Ira H. Chamblin appointed Levi McNeil, William Bottes, Nathan 
White, Peleg Soule and Jesse A. Cole, Trustees. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of St. Martin was organized at St. Clair, August 
5, 1858, with Michael Nehmeyer, John Peldmeyer and Michael Scheierioker, Trustees. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Burtchville was established September 3, 1861, 
by Rev. William Tuttle. who appointed M. Strevel, W. Boomer, AVilliam Wardel. John Mitch- 
ell and John Holt, Trustees. 

First Evangelical Protestant Church of Casco was organized July 6. 1861, when William 
Zentgreve, John Hirt and Andrew Moerschel were elected Trustees. 

First Congregational Society of Columbus was formed November 19, 1860, with John S 
Parker, Henry Quick, Charles Hunt. Robert Ramsey, Michael Felts and Thomas Gi-aham, 
Trustees. 

The Methodist Protestant Church of Capac was organized under Rev. H. W. Hicks, Feb- 
ruary 15, 1862, when Hugh Morton, Garrison Smith, and P. C. Goodel were elected Trustees. 

St. Mark's Church (Protestant Episcopal) of Newjaort was organized June 20, 1863, with 

B. S. Horton, A. B. Clough, Aloney Rust, L. B. Parker, T. W. Main, and John Bishop as 
original members. 

German Lutheran Church, St. Martin's Congregation of Cottrellville, was organized Feb- 
ruary 16, 1864, with twenty-one members, under Conrad Ide, minister, and John Waug, Paul 
Vollnier, and Frederick Gunnurmer, Trustees. 

St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church of Marine City, was organized in June, 1865, with 
A. B. Clough, B. L. Horton, Alexander Gilchrist, Aloney Rust, Joseph Luff and D. H. West- 
cott, members. 

The German Lutheran St. Paul's Congregation and Church, Casco, were organized June 7, 
1859, with Aug. Leich, Samuel Spaar and W. J. Schroeder, Trustees, and F. Backman and 
W. Schroeder, Elders. 

Lutheran Evangelical St. Peter's Congregation of China was organized February 24, 1866, 
with Charles Hoifmeyer, Aug. Hoffmeyer and John C. Boeder, Trustees. 

St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church of Algonac was organized March 7. 1867, with 
Thomas F. Perry, Fred. Parker, William Gunniss, Aura P. Stewart, John K. Harrow and 
John Hansford, (Original members. 

Trinity Church (Protestant Episcopal) of St. Clair was organized April 2, 1867, with 
Wesley Truesdell, T. W. Bacon, A. L. Padtield, D. Sheldon, John E. Kitton. Uriah Hayden, 
original members. 

The Poi-t Huron Society of Spiritualists adopted a constitution April 24, 1868. The 
members whose signatures are on record were: D. B. Harrington. L. S. Nobles, S. W. Ham- 
ilton, James H. White, J. H. Haslett, H. Kubey, John Buzzard, James Talbot, T. L. Hubbard, 

C. L. Penney, E. R. Seeley, John L. Newell. W. B. Pace, R. W. Matthews, Megs Jordan, 
Henry Allen, Stephen V. Thornton, Thomas Dunford, Isaac Hamilton, S. D. Pace. Hiram Ham- 
ilton. The ladies who joined this religious body were, Sophia Hoagdon, Eliza A. Dale, Mary 
C. Reid, M. J. Brown, Mary E. Noble, Emma Young, H. N. Hamilton, L. G. Seeley, Electa 
Buzzard, Mariah Talbut, Maiy Miller, Angel D. Penney, Miss Fannie Kubey. Mrs. M. Sayres, 
H. F. Allen, Lizzie Pace and Sarah Dunford. The Trustees were John L. Newell, James H. 
White, J. H. Haslett, James Talbot, L. S. Nobles, Thomas Dunford and C. L. Penney. 

The German Evangelical Church of Port Huron adopted articles of association as the 
" German United Evangelical Congregation of Port Huron," May 10, 1868. The society elected 



HISTORY OF ST. CI, A IK COfXTY. 427 

the following Trustoes, July 5, ISOS. viz.: Peter Hill, Phili]) Eichlioni, Peter Schweetzer. Aug. 
Ludwig, Ernst Ortenhiu'ger and Charles I'^.iclihorn. 

The Capac Society of Spiritualists organized, September 18, 1868, with the following Ex- 
ecutive Committee: Andrew Millspaugh, Charles Koss, Mrs. Charles lloss, Philander Caswell, 
Miss Harriet Caswell, Mrs. Millspaugh, Samuel J. Finchers, John T. I'omoroy, Hester F. 
McKinzie. 

The First United Presbyterian CJongregation of Port Huron was organized May 10, 1809, 
with Rol)ert Wilson, P. U. bright, JOdward Cowan, Daniel Robinson and Alexander Stewart, 
original iuember.s. 

The First Regular Baptist Church and Society of J3rock\vay adojjted articles of association 
February 7, 1807. with William Ballentine. W. H. Balleutine, Ruth Ballentiue, R. Turner. 
Catharine Tiu'ner, Nathan Russell, Waldron Ward, Louisa H. Boyer, first members. 

The P'irst Methodist Episcopal (Church of Kenockee elected Samuel Ramsay, Aaron Hulin, 
Levi Cronk, Thomas Ramsay, and Daniel Dove, Trustees, January 1, 1870, 

The Chui-ch of Christ. Brockway Center, adopted articles of association March I'J, 1870. 
The members behmged to the Free Baptist Church for seven years previously. The subscribers 
to the constitution were: D. Brown, pastor; R. \\ . Murray and John Broadway, Deacons; A. 
H. Telfer, George Moflat, Sr. , .Vlexander Lowe, Samuel Carson, George Car])enter, Jacob Miu-- 
ray, H. Phillii>s, G. Menerey, M. Meneroy, Agnes TurnbuU, William Young, Doughtery Mid- 
dleton, Jannette Middleton, R. Scott, T. H. Collins. Ruth Scott, Constance Eastman, W. B. 
Johnson, Melveney Bartlett, J. Brown. Sarah A. Carson. Nancy A. Broadway, M. Packer, 
Mary H. Tehpeii, Mary Brown. I'^liza Menerey, Janet M. Brown, Anne iMenerey. INIargaret 
Adams, Susan Carpenter, Mary Philli])s, Eliza Menerey, Mary J. Menerey, Anne K. Menerey, 
Mary G. Stevens, Mary Young. Maiy A. C.'oUins, Alexander Adams, Elizabeth Phillips, Eliza- 
beth Smeats and Isabella Brown. 

The Methodist Episcopal ('hurch of Wales Township elected James P. Smitii, D. Reisch, 
Bob. Baillie, James Dunning and Abrahiim Yarger Trustees March 5, 1870, 

The Church of Christ of Algonac adopted articles of association in 1871, and elected 
Isaac Kliene, N. D. Smith and Yincent McCrea Trustoes. 

The First Baptist Society of Casco was organiz(>d IMareh 7. 1872. with Charles Schmock, 
Fred Scholl' and ,lohn Brocknian Trustees. 

The First Baptist Society of Wales Township adopted articles of association January 20, 
1872, The Trustees elected were Galloway Freleigli. A. Dunning and D. Drake. 

The Methodist Episco])al Church of Grant was organized March K), 1871, with Aaron 
Earnest, Charles P. i-'arr and George (Jomstock Trustees. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Kimball Circuit, in Wales Townshijt, adopted articles 
of association in 1872. and on June 8 elected Charles S. King. E'lihu .4kerman and Levi Fair- 
banks Trustees, 

The First Methodist E])iscoi)al Chm-ch of China, elected Peter Powrie, Thomas Low, 
Wonton Tripp, Philander Allen and Ambrose West. Trustees, Octol)er 29, 1870. 

The First Methodist Ei)isc.,],al Church of West Berlin elected Trustees April 28, 1872. 
They were James S. Freligh, J". F. Barber, John Park, James Harrington, Schuyler Jones, T, 
Stanlake and William Huggett, 

The (Tcrman Aid Society of the city of Port Huron was organized February 9, 1873, with 
eight members. 

The German Evangelist Lutheran Society of Port Huroii adopted articles of association 
February 10, 1878, which adoption was signed by William Ernst. J. F. RutT, A. Wienert, A. 
Henz and A. Sehidz. 

The Methodist Episcopal Chmch of Fort Gratiot ajipointed Raymond J. Wright, Richard 
Fades, Robert E. French. Don. C. Curtis, Joseph Davis and Felix Towsley, Trustees, March 
IS, 1878. 

The Adv(<nt C'hristian Church Society of (/olumbus Township ado])ted articles of associa- 
tion February 27, 1875, which were signed by Ira P. Burke. Norman Young, George C. Ste- 
phenson, John S. Parker and O. M. Stephenson. 



428 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Salem Church of the Evangelist Association of North America, in St. Clair County, was 
incorporated December 15, 1874. with W. H. Hunsperger, President, and J. G. Guenther, 
Treasurer. 

German Evangelist Lutheran Church of Emanuel of Greenwood Township elected Nich- 
olas Vogelei. C. Gruel, John Lepien, Charles Lepien and Fred. Prueness. Trustees, March 1, 
1875. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Riley Township was organized February 9, 18/5, 
when William Burt, W. B. Dayton. Martin EUenwood, J. Warren, S. Van Valkenburg, were 
elected Trustees. The members who signed the articles of association were, together with the 
Trustees, James McMett, Thomas Davis, D. McMett, Hiram L. Dutton, J. L. Vincent, Manuel 
Ralph, William Dayton. Mary Bart, Jane E. Davis, Eliza Dutton, Julia Valkenburgh, Mary 
A. Vincent and Eliza A. Ralph. 

The Free Methodist Church of Riley, was formed October 4, 1875, when Hezekiah Knight, 
John Bishop, Albert Henderson, T. Tevill and A. Sunrekee were elected Trustees. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Capac appointed Miles Hagle, Marvin M. Hol- 
comb, Thomas Lynch, James B. Cavenagh, and Richard Shutt, Trustees, November, 22, 1875. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Society of Marine City, appointed Isaac Wilkins, Aaron G. 
Westbrook, Phineas H. Clarke. Hiram Chambers, Leonai'd B. Parker, Calvin A. Blood, D. H. 
Wescott, Thomas Priugle and James Leitch, Trustees, January IS, 1876. 

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ of Fort Gratii:)t, elected Abram B. Flew- 
elling, Merrill S. Jones, Charles Cole, Trustees, December 25, 1875. 

The Free-Will Baptist Society of Brockway, recorded its revival January 4, 1876, by the 
adoption of articles of association. Many of those who formed the Church of Christ, previously 
refen-ed to, returning to its folds. 

The Fir.st Methodist Episcopal Church of Grant elected Cyrus Potter, Paschal Lamb, 
William Austin, Milton Newbury and Moses Locke, Trustees, February 26, 1876. 

The German Evangelist Lutheran Societv of St. Clair City, adopted articles of association 
in March, 1876. 

The German United Evangelist St. Paul's Congregation of Clyde Township adopted arti- 
cles of association, August 31, 1875. and elected F. Ulrich, Adam Stein and Fred. Brolomski, 
Trustees. 

The Methodist Protestant Church, Michigan District, with property in Berlin T<>wnship, 
adopted articles of association and elected Trustees, January 7, 1878. Henry Hulbert, George 
Egerton and William Warner were chosen Trustees. 

German Lutheran Congregation of Marine City, adopted a constitution in December, 
1878. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church and Society of Lynn, adopted articles of association, and on 
July 2, 187U, elected Fred Dohrman, George Locke and John Drennan, Trustees. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church of Riley Centre adopted a series of rules for government, 
and elected Jacob Warren, James McMitt, William Dayton, Jonas Jones and James Forshee, 
Sr., Trustees, December 8, 1877. 

The Christian Chm-ch of Grant Centre was organized March 19, 1877. with John McGill, 
Martin Monroe, Hiram Hayword, James Carev, James Coon. Daniel McKay and Herman 
Elliott, Trustees. 

The Baptist Church of Grant Township was organized November 7, 1879, with Rev. W. 
S. Barber, Smith W. Downs, Henry Hewitt, Alexander Youngs, and Nathan B. Elliott, a Com- 
mittee of Trustees. 

The first Trustees of the Clyde and Grant Methodist Episcopal Church were Stephen Tib- 
bert, M. Myron, Henry Cook, Henry Kingsley and Dexter Hubbell, known as Trustees of Zion 
Methodist JEpiscopal Church, May 81, 1879. 

The Trustees for Brockway Centre Methodist Episcopal Church, appointed by I. N. Elwood, 
Presiding Elder, February 14, 1880, were John Mitchell, John Stonehouse, George Aixl, Joseph 
Redhouse, W. H. York, William Bettes, Archibald Mitchell, John Holden and John Wedge. 
In November, 1879, Mr. Elwood appointed George Ard, James Keys, J. F. Brown, C. W. 



HISTORY OF ST. CI>AIK COUNTY. 429 

Stratton and Heury A. Cope, Trustees of the First Mt^thoilist Episcopal Church of Brockway. 

Tho Church of Christ of Al<roiiac adopted articles of association February 23. 1880. The 
first officers were: T. B. Scovil, Overseer; Arthur Walderkiue. Treasurer; it. Robertson. 
Deacon and (^lerk; David Finklo. Frank Brabaw and Charles Shar[), Trustees. 

Methodist Protestant Church of Kimball Circuit, Michii,'an, with property in Wales Town- 
ship, adopted art-icles of association, April '2, 18S0, and el(>ct(Ml Horace C. Mudge, William 
Hunter, Adrian Tigchon, Peter Galerno and Ebenezer Card, Truste(^s. 

The Methodist Protestant Church Society of Grant Cin-uit adopted arlii^les of association 
June 15, 1880. The first Truste(>s were Thomas Myron. Louis O'Dell and Thomas Burns. 

The German Evangelist Lutheran, St. Martin'.s Congregational U. A. C, adopted a series 
of rules for government. September 15, 1880. Tho oflicers elected were J. R. Lauritzen, Chair- 
man; Z. M. Notmeyer, Secr(>tary; M. Netmeyer, George Kruger and Z. M. Xetmeyer, 
Trustees. 

Ihe First Methodist E[)iscopal Church of China elected Thomas Law, William Allington 
and W. A. Trip)), Trustees, May 7. 1881. 

The Free- Will Baptist Church of Capac elected H. P. Stoughton, Nicholas Smith. Richard 
Scott. T. H. Bottomley and William Roy. Trustees. December 29, ISSl. 

The German Evangelist Lutheran St. Petri Congregation of Ira Township, adopted articles 
of incorporation in December. 1881. Henry Meyer, John Rassow and Louis Cohis were elected 
Trustees. 

Amongthe local ministers of early times the name of Eldi>r Warren is prominent. He resided 
on a farm in the southwestern part of Washington Township. Macomb County. Ho was not a 
man of classical education; but of line natural abilities and tender .sympathies, and a very happy 
manner of expressing them. In the lirst years of the settlement his services were in requistion 
far and near as the man most desired to officiate on funeral occasions. His etVorts at such times 
were especially happy, and he became endeared to almost every family by reason of his timely 
service and kind counsel. The quarterly meetings for many years were gi-eatly indebted to his 
presence. He was a good singer, and led the musical part of religious service with line 
effect. As the years rolled on. men of culture came to supply the puljiits. and gradually, 
with his declining yoju-s, Elder A\'arren withdrew from the extended and voluntary labors of 
his earlier years. Elder Warren was the i)ioneer of Metliodism. 

Brother Ruggles, of Pontiac was a man of like heart and labors, though difterent in manner 
and expression from Elder WiUTen. He was accustomed to visit this secti(m of the State 
once every fom- weeks, walking from Pontiac. He lived to an advanced age, and died while 
attending a session of the General Congregational Society of ^Michigan. He was the pioneer of 
Congregationalism north of Detroit. He preached at Romeo in 1828-29, and organized the 
First Congregational Chm-ch there and pre.ached in St. Clair. 

Rev. John Taylor was one of the most able, learned and venerable men who settled here in 
early days. He resided with his -son in Bruce, was well educated, refined, genial, antl a 
ihorough type of the <)/</ .school (/rntleman. He held Sabbath services at his house for many 
years. After the establishment of the Scotch mttlemriil, there was a union of religious elements. 
Ho often supplied the puljiit in St. Clair County, sometimi's for months together, when it wiis 
destitute of a minister. After a life of good deeds and words, he died suddenly at his home. 

In the fall of 1829 or the spring of 1830. Luther Shaw, a graduate from Andover, settled 
at Romeo. Ho was the first permanent minister — preaching in the Congregational Church 
from 1830 to 1834 or 183-".. He married Miss Julia Chamberlin in 1831. This lady died at 
the par.sonage in 1S35. Fnder Mr. Shaw's admiuistiatiou. not only did the church at Romeo 
assume great importance, but also that other one which he attended at Rochester grew in num- 
bers and inlluenee, as well as other societies in St. Clair. 

Rev. John B. Shaw, brother of Luther Shaw, came from Utica. N. ¥.. in 1835, and was 
appointed pastor of the church here. 

Rev. O. C. Thompson was for some time the stated supjiiy between the going of Rev. L. 
Shaw and the coming of his brother. John B. Shaw. 

The memorable revival of 1830 37 began in the church at Romeo, and was conducted by 



430 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



Rev. O. Pai-ker and Eev. P. Barber. All denominations shared in this revival, and the influ- 
ence was felt throughout the adjacent county ot >St. Clair. 

Reuben R. Smith was one of the early local preachers. He first set himself to work in 
putting his own house in order, and then he labored with and for others. 

John Holland was often called upon as an exhorter to supply the pulpit, whwi ministers 
unexpectedly failed to meet appointments. He rendered a religious service which the old Con- 
gregationalists of Macomb and St. Clair Counties will never forget. 

Stephen Theodore Badin was born at Orleans, France, July 17, 1768, [came to the United 
States in 1792, was ordained by Bishop Carroll in 1793, and accepted the Kentucky mission 
in 1794. It is said he was the first priest oi-dained in the United States. His mission at the 
beginning of the nineteenth century embraced as it were the entire Western and Northwestern 
Territories. 

Other ministers mentioned in the foregoing pages and again in the city histories must be 
considered as pioneers in the work of establishing the Christian Churches in St. Clair and 
adjoining counties. 




insTt)ltY OF 8T. CLxVli; cut NTV. 431 



THE MARINE OF THE LAKES. 



The first boat, other than Indian canoes, which ap|)earecl on the Kiver St. Ulair, was the 
Griffin, the history of which is <^ivon in other pages. Following in the track of the Griffin 
came the boats of the couriers, but not until the Fair American and Friendship appeared here 
about the year 18 IC), has any account of large boats been given. One of these vessels was 
known as the Revenue Cutter, under Capt. W'illiaiu Keith. These boats passed up the river iu 
iH'2,'2, en route to Saginaw, and retiu'ued to Ft. Gratiot, in lSl!;5, with the garrison of that post, 
then commanded by Maj. iiaker. Dr. Zina I'itclier was on board the Friendshi]). then com- 
manded by Capt Keith; while the Fair .Vmerican was under Capt. Walker The Tiger and 
the Porcupine Cutters were on the river and lake after this time, one under (,'apt. \Villiam 
Keith and the other under J ohn O' Flaherty. 

Between the years 1820 -22, Angus Mcintosh built on the spot where ^\'alker's distillery 
now stands in Canada a three-masted, s(piare-rigged, bar(jue-sha})ed vessel called the Duke of 
Wellington, of 132 tons, which was at that time the wonder and admiration of the lakes. In 
fact, previous to 1^80, the sailing vessels belonging to Michigan were small sloops and schoon- 
ers rarely n^aching KHI tons, and generally under sixty. These were mostly built at Huron. 
Ohio, and iu Butl'alo, the late Oliver Newberry especially ])atronizing the former place. In 
nothing is the rapid growth of our commerce and wealth of the State more clearly exhibited than 
in the increase in the number and capacity of the vessels owned at her ports. The Salem 
packet of 1818, 27 tons burden, the St. Clair of 28 tons, built in 1824, the Albatross, 20 tons, 
and Marshal Ney 93 tons, built in 1830. the Elizabeth Ward, 65 tons, and Gen. Harrison, 115 
tons, built in 1833, all the proiierty of Samuel A\'ard, of St. Clair, have given place to the s]>len- 
did line of steamers that we all remember, owned by Samuel and E. B. Ward, during 1S50- 
00. Every one who knows anything of the history of our lake marine has heai'd of the famous 
''fleet" of Oliver Newberry, wlio was known as the "Admiral of the lakes." For the benefit of 
the present generation, we apjiend the following list of vessels composing this lleet, with their 
tonnage: Tlie Pilot, 54 tons, built at St. Clair, in 1825; LaGrange, 101 tons, at JIt. Clemens, 
iu 182(), Napoleon. 107 tons, at Detroit, in 1828; Savage, 30 tons, at St. Clair, in 1828; Ma- 
rengo, 104 tons, built at Huron. Ohio, in 1831; Prince Eugene, 104 tons, at Hui'on, Ohio, in 
1832; Ansterlitz, 134 tons, at Huron, Ohio, in 1832; Lodi, (U tons, at Huron. Ohio, in 1834; 
Jena. 55 tons, at Detroit, in 1834; all these were schooners. These were ccmmandetl l)y such 
veteran sailors as Chesley Blaki>. Mason Dingly, John Stewart. Harry Whittakcr. Gus. McKins- 
try, Amos B. Hinckley, Levi Allen, and Ben. Miller. 

The first steamer enrolled as belonging to Detroit was the Argo, and she was called a 
steam sloop. She was built in 1830 in Detroit, and was owned and commanded by John Bur- 
tis. She was 42 feet long, U broad, and 2,\ deep. Her cajiacity was nine tons. She was used 
as a feiTV, and occasionally ran up the River Rouge to Dearborn. 

The next steamer was the Gen. Gratiot, built at Black River, Ohio, in IN31. She was 45 
tons burden and was licensed here in Juno of that year, owned by Francis F. Browning, and 
commanded by Ai'thur Edwards. Then came the Gen. Brady. 65 tons, built at Detroit in 
l'~^32, owned by a number of the then princijjal business men; and the Amli'ow Jackson, 4U 
tons, built at Mount Clemens in 1832, by Gray & GallaghtM-. During the years 1833 and 
1834, a number of steamers were built, of which the following are the names and tonnage: Lady 
of the Lake, 26 tons, built at Mount Clemens; Major Jack Downing. 54 tons, also built at 
Mount Clemens; Oliver Newberry, 170 tons, built at St. Clair; Uncle Sam. 220 tons, built at 
Grosse Isle; Michigan. 470 tons, built at Detroit; Detroit, 137 tons, also built at Detroit; Del- 
awai'e, 178 tons, built at Huron, Ohio; Monroe, 349 tons, built at Monroe. Those enrolled 



432 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

after this gradually increased in size, and the date of their building bBComes so recent that 
their history "doth not outstrip the memory" of this generation. 

The first steamboat between Detroit and Port Huron was the Argo, referred to above. She 
was constructed from two large whitewood trees, converted into dug-outs, joined so as to make 
a sharp bow and square stern. She was the property of her Captain, Burtiss, of Detroit. On 
her arrival at Stromness Island, she would take on board a quantity of fence rails, as it ap- 
pears she could not load sufficient fuel for her trip at either Port Huron or Detroit. 

The Gen. Gratiot, referred to, was purchased by Dr. Rice & Co., of Detroit, and placed on 
the St. Clair route about 1831, under Capt. John Clarke, of East China. This boat and her 
Captain became great favorites. In 1833-34, the Gen. Brady, under Capt. Burtiss, plied on 
the lake and river. The Lady of the Lake, with Capt. Sylvester Atwood, was a small boat, 
which plied on the river for a short time. 

The Erie was placed on the route in 1830 by James Abbot, and was known as the Fast 
Boat until her wreck on Lake St. Clair in 1812. Capt. Samuel Ward placed the Huron on the 
St. Clair route in 1840, with E. B. Ward as Captain. This was the great boat of the period. In 
the Stewart memoirs, it is said that at this time Newport, St. Clair and Port Huron were 
rapidly increasing in population, and the cjunty was filling up with industrious farmers. 
The same evidences of progress were shown on the Canadian side of the river. Lake Huron 
shore and the river ports gave this boat full freights, her commodious cabins were always 
crowded with passengers. She continued on the route, until worn out with service she was 
withdrawn, having proved herself the foundation on which the colossal fortune of the Wards 
was built up. 

The first boat built in the county was tha St. Clair, in 1820, owned and operated by Sam- 
uel Ward. After the opening of the Erie Canal, Ward took on freight for New York, and tak- 
ing two horses with hitn to tow the boat through the canal, started on his Eastern trip. On his 
arrival at Erie, he stowed away the masts and sails, pushed through the canal to Hudson, 
where he replaced masts and sails, and proceeded to the city of New York. Having procured 
a full freight list, he entered upon the return home. He expected to receive a premium from 
the canal authorities for his enterprise in running the tirst lake boat through; but the canal 
men failed to appreciate the deed, and instead of receiving a premium he was called upon to 
pay toll. The St. Clair was the first boat built at Marine City. 

The Grand Turk was the first boat built at St. Clair, or Palmer Village. She was com- 
pleted shortly after the St. Clair. Capt. Alexander St. Bernard was in charge of this ungainly 
looking product of Barber's naval architectural knowledge. The Savage of Detroit was built 
in Clay Township in 1824, by Capt. Amos Henkley and K. Newhall. The Savage was a trader 
on the Mackinac, Green Bay and West Michigan route, and was the first vessel that entered and 
wintered in the St. Joseph River. Capt. Henkley, on returning to Detroit, gave a glowing ac- 
count of the shore at St. Joseph, and sucjeeded in urging its adoption as the location of a vil- 
lage. He built the first house there, and claimed an interest in the village plat. This lake 
sailor died on board his boat in 1834, and was buried on the Canada shore. In the winter of 
1835, William Brown caused the body to be exhumed, and interred on United States soil. 

SHIP-15UILDING IN ST. CLAIR. 

The names and tonnage of the several vessels and steamers that have been built in this 
county up to Dacember, 1817, are hfire given. Most of them were built within the three years 
ending in 1847. It is estimated by experienced builders that shipping could be built 20 per 
cent cheaper upon the St. Clair than at any other point on the lakes: 

Built at Lexington — Schooners Big Z, having 140 tonnage; China, 65; Merinda, 57; B. G. 
Allen. 34; Ann, 38; Dolphin, 8; Pontiac, 00; sloop. H. Young, 30. 

Built at Burtchville — Schooner Baltic, having 90 tonnage. 

Built at Port Huron — Sahooners Amazon, having 215 tonnage; H, W. Hubbard, 75; Free- 
dom, 28; Industry, 45; H. Hopkins, 14; brig David Smart, 223; steamer .America, 1,100. 

Built at St. Clair — Schooner Unrile Torn, having 140 tonnage; propeller Goliath, 315. 

Built at China — Schooner Macomb, having 45 tonnage; St. Clair, 35. 



lilSTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 433 

Built at Newport —Steamers Huron, having 150 tonnage; Champion. 196; Detroit. "217; 
Sam. Ward, 433; schooners Henry Clay. 191); Morning Star, 38; Gen. Harriwon. 100; Ver- 
mont, 95. 

Built at Algonac — Schooners Venus, having 45 tonnage; Wolverine. 213; Vengeance, 78; 
Mary Ann Lamed, 9S; Congress, "215: steamers Macomb. 13"*; Franklin, 250; Sultana, S50; 
Fashion, 280. 

Total, 9 steamers, 1 proppller, 25 schoon(>rs, and 1 sloii[). In addition to these, there were 
l)uilding at Port Huron a brig of 220 tons, a ])ropeller of 350 tons; at St. Clair, a steamer of 
1,()00 tons: and at Algonac. a brig of 200 tons. 

In addition to the information given, the following history of the lake marine is given. 
The paper was found in the writer's scrap-book; but to whom the credit of its compilation is due, 
is unknown. All of the early writers of our lake history seem to agree that tlm name of the first 
vessel which ever floated the lak(>s was the Griffin, which made her debut in 1(j79. She was 
built on the Niagara River, six miles above the Falls, was of sixty tons l)urden; and set sail 
August 7, of that year, in command of Chevalier de la Salle, with a crew of six persons all told, 
for Mackinac; and in the cour.se of a few days, loaded with fur.s, started on the return voyage. 
which is the last that is known of her, although it has been averred that the crew and outfit of 
the vessel were saved, which a.ssertion, however, is most positively contradicted by the best au- 
thority. It may here be noted as the first marine disaster that ever occurred on the lakes. 
From this jieriod up to the year ITiH). no mention is made as to the movement of any <'raft on 
the lakes, alth"Ugh it is not to be doubted that others were introduced previous to that time. 
Four vessels, namcnl respectively the (JIadwin, Lady Cliarlotte, Victory and Boston, were nav- 
igating th(> lakes in the Iast-nam(>d year, and in subsequent years up to the present time their 
names have rolled u|) to legion. As early as May 1. 1770, tln> schotmer ('harity was launched 
at Niagara: she was commanded by Capt. John Laighton, and was (>mployed in the freighting 
of merchandise; her dimensions are not given; she was employed in the carrying trade for sev- 
eral years. 

On Lake Ontario, history informs us, the first vessel was set afloat in 1789. She was built 
at Sodus Bay, by Capt. .Tohn Fellows, who (jame from Shefliiild, Mass., her first cargo being to- 
bacco and tea. Eventually Capt. Fellows transferred his op(<rati<ms to the Upper Lakes, and 
commanded, besides owning vessels, until quite a late p(>riod — until 1S3U — wlien hi^ died at 
Fort Erie, opjjosite Black Rock, N. Y. The first m(<rchant In-ig introduced upon the lakes was 
called the Union. She was ninety-six tons, and was built in 1811, but being found too large 
for the business requirements of that ])eriod, was for a time laid up. The first full-rigged ship 
on the lakes was built at Buflalo in 183(), by Col. Alanson Palmer, and called the Julia Palmer, 
of about 300 tons burden She proved inadequate for the trade, was converted into a steamer, 
and lost on Lake Superior in 1847. During our lake history, two vessels were sent over Niag- 
ara Falls. One of these, called the Michigan, was a condemned craft built in 1817. and 132 
tons burden. Early in the season of 1829. she was purchased by ])arties at the Falls and fitted 
out with yards aloft, and in September of that year was sent over the Falls, stocked with a few 
tame and wild animals. She was got under way from Navy Island and ])iloted as far as dare 
be by Capt. James Rough and Harry Weishuhu. Two b.^ans were on board, one of which es- 
caped to the shore previous to the vessel making her final leap, and was presented to the noto- 
rious Sam Patch, and accompanied him on his last lea]) over Rochester Falls. A similar experi- 
ment was carried out by the same parties in 1831, who purchased at Bufi'alo a condemned ves- 
sel called the Superior, of about the same dimensions as the Michigan, b\it in this instance the 
programme of the occasioji failed to meet their expectations. After reaching the rapids, she 
struck on an island, and ther(> remained until floated off" by high water a month subsequently, 
rhe first vessel to Chicago was the schooner Gen. Tracy, a vessel of about ninety tons 
burden, and built at Detroit somewhere about the year ISOd, and wrecked on Fort Erie reef in 
1809; owned at the time by Porter, Barton & Co. The Tracy set sail from Detroit for C'hicago 
in 1803, having on board a company of soldiers, under command of Col. Swearingen. On the 
passage, she called at St. Joseph and other points. Chicago at this period had but one white 
man's dwelling, that of an Indian trader. 



434 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Having thus briefly alluded to the commencement of our vessel history, it may not b& 
deemed inopportune to present the following history of the first steamboat and others which 
have followed and passed off the stage of existence. History deemed authentic informs us that 
the first steamboat, the Clermont, was built by Robert Fulton, in 1807, near Hiirlgate, on East 
River. She was 140 feet long, of flat construction, and drew twenty-two inches of water. 
Her wheels extended below the bottom of the boat. A fly-wheel was attached to the paddle- 
wheel, having a vnn four inches wide, which was to make the paddle-wheel pass the center with- 
out a jerk. There was a big hub just inside the boat, into which the shaft fitted. 

In 1817, a steamer was built and launched at Prescott, Lake Ontario, called the Dalhousie, 
which was the first steam craft on that lake. The year following, 1818, the Ontario came out 
at Sackett's Harbor, which was the first American steamer. In 181 8, the steamboat Walk-in-the- 
Water was commissioned on Lake Erie. She was built opposite Squaw Island, on the Niagara 
River, below Black Rock, and was 342 tons burden, low pressure engine, and arrived on her 
first trip at Detroit August '22 of that year, commanded by Capt. Job Fish. In 1819, she 
made her first trip to Mackinac, and on November 1, 1821, was lost in Buffalo Bay, since which 
time^i upward of 200 side-wheel boats have been built and passed out of existence. Thirty-four 
were burned, involving the loss of upward of 7tlO lives; sixty-nine are known to have been 
wi'ecked or foundered, with the loss of 136 lives; twelve were sunk by collisions, with a loss of 
601 lives; upward of sixty went to decay, or, having served their time, were broken up; and 
forty-one converted inti.) other uses. Of the lost, we summarize as follows, having no reference 
to those yet in commission. 

Walk-in-the Water, 342 tons, built at Black Rock, 1818, wrecked at Buffalo November 1, 
1821. 

Superior, 300, Buffalo, 1822, made a ship and lost in 1843. 

Chippewa, 100, Buffalo, 1824, broken up in 1825. 

Niagara 1st, ISO, Black Rock, 1825, broken up. 

Henry Clay, 348. Black Rock. 1825, broken up. 

Pioneer, 230, Black Rock, 1825, wrecked on Lake Michigan, July, 1884. 

William Penn, 275, Erie, Penn., 1826, wrecked. 

Enterprise 1st, 250, Cleveland, 1826. wrecked. 

William Peacock, 120, Barcelona, 1829, exj^loded, killing 15 persons, on Lake Erie, 1830. 

Newbiu-yport, 75, Erie, Penn., 1829, broken up. 

Sheldon Thompson, 242, Hm'on, Ohio, 1N30, broken up. 

Ohio 1st, 187, Sandusky, 1830, bm-ned at Toledo in 1842. 

Adelaide (Chumplain). 230, Chippewa, C. W., 1830, wrecked on Lake Michigan, 1849. 

Gratiot, 63, Black River, Ohio, 1831, broken up. 

Pennsylvania, 395, Erie, Penn., 1832, broken up. 

Gen. Brady. 100, Detroit, 1832, made into a vessel in 1844. 

Uncle Sam, 280, Grosse Isle, Mich., 1832. made into a vessel in 1844. 

Perseverance, 50, Erie, Penn., 1832, broken up. 

Washington 1st, 600, Huron, Ohio, 1833, wrecked on Long Point, first trip. 

New York. 325, Black Rock, 1833, went to decay. 

Michigan 1st, 472, Detroit, 1833, broken up. 

Daniel Webster, 358, Black Rock, 1833, burned in 1835 at Buffalo; rebuilt. 

Detroit 1st, 240, Toledo, 1833, wrecked on Lake Michigan in 1836. 

Lady of the Lake, 60, Mount Clemens, 1833, broken up. 

Gov. Marcy, 161, Black Rock. 1833, broken up. 

North America, 362, Conneaut, Ohio, 1833, burned at Conneaut in 1847. 

O. Newberry, 170, Palmer, Mich., 1833, broken up. 

Delaware, 170, Huron, Ohio, 1833, wrecked near Chicago, 1836. 

Victory, 77, Buffalo, 1834, broken iip at Buffalo. 

Gen. Porter, 342, Black Rock, 1834, made a propeller. 

Thomas Jefferson, 428, Erie, Penn., 1834, converted into a floating elevator at Buffalo. 

Commodore Perry, 352, Perrysburg, 1834, exploded in 1835, killing 6. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLA[U COrXTY. 435 

Monroo, 841, Monroe, IS-U, went to docfiy. 
Maz(>ppa. 130, Buftalo, 1S31, made into a vessel. 

Sandusky, 377, Sandusky, 1831. burned at Buftalo, made a bark, lost in 1845. 
Minnissetunc, 250, Goderieh, O. W., 1834, sunk near Maiden by steamboat Erie in lS3!t. 
Gen. Jackson, 50. Mount Clemens, 1834, broken up. 
Jackl)o\vniu<T;. SO, Sandusky, 1834, made into a vessel. 
Little Western. <>(). Chatham, C. W.. 1S34, burned at Detroit in ISfJ. 
Caroline, 80, Charleston, S. C, 1S34, burned and sent over \ia<^ara Falls in 1837. 
Kobert Fulton, 308. Cleveland, 1835, wrecked at Sturgeon Point, Lake Erie, in 1844. 
Columbus, 391. Huron, Oliit), 1835, wrecked on Dunkirk piers in 1848. 
Charles Townsend, 3,12, Buftalo, N. Y., 1835, condemned in 18411. 
United States, 3()(), Huron, Ohio. 1835, broken up at Buftalo. 
Chicago, ](>('}, St. Joseph, Mich., 1835, wrecked in a gale in iSt'i. 

AV. F. P. Taylor, U5. Silver Creek, 1835, once burned, afterward wreck(>d on Lake Mich- 
igan in 1842. 

Thames. KiO, Chatham. iS33, lun-ned at Windsor in 1S38 l)v rebels, and relmilt. 

DeWitt Clinton, IU3, Hunni. Ohio. 1830, sunk at Dunkirk in 1S51. 

Julia Palmer, I'OO, ButValo, |S;',(), formerly a ship, lost on Lake Superior in 1847. 

Don Quixote, 80. Toledo, 183(), wrecked on Lake Huron, 1836. 

Little Erie, 149, Detroit. 183(1, sunk in Lake St. Clair in 1843. 

Barcelona, 10'2. Dunnville, 183('), formerly Princess Victoria, made into a vessel. 

United, 40, Detroit, 183l'>. made into a barge. 

St. Clair, 250, Sandusky, 18;i(i. formerly Rhode Island, went to <lec:iy. 

Cincinnati, 11(>. Sandusky. I8;!(), made a vessel, called the John F. Porter. 

Illinois 1st, 755, Di>troit, 1837, niade a propellcn- barg(> and lost on Lake Huron in I8f)S. 

Rochester, 472, near Fairport. 1837, made a barge, wrecked at Erie, 1852, 7 lives lost. 

Madison, 030, Erie, Penn., 1837, condemned in 1849. 

Cleveland 1st, 580, Hxu'on, Ohio, 1837, burned at Tonawanda in 1854. 

Wisconsin, 700, Conneaut, 1837, sunk in Lake Erie by collision. 

Erie, 497, Erie, Penn., 1837, bm-ned oft" Silver Creek in 1841. 250 lives 'ost. 

Constellation, 483, Black River, Ohio. 1837, broken uj). 

Bunker Hill. 457, Black River, Ohio, 1837, bm'ued at Tonawanda. in 1857. 

Constitution, 443, Conni>ant. Ohio, 1837, broken up at Sanduskv. 

New England, 410. Black Rock, 1837, went to ilecay at Butlalo. 

Milwaukee, 400. Grand Island, 1837, wrecked on Lake ^lichigan, 1842. 

Aiithony W'ayne. 390. Perrysbui-g, 1837, e.Kploded in 1850. broken up in 1S51. 

Macomb, 100, Mount Clemens, 1837, condemned at JEonroe. 

Rhode Island, 104, Sandusky, 1837, once called th(> St. (Jlair. 

Star. 128, Belvidero, Mich.," 1S37. burned at Buftalo in 1845. 

Commerce. SO, Sandusky, 1837, broken up. 

Mason. 33, Grand Rapids, 1837, condemned. 

Great Western. 7S0. Huron. Ohio. 1S38. burned at Detroit in 1839, and ri4)uilt. 

Buftalo, 013, Buftalo, 1S3S. made a bar((ue in ISIS, and lost on Lake .Michigan. 

Chesapeake, 412, Maumee, 1838, sunk in Lake Krie by collision with a vessel in 1846. 

Vermillion, 3S5, Vermillion, 1838, burned at Huron, Ohio, 5 lives lost. 

Lexington, 303, Black River, Ohio. 1838, condemned. 

Fairport. 259, Fairport. 1S3S, bm-ued at .Vlgonac in 1SI4. 

Red Jacket, 148. Grand Island, 1838. condemned at Di>troit. 

Gen. Vance, 75, Perryslnirg. 1838, exploded. 9 lives lost near Windsor, 1844. 

James Allen. 258, Chicago, 1838, broken u|i. 

Washington 2d. 3S0, Ashtal)ula, 183S, burnerl otY Silver Creek in 1838, 00 lives lost. 

(J. W. Dole, 102, Chicago, 1S38. sunk at Buftalo in 1S50. 

C. C. Trowbridge. •">2 Kalamiz.io. 1S3S. cjndemnel a' Milwaukee. 

Marshall, 51, Perrysburg, 1S3S. broken up. 



436 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Wabash, 34. Perrysburg, 1838, broken up. 

Owaskenonk, 45, Grand Baven, 1838, broken up. 
; Patronage, 56, St. Joseph, 1838, broken up. 

Gren, Scott, 210, Haron, Ohio, 1839, sunk in Lake St. Clair by collision, in 1848. 

Ghautaiiqua, 200, Buflfalo, 1839, sunk atBufialo in 1848. 

Brothers. 150, Chatham, C. W., 1839, sunk in River Thames, 1840. 

Kent, 180, Chatham, C. W.. 1839. sunk in Lake Erie by collision with steamboat London, 
1845, 7 lives lost. 

□Huron, 140, Newport, 1839, dismantled in 1848. 

Gen. Harrison, 63. Maumee, 1839, wrecked near Chicago, 1854. 
"^•Detroit 2d, 350, Newport, 1840, sunk in Saganaw Bay, by collision with bark Nucleus, 
1854. 

Missouri, 612, Erie. Penn., 1840, converted into a propeller barge in 1868. 

Waterloo, 100, Black Rock, 1840, wrecked in Georgian Bay, 1846. 

Indiana. 434. Toledo, 1841, burned at Canneaut in 1848. 

Ben Franklin, 231, Algonac. 1842. wrecked at Thunder Bay, 1850. 

John Owen, 230, Detroit, 1842, burned on river St. Clair, 1860. 

Nile. 600, Detroit, 1843. wrecked at Milwaukee in 1849. 

Union. 64, Black Rock. 1843. broken up in 1850. 

Champion, 270, Newport, 1843. broken up. 

Emerald. 250, Chippewa. 1844, sunk in Bear Creek in 1858. 

Empire. 1,136. Cleveland. 1844. made a propeller barge, and lost in 1870 on Long Point. 

Tecumseh. 259, Algonac. 1844, wi-ecked in 1850. formerly the Fairport. 

J. Wolcott, 80, Maumee, burned in 1851. 

Indian Qaeen, 112. Buffalo, 1844, wrecked at Dunkirk in 1846, 20 lives lost. 

New Orleans, 610, Detroit, 1844, formerly Vermillion, lost at Thunder Bay in 1853. 

St. Louis, 618. Perrysburg, 1844, wrecked on Lake Erie in 1852. 

U. S. steamer Michigan. 583, Erie, Penn., 1844. 

U. S. steamer Alert, 133, Buffalo, 1844. 

Niagara 2d. 1,084, Buffalo, 1845, burned on Lake Michigan in September, 1856, 60 lives 



lost. 



Boston, 775. Detroit, 1845, wrecked at Milwaukee, November 24, 1846. 

Oregon, 781, Newport, 1845, burned at Chicago in 1849, while laid up. 

Troy, 547, Maumee, 1845. wrecked at Goderich in 1860. 

G. P. Griffith, 587, Buffalo, 1845, burned on Lake Erie in 1850, 250 lives lost. 

Superior 2d, 507, Perrysburg, 1845, wrecked on Lake Superior, 35 lives lost, in 1856. 

Astor, 200, Green Bay, 1845, condemned. 

London, 456, Chippewa, 1845, made a bark called Oliver Lee, wrecked in 1857. 

Helen Strong, 253, Monroe, 1845, wrecked near Barcelona in 1847, 2 lives lost. 

Romeo, 180, Detroit, 1845, made a ferry boat in 1858, and taken to Toledo. 

Albany, 669, Detroit, 1846, vn-ecked at Presque Isle, Lake Huron, in 1853. 

Hendrick Hudson, 759, Black River, Ohio, 1846, burned at Cleveland in 1860. 

Louisiana, 900, Bufl'alo, 1840, wrecked at Port Burwell in 1857. 

Saratoga, 800, Cleveland, 1846, vn-ecked at Port Burwell in 1854. 

Canada, 800, Chippewa, 1840, made a bark and lost on Lake Michigan in 1855. 

Islander, 73, Kelly's Island, 1846, sunk at St. Clair Flats by ice in 1861. 

Baltic, 825, Buffalo, 1847, made a barge in 1863. 

Sultana, 800, Trenton, 1847, made a barge and wrecked in 1858. 

A. D. Patchin, 870, Trenton, 1847, wi-ecked at Skillagalee in 1850. 

Baltimore, 500, Monroe, 1847, wrecked at Sheboygan in 1855. 

Diamond, 336, Buifalo, 1847, broken up at Detroit in 1860. 

Pacific, 500, Newport, 1847, made a barge, and lost on Lake Michigan in 1867. 

Ohio 2d, 000, Cleveland, 1847. dismantled at Erie in 1859. 

Sam Ward, 450, Newport, 1847, made a barge, and running yet. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 437 

\ Southerner, 500, Tronton, 1847. wrecked on Lake Krii' iu 1863. 

AiTow, 350. Trenton, 1S48, condemned in Green Bay in 1863. 
i Alabamii. ()00, Detroit, 1S48, sunk near Bufl'alo in 1854. 

Franklin Moore, 300, Newport, 1848. broken up in 1862. 

J. D. Morton. 400. Toledo, 1848. burned on River St. Clair in 1863. 

Emjiire State. 1,700, St. Clair, 1848, made a dry dock at Buffalo in 1858. 

Queen City, 1.000. Buffalo, 1848, made a bari;e and lost on Lak(> Huron in 1866. 

Globe. 1,-00, Detidit, 18 IS. couverted into a jirojiellei'. 

Columbia, 167, Fairport, 1848, wrecked on Lake Huron in 1866. 

Charter, 350, Detroit. 1848, made a propeller and lust in 1854 on Lake Erie. 

Albion, 13'2, Maumee City, 1848. broken up in 18(')5. 

John Hoi lister, 300, Perrysburg, 1848, burned on Lake Erie, rebuilt, and lost on Lake 
Huron. 

Atlantic, 1,100, Newport, 184'J, sunk at Long Point by collision, 150 lives lost. 

Mayflower, 1,300. Detroit, 18411, wrecked at Point au P(41ee in 1S54. 

Keystone State, Buffalo, 18411, foundeied on Saginaw Bay in 1861, 33 lives lo>t. 

Telegraph. KU, Truago, Mich., 18411, sunk liy collision with schooner Manjuette, 1859, 
on Lake Erie. 

Dart, 21)7. Trenton, 185i),| dismantled in 1866. 

Dover, 81, Port Dover, 1851), wrecked neai' Port Dovoi- in 1855. 

Ocean, 900, Newpoi't, 1859. made into a barge in 1867. 

Fox, 162, Buffalo. 1859. burned at Newport, Mich., in 1863. 

Gore, 149, Lake Ontario, 1859. dismantleil at Detroit. 

May Queen, 68S, Ti'(>nton, 1859. burned at Milwaukee in 18()6. 

Arctic, 857, Newjiort, 1851, stranded on Lake Snperioi- in lS<i(), at Huron Island. 

Ruby, 251, Newport, 1S51, broken up at Saginaw. 

Bay City. 479, Trenton, 1S51, wrecked at the Clay Banks in 1SC)2. 

Buckeye State, 1,274, Cleveland, 1851. burned in Buffalo, dismantled in 185/. 

Northerner, 514, Cleveland. 1851, sunk in 185() by collision with steamboat Foirest 
Queen, on Lake Huron. 

Swan, 16<). Detroit, 1851, biu-ned at Toledo, 1852, and at Algonac in 1854. 

Pearl. 251. Newport. 1851, broken up in 1869. 

Plough Boy. 450. Chatham, 1851. renamed the T. F. Parks, burned in 1870 at Detroit. 

Mazeppa, 250, Lake Ontarto. 1851, WTeck(>d on T^ake Huron in 1856. 

Minnesota. 749, Maumee, 1851, wrecked at Sumini>r"s Island, (ireen Bay, 1861. 

Casjiian. 1,050. Newport, 1851. wrecked at Cleveland pier in 1S52. 

Lady Elgin, 1,037, Buffalo, 1851, sunk by collision with schooner Augusta, on Lake 
Michigan. 18()0; 400 lives lost. 

Iowa, 981, ButTalo, 1852. made a propeller and finally a barge in 1868, lost in 1869. 

Clevt4and 2d. 574, Newport. 1852. wrecked at Two Heart River, Lake Superior, in 1 

Golden Gate, 771, Buffalo, 1852, wrecked at Erie in 1S5(); 1 life lost. 

Huron 2d, 348, Newport, 1852. in conunission. 

Travel<>r. 603, Newjiort, 1S52, burned at Chicago in 1S54, and at Eagle Harbor, 1865. 

Michigan 2d. (')42. Detroit, 1817, made a barge, and lost on Lake Erie in 1869. 

Crescent City. 1,710. Buffalo, 1N5:!. dismantled in 1S51I. 

Queen of the \Vest, 1.S51, Buffalo. 1853, dismantled in 1859. 

Mississippi, 1,829. ButTalo. 1853, dismantled in 1862. 

St. Lawence, 1.844, ButValo, 1853, made a bark, and weck(>d at Buffalo iu 18(53. 

E. K. Collins, 950, Newport, 1853, biu-ned at mouth of Detroit River in 1854; 23 lives 
lost 

Ariel, 165, Sandusky. 1853, Inu-ned opposite Belle Isle. Detroit River, in 1868. 

Garden City. 450, Buffalo, 1853, wrecked near Detour, in 1854. 

Canadian, 389, Chatham, 1853, broken uj) in 1868. 

Kaloolah, 450, Buffalo, 1853, wrecked at Saugeen in 1862. 



438 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

J. Whitney. 238. Saginaw, 1853, made a barge in 18(J7. 

Northern Indiana, 1,470, Buffalo, 1853, burned on Lake Erie in 1856; 56 lives lost. 

Southern Michigan, 1,470, Buffalo, 1853, dismantled. 

Forester, 504, Newport, 1853, dismantled in 1865 and made a barge. 

Plymouth Rock, 1,991, Buffalo, 1854, dismantled in 1857. 

Western World, 1.000, Buffalo, 1854. dismantled in 1857. 

North Star, 1,106, Cleveland, 1854, burned in February, 1862, at Cleveland. 

Illinois 2d, 826, Detroit, 1854, made a barge in 1869, and lost same year on Lake Huron. 

R. R. Elliot, 321, Newport, 1854, dismantled in 1866 and made a barge. 

Clifton, 247, Chippewa. 1854, dismantled in 186(5 at Owen Sound. 

Forest Queen, 462, Newport, 1855, dismantled in 1866, and made a barge. 

Planet, 1,164, Newport, 1855, dismantled in 1866 at Manitowoc, and made a barge. 

Island Queen, 173, Kelly's Island, 1855, in commission. 

Amity, 217, Chatham, 1856, wrecked on Long Point in 1867. 

Magnet, 256, Saginaw, 1856, in commission. 

Western Metropolis, 1,860, Buffalo, 1856, made a bark, and wi-ecked on Lake Michigan 
in 1864. 

City of Buffalo, 2,000, Buffalo, 1857, made a propeller, and burned at Buffalo. 

City of Cleveland, 788, Buffalo, 1857, made a barge, and lost on Lake Erie in 1868. 

Princess, 109, Algonac. 1858, broken up in 1869. 

Olive Branch, 89. Detroit, 1858, broken u]>. 

Gazelle, 422, Newport, 1858, wi-ecked at P^agle Harbor in 1860. 

Sea Bird, 638, Newport, 1859. burned on Lake Michigan in 1868; 72 lives lost. 

Detroit (steamship). 1,113, Buffalo. 1 59. made a propeller in 1871. 

Milwaukee (steamship), 1,113, Buffalo. 1859, wi-ecked at Grand Haven in 1868. 

Bonnie Boat, 125, Huron, Ohio, 1859, wrecked at Kincardine in 1869. 

Comet, 385, Newport. 1860, in commission. 

Philo Parsons, 221, Algonac, 1861, at Chicago. 

Sunbeam, 398, Manitowoc, 1861, foundered in Lake Superior in 1863; 21 lives lost. 

Bruce, 100, Goderich. 1862, broken up. 

Emerald 2d, 249, Algonac, 1862, in commission at Saginaw. 

Morning Star, 1.141. Trenton. 1862. sunk in Lake Erie in July, 1862, by collision with 
bark Courtland; 32 lives lost. 

Sarah Van Epps, 179 Fort Howard, 1862, in commission. 

Susan Ward, 359, Detroit, 1862, made a barge in 1870. 

Young America, 89, Alg(mac, 1862, in commission. 

Stephen Clement, 602, Newport, 1863, made a barge in 1869. 

Heather Bell. 149, Detroit, 1863, in commission. 

Reindeer. 320, Saginaw, 1863, in commission, Capt. Oit. 

Silver Spray, 269, Port Dalhousie, 1S64, in commission. 

W. J. Spicer, 446, Port Sarnia, 1804, Grand Trunk ferry. 

L. G. Mason. 139, Grand Rapids, 1864, at Saginaw. 

George Duulap, 358, Green Bay, 1864, plying on Green Bay. 

C. W. Reynolds, 171, Toledo, 1864, plying at Saginaw. 

J. B. Smith, 141, Algonac, 1864, plying at Detroit. ' 

Wave 2d, 159. Algonac, 1864, plying at Saginaw. 

Keweenaw, 635, iVIarine City, 1865, plying to Lake Superior. 
;' City of Toledo, 362, Toledo, 1865, plying on Lake Michigan, Capt. J. P. Hodges. 

Waul'uno. 180, Port Robinson, 1865, plying on Georgian Bay. 

Minnie (flat), 242, Saginaw, 1865. 

Gen. Sheridan. 100, Cleveland, 1865. 

W. R. Clinton, 395, Marine City, 1866. plying to Saginaw, Capt. P. Kenyon. 

City of Sandusky, 432, Sandusky, 1866, plying on Saginaw Bay. 

Orion, 636, Manitowoc, 1866, plying on Lake Michigan. 



/ 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAI15 COTTNTY. 439 

Saginaw, 563, Marino City, 1800, plying on Green Bay. 

Evening Stai\ 842, Saginaw, 1800, plying at Sandusky. 

Mackinaw (flat), I'.tl, Detroit, 18()(), plying on the river. 

Alpena, 017, Marin(> City, 18()f'). plying on Lake Michigan. 

Marine City, 573, Marine ('ity, KSOii. |)lying to Mackinac. 

R. N. Rice, 1,030. Detroit. IN'iC), plying between Detroit and Clevehuul. Capt. McKay. 

Great Western, 1,-Otl, W imlsor. 18(50, iron ferry steamer at Detroit. 

Union, 1,000, Windsor. 1800, ferrj' for railroads at Detroit. 

Frances Smith, 025, Owen Sound, 1807, plies to and from Owen Sound. 

Manitowoc, 773, Manitowoc, 1807, plies on Lake Michigan. 

Northwest, 1,100, Manitowoc. 1807, plies to Cleveland, Capt. Viger. 

Dominion, 221, Wallaceliurg, 1803, plies to Chatham, Capt. Steiuhoff. 

Jay Cooke, i50, Detroit, 1808, plies to Sandusky, C!apt. Goldsmith. 

Dove, 427, Trenton. 180S. plies to ^Maiden. Capt. Sloan. 

J. K. White, 80, Cleveland, 1808. plies to Toledo. 

Ivauhoe, 223, Bnft'alo, ISOll, plies to Niagara River. 

Manitoba, 8()0, Port Robinson, 1871, plies to Collingwood and Lake Superior. 

Cumberland, 750. Tort Robinson, 1871, jjlies to Collingwood and Lake Superior. 

North Star, 300, Green Bay. 1871, plies on Green Bay route. 

There were several others which ))lied to and from Detroit, of the smaller class, not noted 
in the above. The following brief mention of steamers was omitted in the foregoing. The 
Cvnthia, a small steamer plviug l)etwetm Chatham and ^fahlen, was burned near the latter 
port in 1838. The steamer "O. H. Perry (small) burned at Saiulusky in 180'.l. The J. P. Ward, 
1(57 tons, built at Detroit in 1857, burned at Bay City in 1855, and her bottom built into a 
vessel. The steamers Reindeer and Freetrader (both |)ollyvvogs), Canadian l)oats, were lost 
in 1857. The former was wrecked at Big Point Au Sable, Lake Michigan, and 23 lives lost. 
The latter was burned at Port Stanley. C. W. The Fremont was burned at Sandusky in 1858. 
The Seliastopol. built in Cleveland in 1854 or 1855, was wrecked at Milwaukee in 1855, and the 
Canada 2d wrecked at Bar Point. Lake Erie, and was burned previously on River St. (^lair, in 
1855. The steamer America, built at Port Huron, and about 000 tons, was wrecked on the 
rocks at Dunkirk in 1854. The steamer Bruce Mines fouud(>red on Lake Huron, and one life 
lost. The Belle, a small boat, built at Buffalo, and first commanded by Capt. Frank Perew, 
was wrecked on Georgian Bay in 1852. The Telegraph No. 2, formerly a lower lake boat, was 
biu-ned at the head of Lake Erie in 1852, and a Canadian .steamer, the t^ueen Victoria, wiecked 
at the head of Niagara River in 1851. A steamer called the Atlas was wi-ecked near Grand 
River, C. W., in 1851, and the Wave 1st, built at Detroit, wrecked near same ])lace same year. 
The Col. Crockett was lost near St. Joseph in 1834. Of lier career, we know nothing; she was 
of the smaller class. The M(>zep]ia 2d was brought from Lake Ontario in 18r)f5. and was 
shortly after wrecked on Lake Huron. In 1847, a steamer called the Experiment, brought 
from Lake Ontario, navigated Lake Erie, and was broken up on the Detroit River a few years 
since. In 1848, the Dispatch came from the lower lakes, and i)lied on liake Krie, and eventu- 
ally became a tug on the rivers. She was broken up at Chatham in 18(50. 

Comreunication between Lakes Erie and Ontario was first opened up in 1831. via Port 
Robinson and Chipjiewa. thence via Niagara River to Lake Eri(>. The first vessels to pass 
through (and they arrived simultaneously) were the British schooner Ann and Jane and the 
American schooner Erie and Ontario. The event was duly celebrated. Subse(iuently, the out- 
let was extended to Port Cidliorne aitd to Port Maitlaud. on Lake Erie, the former twenty 
miles distant from Buffalo, the latter forty miles. The introduction of propellers on the 
northern lakes was fii-st inaugurated l>y the arrival on Lake Erie, early in 1842. of the Vanda- 
lia. a sloop-rigged craft, built at Oswego, and 150 tons l)urd«>n. Since that date, upward of 
700 have been set afloat on the upper and lower lakes. In 1842. the Chicago and Oswego, each 
150 tons burden, wore built at Oswego. In 1843, the Hercules and Sampson- -the former Imilt 
at Buffalo, t';e lattt>r at Perrysburg — wer(> the first built on the upper lakes; the Hercules was 
275 tons, the Sampson 25() tons burden. The Emigi-ant came out same year at Cleveland, 275 



440 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

tons, and the Independence at Chicago, 262 tons. The Racine and New York also came out 
that year at Oswego. In 1844, the Porter, 310 tons, at Buffalo. In 1845, were the following: 
The Syracuse, of Oswego; Henry Clay, of Dexter; Island, of Kingston; Oregon, of Cleveland, 
Princeton, of Perrysburg; Phoenix, of Cleveland; and Detroit of Detroit. The tonnage of these 
last named was from 300 to 400 tons. In 1846, the following were commissioned: The 
James Wood, of Dexter; Genesee Chief, of Rochester; Milwaukee, formerly Vandalia, of 
Oswego; Ontario, of Rochester; Pocahontas, of Buffalo; California, of Buffalo; St, Joseph, of 
BuffaTo; Earl Carthcart, of Maiden; Queen of the West, of Maiden; Lady of the Lake, of Cleve- 
land; Oneida, of Cleveland; Goliah, of St. Clair, Mich. ; Delaware, of Black River, Ohio; Globe, 
of Maumee City; Odd Fellow, of Grand River, Mich., and Cleveland, of Cleveland. The ton- 
nage of these last boats ranged from 300 to 400. In 1847, the Paugasset, Manhattan and 
Boston were all commissioned at Cleveland; tonnage respectively 320, 330, 350. In 1848, 
the Gen. Taylor, Sandusky, Montezuma and Charter Oak came out at Buffalo (the latter 
previously a vessel), the Republic, Monticello and Ohio at Cleveland. The following pro- 
pellers have passed out of existence. There being several years dm-ing which no lake records 
were published, we make no attempt to furnish complete details: 
Goliah, bm-ned on Lake Huron in 1848, and 18 lives lost. 
Monticello, wrecked on Lake Superior in 1851. 

Henry Clay, cargo of flour, rolled over in Lake Erie in 1851. 

Vandalia (Canadian), sunk by collision with schooner Fashion in Lake Erie in^l851. 

City of Oswego, sunk by collision with steamboat America on Lake Erie in 1852. 

Ireland, burned on the St. Lawi-ence River in 1852. 

Sampson, cargo of flour, wrecked near Buffalo in 1852. 

Oneida, cargo of floiu', capsized off' Erie in September, 1852, all lost -19 lives. 

James Wood, cargo of flour, wrecked near Ashtalnila in 1852. 

Genesee, burned at Rochostei', L. O., in 1852. 

The Independence, wrecked on Lake Superior in 1853. 

Princeton, cargo of merchandise, sunk off Barcelona in 1854. 

H. A Kent, burned off Gravelly Bay, Lake Erie, in 1854. 

Bucephalus, foundered on Saginaw Bay in 1854; 10 lives lost. 

Boston, sunk by collision with a vessel on Lake Ontario, in 1854. 

International, burned at Black Rock, N. Y., in 1854. 

Cincinnati, wont ashore in a gale at Point an Barc^ue in 1854. 

Westmoreland, foundered near the Manitous, Lake Michigan, in 1854, 17 lives lost. 

Rossiter, lost in a gale at head of Lake Michigan in 1855. 

Charter Oak. foundered in Lake Erie in 1855, 11 lives lost. 

Delaware, wrecked in a gale at Sheboygan, in 1855, 10 lives lost. 

Fintry, exploded oft" Port Stanley in 1856. 10 lives lost. 

Forest City, sunk in Lake Michigan by collision with schooner Asia in 1855. 

Oregon, exploded head of Detroit River in 1855, 17 lives lost. 

Lord Elgin, wrecked on Lake Ontario in 1856 

St. Joseph, ashore and total loss at Fairport in 1856. 

Sandusky, ashore at Conneaut in 1856. 

J. W. Brooks, foundered on Lake Ontario in 1856; all lost— 22 lives. 

Phc£nix. l)urned on Lake Michigan, November, 1846, 190 lives lost. 

B. L. Webb, burned on Lake Superior in 1856, 1 life lost. 

Brunswick, foundered on Lake Michigan in 1856, 1 life lost. 

Tinto, burned at Kingston, Lake Ontario, in 1856. 

Charter, wrecked in a gale at Fairport in 1856. 

Paugassett, burned at Dunkirk in 1856. 

Protection, sunk by steamer Boston, on River St. Lawrence, in 1856. 

Toledo Ist, foundered at her anchors off Port Washington, 1856, 42 lives lost. 

Falcon, burned at Chicago in 1856. 

Louisville, burned off Chicago in 1857, one life lost. 



IllsTOllY OF ST. CLAIll COUNTY. 441 

Republic, burned at Sandusky in 1857. 

Oliver Cromwell, sunk in tlio Struits by collision with schooner Jessie, in 1857. 

City of Kn]ierior, wrecked at Eaijl(> Habor. 1857. 

Napoleon, wrecked at Sau^'cen, Ijake Huron, in 1857. 

St. Nicholas, wi'ecked at Sleepinjjj Bear in 1857. 

Forest City, burned oil" Port Stanley, C. W., in 1858. 

Indiana, sunk in Lake Sujierior in 1858. 

North America, burned at St. C'lair Flats in 1858. 

Ontario, went to California in 1850. 

Manhattan, wrecked yt Grand Marias River, Lake Superior, in 1859. 

Oriental, car<^o of provisions, lost on Skillagalee, with two wrecking jmmps, in 1859. 

Troy, foundered with cargo of wheat on Lake Huron in 1S59, 28 lives lost. 

Ohio, exploded and sunk otV Erie, in 1859, 2 lives lost. 

Milwaukee, sunk by cullision with scliooiio^r J. H. Tift'any in 1859, near Skillagalee. 

Lady of the Lakes, exploded and sunk in Lake Firie in 1859, 2 lives lost. 

Peninsula, wrecked on Lake Huron in 1S53. 

M. B. Si)aulding, burned at Forro.ster, L. H., in 1800; bottom made into a vessel. 

Mount Vernon, exploded on Lake Erie in ISGO, 2 lives lost. 

Globe, formerly side wheel, ex])loded at Chicago in 1860, ](', lives lost. 

Wabash Valley, stranded at INluskegon in 186(1. 

Dacotah. wrecked at Sturgeon Point, L. E., in 186(1, and all lost, Hb lives. 

Jersey City, lost by same storm, with 19 lives. 

Ogontz, converted into a v(>ssel in J 800. 

Cataract, burned oft' Erie, Ponn.. in 1801. 4 lives lost. 

L. L. Britton, stranded off Calumet, Lake Michigan, in 1861. 

Banshee, sprung a leak and sunk ofl' South Bay. Lake Ontario. 1861. 1 life lost. 

Oshawa, went ashore at South Bay, Lake Ontario, 18()1. 

Gen. Taylor, wrecked at Slee])ing Bear, Lake Michigan, in 1802. 

Bay State, sunk in Lake Ontario in 1802. all hands lost — 22 lives. 

Pocahontas, wrecked :it Long Point, Lake Erie, in 1802. 

Euphrates, wrecked on Sandusky Bar in 1862. 

C. Mears, sunk by collision with ])i-o]>eller Prairie State in Lake Michigan in 1862, 

B. F. Bruce, burned near Port Stanley, Lake Erie, in 1862. 

California, wrecked on Gull Island Reef, Lake Erie, in ]8()2. 

Jefferson, dismantled at Cleveland in 1863. 

Detroit Ist, dismantletl and made a barge in 1863. 

Globe 1st, burned and sunk in Saginaw Bay in 1863, resurrected and made a barge. 

Vermont, sunk in Lake Erie, hv coljision wilh propeller Marquette, in 1863. 

Water Witch, lost in Lake Huron, with all hands, in 1863. 20 lives lost. 

Nile, exjiloded at Detroit dock in 1864, 6 liv(>s lost. 

Racine, burned off Rond Eaii, 1864, bottom made a bark; 8 lives lost. 

Sciota. sunk in Lake Erie by collisioij with propeller Arctic, in 1864, 9 lives lost. 

Ogdensburg, sunk in Lake Erie by collision with schooner Snowbird, 1864. 

K(>nosha, burned near Sarnia in 1S()4. 

Pewabic, sunk in Lake Huron by collision with ])ropeller Meteor, 1864, 100 lives lost. 

Illinois, sunk at Point an P(>llee by collision with pro[)(>ller D((an Richmond, in 1865. 

Stockman, bnrn(>d at Bear Creek in 18()5. 

Brockville, wrecked at ]5ig Point .\u Sable Lake Michigan 1865, 3 lives lost. 

City of Buffalo, luirned at Buffalo in 1866. 

Mary Stewart, wrecked at Grand Haven in 1866. 

Whitby, lost on I^ake St. Francis in 1866. 

F. W. Backus, burned at Racine in 186(5. 

Wisconsin, bui-ned on Lake Ontario in 1867, 5(1 lives lost. 

Acme, wrecked in a gait- otl Dunkirk 1867. •» 



442 HLSTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

North, burned on River St. Clair 1867. 

Antelope, burned at Buffalo 1867, made a steam barge. 

Portsmouth, wrecked on Middle Island, Lake Huron, 1867. 

Owego, wrecked ofi' Barcelona in 1867, 5 lives lost. 

Sunnyside, wrecked at Pine River, Mich., 1867. 

Genesee Chief, burned at Detroit in 1868, made a barge. 

Gov. Cushman, exploded at Bufl'alo in 1868, 12 lives lOst. 

River Queen, burned at Marine City in 1868, made a tug. 

Hippocampus, burned on Lake Michigan, 1868, 26 lives lost. 

Perseverance, burned on Lake Ontario, 1868, 14 lives lost. 

Congress, (formerly Detroit 2d), wrecked at Thunder Bay, 1868. 

Queen of the Lakes, burned at Marquette, 1869. 

Boscobel, bui-ned on River St. Clair in 1869, 3 lives lost. 

Forrest Queen, sunk by ice off Clay Banks 1869. 

Omar Pasha, burned at Muskegon, 1869. 

Avon, wrecked at Presque Isle, Lake Huron, 1869. 

Hunter, sunk by collision with propeller Comet in Detroit River, 1869. 

Belle, burned ofif Port Washington, 1869, 2 lives lost. 

Colonist, sunk in Lake Huron with valuable cargo, 1869. 

Equator, wrecked at North Manitou, Lake Michigan, 1869 

Free State, wrecked on Graham Shoals, 1871, valuable cargo. 

Anna Horton, wrecked at Kincardine ir 1871. 

R. G. Coburn, foundered on Saginaw Bay, 1871, valuable cargo, 42 lives. 

Navarino, (new) burned at Chicago in 1871. 

Evergreen City, wrecked at Long Point. 1871. 

Alex. "Watson, burned on River St. Clair, 1871. 

J. Bai'ber, burned on Lake Michigan, 1871, 2 lives lost. 

From the foregoing, which, as previously stated, mentions those only which have become 
extinct, and by no means includes all, owing to absent records, including 1870, of which no re- 
port was given, it aj^pears there were 45 propellers bui'ned, 10 lost with all hands, 7 exploded, 
and 120 total losses, besides 544 lives lost. The history of the Lake Marine fi'om 1871 to 
the present time is summarized for the chronological table. Like the commerce of the lakes, it 
has increased rapidly, not so much in number, as in magnificence of the vessels employed. 

LIGHT-HOUSES. 
The light-houses along the lake and river front of St. Clair are in the Eleventh In- 
spection District, which embraces all the northern lakes. The aids to navigation on the river 
and lake front of St. Clair County include the light-house at the head of the Old Cut, at South 
Pass, in latitude 42° 00' 33", longitude 82- 12' 30", built in 1859; the Beacon, built in 
1859, 1,000 feet from South Pass; two lights on the St. Clair Flats Canal, built in 1871, and 
the Fort Gratiot light, built in 1825, rebuilt in 1862, in latitude 42° 00' 22" north, longitude 
82° 24' 44" west. In connection with this light is an eight inch steam fog whistle, a descrip- 
tion of which is given in the history of Fort Gratiot. These aids to navigation on the St. Clair 
River, come next in order of usefulness to the improvements of the river and canal at the St. 
Clair Flats. 



HISTORY or ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 443 



FINANCES AND SlWllSM^K 'S. 



The true beiiiiniiuj:; of the Ajje of Progress in Michigan must be creclited to the period in 
which it assumed the name and importance of a State. A financial mania was abroad. This 
distemper seized upon thi^ Legishiture in lSl5()-87. They enacted a bvstem of int(>rnal im- 
provement without a parallel in the grandeur of its conception. They ordered tlu* construction 
of hundreds of miles of railroad, crossing the State in all directions. This was surp.issed i)y 
the river and canal improvements. There were a few counties not touched by either railr.iad 
or river or canal, and those were to be comforted and con-.pensated by the free distribution of 
money among them. To inflat(> this balloon beyond credence, it was ordered that work should 
be commenced on both ends of (>acli of the.se railroads antl rivers, and at each river-crosssing, 
all at the same time. The appropriations for these vast improvements were over S;r>,()0(). 0(1(1. 
and Commissioners were ai)pointed to borrow the money oa the credit of the State. U(Mueni 
berthat all this was in the early days of railroading, when railroads were luxuries; that the State 
had whole counties with scarcely a cabin; and that the ])opulation ot the State was less than 
200,000, and some idea can be formed t)E the vigor with which those brave men undertook the 
work of making a great State. In the light of history, I am compelled to say that this was 
only a premature throb of the power that actually slumbered in the soil of the State. It was 
Hercules in the cradle. 

From this rash enterprise sprung a sound financial policy, which belonged not only to the 
State LogislatuH'. but also extended to the county and township boards throughout Michigan. 

In 1857, as spring graduated into summer, appeai'ances failed to indicate the coming of 
the storm that threatened to involve the entire country in rum. During the latter |)art of 
August, the suspension of the Life Insurance and Trust Company at Cincinnati, with liabilities 
quoted at §5.000,000, came with unexpected suddenness, and created a havoc in financial ranks 
from which recovery has only been accomplished after yearo of industry, jjluck and unmeas- 
ured coiitidence. This crash was succeeded by others, as is well known, with similar depress- 
ing and ruinous results. These warnings preceded the advance of the foe into the West, and 
caused people to reflect on what might be in store for them. There were many, doubtless, ad- 
monished of what was cijming: but a majority. Hattering their ])(>ace of mind with the thought 
that the city and county wt)uld esca])e unscathed. declini>d to outline their connections regard- 
ing imi)eiuling troubles until too late to provide any remedy to mitigate their severity. There 
were some, however, who saw the horizon dark and portentous with the coming storm, and put 
their house in order to resist its violence. When it came, as a consequence, if not protected 
entirely, they were sufficiently so to escape permanent paralysis. Its immediate presence was 
first manifested by the falling off in trade, the absence of new arrivals, the depreciation in prop- 
erty values, and other signs of coming calamities which, though strange to the West and ber 
peoi>le, carried with them a di'ead of what was to follow in their wake. Ssou after, more 
j)ronouuced symptoms were to be observed. Lots and lands were without markets, and none 
but the choicest of either were worth the cost of assessnumt. Visionaries, who had dwelt in cas- 
tles constructed by fancy, fled from the scene of their creations, api)alled at the storm which 
thoy had aided in provoking. Substantial merchants, who heard the muttering, hastily, and 
in every instance when it was too late, sought to take their latitude and ascertain how far they 
could be driven from their true course and yet survive. \eari>r and nearer approached the crisis, 
closer and closer came the advance of that intangible agency which was to wreck so many 
hopes, strand so many enterprises and commit the fruit of years of labor to an adversity, both 
remediless and hopeless. The crash succeeded these premonitions of its coming, and carried all 
before it. Hundreds were irretrievably ruined in an hour, and men who felicitati>d themselves 
upon the possession of resources, ascertained, when beyond salvation, that these resources 



444 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

were unavailable. Some siirvived. but the majority went down in the storm, and were heard 
of no more. 

The events which followed this crisis are familiar to many who are alive to-day. Gloom 
and discouragement iisurped the places of hope and prosperity. Farm lands were cultivated 
only that the necessaries of life might be harvested. In some remote instances they lay idle. 
There was no money in the country, and this absence of a circulating medium prevented the sale of 
crops. Merchants for similar reasons were unable to buy or sell commodities, and the most 
terrible distress followed, threatening almost permanent poverty, if not complete annihilation. 
In 18G1. when the war bi'oke out, there was a brief revival of business and e.xehange for a sea- 
son, which gave a temporary impetus to trade, but in a brief time, business resumed its slug- 
gish channel. Tlius were cast the lines of life throughout the county. Inquiry was insti- 
tuted to discover, if f)ossible, the cause of these unfortunate effects, and the endeavor made to 
ascertain if their recurrence could be prevented. In all former revulsions, it was reasoned, 
the blame might be fairly attributed to a variety of cooperating causes, but not in the case 
under consideration. There were no patent reasons for the failures, of which that of the Trust 
Company was the beginning — a failure unequaled in its extent and disastrous results since the 
collapse of the United States Bank. Reasonings induced the conclusion that the ruin which 
at one time hung over the country and the people was due almost entirely to the system of pa- 
per currency and bank credits, exciting wild speculations and gambling in stocks. So long as 
the amount of the paper currency, bank loans and discounts of the country should be left to 
the discretion of irresponsible banking institutions, which, from the very Taw of their nature, 
consult the interests of the stockholders rather than the public, a repetition of these exper- 
iences would come at intervals. This had been the financial history of the coimtry for years 
1817, 1837, 1857. It had been a history of e.xtravagant expansions, followed by ruinous con 
tractions. At successive intervals the most enterprising men had been tempted to their ruin by 
bank loans of mere paper credit, exciting them to speculations and ruinous and demoralizing 
stock operations. In a vain endeavor to redeem their liabilities in specie, they were com- 
pelled to contract their loans and their issues, and when their assistance was most needed, they 
and their debtors sank into insolvency. 

Deplorable, however, as were the prospects, the people indulged in bright hopes for the 
future. No other nation ever existed that could have endured such violent expansions and 
contractions of the currency, and live. But the buoyancy of youth, the energies of the people, 
and the spirit which never (piails before difficulties." enabled "the country to recover from its 
financial embarrassment. Its coming was long delayed, but it came at last and dissipated the 
troubles existent, without permitting the people to forget the lesson these troubles inculcated. 
The wheat crop of 1861 was sold for gold and silver, and though the price paid was compara- 
tively less than was expected, it was the beginning ef the end of the crisis. As the war con- 
tinued, and fresh levies were made upon the State and county, the demand for supplies in- 
creased proportionately, and necessitated their production. The demand augmented almost 
with every m(jnth, until in 1863 it had became so generous that it seemed as if the denials 
and privations of the people were about to yield precedence to days of plenty. The crops were 
constantly on the move, money became easier, and merchiints experienced difficulty in keeping 
pace with the wants of their customers. Lauds increased in value, and the area upon which 
cultivation had been wholly or in part abandoned, was replanted and harvested with profit. 
The towns also revived under these benign influences, and that better days had come indeed 
was a conclusion both cheerful and universal. The experiences through which this people 
passed in these years of woe were not, however, without results to the county and city, which 
have proved advantageous and beneficial. Speculators, adventurers, soldiers of fortune and 
vissionaries were weeded out. The dross was separated from the pure gold; the country was 
shorn of its superficial inhabitants, and men only remained, consoling compensations for the 
ruin that had been wrought, who are motive powers by which communities are sustained and 
character for manhood and integi-ity created. The decade in which were included occmTences 
of which mention has been made, consisted of a series of years, characterized by events, as 
has been seen, which tended to the civilization of the age, the education of the world by exam- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAlli (Ol NTY. 445 

pie, and the diHt'i[)lino of hiim.uiity by oxperiouco Commencing iit a ])(>tioil in the history of 
St. Clair County whcm the days of trial wore yielding place to more auspicious seasons, run- 
ning the gantlet of an exi)erience l)()th varied and checkered, and closing amid surroundings 
calculated both to encourage and a|)prove, illustrate how nations, peoples, and communities, 
like individuals, are subject to causes and motives as inconipn-hensible as they are irresistible. 
The dullness of 187;) reached its cliiu.-ix in 1877. and the tiiird panic was a reality. This last 
and most serious season of depression continued from 1878 to 187U, when the revival in all 
branches of trade restored confidenci>. 

During the war, the county subscribed men and money to meet the levies made upon her 
resourc^es for material to be sent to the tield and for other purposes. The sums appropriated 
amounted to §32'2,719.8'.); but between 18r)7 and 1865, the exits were more numerous than the 
arrivals. In th(> latter pr.rt of the war, lumber appreciated in value and attracted a number of 
new-C(jmers. In 18()7, villages wer(> laid out. Between 18(')() and 187!!. villages impnived 
gradually; but until 187t), nr thereal)outs. the increase in ])opulatioii, developnuMit of the coun- 
try and building up of (lie villages, was so gradual as to be scarcely per<niptible. During the 
decade succeeding 18*)('), remai'ked one of the oldest settlers in the county, there hav(^ ijeon more 
ai'rivals and more business than during the jteriod of the county's growth prior to that date. 
This was due to the railroad and other improvements which were completed in those years, 
and attracted a generous immigration, principally from Maine and New York, who located in 
villages when^ tht'y liecame merchants and professionals — or in the lumber districts and on 
farms. To-day the j)opulatii)n of the cotmty is not far from 50,001'. Yet there is a large 
number of towns only partially s(>ttled. and only portions of the county available for agricult- 
ural purposes utilized th(>refor. The facilities for getting to and from the outside world are 
excellent by turnpike roads, railway lines and steamboats. A\'hat the statistics may show 
in lUOO is a matter on which imagination alone may speculate. The prosjiect points out a 
county rich in everything. 

DKCK.SM.M, IKNSUS. 

Year ISIO, 100; 1820, 500; 1830, 1.115; 1840, 4,006; 1850, 10,411; 1860, 26,814; 1870, 
36.759; 1880, 45.685. 

In 1840. the population of St. Clair County was 4,606, distributed throughout the various 
towns. Five years later it reached 7,680, as shown in the following list, giving the returns 
of 1845: Port Hiu-on. 1.1U8; St. Clair, l,t)09: China, 870; CottrellviUe, 727; Clyde, 483; 
Burtchville, 355; Ira, 3'.)2; Clav. 560; Lexington. 868: Columbus, 315; Wales, 114; Berlin, 
476: Riley. 284; Polk. 72. Of this total 4.208 were males and 3.859 females; 19 .\fricans; 2 
lunatics; 2 mutes; 12 males and 6) females over 75 yeai's. 

In 1850, the population was lO.tlJ. increased to 16,800 in 1851. The increase is remark- 
able; over iifty per cent in four 3'ears: 

lS.5(t. 18.14. 



Berlin .5:!^ 772 

Brockwav 25-' 883 

Burtchville 4r>> l.OOH 

Casco i:!l .526 

China I.(i:i7 1,210 

Clay 721 9;« 

Civile I!!M 1.03S 

Columbus .'!7T i;-,\) 



CoUrdlvillc 

Eninicll. (now town) 

Ira 

Lvnu 

Port Uuron 2.:iOt 

Kiley 

St. Clair 

Wales 



18.50. 


lH-,4. 


•JVi 


1.442 




4:i7 


5'.I7 


Si) 7 


.■).) 


107 


2.;iot 


3.088 


311 


593 


1.728 


3.0«n 


1S9 


441 



Population in 1810, of St. Clair and Sanilac Counties then united, ivas 4,606. 

The census returns of 1850 as compared with those of 1840 and 1845 show an increase of 
pO])ulation in this cottnty which is truly astonishing. In 1840. the ])opulation of the whole 
county was 4,619. In 1845, it was 7,562. showing an increase in five years of 2,913. In 1850. 
the population of St. Clair was 10.411, from which Sanilac, containing 2.115 inhabitants, had 
been cut ofi" since 1845. The increase, therefore, in what was St. Clair County in 1845. was in 
five years 4.964, the whole po])ulation of St. Clair and Sanilac Counties in 1850 being 12,526, 
and the whole increase since I840. 7.907. 

The followinjj is th(> number of inhabitants in each town and city in St. Clair Countv, 



446 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



accordins to the census taken August, 1864. Brockway, 792; Burtchville, 1,695; Berlin, 963; 




Clair City, 1,675; St. Clair Township, 1,659; Wales. 1.100. Total, 27,480. 

The returns as given in the Census Statistics for 1880 and 1870 are as follows: 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Berlin 

Brockway 

Burtchville 

Casco 

China 

Clay 

Algonac Village. 

Clyde 

CoUimbu.s 

Cottrellville 

Marine City. . . . 

East China 

Emmett 

Fort Gratiot 

Grant 



1283 
1839 
753 
3312 
1638 
1523 



1870. 



1252 
1337 
3904 



337 

1480 
1903 
1357 



1231 
1330 

726 
1991 
1637 
1475 I 

7.54 f 
1146 
1318 
3373 I 
1340 C 

297 

960 
1033 
1143 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Greenwood. 
Ira 



Kenockee 

Kimball 

Lynn 

Mussey 

Port Huron 

i Port Huron City. 

Rilev 

St. Clair 

St. Clair City . . . . 
Wales 



1880. 



1.568 


898 


1645 


1.580 


1.591 


1229 


1429 


1091 


788 


539 


1746 


1117 


1010 


833 


8883 


5973 


2002 


1664 


1996 


2002 


1933 


1790 


1830 


1358 


46197 





1870. 



MILITARY EXPENDITURES 1861-67. 

The amount expended by the county for the relief of soldiers' families from 1861 to 
1867 was $89,427.99, together with a sum of $233,291.90 appropriated for war purposes fi-om 
1861 to 1866. In the military history of the county, full statistics are given. 



EQUALIZATION AND A.SSBSSMENT FOR 1881 AND 1882. 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Brockway 

Herlin 

Burtchville.... 

Clay 

Columbus 

Casco 

China 

Cottrellville .. 

Clyde 

East China... 

Emmet 

Fort Gratiot.. 
Greenwood .... 

Grant 

Ira. 



Kimball 

Kenockee 

Lynn 

Mussey 

l*ort Huron 

Port Huron City (1st Ward)... 
Port Huron Citv (2cl Ward) ... 
Port Huron Cilv 13d Ward)... 
Port Huron city (-Ith Ward) . 
Port Huron City (olh Ward).. 
Port Huron City (6th Ward).. 

Riley 

.St. Clair Town 

St. Clair Citv (1st Ward) 

,St. Clair City (2d Ward) 

Wales 



Real 
Estate as 
Assessed. 



Total . 



,248 

,9.35 

,U50 

,000 

,644 

,755 

,9.')5 

,811 

,000 

,833 

,058 

,067 

,773 

,072 I 

,173 ! 

,040 

,828 

,008 

,186 

,128 



10 i 



23, 



150- 
120 
350 
:,800 
i.OOO 
469 
481 
.■120 



Real 

Estate as 
Equalized. 



Personal i Total 



Total 



Assessed. 



401,155 

4.51,2.50 

158,370 1 

180,590 

439,075 

420,470 ! 

458,875 

506,350 

464,465 

134,6,55 

268,700 

381,925 

297,126 

383,080 

179,085 

317,915 

298,090 

214,600 

327,780 

123,400 

572,975 

890,375 

484,225 

501,200 

443,425 

336,675 

531,970 

535,525 

.■i27.100 

267,320 

3:i7,300 



341.370 
350,860 
106,850 
180,000 
318,100 
350,000 
393.600 
518,050 
339,300 
120,000 
2.56,000 
337,700 
282,400 
366,900 
U4..500 
216,400 
334,700 
139.000 
222,100 
226,700 
386,900 
.598,380 
317,880 
332,780 
262,.500 
199,200 
395,200 
468,000 
109,080 
174,300 
324,980 



70,378 
46,380 
14,384 
48,423 
40.500 
45,680 
47,070 
81,3.50 
47,193 
18,205 
77,100 
28,440 
30,365 
56,340 
34,255 
34,865 
26,470 
26,470 
68,676 
28,675 
201,825 
279,700 
111,600 
67,,525 
34,526 
.30,075 
82,080 
49,640 
119,.565 
73.220 
37,765 



Assessed. Equalized. 



471,633 
497,030 
172,764 
229,013 
479,575 
466,150 
502,945 
727,700 
611,658 
1.52,800 
346,860 
410,365 
327,590 
449,020 
2f3,340 
352.810 
319,560 
241,070 
396 465 
1.52,075 
774.800 
1,170,075 
595,825 
■568,725 
477,9.50 
366,750 
614,050 
685,065 
446,665 
340,540 
376,055 



432,464 811,695,675 !S9, 183,390 Sl,957,088 ;S13,735,473 811,141,088 



411,748 
397,240 
121,234 
228,423 
358,600 
395,680 
440,670 
600,000 
386,493 
138,206 
333,160 
366,140 
312,K5 
412,240 
178.755 
261,326 
361,170 
165.470 
290,785 
255,375 
588,725 
878.080 
429,480 
400,305 
297,025 
229,275 
477,280 
607,540 
318,645 
247 ,.520 
361,735 



$ 823 50 
i 794 48 
i 242 47 
465 86 
777 20 
791 36 
881 34 
1,200 UO 
772 99 
276 41 
066 .32 
732 28 
625 .53 
824 48 
357 51 
602 05 

722 34 
3.30 94 
581 57 
510 75 

1,177 45 
1,756 16 
858 96 
800 61 
594 05 
458 .56 
954 66 
1,015 08 
637 27 
495 04 

723 47 



County 
Tax. 



51,235 24 

1,191 72 

363 70 

685 27 

1,075 80 

1,187 04 

1,322 01 

1,800 00 

1,1.59 48 

414 62 

999 48 

1,098 -12 

938 30 

1,2.36 72 

536 27 

763 98 

1,083 57 

496 42 

872 36 

766 13 

1,766 IS 

2.634 24 

1,288 44 

1,200 92 

891 08 

687 83 

1,431 84 

1,.522 62 

956 94 

742 66 

1,085 21 



Town 
Tax. 



$1,330 50 
500 00 
327 50 

1,015 00 
961 60 
690 00 

1,050 00 

1,0.59 00 
90 OO 
494 63 

1,.5.50 IS 
606 35 
407 00 
230 00 
6(H) 00 

1,446 43 
.553 00 

1,111 66 
243 00 



1,3.50 00 
835 00 



805 OO 



IIlsTdl'.V (>K SI'. (LAIU COt'NT . 447 

l)i:.\l,l'.KS IN .SIMKITUDIS I.IIJUOUS. 

The followinjT statement showing the names of persons dealintr in liquors, their places of 
business and the amount of tax paid by eai-li. [lublished in accordance with Section 10, Act 208, 
Session Laws of ISTil, prepared l)y M. 1*'. Carletoii. in December, I8M, is as follows : 

Selling SpiritKOKs l.icjiiors. — Herman Springbone, >rarine City. St5 ; James Buckley, Em- 
met, $.")();' William iioberts, Emmet, SlUO; Roberts & Walsh, Port Huron Citv, $:iO() ; '.James 
('luff, Port Huron City, $200: Gay & Co., Port Huron City, S200 ; O. H. Ewer, Port Huron 
Citv, $200 ; Benjamin J. Karier, Port Huron Citv, §200 : J. D. Whitnev. Port HiU'on Citv, 
$200; D. J. Mulligan. Port Huron City, $200 ; J. W. Mageo. Port Huron Citv, $183.33 ; Rich- 
ard Lund, Fort Gratiot, $200 ; Alex XrcArthm-, Fort Gratiot, $200 ; Joseph Laffrev, Si Clair 
City, $200 : Andrew Eber, St. Cllair City. $200 ; Rotsey & Carleton, St. Clair City, $2O0 ; Oak- 
land House, St. Clair Citv, $150 : James Jlavertv, Memjihis, $200 ; John McDonald. Marine 
City, $200; INIichae) Dil)bler, Marine City. $123.75: John L. Robertson. Marine City. $150; 
Frank Doruoff, .Marine Citv. $00: Mrs. F. C. Langer, Marino Citv, $00; Herman Sjiringbone. 
Marine (^ity, $123.75 ; (Jeorge Christie. Ira, $200; John W . Jacob, Ira, $200: Charles Fortiii. 
Ira, $117.50: Burnet Conkliu. Smith's Creek, $150. 

Selling Breio'd or Mall Ligiuns. — (). K.Dodge and H. Griswold. Broekway Center, $21.07 ; 
Charles C. Hodgson, St. Clair Ciiy. $21.07 ; Lewis Presley, Lynn, $10.84 : John Deloye, Port 
Huron City. $0.42 ; Henry Reavi>r. Fort Gratiot Village, $<>5 ; Chai'le.s Nelson, Port Hiu'on 
City, $(')5 : F. Charles Eichhorn. Port Huron City, $05 ; William Miu'ray, Port Huron City, 
$05: E. B. Parsons, Port Huron City, $05; George A. Cameron, Port Huron City. $()5 ; Mary 
Ann Taylor. Port Huron City, $05 ; Charles Doe. Port Huron City. $()5 ; John P. Hoffman. 
I'ort Huron City, $05 ; .Vnton Wagner. Port Huron City, $()5 : Robert Phili>ri(^k. Port Huron 
City. $05 ; August Krenkie, Port Huron City. $()5 ; George J. Bradh^y. Port Huron City. $05 : 
John D. Wright, Port Huron City. $05 : Henry Burde, Port Huron City. $05 : John Meier, 
Port Huron City, $05 ; Patiick Mcl'"Jroy. Port Huron City, $05 ; R. J. Jackson, Greenwood. 
$65 ; Come Allen, Algonac, $0)5 ; John F. Antons, JIarine City, $05 ; Frank Dornoff, Jlarine 
City, $05 ; Michael Dibbler, Marine City, $05 : Herman S]>ringbone, Marine City. $t')5 ; Elon 
J. Hall, St. Clair City. $()5 : Joseph \\'inueger. Fort Gratic.t Village, $05 : Calherin(> Langer, 
Marine City, $f)5 ; Robert (irrenuy. Fort (iratiot Village, $05 ; Isaac C, Cooper, Fort Gratiot 
Town, $05 ; John Deloye, I'ort Huron City, $05 ; Robert Judge, Port Huron City. $()5 : 
George Grimmer. St. Clair City. $i>5 ; Gage M. Cooper. Port Huron Town. $05; ('hristian 
Lanth, Port Huron City. $()5 ; Gotlob Andrea. Port Hiu'on City. $<')5 : Moses H. Leyerer. Port 
Huron City, $(i5 ; George Stortz, I'ort Huron City. $05 ; Philip Stenshorn, P(jrt Hvu'(jn City. 
$1)5 : Adam Dietz, Port Hm-on City. $05 ; Tacea & Co.. Port Huron Cit}-. $05 : Wesley Bm't, 
Capac, $05 ; Charles E. Stew;u-t, I'ort Huron City, .$05 ; John S. Brown," Sc. Clair City. $05 ; 
Jose])h Nehman, Ca])ac. $t)5 : Thomas Rapley, Broekway Center. $(^15 ; D. M. Chm'ch. Brock- 
way ('enter, $r)5 ; John ^^'alsh, I'ort Huron City. $05 ; John ^\'alsL, Port Huron City, $05 : R 
B. Elliott.Port Huron C'ity, $05; .John Dornoff, ]\Iarine City. $1)5: .loseph Sailer, St. Clair 
City. $(')5 : Thomas Forbes. I'oi-t Huron City, $05 ; Patrick (rallagher. I'ort Huron City, $05 : 
Conriid Elspass. St. CMair City. $*)5 ; James Marshall. Marine City. $05 ; Davis it Bice. Brock- 
way Center, $()5 ; Thomas Murray, Port Huron City, $()5 ; Butler & 0"Xeill, lOmmet, $05 ; 
Mariin Pfanner, Kimball, .$05 ; George Holstein, Casco. $05 : Hiram Bart let. Smith's Creek, 
$1)5 ; .loseph Streit, Casco, $05 ; Ferdina Bounbonnais, Port Hm'on City, $f)5 ; Charles Fortin. 
Ira, $()5 ; Joseph Collins, Broekway. $05 ; Patrick Dary. Broekway. $05 : Hiram H. Tyrrell. 
Port Hiu'on City $54.20; Henry J. Bradbeer, Broekway. $i)5 ; Henry Gushman. Broekway, 
$()5 : David Fitzgibbons. Fort Gratiot Village. $50.00 ; David Jackson, Ca])ac, $54. "20 ; Gus- 
tave Roth, Marine City, $51.20 ; W. E. O'Neill. Emmet. $54.20 : Edwaid Sexton, Broekway. 
$48.75 ; Joseph Shurer, Burtehville. $05 : Joseph Miller. .Marine City, $05 ; George Allen. Port 
Huron City, $43.34 ; Micha(>l JIagner. Broekway, $4:'>.34 ; George J.-ickson, Fort Gratiot. $100. 
W'lioh'SdIc Di'dhrif. — Ri)berts i\: Walsh, spirituous liipiors at wholesale. Port Hm'on, .$130 ; 
Charles Samberg, manufacturing brewed or malt li<|uors in ((uantities not exceeding 1,50(1 bar- 
rels per annum. Port Huron. $')5; Christian Kern, manufacturing Ijrewed or malt li<piors in (juanti- 
ties not exceeding 1 ,.500 barrels per annum. Port Huron, $(}5; John Slinkert, manufacturing brewed 



448 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

or malt liquors in quantities not exceeding 1,500 liarrels per annum, St. Clair City, $65 ; Jo- 
Beph Scbwalm. manufacturing brewed or malt liquors in quantities not exceeding 1,500 barrels 
per annum, St. Clair City, .$65 ; James Marshall, manufacturing brewed or malt liquors in 
quantities not exceeding 1.500 barrels per annum. Marine City, S65. 

The druggists who died bonds were Robert J. Burwell, Fort Gratiot ; C. J. Daswell & Co., 
Algonac ; Ward H. Hurd and Nancy Backus, Marine City ; A F. Millikin. George J. Ward 
and A. A. Currie, St. Clair City ; Edwin C. Martin, Capac ; E. P. Tibbals, Port Huron City. 

.SOCIAL STATISTICS. 

The whole number of deaths in the county, during the year 1871, as taken from the record^ 
in the County Clerk's office, was 'd'il. In 1870, there were 299 deaths, showing an increase over 
the previous year of 38. The records show <|uite a number to have attained a ripe old age. lu 
the town of Berlin, Rachel Doty reached the age of eighty-two years seven months and four 
days. Columbus appears to be the most healthy town in the county, as three-fourths of the 
deaths there were at an age in advance of the average life of man. Here are a number of the 
older ones: Mary Barling, seventy-two years; Eleanor Harrison (single), seventy-nine; Alex- 
ander Allen, seventy-live; Abey Waterloo, eighty-two; Chloe Riunsey, seventy -live; Ezekiel 
Appleman, sixty-two. The greatest age attained by any one in Fort Gratiot was that of Jabez 
Meigs, who was ninety-five years five mouths and fifteen days old. In Casco, about two-thirds 
of the deaths were children under the age of fourteen. In Clay, we find the death of Mrs. 
Wellman recorded at the age of eighty; and in Cottrellville, that of Mrs. Margaret Flug at eighty 
years snd ten months; and John Staley, eighty years eight months and twenty-five days. To 
Port Huron City belongs the honor of the death of the oldest person in the county, that of 
Catherine McGowan at one hundred and six years. The death of Elizabeth Prior, of St. Clair, is 
reported at ninety-four. 

The whole number of births during the year 1871 was 957. During the previous year, 
there were 1,045, showing a decrease of eighty-eight. Port Huron City, with a population of 
a little over 6,000, in 1871, returns 168 births, while the lazy township of the same name, with 
a population of nearly 1,000, only returns two. Casco, with a population of 2.000, made a 
fruitful retiu'n of seventy-seven; Ira. sixty-nine, with a population of 1,600. Mussey, a very 
unassuming town, only returned nine, with a population of 1,200. 

The number of marriages recorded for the year 1871 was 352. In 1870, the number re- 
corded was 339. 

Except in the case of octogenarians, the death rate is proportionate to the population at 
the present time; while the number of marriages and deaths is proportionately greater. 

INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS. 
There cannot be a comparison drawn between the United States and any other nation on 
the face of the globe; for the reason that the Republic is still in her formative condition, and 
while in such a state has made advances beside which the progress of all other countries ap- 
pears as nothing. Since such opportunity for comparisons is denied in this connection, another 
controversial channel was found open. Localities were chosen, and in the war of words which 
ensued, the interests of the American side were upheld. The ambitious, free and reasonably 
happy newspaper press of the little Confederation beyond the St. Clair, urged on this local com- 
bat, to which the Port Huron Times replied as follows: ''As to the statement that the Canadian 
side of the St. Clair River has prospered while the American side has retrograded, the answer is 
that it is noi true. Any person sailing up or down the St. Clair River on a clear day. will ob- 
serve on both sides of the river the decaying ruins of buildings at various points, but this dif- 
ference will be noted: On the American side the ruins are almost entirely old saw-mills, while 
on the Canadian side it is the villages that are 'going to seed.' On the American side, it 
will also be noticed, there are extensive ship-l)uilding and other industries, while the towns 
show signs of continued and renewed prosperity. On the Canadian side the farms generally 
look well, but there is nothing else indicating activity or prosperity. The signs 'of decadence 
on the American side are due almost entirely to the decline of the lumbering industry, by rea- 



HISTORY OF ST. (LA IK COUNTY. 449 

son of the oxhaustiou of tho timber lands in the vicinity. Thirty or forty years ajjo tho lum- 
bering busines.s on tho American side of the St. Clair Kivor tar exceeded that on the Saginaw. 
Now there is nothing left of it; nor can the people be held in any way responsible for ita dis- 
appearance. The whole section of country bordering on the St. ('lair River has seen three 
stages of life and activity since it became settled by white men. The first was in the Indian 
trading days. As the interior of the State began to till up with settlers, it became a great lum- 
ber cutting and shijiping j)oint. and also entered largely into ship building. As the timber dis- 
appeared, more attention was paid to farming, but a large portion of the adjacent territory is 
still in its infancy as a farming country. What its future is to be is not in all respects clear, 
but largely commercial, no doubt, with a large portion of the river front devoted to fine coun- 
try houses, hotels, and summer residences. The era of permanent manufacturing establish 
ments along the river has hardly opened, but that its manufacturing industries will bo impor- 
tant in the future, there can be no doubt." 

A rAII! OF PIONEER LETTERS. 
The means employed to open up the county to settlement, and to place within reach of the 
settlers the advantages which tho post ofSce offers, are portrayed in the following letters: 

The first letter was addressed to Z. W. Bunce by Gen. Cass. It refei-s to the laying out 
of the Gratiot Turnpike, and the establishment of a post office at St. Clair: 

Washington', Fcbniary 6, IWfi. 

De.vr Sru : I rci-i'ivcd your letter with tlie iicconipanvhiir papers a few days since. You will "have a,-;eer- 
taineil ere this lliat we have altempleil lo ili) as iiiueh foryotir road as for any other. The wlioh' suliject lias 
been before the military eoinmiltee, and tliey have unanimously reported that it is proper to hiy out and 
make these roads. It is impossible, of course, to predict what will be the result of any partieidar measure 
where so numerous a body as Congress is called upon to decide it. But we are saniruine"in the belief that all 
three of the roads proposed will be eventually established and made. 

A mail will be established to St. Clair, and the office you ask for created. 

I do not know whether our Council is yet appointed. In fact, it is about as easy to ascertain in I)( troil 
what is dointr here, as it is in Washinjrtou. 

I am glad to learn that you have secured the land which you deemed important, and I sincerely hope you 
will be successful in your enterprise. With nuich regard, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, 

Lewis Cass. 
The second letter deals with the establishment of offices at Biu'chville and Lexington : 

W.vsuiNOTO.N. December 2f). 1844. 

DioarSih ; — On examining the papers at the Post Office Department in relation to the desired post office at 
Hurdivilleand Lexington. I tiiul on the Burehville papers that the department rerpiires a competent person lo agree 
lo carry the mail for the procc^eds of the office. If I recollect riglit. I wrote to some one last j'ear to that effect, 
and I supposed it had been done during the recps.s. The other application lo Lexington was refused. 

I was informed at the department lliat all that was reipiired was Ihc name of some suitable person to con- 
tract to carry the mail, etc. Tlie clerk also informed me that he thouglit both routes or ofiiccs would be 
established if the same or some other person would also contract to carry the mail to Lexington. May I 
request you to consult with the persons interested, and let me know iis soon as convenient? 

We are in the midst of the holy days, and, of course, doing notliing good; perhaps the more time that is 
called away the lietter. as it may prevent doing worse in the way of legislation. The Texas (jueslion is the 
one on which we shall have most Iroulde. There is a great disposition to put down the rales of postage, and 
I hope it will succeed. The rates will be live and ten cents under and Jover ."iOO miles. We do not know \-et 
who will be the members of the new Cabinet. I presume Mr. Polk hardly knows himself. We li.-ive niild 
and lieautiful weather, and I hope it is as good in Michigan. Kenicmber me to all friends. Yours truly. 

U. 15. IIenincton. Esij. .Jamks B. IItnt. 

I'OORHOUSE AND FAK.^^ 

The average nutnbar of poar people miintainsd in the poor house of the county during the 
year ending September, ISSI, was 4'V 17. The whole number was 70, comprising 50 males and 
14 females, of which total 13 were under sixteen years of ag<'. There were 4 lunatics and 'I mute 
persons. Again this total was made up of 28 Americans, S English, 10 Irish, 1 Scotch, 14 
Germans, 3 Swedes and 11 C.'auadiaus. The number of persons who rec(>ived outside relief was 
1,003. and the number receiving assistance in every form, 1,01)0. There were 12 in the State 
Insane Asylums, 4 in the Deaf and Dumb Institute, and I in the Blind Institute, The whole 
amount expended in the care and relief of the poor, was SI l'>.o33.29, all derived from the poor 
fund, with the exception of $2,610.20, paid from other funds. The expenses of the house and 
farm for the year, were $3,371.02, or §-48. 17 for each poor person. The expenditures for tem- 

29 



450 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



porary relief were $10,313.70. The total value of paupers' labor was $300, and of farm pro- 
ducts, $1,674. The total value of farm and appurtenances was $15,567. 

SCHOOLS. 

Within a few years after the treaty of Saginaw, when the Indians of that quarter expressed 
themselves in favor of the blacksmith, Jean Provencal, and against the missionary, Mr. Hud- 
son, we hnd a missionary school opened near Fort Gratiot, with -John S. Hudson, Mrs. Hudson, 
John Hart and wife, aud Miss Osmer, teachers. This school was opened in 1821, when to the 
astonishment of the corps of teachers, an Indian would not ventiu'e near the establishment. 
The Otchipwes of the St. Clair heard from their brothers of Saginaw anything but favorable 
reports of the Indian missionary school system, and accordingly kept aloof. In 1822, the half- 
breed Graveraet, or Javerodd, was employed as interpreter, and fifty or sixty Indian urchins 
prevailed upon to enter a course of study. Each pupil was provided with a pointed cane, and 
with this formed letters and figures in the sand, from copy svTitten on the wall. This school 
continued in ojseration until the missionary teachers were removed to Mackinac, three years 
later, whither thirty Indians followed them. 

The number of chikU-en belonging to the several school districts of St. Clair in 1841, and 
the number of districts in each to-nnship are set forth as follows: Berlin (five districts) 76; 
Clay (three) 98: Clvde (one), 35; Riley (one). 12; Columbus, (one), 15; China (five), 155; Cot- 
trellville (two), 149; Lexington (two), 36: Port Huron (two), 82; St. Clair (three), 101. Total 
759. 

The number of school districts in St. Clair County in 1847, was 65, but reports were re- 
ceived by the Superintendent of Public Instruction from 54 only. Number of children be- 
tween four and eighteen years of age reported, 2,8(55; number that have attended school, 1,901; 
under four years of age 44, over eighteen yeai's of age, 81; number between four aud eighteen 
years that have not attended schuol, who cannot read fluently, write legibly, and cipher through 
interest, 227; number of qualified male teachers that have been employed, 30; of female teachers, 
51 ; average number of months that schools have been taught by qualified teachers, 42. The num- 
ber of township libraries in the county was 4, containing 195 volumes. The average amount of 
tuition paid for each scholar was $2.33. 

Below is given the number of school childi-en in each district in the county of St. Clair 
as shown by the census, and the amount apportioned to each for the year 1881-82: 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Berlin 

Brockway . . 
Burtc-hvillc 
Casco 



China 

Clay 

Clyde 

Columbus . . . 
Cottrellville . 
East China . . 

Emmet 

Fort Gratiot . 

Grant 

Greenwood . . 



Number of 
Children. 



460 
688 
267 
863 
638 
.506 
42.3 
470 
941 
116 
483 
668 
4.52 
.589 



Amount Ap- 
portioned. 



1487 60 
729 38 
283 02 
914 78 
665 68 
536 36 
448 38 
498 20 
997 46 
122 96 
511 98 
708 OS 
479 13 
624 34 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Ira 

Kenockee 

Kimball 

Lynn 

Mussey 

Port Iluron 

Port Iluron City. 

Riley 

St. Clair 

St. Clair City. . . . 
Wales 



Total. 



Number of Amount Ap 
Children. portioned. 



16,471 



713 


755 78 


647 


685 82 


436 


451 .56 


342 


362 52 


583 


617 98 


435 


461 10 


3,003 


3,183 18 


596 


631 76 


801 


946 06 


715 


757 90 


656 


696 36 



,$17,4.59 26 



Scattered throughout the county are a number of small ' settlements, which cannot, how- 
ever, take on the dignity of villages for some yearR. Others consist of a few houses grouped 
around a pier which stretches out into the lake These tiny settlements will, no doubt, spring 
into activity and request the future historian to record them as villages or cities before many 
decades. So early as 1861, a few of these hatulets aimed at importance. Then came the war 
of the Union, and an age intervened when the graeeH and amenities of civilized life were ig- 
nored for the signal sounds of strife and battle's maf?nificently stern array. A large delegation 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUXTY. 



+51 



was taken from each villaf^n to sorv(> in all branches of the army the first year of the strnj^fjle, 
and each snc('eo<liii<; levy ijradually flraine<l the vicinity of very much of the enterprise and 
pnhlic spirit which had come in anil manifested its presence by w'orks in later years. As a 
consequence, improvements for the period between the liring upon Fort Sumter and the sur- 
render at Appomattox, were neither numerous, costly nor architecturally elaborate. The same 
is to be remembered with reference to the advent of future citizens, neither were they numer- 
ous nor valuable, Rave, of course, in exceptional instances. The villages, as will be readily 
conceded, escaped remarkable growth or development. 




i^C^A*^ 



452 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS. 



The physicians and surgeons of St. Clair County met December 3, 1847, for the purpose 
of orcranizincr a medical society. Among those present were John B. Chamberlin, H. Chamber- 
lin, R. R. McMeens and L. B. Parker. John B. Chamberlin was elected President; Harmon 
Chamberlin, Vice President; R. R. McMeens, Secretary, and L. B. Parker, Treasurer. 

A recoi'd under date November 30, 1847, gives the names of John Darwin Chamberlin, 

William Denton and R. H. Iron as entering the study of medicine under Dr. J. B. Chamberlin 

in 1847. 

FORM OF ADMIS.'SIOX TO THE PROFESSION. 

TERRITORY OF JUCHIGAU. 

To all to whjiii these presents shall come, or may in antj wise concern, the President, Secretary and Censors of 

the Medicfd Siciety of th'. Territory of Mirhigan send greeting: 

Whr;rb.\s, Buajamin Bissull hath exhibited unto us satisfactory testimoay that he hatli studied physick 
and surgery for the time and in the manner directed by law. 

Now know ye, that by virtue of the power vested in us b)' law, we do grant unto the said Benjamin Bis- 
sell the privilege of practicing physick and surgery in this Territory, together with all the rights and immuni- 
ties which usually appertain to physicians and surgeons. 

R. S. Rice, ( ,..,,,__, 

In testimony of which we liave caused the seal of the society to be affixed at the city of Detroit on this 
13th day of December, A. D. 1830. 

Stephen 0. Henry, President. 
R. S. Rice, Secretary. 

At a meeting of the medical society held at the office of Dr. Dyer, May 21, 1851, the fol- 
lowing bill of prices for professional services was adopted as a standard for charges by the 
members of the profession belonging to the society, viz.: Verbal advice, from $1 to §3; letter 
of advice, $5; ordinary visit in a village, $1; night visit, $1.50; visit at a distance, 50 cents 
per mile for travel, and for visit, $1; minor operations in surgery, S5 to $25; capital opera- 
tions in surgery, $25 to $100; midwifery, $5 to $25; consultation, $5; where medicine was fur- 
nished, an extra charge was made. The signers were: John Galbreath, Benjamen Dickey, 
Walter R. Kellogg, Winthrop Dyer, Laban Tucker, John T. Travers, C. M. Zeh, Charles Gib- 
son, S. B. Parker and A.. E. Noble. 

The medical society met in Dr. Stockwell's office, February 5, 1856, with J. T. Travers, 
presiding, and Laban Tucker, Secretary. Drs. David Ward, Reuben Crowell and Jared Kibbee 
were admitted members. The society met at Dr. Kibbee's office, February 12, 1850, when the 
committee appointed to mature a plan for prescribing for the poor of the village reported in 
favor of gratuitous attendance on the poor. 

Medical Society of St. Clair and Sanilac County was organized August 4, 1866. Dr. 
Thomas Hammond presided, with Mvron Northrup, Secretary. The original members were 
John Travers, R. C. S. L.; R. I. Wilcox, B. M. M.: William W. Anderson, V. C. Can.; Cyrus 
M Stock well, B. M, C, Mass.; Myron Northrup, Geneva, N. Y.; John A. Northrup, 
N. Y. ; Thomas Hammond, L. of P. & F. N. Y. S. S.; G. Archie Stockwell. U. of A., N. Y.; 
James G. Maxfield, H. M. C, Mass.; Thomas S. Murdock, U. of M.: Francis Heil, L. G. D. 
C. , also of Can.; George Todd, U. of M. Permanent organization resulted in the election 
of John T. Traver.s, President; Myron Northrui), Vice President; G. A. Stockwell, Treasurer. 
After permanent organization, Drs. E. P. Tibbals, H. D. Griswold, T. Baird, R. Wilcox and 
Jared Kibbee were elected members. 

In November, 186S, Drs. P. W. Reed, D. A. O'Brien and P. A. Padfield were admitted 
members, and honorary membership conferred on R, M. Bucke and Archie MeLane, of Sarnia, 
Dr. William C. Gustin, Di-. Ponssett, Thomas A. Hiinmond and M. K. Taylor, U. S. A. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 453 

In 1870, Dr. Xortlinip was elected President; J. G Maxtield, Vice President; G. A. Stock- 
well, Secretary; C. M. Stockwell, Trea.surer. In ISCtU, Dr. Shoebutham was admitted. In 1S70, 
the officers elected were C. M. Stockwell, President: V. W. Anderson, Vice President; H. Shoe- 
botham. Secretary; and E. P. Tibbals, Treasiu-er. 

The officers of the Association from 1871 to th(> pres(>iit time arc named as follows: 

President-- 1S71. C. M. Stockwell; 1872, A. Nash; lS7;i - Jones; 1874, J. G. Mas- 
field; 1875, H. McColI; 187(i, H. ^fcColl; 1877, H. 11. Jlills; 1878, H. K. Mills; 1879, J. S. 
Calkins; 1880. J. S. Calkins; 1882, J. R. IMcGurk. 

Vice President— 1871, A. Nash; 1872. H. K. Mills; 1878. H. McColl; 1874, H. McColl; 
1875. H. It. Mills; 187('). H. U. Mills; 1877, J. S. Calkins; 1878, J. S. Calkins; 1879. M. 
Northrup; 1880. C. E. Spencer; 1882, S. W. Smith. 

Secretary— 1871, H. H. Mills; 1872, J. G. Ma.xfield; 1873, J. G. Maxfield; 1874, C. E. 
Spencer; 1875, M. C. Kennoy; 1870, M. C. Kenney; 1877, C. E. Spencer; 1878. C. E. Spen- 
cer; 1879, C. B. Stockwell; 1880, C. B. Stockwell; 1882. Hugh McColl. 

Treasm-er— 1871 to 1880. E. P. Tibbals: 1882. C. E. Si)(>ncer. 

Koll of Members. — John T. Travers (deceased), C. 'SI. Stockwell. R. J. Wilc-ox (deceased), 
Myron Northrup. W. W. Anderson (deceased). John A. Northru]) (removed), G. A. Stockwell 
(removed), J. G. jNIaxfield (removed), E. C. P. Tibbals, H. D. (iriswold (removed), Dr. Baird (de- 
ceased), Jared Kibbee, A. L. Padtield, M. W. Taylor (removed), Henry Shoebothani, H. 
R. Mills, I. K. Farmer (dropped), Alfred Nash (removed), George AV. Jones, Hugh McColl, 
William A. Jackson, M. C. Kennoy, A. L. Scott, C. H. Alden (removed), J. R. McGurk, 
George L. Conuell (deceased). Wilson Ramsey (deceased), J. S. Calkins, M. T. Moore, A. R. 
Stone, D. V. Yeux. R. Bredin, W. W. French (removed), C. E. Spencer, M. M. Tucker (re- 
moved), \\'illiain Blake. William B. Hamilton, Benjamin D'Arcy, J. R. Sniter, J. C. McTaggart 
(removed), W. J. Tayor. C. M. M'oodward (removed), J. G. Bailey (dropped), J. S. Comstoek, 
X. Howell. W. G. Ferry (removed). J. H. Taylor, G. G. Willianis (removed), C. C. Hibbard 
(deceased). H. E. Shepherd (removed). R. B. Baird, C. G. Robertson (removed). C. B. Stock- 
well, A. J. Shoekley. S. M . Smith. T. J. Jackson, A. :\I. Oldfield. A. Mitchell. D. O'Brien. J. 
K. Farnum, Carlos Carvallo, C. H. Alden, D. F. Stone. 

I.\SUK.\N('E .\N1) .VGKICULTUR.VL .SOCIITI KS. 
In the pag(>s devoted to local history, the benevolent, polifical. military and industrial 
societies of the county are noticed. Here it will be only necessary to give a summary of the 
history of three societies, the affairs of each being so generally connected with the county, 
that they cannot be localized. 

FAKMEKS' Ml'TlAt, PIKE INSUKANCE rOMI'ANV, 
of Macomb and St. Clair Counties, was organized at the Ridgeway Hotel, or Beebe House, 
August 1, 1SC)3. Robert Irwin presided, with Samuel Goodsell, Secretary. .\f ter the adojition 
of the charter, the following oflicers were elected: Aratus Smith, President; James S. Durfee, 
Vice President; Itoliert Irwin, Secretary; C. D. Crittenden. Loren Andrus. J. S. Kimball, A. 
W. Freeman and Xamson Farrar, Directors. Tht? charter members were Loren Andrus, P. \V. 
Bentley, Calvin Davis, (leorge AV. Phillips, Erastus Day, George H. Cannon, Charles C. 
Leach. \\'illiam Canfield. Henry Fries, .\ratus Smith. Norman Perry, Hiram Taylor, .\braham 
Wells, George N. Chilser, Cornelius Jeirers, James C. Cox. Alexander S. Barnard. Peter F. 
Brakeman. Charl(>s ^MclMillaii and .James O. Roherson. 

Aratus Smith continued President until 18(h">, when Joseph C. High was appoiiit(>d. .Mr. 
High was elected in 18f)(i, and held the office until LSfiS, when R. H. Jenks was elected. 

The Secretaries of the company were Robert Irwin, elected in 1803: W. P. Bartlett, 
1870. Watson W. Lyons, elected in IS74, holds the position at present. 

DIRECTORS. 

1864 — J. C. High, C. ^^. King. .\mos N. Freeman. Charles McMillan, Loren Andrus. 
1865 — Same officers. 



454 



HLSTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



1860— H. H. Cady, R. H. Jenks, Charles Andrews, William A. Parsons, L. S. King, A. 
W. Clark. 

1867— H. H. Cady, C. S. King, W. A. Parsons, George H. Stuart. 

1868— Michael Plant, Silas Hart, E. W. True, Samuel Jones, and Mason Cole. 

1869— Officers re-electecj. 

187()_David Weeks, S. Jones, M. Plant, Henry Frees, S. S. Hart and James Durfee. 

1871— Albert Sperry, D. S. Priest. 

1872— David Weeks, C. D. Crittenden. 

1873— G. Schuchard, M. Plant. 

1874— D. S. Priest, John M. Hart. 

1875— K D. Smith, C. S. King. 

1876— M. Plant, G. Schuchard. 

1877— D. S. Priest, Myron Kinyon. 

1878 — C. S. King, George H. Cannon. 

1879— Gustave Schuchard, M. Plant. 

1880- D. S. Priest, Myron Kinyon. 

1881— L. M. Sperry, Stephen B. Cannon. 

The following table points out the progress made since 1869. The statistics for the pre- 
vious years are not given; but it may be said that the same ratio of advance marked the trans- 
actions of the company from 1863 to 1868. 



YEAR. 


MEMBERS. 


HI.SKS. 


ADDED. 


YEAR. 


MEMBERS. 


RISKS. 


ADDED. 


1869 


1,830 

3,300 
3,800 
3,383 
3,419 
3,415 


12,818,255 
3,600,000 
3,800,000 
5,208,809 
5,014,765 
4,936,685 


681,745 
506,000 
432,135 
196,770 
78,080 


1876 

1877 

1878 

1879 

1880 

1 1881 


3,415 
3,990 

4.371 
4,496 
8,S39 
4,135 


$4,964,590 
5,631,044 
5,646,384 
5,796,295 

4.809,202 
5,072,786 


37,905 


1870 


656.454 


1871 


566,673 


1873 


5.39,774 


1874 


325,918 


1875 


363,577 



Agricultural statistics will be found in the chapter of county finances and statistics. 

The annual statement of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company for November 1, 
1882, is as follows; There are 3,969 members in the company, a gain of live during the 
past year. The amoant of jjroperty at risk is $4,710,338. The statement of losses shows 34 
members to be entitled to §4,510.57 for lo.sses during the years 1880, 1881 and 1882. The 
moneys to be collected for the j'ear ending November 1, aggregate $6,925.34. The amount of 
capital stock and the rates of assessment are as follows: $4,450,600 at $1.50 per $1,000; 
$90,180 at $1.25 per $1,000; $80,000 at $1 per $1,000; $60,100 at 75c per $1,000; $20,058 at 
50c; $10,01)0 at 25c per $1. These figures certainly give a good showing for the company. 

THE CITV AND VILLAGE INSURANCE COMPANY. 

The organization of the City and Village Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Clair, 
Lapeer and Macomb Counties, was porfested at St. Clair on June 9, 1882. Officers were 
elected as follows: President, B. H. Jenks, St. Clair; Vice President, Henry Fries, of Mount 
Clerauns; Treasurer, Henry Whiting, Marine City; Secretary, O. F. Morse, St. Clair. 

The Board of Directors includes C. McElroy, R.'W. Jenks, R. H. Jenks, H. Whiting. 
D. Sheldon, 0. Griebs, Mark Hopkins and Robert Holland, of St. Clair County; A. W. Reed 
and Henry Fries, of Macomb County; J. B. Moore, S. Smith and David West, of Lapeer 
County. The company have a hundred m(nubers and $75,000 at risk. 



AGRICULTURAL SOCIETV. 



The first fair of the St. Clair County Agricultural Society was held in 1856. During the 
meeting, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, John E. Kitton, of 
St.Clair; Vice President, Ralph Wadhams, Kimball; Treasurer, William M. St. Clair, St. Clair; 
Secretary, Edgar White, Port Huron; Executive Committee, S. B. Brown, of St. Clair, Martin 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COFNTY. 455 

S. Gillett, of Port Huron, John Nicol, of St. Clair, Asa liurnod, of Port Huron, James D. 
Brown, of Cottrellville. 

In other pages, reference is made to the organization of the Agricultural Society. What 
share it had in the agricultural development of the county is well known. Its influence ex- 
tended into all sections of St. Clair, teaching the farming community the means to make their 
homes and farms abodes of peace and industry. 







456 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



HISTORY OF FIRST INDUSTRIES. 



To the visitor of to-day, witnessing the vast resources and accumulation of capital wielded 
in this section, it may seem almost incredible that some of the wielders of this capital com- 
menced business only a few short years ago with nothing but their own indomitable energy 
and perseverance. This has been accomplished, not by speculation and the adroit, lucky turn- 
ing of Fortune's wheel, but by actual creation of much wealth, added to the store of human 
comfort.s, using only the advantages supplied by Nature's abundant and common storehouse. 
The settler on any of our Western prairies, and the axman who enters on the jirimeval forests 
where no sign or mark of man's destructive force or redeeming power is seen or felt, is fre- 
quently the subject of strange reflections. As he follows his plow, tui-ning up the virgin soil, 
that through all the ages has remained undisturbed, or hews down the stately tree that for a 
thousand years has flourished and grown, unnoticed and uncared for by the hand of man, he 
wonders how it occurs that he, of all the people that lived and still live on the face of the earth, 
swarming as it does with so many millions, should be the first to appropriate to his comfort 
and convenience the blessings so long held in reserve in Nature's vast storehouse. He won- 
ders, too, why his race should require all the resources of the earth, the productions of the 
foi-ests, mines, rivers, lakes, oceans; of the soil plowed, planted, cultured and garnered; the 
flocks and herds, feeding and gamboling on a thousand hills, for his subsistence; while other 
races have remained, from generation to generation in all the untamed wilderness of the wild 
deer and elk, on which they subsist. What of the race that but yesterday was here '" Have 
these rivers, fields and forests, now so peaceful, always been so calm and still ? or have they, 
like the old world, been the scene of some sanguinary and savage conflict? We speculate in 
vain on the long-ago dwellers upon the banks of these pleasant streams. Their war-dance and 
savage yells may have been the only sound that ever awakened the stillness of these lands; or 
a race long extinct may have plowed and sowed, and builded and loved and worshiped, and 
cultivated all the graces and amenities of civilized life; but the r^^cords of whose deeds and 
virtues havii been obliterated by the convulsions of Time's relentless changes. Such must 
have been the musings of those persevering and energetic pioneers, who, severing the ties of 
home and kindred and early association, plunged into the wilds of this county and carved from 
the rugged forces of nature the comfortable homes they now enjoy. 

FUR TRADERS. 
Incidental to the history of the entire Northwest is the record of the traders in fm-s, 
although the region covered by this volume does not contain the sits made noted by the loca- 
tion of the chief trading post. Many sub-posts were established throughout this State and the 
adjoining States, especially where streams and lakes made the point easy of access to the deal- 
ers. There is required here, however, only a general sketch of this earliest of commercial 
undertakings. The Northwest was visited and explored by French voyageurs and missionaries 
from Canada during the seventeenth century. The object of the former was gain; the purpose 
of the Jesuit fathers was the conversion of the savages. As early as 1024. the traders were 
operating about Lake Huron and Mackinac. Previous to 1G79, a considerable traific in furs 
had sprang u]) with Indian tribes in the region of " Ouisconsin." That year, more than two 
hundred canoes, laden with furs, passed Mackinac, bound for Montreal. The commerce of 
the lakes was then carried on solely in birch -bark canoes. The lightness and strength of the 
little craft enabled the French explorers to make portages or navigate large bodies of water 
with comparative safety. When the military possession of the Northwestern domain passed 
from Franco to Great Britain in 1760, the relationship of the fur trade to the Government 
changed. France, as is mentioned elsewhere in these pages, used the license of traders as- 



HISTORY OF .ST. TLAIR COUNTY. 457 

a bond of fealty to the Kiiij^. The policy of Enj^laud was to <^rant oxclusivo eluirters to par- 
ticular companies. The Hudson Bay Company had <^ro\vn rich and powerful between HITO 
and 17<1(). Its success excited the envy of other capitalists, and rival organizations were 
formed. The original company purchased their furs at certain trading stations. The newer 
firms sent out tlieir voyagours into every nook of the land to l)iiy up the furs, or, indeed, to 
catch the fur-bearing animals themselves. This competition diminished the profits of the 
business. In 1815, Congress prohibited foreigners dealing in furs in the United States or Ter- 
ritories. This action founded John Jacob Astor"s colossal fortune. Mr. Astor organized the 
"American Fur Com])any," he being the sole owner, in ISO'J. In connection with the North- 
west Company, he bought out the Mackinac Com])any. and formed the Southwest Com])any. 
The war of 181"i interrupted the existence of that organization; but it was revived in 1810, as 
an American institution. Considerable trade is still carried on in Northern Michigan, but 
mainly by individuals. 

Fur traders, or at least their employes, were the first explorers after Nieolet. They were 
cotemporary with the Jesuit missionaries. Those traders sent from the St. Lawrence hatchets, 
knives, blankets and other articles coveted by th(< savages, to exchang(> with them for furs. 
Their employes, the voyagours. made their journeys into the far-oft' regions in birch-bark 
canoes, of the lightest possible construction; for they had frecjuently to be carried l)y hand 
around rapids, and from one stream to auothtu'. along carrying places, called portages. They 
usually mad(> u|) their outfit at Quebec or Montreal, and, ascending th(> Ottawa during the 
summer, and subseijuently the French River and the lower lakes, ])roc(>eded to the various 
tribes inhabiting the region of the upper lakes, either wintering at Indian villages or at sta- 
tions that had been established by them in their neighborhood. With tlnnr peltries, gathered 
during the winter or early spring, they retiu'ned usually the next summer: but sometimes they 
were re(juired to make longer voyages. The fur traders were, as a class, men of some w(>alth, 
of respectable families, and of cousidt^rable intelligence, and were possessed of enterprisiug 
and adventurous habits. They found the fur trade more profitable or mor(> congenial to their 
dispositions than agricultural pursuits. Their menials, the vovageurs, penetrated the fastnesses 
of the Western wilderness with a perseverance and courage almost without a ])ar;illel in the 
history of explorations of savage countries. Indeed, they out-savcaged the savage in that re- 
spect. The French Government early manifested a disposition to extend her dominion in 
America. At the very commenceiuent of the seventeenth century, .she hail colonized Acadia. 
In IGOS, Quebec was founded. In l()(i3, New France (Canada) was made a royal colony. The 
reports circulated in France of the advantages of the fur trade wer(» such as to induce many 
of the nobility and gentry to invest their fortunes in the New World. With this patronage, 
and the constantly increasing number of colonists. New Francis grew rapidly in commerce, the 
most lucrative branch of which was dealing in furs. The traders and voyageur.s werc> the usual 
agents employed by the French Government to extend and uphold its dominion in the North- 
west. The traffic in furs maintained with the Indians constituted the only value of this region 
in the eyes of Frenchmen, so long as Franco continued her dominion over it. The regular fur 
trader was licensed by the Government, this license generally stipulating the territory in which 
he was permitted to o]ierate. It was drawn in the nature of a colonial commission, confer- 
ring on the licensed trader the authority of a military officer over the voyageurs in his employ. 
It also made him a commei'cial agent of the Government among the Indians. He was fre- 
quently employed as special iigent of the colony, to make treaties. Sometimes he was required 
to lead his voyageurs upon war expeditions, in return for his fur trading privileges. His 
employes therefore were always around, equipped and familiarized with military duties, 
partly from necessity of defending themselves from attacks of hostile Indians, and partly to be 
enabled to carry out any requisition made by the Government. The dominion of France over 
the Western country was thus made self-sustaining. But the Government found some trouble 
in controlling the tr itlic in furs. There grew up an illicit trade maintained by rourifrs de 
bois, in contradistinction to the regular traders or voyageurs. They followed the Indians in 
their wanderings, and sometimes became as barbarous as the red man. A few years of forest 
life seemed to wean them from all thought or de<ire for civilization. Thoy spread over the 



458 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

N:3rthwe.st, the outlaw.s of the fore.^t. Althsagb rsaleriuT e^seatial aid, at tiiH93, to the Gov- 
erment, the King of France, in 1699, launched a declaration against them. The following 
hymn of those olden travelers is still remembered: 

Derricr chez nous }'atun etang, 

En roulant ma boule. (Chorus.) 

Trois beau.x canards s'en vout baignant, 

Rouli, roulant, ma boule roulant. 

Ell roulant ma boule, roulant. (Chorus.) 

En roulant ma boule. 

Trois beaux canards s'en von baignant 

En roulant ma boule. 

Le fils du roi s'en va ehassant, 

Rouli, roulant, ma boule roulant. 

En roulant, ma boule, roulant. 

Ell roulant ma boule. 

Lc fils du roi s'en va ehassant 

En roulant ma boule. 

Avec son grand fusil d'argenl. 

Rouli rouiant, ma boule roulant, 

En roulant, ma boule, roulant. 

En roulant ma boule. 

THE riNE. 

A few words in relation to this tree, the object of the early se+tlements of most of Michi- 
gan. Unlike the oakjand most other trees, the pine is not reproductive; when a generation 
matures or is cut off, it will not again produce a crop on the same soil. It is confined to its 
peculiar territory, and when we remember that the average age of a pine tree is only 300 years, 
it is seen that our pine forests were not in existence when Columbus discovered America. The 
pine evidently succeeded some growth that could not be reproduced, and it evidently exhausted 
the soil of the special material for its growth, leaving it, however, in a condition to grow oak 
and a variety of other productions. In the growth of a pine forest there is a constant death 
and decay of inferior or overshadowed trees, and comparatively a small number come to a con- 
dition suitable for the lumberman's ax. The pine has several causes of decay. There are no 
known insects that originate decay, but several that hasten it, when once started from any 
cause. The three most prominent causes of decay in the pine are punk or rot. wind shakes 
and loose knots. The punk is a kind of cancerous growth on the side of a tree, that eats into 
its very vitals. A low state of vitality will produce it. The black knot is a decayed limb that 
has not been closely grown around, and induces decay. The wind-shake is a most exasjjerat- 
ing defect of lumber, occurring near the butt, and is caused by the bending of the tree in high 
v^inds, when the annual growths are separated by sliding on each other. Another external en- 
emy of the pine tree is lire. A pine tree that has been scorched must be utilized, or the insects 
"will render it useless. Among these is the pine weevil, tornicus, zylographus, which goes for 
a sound tree, but not a live one. There is another worm that goes straight to the heart, leav- 
ing a small, black hole. The hurricane may also be stated as one of the causes of destruction. 
A full-grown pine is from ninety to 100 feet high, averaging 125. A log sixteen feet long will 
average 250 feet of lumber, although some have yielded ton times this amount. The roots of 
a tree are supposed to equal onehalf the lumber above ground. The diameter of a log aver- 
ages thirty inches; sometimes it is six feet. A pine, as found standing in the forest, has 
branches for the top third of its height. The task of reproducing the pine forests that are 
now falling with such remorseless rapidity, is a hopeless one, and science and art will combine 
to produce a substitute, for it is only a question of time as to when an article made of so com- 
mon a material as pine shall be eagerly sought after as a curiosity, to be carefully preserved 
among the bric-a-brac of future genei'ations. In years to come, when the pine lumber which 
is so ph^ntiful to-day may have been superseded by a material resulting from the combined art 
and skill of the chemist and mechanic, it will be interesting to read an account of the pecul- 
iarities of lumbering on the Black lliver, the hazardous, uncertain and excitable part of which 
is even now among the things that were, having been supplanted by railway transportation 



HISTOUY OF ST. CLATK rOINTV. 459 

almost pxclnsivoly, Ro;ili/.iiii^ tho rapidity witli which ulil tliiii^'H are passing away ami all 
things becoming new, tho metliods of condut^tiug the lumlmriiig opcn-ations on the Black and 
St. Clair Rivers will be here recorded. Lands were jim-chasod u]) tho river.s by the various 
lumber companies, who sent an export to estimate the amount uf lumber per aero. This was 
done in various ways; the most simple was to count the trees, noting their average size, and, 
by well tried rules estimating three, four or more trees to the 1,();)0 feet, arrive at a close ap- 
proximation of the yield On the approach of winter, camps were sent into the woods — so 
many teams, so many men, so much feed and so much provision. Contracts were sometimes 
made at a certain [irice per thousand. Tho logs were cut in lengths of twelve, fourteen and 
sixteen feet, and exceptionally longer for specific purposes; hauled to the river to await the 
breakiug-u[) of the ico and tho rise of the river in the spring. Every lumberman had a regis- 
tered mark, which was one or more initials, or some other device, cut into tho log. A\ hen the 
freshet came on, the logs consigned to tho stream floated on with tho current; but in the some- 
times narrow and tortuous stream there was not unfrequently a jam, where millions of feet 
piled up, tier upon tier, to liually break loose and, with the acpomi)anying flood, huri-y on, to 
be caught in tho booms below. The boom was a floating dam ko])t in position by ]>iers or wing 
rudders, which could be adjusted to maintain its position by the cuiTont itself. From the 
boom connected with the mill, the logs were hauled up by various devices and sawed into tim 
ber, scantling or boards, as they seemed best to work up. The l^oards were sawed one and 
one-eighth of an inch thick, so that they could be dressed down to one inch with little waste. 
The old North Atlantic method of marking the number of feet upon the board was not followed 
here. The manner of shipjiing by the river, formerly the only method of getting lumber to 
market, was by means of rafts, after being sawed. A raft was formed in this way: The lum 
ber was laid up in cribs composed of threo grub i^lanks at the bottom, about live feet ajiart, 
with threi< two inch auger holes to insert the grub pins of hard wood, four feet long. The crib 
was made up this way: 12x1(5 feet, or twelve feet square, by alternating the layers length 
wise and crosswise, until from ten to twenty tiers of Ijoards were laid, when they were securely 
pinned together. Six of these were jjlaced end to end by coupling planks, and a stick of tim 
ber secui'ed across each end. To this was ])ivotod the oar, a stick thirty-sis feet long, with a 
board blade on the water end. By moans of a spring-pole, the forwai'd end of tho raft was turned 
up to some extent, to facilitate its movements over the various obstructions. Thus arranged, it 
was called a "rapid ]uece." A rojjo ran from end to end to enable the raftsm(m to hold on, as 
the piece might become submerged on diving over the rapids. Each crit) would contain about 
3,500 feet. It would take from two to eight men to manage one of these pieces. And what 
was called a "fleet," consisted of twenty of these pieces, all under the charge of a pilot with 
his gang. 

riTTlXi; THE Kl';v log. 

Reference is made to a jam in the river. To clear this jam was what is, even now, known 
as cutting the key log. Tho flrst thing to be done was to And out where the jam occurred, and 
then to discover what is called "key log," that it to say, the log which holds the base of the 
"jam." An old ex])erienced "stream driver" is soon on the spot, for the news is soon carried 
up stream that there is a "jam" below. Every minute is of conseipience, as logs are coming 
down the "jam" inereasinsr in str(>n<rth. The "kev loir" beintj found, there is a cry for volunteers 
to cu it. Now, when you consider that there are some hundred big logs of timber forming a 
dam, and the instant the key log is cut tho whole fabric cointis rushing down with a crush, you 
■will see that unless the ax-man gets instantly away ho is crushed to death. There are usually 
in a camp plenty of men ready to volunteer; for a man who cuts a key log is looked upon by 
the rest of tlio loggei-s just as a soldier is by his regiment when be has done any act of bravery. 
The man I saw cut away a log which brought down the whole jam jf logs, was a quiet, young 
fellow, some twenty years of age. He stripped everything save his drawers; a strong rope 
was placed under his arms, and a gang of smart young follows hold the end. The man shook 
hands with his comrades, and quietly walked out on tho logs, ax in hand. I do not know how 
the lo<r<rv-road one felt, but I shall never foriret mv feelinirs. The man was nui(4lv walkint? to 
what very likely might be his death. At any moment the jam might break of its own accord, 



460 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

and also if he cut the key log, unless he instantly got out of the way, he would be cruahed by 
the falling timber. There was a dead silence while the keen ax was dropped with force and 
skill on the pine log. Now the notch was nearly half through the log, one or two more blows, 
and a crack was heard. The men got in all the slack of the rope that held the ax-man; one 
more blow and there was a crash like thunder, and down came the wall of timber, to all ap- 
pearances on the ax-man. Like many others, I rushed to help haul away the poor fellow, but to 
my great joy I saw him safe on the bank, certainly sadly bruised and bleeding from sundry 

wounds, but safe. 

THE S.\W MILL rfl.WGE.S 

Among the most marvelous of the many wonderful things which distinguish the United 
States from other nations are the results which have grown out of the possession of immense 
forests of valuable timber in stimulating inventive genius to the preparation of an article of 
building material so cheap as to enable the pooresu to have a comfortable home, while at the 
same time so excellent in character as to be not only suited, but indispensable to the working 
classes. Those more readily acce.ssible regions of the continent which possessed these forest 
growths in the greatest abundance were among the first to receive large accessions to their 
population, di-awn together at those centers which presented the easiest access to cheap build- 
ing material, not less than for their personal safety from a savage foe. It has not until the 
demand for Imnber far exceedod the ability of the "greatest" mills of half a century ago to 
supply, leading the manufacturers to feel the need of a more extended system of production, 
that the star of empire made any progre.ss westward, or it became a possibility to settle upon 
the prairies of the West, or to develop the mineral resources which have already shown our 
nation to be the peer of, if it does not excel, all others in the extent of its possessions. To 
possess is to need. And the cheap building material which the cheap mills of the days long 
gone by enabled a somty poi)alatioa t3 utilize, stimulated a more extended immigration, with 
its increased needs, as well as a higher order of inventive genius to increase the supply. 

The mills of the olden time were, first, the windmill, with its uncertain power, scarce ex- 
ceeding that of the men who ran the pit saws which were then in a measui'e superseded, and 
whose indignation at the efl'ort to lessen their manual labor caused them to mob the owner and 
tear down his machinery. Second, the adaptation of a current water-wheel of scarcely greater 
power, if more reliable, run by the natui-al current of a small stream. Next came the simple 
flutter- wheel, to impart motion to which retjuired the building of dams to hold large bodies of 
water, which should at all times be available. But for large operations, the flutter- wheel was 
found to possess too little power, -and the overshot or undershot wheel became a necessity, to 
be superseded later by the adaiitation of tnrbine-wheels, now so much in favor with mill own- 
ers who conti'ol water power. For the first fifty years of our national growth, as well as dur- 
ing the preceding poi'tion of the world's history, none of the mills were equipped with any- 
thing more than a single upright saw working in a gate, and when another saw was added, as 
the iuce])tive idea of the gang, which quickly succeeded with its large number of saws, words 
could scarcely ex^iress the astonishment of all who saw the working of the bold innovation. 

Up to this time, all the lumber which was manufactured had been edged upon the top of 
the log after it was turned down ; an auxiliary saw was not thought of, for the buzz saw, just be- 
ginning to be used, was considered a most dangerous piece of machinery. But the increased 
manufacture growing out of an increase in th(> ])ower and an increase in the number of saws, 
led to the introduction of the small circular or "buzz" saw, which was at once found to nearly 
double the capacity of the mill. It is needless for us to enlarge upon the introduction of steam 
power in the saw mill, or to follow the original idea of an engine, 6x8 inches, attached to the 
lower end of the pitman or saw gate, through its successive stages of development and enlarge- 
ment to the [)resent time, when the Corliss, or Estes, or other well-known engines, of a power 
from ten to one hundred times greater capacity than was the original device, are by the thou- 
sand in numbor oiigagod in turning out lumber, each in one season aggregating a greater man- 
ufacture than wore all the saw mills of the country combined at a period scarcely fifty years in 
the past. 

The old gate saw was superseded by the mnley. with a reduction of friction equal to 
thirty or fifty per cent increase in cutting capacity. The muley gave way to the circular, and 



HISTORY OF ST. CJ.Alli COl'xNTY. 401 

with the introiliKition luay bo dated the coiuiuoncMiiinit of an ora which has boou [iroiific of iu- 
uovatiou, iiuprovemoiit and advantai^i' to tho saw mill world. As thu use of tho circular ho- 
came better understood, aiul men became ex])ort in so dressin>^ it as to make true lin(w and 
smooth surfaces, they found tliemelvos able to [)roduce mor(> lumber in the roui^h than they 
could properl . ed;^e and prepiuo for market. The old ed^in<^tabh> could not keep up with tho 
cut of the saw. This was remedied by the introduction of gnw^ odj^ers. which no mill doiu" 
any considerable business could now dispense with. Now the work of the main saw could be 
safely increas(>d, for the gang — or, as it was at first known, "double" — edgor was abundantly 
able to keep pace with it, and while at first a capacity equal to 1, ()()() feet per hour was doubt- 
fully claimed, later developments have shown in not a few instances, an entire s(>uson's work 
at th(> rate of (i.KOO feet per hour. 

This int^-ease in capacity called tor a more speedy met.hod of handling tho logs on the 
carriage, and the lumber as it left th(» saw, and a multitude of inventive minds were concen- 
trated on mill dogs, which should successfully take the place of the lever and pike, driven by a 
mallet, and the modern saw mill could not now be operated with the original method of dogging 
the log. The "nigger" for turning the Jog on the carriage, as well as rolling it on the skids had 
superseded tho canthook and muscular power formerly relied u})on, while ihe lumber, as it 
leaves the saw, dro|)s upon a system of live rollers, which does the worktomucrh better advanta<'o 
than it was formerly accomplished by a hard-worked "oirix^arer," who could not in those days 
by any possibility, keep up with the work which would crowd U])on them. 

Plenty of lumber, cheaply numufactiu'ed and sold at n^a.sonable prices, has enabled the 
settling up oE a nation at the rate of nearly fifty {)or cent increase of population during each 
decade. T''his in turn has demanded a network of railroads, and carriage by them has not yet 
been reduced to a science, which enables us to believe that rates have reached a minimum 
which they will realize in the future. The maniifacturer of lumber, bearing this in mind, must 
reduce the weight of his product to the lowest possible point, and the trimmer became a prime 
necessity as an economizer, not loss than for an advantage in an testhetic i)oint of \'ww. And 
the old gang mill, from its original adaptation of two saws, hung in a cumbrous frame, ujion 
monstrous posts which headed in a W(>igh-beam, made from the largest stick of timber which 
the forests afforded, and footed in the mill foundations, shaking tho structure and the sur- 
rounding country, and keeping thi> machinery about one-half the time in tho repaij- shop from 
its everlastiag jar, has been displaced by the neat, effective, and comi)aratively noiseless devices 
of more modern times, developing a sawing capacity of which the fondest anticipation of the 
original inventor of the idea had not the remotest conception. The h(!avy weigh-beams have 
disap)>oared, the monstrous wooden posts have given way to equally advant;igeous and strong 
but less cumbersome and more sightly iron supports, resting upon foundations independent of 
those which supjiort the mill frame. The old, stiff, and full -of- friction gate has been super- 
seded by o.scillating slides, giving to the saws the same motion which the |)it sawyer se(>ks to 
obtain in order to accomi)lish tho most work with the least outlay of strength. 

Time would fail us to trace out all tho changes which a (juarter of a century has developed 
in the saw mill. Should a Kip Van Winkle of the last century bo suddenly awakened from his 
long sleep, still tU-eaming of the last act of dogging the log on his old-fashioned carriage, in 
the old mill, when he took long najis between the cuts, and esteemed a jiroductiou of 1,()()0 
feet per day something to brag of, and open his eyes on the floor of a modern mill of the 
smallest size, h(> would truly think that the world had turned upside down: and if he saw the 
army of men carrying off a quarter of a million feet of boards per day from the saws of some 
of the larger mills, he would not believe the evideu('e of his senses. .\11 has changed; the wat(>r 
wheel has given place to the steam engine: the single small cylinder boiler, to the monstrous 
tubular or flue in large batteries; the upright saws in a gate, to the muley and the circular; 
the two saw gang, to a forty saw; the rag-wheel, to the steam feed, adding countless ])ossibili- 
ties to the ability of the circular saw to cut up logs; the single buzz saw, to the double edger; 
the rough end Imnber, to the well trimmed; ,the vast piles of worthless slabs, to a useful ai-ti- 
cle of lath and pickets: and the final debris, in many localities, to usefulness in the manufact- 
ure of other commercial articles. The pioneer knew nothing of lath and shingle manufact- 
lU'e; live rolls had not entered his noddle; gang slab cutters would have been bv him pro- 



462 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



noiinced an invention of the devil to feod the tiames of his insatiable furnace. Endless chains 
would have had no use in his mill economy; saw sharpeners and gammers would have had no 
value in his eyes, for he could cut all the lumber he expected to, and find plenty of time for 
dressing his saws by hand. 

The modern saw mill is indeed full of improvements, down to the last device for sorting 
by machinery. The production in one day, by one saw, of more lumber than was accounted 
the work of "a year in former times, is not only the result of the genius of invention such as 
marks the spirit of the age, but has rendered possible the remarkable development of the young- 
est in the sisterhood of nations, forming no unimportant factor in the influence of this country 
amono- the people of the earth All hail to the modern saw mill, and the wise intelligence of 
nearly every man who is connected with it, either in the production of logs from the forests or 
the manufactui-e and sale of lumber, for each progressive step in the march of improvement 
has reduced the cost of manufacturing lumber, keeping pace with the inevitable increase in the 
cost of timber, due to the gradual decadence of the forests. 

In other pages reference will bo made to the lumbermen of St. Clair — to the Harringtons, 
Beards, IVIorans, Farrands, of Lakeport, Babys, Brockways, Howards, Sanborns, Whites, and 
the huntlred others who built the saw mills of the county. 

Patrick Sinclair's lumber industry at St. ''lair, in 1876-80, must be considered the tirst 
in this section. Among the lirst manufacturing industries of Michigan was Baby's mill. 
This was located six miles below Detroit, on the Rouge. The primitive manufacturing con- 
cern was afterward pm-chased by Knaggs. Mr. Peltier's mill on the Savoyard, near Detroit, 
was another important industry of the time. The traders were Joseph Campeau, Robert 
Gonier, George Moniot, Jean Baptiste le Due, Gabriel Cot6, Jacques Allaird, Conrad Ten Eyck, 
Huo-h Martin, Meldrnm & Parks. Such is the whole list of traders who flourished at De- 
troit in 1799. 

In 18'27, Allen and Burt built a mill for Alpheus Wadhams, six miles from Port Huron, 
returning to their homes after its completion by taking a covu'se across the country through 
the woods. 

There were in the county, and in operation, the following saw mills in October, 1847 : 



TOWNS. 


Water. 


steam. 


Saws. 


TOWNS. 


1 
Water. 


SteatQ. 


Saw.". 


Polk 


4 
3 
3 

8 
1 


'"i" 


6 
9 
5 

18 
13 


St. Clair 

Newport 

Algonac 

: Totals 


3 


4 
1 
2 


19 




3 




y 








32 


13 


78 







The following is, independent of shingles, logs, square timber, staves, etc., which are ex- 
ported from the county to a large amount, the statement of lumber manufacture in 1847 : 



Polk 

Polk 

Polk 

Polk 

Lexington 

Le.vington 

Lexington 

Lexington 

Burti'hville 

Hiirti-hville 

IJurtc:liville 

Clyde 

Clyde 

Clyde 

Clyde 

Clyde 

Clyde 



J. Bird 

Clice & Adams. . . 

Mason & Co 

Davis tfeWestcomb 
Hul)bard & Lester 

Pavis 

R. B. Dimond . . 

N. B, Chase 

,1. Burtch 

S. M. Robbins.. . 

J. H. Titus 

.1. vt J. Beard . . 
R. Wadhams. . . . 

J. Abbott 

Chase & Evans. 
J. H. Wesbrook 
Hill 



Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Steam. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
Water. 
AVater. 
Water. 



200,000 
300,000 
000,000 
500,000 
3,000,000 
200,000 

ir)0.ooo 

600,000 
300,000 
800,000 
100.000 
800,000 
700,000 
400,000 
000,000 
300,000 
400,000 



TOWKSHIPS. 



Clyde .... 
Clyde . . . . 
Pt. Huron 
Pt. Huron 
Pt. Huron 
Pt. Huron 
St. Clair. . 
St. Clair. . 
St. Clair. . 
St. Clair. . 
St. Clair. . 
St. Clair.. 
St. Clair. . 
Newport . 
Algonac . . 
Algonac . . 



Alverson 

D. B. Harrington 
Steam Mill Co. . 

Clark & Co 

Davis & Tucker. . 

E. P. Yiekery . . . 

A. Bartlett 

A. Smith 

Chamberlin & Co, 

W. Ti-uesdail 

R. More 

J. L. Kelsey 

Smith 



Rust & Co 
Brooks tt St. Clair 
D. Daniels 



Water. 
Water. 
Steam. 
jSteam. 
jSteam. 
Steam. 
.Water. 
iWater. 
Steam, 
Steam. 
Steam. 
Steam . 
Steam. 
Steam. 
Steam. 
Steam. 



200,000 

700,000 

2,700,000 

3,000.000 

1,000,000 

200,000 

400,000 

4.50,000 

2,000,000 

3,000,000 

2,000,000 

1,000,000 

.500,000 

2,000,000 

2,700,000 

1,250,000 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COIXTV, 



463 



A bill of Imnbor from D. B. Hai-rinfrton, March 29, 1848: " Mcruorandum of lnmbi>r 
liouirht of D. B. Harrington, by H. Norton & Co. : 300,000 feet of pino lumber; 200,000 feet 
to bo tiik(>n by H. Norton & Co. Ijy month of iliiy. H. Norton & Co. agi-ee to pay for mer- 
chantable $(), for culls !$8. for clear §12. D. B. Harrington agrees to deliver the .same from 
his doclc, at the abovo-naraod prices. Inspection to be made by Mr. Throop." In 18(51), mer- 
chantable sold for §13 and .$10. culls at $1 and §8, and clear at §12. 

The capital invested in pine lands in 1847 was immense. For instance, the Black River 
Steam Mill Co. had 7,000 acres. Rogers & Co.'s mill, near Almont, had 8,000 acres. The mills 
in St. Clair County, wliere some 80,000,000 feet wore made, own some 30,000 acres. It is fair 
estimate to put the money invested in lands for this business at half a million of dollars. The 
number of persons employed' in all branches of it, from the felling of trees to turning it out of 
the mill, could not be li>ss than 8,000. The markets out of the State are ('hicago, Milsvaukee, 
the Wab;ish Canal, Ohio, Oswego and Buflfalo. In 18r)4, the number of feet of lumber and 
logs produced by the forests of St. Clair and Sanilac was I 1,"), 000, 000; valued at §10 per 
thousand, yielded §1,450,000. 

We publi.sh below a carefully [)repared table showing the amount of lumber which it was 
e.stimated would be manufactured during the year 1852, by the sevei-al mills between Point au 
Bartjues on Lake Huron and Algonac: In i-egard to the number of saws, the ujirights only are 
mentioned in the table. 



OWNERS .\ND IX)CATION. 



ll'OWEK. SAWS AM'T l.UMIl'RI 



I 



.f. Bird, Port au BiU-qups 

.J. (iim. Port au Barques 

P. F. BraUcmnu cV Co.. Mill Cr. 
Whitcoiul) vt Co., White Rock.. 

J. ilurd, Ilurd.s 

Beach, IinUy i: Co., Cherrj' Cr. 
Gilherl. Crowd] & Co., Cherry Cr 

Brecken bridge, Foot's Bay 

Tliompson it Co., Bark .SUaiUy. 

Harder, Sanilac 

Hiiikson, Sanihic 

S. Ilaniv. Sanilac 

R. B. nul>l).ird iV- Co., Lexington. 

G. S. Lester. AVorth 

J. Buel, Lexington 

Davis & Co., Lexington 

J. L. Woods & Co., "Worth 

R. B. Dimnnd, WorOi 

J. Burtch. Burtcliville 

Congers. Burtchvillc 

B. C. Farraud, Lakeporf 

J. Pettys. Burtchville 

Swectser & Sanhorn, Worth. . . . 

A. Comstoek. Worth 

,1. iVr.J. Beard, Clyde 

R. Wadhanis. Clyde 

Smith. Dwiglit iV Co.. Lynn. . . . 

L. Brockway, Brockway 

J. H. Westbrook, Brockway. . . . 



JWaterl 
iWater 
IWater; 
iWater| 
SteamI 
iSteani 
Stoani 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Water' 
[Water' 
Sleam 
•Steam 
.Steam 
Water 
.Steam 
.Water 
SteamI 
Water 
Steam 
Water 
IWater 
,Water| 
iWater 
iWater, 
IWater 
Water! 
Water 



800,000 
400,000 

1.(100.000 
WlO.OOO 
■100,000 

.S, 000, 000 

:!,ono.ooo 

800.000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

liOO.OOO 

300,000 

4.000,000 

',M»oo.ooo 

1,000.000 
»)0.000 

3,000,000 
400,000 

2.000,000 
200,000 

4,000,000 
200,000 
400,000 
300,000 

1,. 500, 000 

!..'")( 10. 000 
400,000 
000,000 
400,000 



OWNEKS AM) LOCATION. 



POWER. SAW.SAMTH'MltMt 



Walter Chase, Clyde 

Bunce iV Brother, Clyde 

D. B. Harrinirton, Poit Huron 

W. Davis, Port Huron 

W. B. Hilil.ardA: Co.. Pt. Huron 
Howard A: Beebe. Port Huron.. . 

J. Jliller i\: Co., Port Huron 

S. Petit it Co., Port Huron 

E. P. Viekcrv. Port Huron 

M. Willianis," Port Huron 

Black River Steam Mill CcP.H. 

Z. W. Bunce. Port Huron 

A. Bartlctt. St. Clair 

R. Moore. .St. Clair 

W. Trusdail, St. Clair 

St. Clair. St. Clair 

I Parker, St. Clair 

[Smith, St. Clair 

G. P. Roliinson it Co. 
jCliamberlain it Ogden 
[Peabodv it Reamer, China. 

.Old Mifl. Newport 

iRust it Co.. Newport 

L. B. Parker, New])ort 

Brooks it St. Clair, Algonac 
Brooks it St. Clair, Algonac 
Daniels it Ripley, Algonac. 

Total amount of lumber.. 



. St. 
St. 



Clair 
Clair 



Water 
Water 
Water 
Steam 

Steam 
Steamj 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Water' 
Waterj 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam, 
Steanii 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 
Steam 



600.000 
600,000 
1,000.000 
2,000.000 
3,000,000 
2,000,000 

;?,oO(i,(ioo 

1,00(1.000 
1.000.00(1 
2.000.0(1(1 

,"?, 000. 0(1(1 

(jOO.dOO 

400.(1(1(1 
.'i,.50(l,(lllO 
1.500.000 
4,000,000 
3, 000, 0(H) 

800,000 
3,000,000 
3,000,000 
1,000,000 
2,000,000 
3,000,00ft 
2,000,000 
8,000,000 
3,000.000 
2,.')(10.000 

92,900,000 



Previous to 1847, St. Clair had done almost exclusively a lumbering business, and had not 
raised a sufficient (juaittity of grain for their own consumption. Northern Macomb had found 
a good market for a portion of her stu-plus. The towns of Berlin, Riley, Columbus and "Wales 
rapidly settled in 1840-48, and their siu-plus of wheat, yearly au.:;menting, urged the erection of 
a flouring mill in 1847. Oel Ris, of Riloy, erected a tlovu* mill in that town, with two run of 
stone. Mr. Earl also erected one with two run. in the town of Richmond, joining Colum- 
bus, the same year. 



464 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

THE B.\NK OF ST. CLAIR 

Was incorporated MMrch 2S, 18:;36. Charles Kimball, Samuel Ward, John Clark, H. N. Mon- 
son, C. Sanborn, D. B Harrington and Ralph Wadhams were appointed Commissioners to 
receive subscriptions to the capital stock. This stock was stated to be $100,000, divided into 
2,000 shares of $50 each. 

The act to incorporate the stockholders of the Bank of St. Clair, approved March 28, 1836, 
was repealed by act approved May 7, 1846. 

The Bank of St. Clair rHceived permission of the Legislature to remove from St. Clair to 
Detroit, on a resolution of the President and Directors of the bank being recorded in the office 
of the Secretary of State. 

The act for the relief of the Bank of St. Clair was approved March 19. 1840, when it was 
ordered that only a tax of one-half of one per cent be levied on the capital stock, as provided 
in charter. 

The currency bill was brought forward to " authorize the anticipation of certain install 
ments of the five million loan." As j^laced before the Legislature of Michigan, it simjsly 
proposed to take the funds of the State, and loan them to the banking associations of Detroit 
City, to be used by those associations as a basis for the extension of their cii'culation, imtil 
1841. Attorney Witherell, then member of the Legislature, moved that the Bank of St. Clair 
be added to the city banks named in the bill, which motion was agreed to. Subsequently, 
Senator Grridley, of Jackson, moved to reconsider the vote admitting the Bank of St. Clair. 
This resulted in a lengthy debate, and the defeat of the motion by a vote of nine against the 
question for reconsideration, and eight in favor of reconsideration. Senator Summers reviewed 
the condition of the Bank of St. Clair, and compared it with the banks named in the bill. 
The charter of the Bank of St. Clair was granted by the Legislature of the State of Michigan; 
the private property of the stockholders, both real and personal, is bound for the payment of 
the issues of the bank. The two city banks were chartered by the Legislative Council, and the 
private property of the stockholders was not bound; they are foreign stockholders, and the 
money paidin is all the security the people have. " Which,'' said Mr. S., '" is the best security? 
Look at the different situations of the banks. Had the General Government made a deposit with 
the Bank of St. Clair, or has the Bank of St. Clair asked for favor from the General Govern- 
ment? But what is the case with the city banks? Are they not calling on the General 
Government to sjive them time? and is not the Legislature u-oiuo' to give them time? 

Senator Jones stated, during the debate, that this bank had a circulation of §130,000 in 
Ohio; while the circulation in Michigan was only $10,000. It was one of the few healthy 
financial institutions of the times. 

THE OIL-WELL BOOM L\ ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Situated as are the principal oil fields of this country close to the great centers of pop- 
ulation, the growth of a town or a territory where a new strike was made was more rapid and 
more wonderful in all features than that brought ou by the discovery of any other great source 
of waalth. Pithole Hashed up from a single house to a city of 30,000 in less than six months, 
and when the territory was exhausted its decline was equally rapid. A hundred other places 
have the same history, on a slightly smaller scale. Bradford went from 300 to three times 
3,000 almost before the natives could fairly realize what had happened; and Richburg and 
Bolivar, (juiet country towns, grew intij thriving cities, but are already on the decline. Oil 
Springs. Marthaville, Petrolia and other places in the little monarchy beyond the St. Clair, 
sprang into existence as if by magic. Oil Springs fell as suddenly as it grew up, so that, 
when visited by the writer in 1878, it presented the truest picture of decay which can be con- 
ceived. 

The oil boom in St. Clair County was very systematic, for a craze. Evidences of oil were 
presented in 1863; strengthened in 1864; accomplished facts in 1865. The scenes that fol- 
lowed can hardly be imagined by one who has never witnessed the rise and fall of an oil 
town, and oven the oldest producers are surprised almost beyond expression. Men grew wild, 
and bought and sold as they have never dealt before. But at the wells the greatest transfor- 
mations occurred. A few days ago, there was a single horse, a farmer's residence, and a few 



mSTOIlY OF ST, CLAIK, COUNTY. 465 

liuncli'ed aeriis of cleared hind near a well, for instance. Now there are hirj^o hotels, scores 
of business places and houses, hundreds of excited men thronginjr through the muddy roads, 
derricks rising on every hand, a railroad pi"oj>osed to bo built to every well, others ])usliing rap- 
idly toward it, and still another jirojected. Every train to the " junipiug-oti" ])laco " is crowded; 
men even on the tops of the coaches. Producers, land agents, merchants, drillers, sjieculators, 
adventurers everywhere. Men spoke only of thousands of dollars. Men were wild. 

In December, 1S()8, a boring for oil was made in the vicinity of Lake Port. When a 
depth of thirty tive feet was reached, oil appeared on the water which tiicn began to flow. 

In January, 1SG4, a company undertook to sink a well on th(> Pulsifer farm, south of 
Black liiver. about four- miles from Port Huron. At a depth of Ijfty seven feet the water was 
found impregnated with oil. The White vrell on this farm reached a depth of 1 15 feet in Feb- 
ruary. ISC)."), and produced one barrel per day. 

In February. ISGo, the Baker well, at Lakeport, rea('hed a depth of ninety-three feet with- 
out striking rock. Within twenty-four hours, the oil llow was reported between thirtj' and 
forty baiTels. 

The Howard, Johnson & Co. oil W(dl was begun February 18, 18(55, one fourth of a mile 
southeast of the Baker well. The (iratiot Oil Company commenced boring February 10, 18f')5, 
a half mile south of the Baker \V(^11. 

Lauds in th(! vicinity of Lake Port sold for $1,()()() per acre in the spring of ISVn). 

The Petrolium Board of ]*]xchange organized at Port Huron in February, 180"), with John 
Hibbard, Pn^sident: F. A. Harrington, Secretary: and E. M. Carrington. Treasurer. 

The Gratiot Petroleum (!ompanv was organized in Februarv, IStl,"), with a capital of 
$500,000. 

John Miller was chosen President. \V. B. Hibbard, Vice I'resident, and Alexander Elmore, 
Socretary and Treasurer. John Hil)bai'd, Cyrus Miles, B. P. Hutchinson, H. H. Hanson and 
N. P. Brainerd, with the officers, formed the Board of Directors. 

The Huron Petroleum Company, of Toledo, pmchasod 51)0 acres of land near Lakeport, in the 
spring of ISO"). The com])anv was organized with a ca])ital of SU)0,OlK). The officers were 
J. S. Norton, President; C. B. Phillips. Vice President: H. H. P. Piatt, Secretary; Nehemiah 
Waterman, Treasurer. C. A. King. D. B. Smith, O. White, 11. Cammings, J. Stevens and 
H. Hall. Directors. 

The jMichigan Petroleum Company, of Detroit, was organized in February, 1805. The capital 
subscribed was S 12,500: nominal capital, S500,000. W. A. Butler, President; H. E. Benson, 
Vice President; W. D. Morton, Treasurer; and Alvan Wilkins Socretary. 

The Port Huron Petroleum Company, was organized in February, 1805, with A. S. Berry, Pres- 
ident and Treasurer, K. A. Coe, Secretary, John Johnson. li. W. King. W. B. Hibbard and 
A. S. Berry, Directors. This company purchased the Howard, Johnson & Co. oil lands, near 
Lake Port. The same month, two wells were bored, one on Oil Creek. 

Up to Mai'ch 22, I8l)5, no less than ton oil wells were bored --two by the Port Huron 
Co., one each by the Gratiot Co., Fish & Co., Funk, Chicago & St Clair Co., Brockway & Co., 
one l)y Hai-beck & Co., neai" the head-waters of Black River, and two by the Messrs. White. 

During these stirring times, the local wags were not idle. One of these characters, who 
took every misfortune with enviable pleasure, contributed the following record of a well, which 
he termed the Muuciiauseu Well: 

C'ookiiiir butter 20 |l Sul)slitutos 2 

XXX ale 7 I Bounty money 1 

Mush and milk 3 !j Greenbacks 7 

Cod liver oil .5 li Peace projiosltion 

Billy I'niterson 2 

(Quinine 4 

Briiiadier generals 3 

Sardines 7 

Turtle soup 2 

Lottery tickets 1 

Bear's oil 4 

For liislier wages 10 



Lawyers 9 

Brimstone (i 

Milk of human kindness 1 

Oil 3 

A leak i 

Total 100 

30 



466 HLSTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

In Marcli. 1865, A. & H. Fish & Co. began work on thsir well near the Fish Saw Mill, 
foijr miles west of the city. 

Chicago enterprise was represented almost in every quarter of the county. From the East, 
too, wise men came to seize upon the channels of liquid gold. 

The following reference to the mineral well, near Lapeer Avenue Schoolhouse, of July 13, 
1870, goes to prove that, even after the lapse of five years, this undignilied cynicism existed: 



Specific gravity 1.01375f 

Temperature (Fah.) 57| 

Chloride of sodium (Ouondaga) 2'3,817 

Chloride of sodium (Sagim^w) 17,311 

Chloride of sodium (St. Clair) 187,4.38 

Chloride of lime 107,590 

Carbolic acid 41,739 

Sulphate of soda (water sarsaparilla syrup) 4,072 

Sulphate of asafretiJa 112,081 

Bicar. of potash (tine, grease de savon). .. 49,343 

Bicar. of pomme de terre (parings) 11,830 

Phosph.ate of buckwheat (cooked) 16,411 



0.x (h)ide of Durham (tail) 33,783 

Ox (h)ide of iron from scraps procured at 
the Phoeni.K Iron Works and carefully 

placed in the well) ". 782,002 

Carbureted hydrogen 68,017 

Carbureted h3'drogen (extract Gasworks).. 49,701 

Sulphureted eggs (decayed) 103,034 

Sublimate of leather (old slioes) 27,991 

Lithia a trace. 

Iodide of aqua f ortis 13,201 

Solid contents in one Imperial gallon (grs.). .21,782,437 

Total carbonic acid (cubic inches) 282,944 



During the year 1870. the magnetic wells claimed the attention of many peculiar spirits. 
The following paper is one of many specimens of their legal and literary tastes: 

St.\te of Michigan, / 

CouNTi OP St. Clair, f" 

On this 14th day of July, before me a Notary Public in aforesaid county, personally appeared, Ignatz 
PeterchoH, who, being duly sworn, deposes and says: lam now one hundred and nine years old; reside in St. Pe- 
tersburg; am teacher of elocution in the Russian Court ; have been deaf and dumb" from my birth until the 
9th inst. On the 10th of last April, at 37J minutes past one o'clock in the morning, I had a vision telling me 
to come to Port Huron and lie cured of m\' infirmities. I came, and. after using the water two days, could 
hear and talk with perfect ease. This morning 1 received a cable dispatch from tlie Czar instructing me to 
oiler Prof. Barnes a Siberian squirrel for exhibition in his next show, if he would dig up the well and move 
it to St. Petersburg. Ignatz Petekchoff. 

Sworn and subscribed to, before me, this 13th day of July, 1870. 

H. G. Babnumton, Notary Public St. Clair County. 
Regarding those old time.s, a contributor says: " We cannot fail to remember the lively 
times created by the supposed discovery of the existence of oil in this region. Many most 
prominent citizens were attacked with great violence by the oil fever, which finally settled 
down to 'oil on the brain,' when the antics enacted by the patients afforded very general 
amusement for the outsiders who had escaped the contagion. The brigade with 'oi! on the 
brain' pitched in lively, leased or bought up something less than a million of acres of exceed- 
ingly rich 'oil lands,' and, digging a number of holes in the ground, r.mted a room, fitted 
it up, and opened an 'Oil Exchange!' For a time, the meetings at the 'Exchange' were 
crowded with ' big fish ' from Toledo, Chicago. Milwaukee, etc., who bit lively at the 'oil 
lands ' so temptingly displayed —and to their intense satisfaction became the happy possessors 
of large interests in the lands from which oceans of oil were soon to be flowing! Regular 
minutes of the meetings of the Board were kept by the Secretaiy; a copy of which we acci- 
dentally came across the other day, from which the following racy extracts "are made: 

"March 9, 1S65 — Meeting at usual hour. A general pause in oil speculation: Many 

faces elongated— a constant inquiry and anxiety about the quantity of oil in the Baker Well. 

" March 10— Meeting at usual hour. Members not very proinpt in attendance; but those 

present still anxious about the quantity of oil in the Baker Well. Many hopes, doubts and 

fears; while some stiff- backed gents offer to wager on (quantity. 

"March 11 — Met at usual hour. Numbers decreasing.' W. B migrates to Western 

parts, to get nearer the setting sun; supposed to be where ' hope deferred,' etc., 'distance 
lends enchantment.' etc. An anxiety to sell oil territory a little lower. 

"March 1 2 — :Met at usual hour. Secretary gone to Detroit, to keep up coiu-age of a few 
desponding purchasers. The Baker Well to be measured. Good news from said well sends 
a thrill of ho))o to many a weary millionaire. 

" March 13— Met at usual hour. Attendance growing beautifully less. Baker Well has 
been measured by State Geologist (no printed report); fi-om sis inches to a foot of oil in it: a 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. CLAIU COIXTV. 467 

good prospect of an outiro faihiro of tho well until again dug doopor. President gonp to con- 
cert — needs a littler cbecring np. 

"March 14- — Meeting of a few to road the daily p;ipr>rs: long, steady faces, proposing to 
hold on for future developments. A sample of the oil from the Baker Well deodorized bv J. 

N ; a 'splendid' article; pronounced neither Enniskill(>n or Penna. oil. Hope rises; a 

permanent feeling perv;uling members not to buy or sell. 

■' March 15 — Met at usual hour. More hope and some discouragement; tho White Well 
is roaring with gnu! White sanguine, but Harris has got the tools fast in the well. A few 

new arrivals from Chicago — plucky fellows — but can't see that flowing well. H , confident 

and sound on oil; he is about to dig a big hole in the ground where he found the 'oil weed.' 
He's some on oil! 

" March 1() — Met at usual hour. President and Sacrotary ;ilono in their glorv. Dark 
dreai-y. lonely, muddy, rainy day; all oi)erations at a standstill; President thinks" the New- 
York Herald a very good paper; editor of Port Huron /^/vs.s steps in for an item; he mav 
get it. 

" March 17 — Good news from the difTerent wells. Some feel better, not that they have 
struck oil, but that the draft has not struck them. Excitement on the draft has the'inside 
track. Punk is fast closing up on the first wells, and he is in a fair way to outstrip them all. 
Go in, Funkl 

"March '25— A goodly number of hopeful, strong believers in oil present. So far, had a 
rather dark week; but can se(> no lack of confidence among the 'true blues.' Gratiot Co. down 
80 feet, clay and sand, saturat<>d with petroleum; Huron Co. progressing with fair tirosiiects. 
Stock, generally, does not run up as much as it does down. 

"April 1 — All Fools' Day opens rich. W. B scents the whirlwind of Petroleum 

' from afar, and starts up to (Jratiot Co.'s hole in the ground; returns late at night, havintr 
found oil cdkI gas! The President grows young and nimble, jumps into the bucket and goes 
down to the bottom to make a sure thing of it. He swears, by the (ir(>at Jehovah, it's (i-enuinn 
black oil; cuts a pigeon wing in the hole and risDs to the surface again." 

Aftur this, oil matters gradually assumed a deep htiie— the good-natured President cut no 
more i)igeon wings, our Chicago, Milwaukee and Toledo friends faded from view— the " l']x 
change" was closied, and naught remains to remind us of tho "oily era" of '65, save a vial on 
a shelf before us, which once contained tii(> "genuine" article from the Baker Well! 

A KKTUOSI'Efl'. 
St. Clair County, to-day rejoicing in tho jjride of its strength, t(>eming with wealth and 
glittering in the sunlight of a prosperity that startles the visitor into a smile of gladness, was, 
even in 18:55. a wilderness almost as unbroken as when John Nicolot. in 1032 84, visited this 
section. The historian takes up the thread of life since then, as tangled bv events, slowlv. 
What ])rompted the pioneers to their adv(^nt into this land 'i" Was it that s]iirit of adventui-e 
which impelled the cavaliers of the olden time to pursue with eagerness the phantom of a hope 
into the East? Was it a sense of duty, which first found expression in the Now World in 1620, 
on Plymouth Kockr Perhaps, after all, it was only that they might better their condition—^ 
might find choaji lands and soon obtain comfortable homes. But many of them are deail, and 
the iuipiirer, who has seen so many of his idols turned to cla^ , and "his ideals perish, comes 
naturally, by and by, to tho time when ho analyzes, such and such things have happened - 
why? Such and such men have passed away — howr Such an<l such (<vents have lighted up 
the sky of advancing civilization, as a meteor might the physical. Whence do thev proceed? 
The men who came to the front, and laid the foundations for this ontinuous and lovelv land- 
scape of nature, glimmering like a gem in its emerald setting, belonged to a regime "that is 
fast giving place to an enterprise which, though great(>r, is less earnest, because pniviileneo 
and nature more materially aid man's ambitions. They were tlie grizzled grenadiers in the 
army of pioneers, who never, in any sudden storm or ridly, desperate niflec or sorrowful (>n- 
counter, forgot to dofl' their plumed hats to an adversary and cry out, through their in-a\- mus- 



468 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



taches, as they shortened their sword-arm, " En garde!" It may be anything or nothing, but 
the one thing certain about it all is they were the enterprising spirits who laid the foundation 
for this teeming wealth and sunny prosperity. Though dead, they live again. Not alone in 
the promised land beyond the swift Borysthems, but in the land they prepared for after gener- 
ations. Man? of the i^'ominent actors in the prelude are dead, but the drama goes on, and 
will last until the human race has run its course, and the wide firmament is rolled up like a 
scroll. Many of the singers are dead, but their song has gone on; out of the darkness has 
come a light, out of the sorrow an exceeding joy. The present should profit by the past, and 
take examples from the views of these, which shall make heart and home happy, better men, 
citizens and Americans. The present should be admonished by the past, to labor with equal 
diligence for the personal blessings of health of body, vigor of mind and success in life, as 
also for the blessings promised in the life to come. But the hard hands which prepared the 
way for the fruitful fields which gi-ew from the wilds of the county; for filling its cities and 
towns with the habitations of men, seminaries of learning, public edifices and other evidences 
of a pronounced prosperity, are quietly folded in their mother earth, and it must be of interest 
to those who enjoy their possessions, to know when, where, and by whom civilization was com- 
menced, and to learn some of the incidents connected with the first settlements, as also with the 
steps by which St. Clair County has attained the importance claimed by its inhabitants and 
conceded by its neighbors. 




i 



lilSTORY OF 



•.'.•L>TY. 



4^& 



ROADS AXD RAILWAYS. 



Nert to tk= !-v= -- ! r-:T=r '■-■zz-. Jite old staze coa.-h. --;! !-.'^ 
wert kno'STi '.■ ' the earlv settlers .jf - ' 

andshailes o: :. . - - -..■ - --'-■, . -jJ:s ago; fewer 5Eill ;— .--. 
boat or stase in those dav-= really meant- 

Fort si. Jo^ph Road. — D"- -_- ■' yeais 1"' ~ " - • -'• - 
Detroit -was by way of the river The ' 



— -t._ _»r. 



Z-- _^rt_^.4_ 



— --h 



EQe St. C 

days can - . . . 

that from Detroit to Pert Himjn ■'^^s one vast - 

swale? and mad. a* --^ ■'•_ -'-^Tjaent iaterr^"- — -^ ..^.. .. 

that sboat lonr or ^ north of 51 — no-^ 

— therjii - _ - ::: t^e 

-wan wi" _ •efltl^. v 



yan in nr? - : 
at HtiPjiL Bivv_ - 
~hoee bnsiitess ca. 

By an act of l-j. ■. . r 

Rcewell R. Gr^^ii. Horace 



A Port HufjO. 



ittage was aath'jriz.^TL wich 



. »«j fcutr 



iie x«rITibf^riaA TO^cX. iX^-Ij^ xOliJs au Ciiie 



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hr i '^'rt Ci 



iCHi-iVt tV<aM- WittfitiXL ILJ.^ » Tdi. 



The 

islat!--- 



t:>_- • — - _ 



-St. Claf: 
the G 



inter- 

Th< 
County. • 
anthonty 

Frtym M 

oppoeite the N .;„ ^. .._ .. '. .- ' — •-_• •- ■ 

?nrTey by Romeo: thence, on the most - 

"~r:T ' ''_ - - - . to the town ; ~ 

- .. . - It Ste. Marie, in : 



iie. in ilacijjiib 

yniijti. Bl cox and ii><s*!'i j t*' jiiic. i.'.-jiiiinizsilOZi.^TS. tsuder 

-.—The T-; 



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pointed : -:i snch road. 

The ; - --_^ roads w--- •-••"■ -■-- 
River to cotmty seat of S 
Fort Grs"! " T ::^r>ike: frv— r r: • ttj,: 



v.. w.,jij. Fr>ca Pal— - 

to Fort Gratiot 

:.; r . :nt am Barqnes. j-i:.^ 






470 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The act approved April 7. IS-IG, aiithorized Abner Smith, George Judson and William 
Young to lay out a road from the village of Coruuua, in Shiawassee County, via Romeo, to St. 
Clair Village. 

ThiJ road from Almont, in Lapeer County, to Port Huron, was established Apri 15, 1846, 
and Joshua Tompkins. Daniel B. Harrington and James H. Andrews appointed Commis- 
sioners. 

The Detroit & Port Huron Plank Road Co. was incorporated under authority of act ap- 
proved March 9, 1844. Jonathan Kearsley, Porter Kihboe, William Lewis and John Heath 
were appointed Commissioners. 

The State road from Lexinpton to Point aux Barques was authorized to be built March 
!», 1844. 

The State road from Palmer, or St. Clair, to the village of Riley, was authorized March 
17, 1S47, with John Grinnell as Commissioner. 

The St. Clair & Romeo Turnpike Co. was incorporated March 24, 1845, with Timothy 
Morse, Jarvis Hurd, Alfred Ashley. Aldis L. Rich, Neil Gray, Jr.. Asahel Bailey and Thaddeus 
Hazelton, Commissoners. 

An act approved March 31, 1848, appropriated 4,500 acres of State lands, in St. Clair 
County, for building a road from Almont to St. Clair Village, being a continuation of the road 
ordered at the same time, from Lapeer to Almont. 

The Port Huron & Lapeer Plank Road Co. was incorporated March 16, 1849, with John 
R. White, Lorenzo M. Mason, Samuel Rogers, N. H. Hart and James W. Sanborn. Commis 
siouers 

The St. Clair Plank Road Co. was incorporated April 2. 1849, with Pierce G. Wright, 
Charles Kimball, Horatio N. Monsou, Simeon B. Brown, Harmon Chamberlin, John E. Kitton 
and Marcus H. Miles, Commissioners. The capital stock was set down at $20,000,and the road 
was to be built fnmi St. Clair Village to the Gratiot Turnpike, in St. Clair Township. 

The Clyde Plank & Macadamized Road Co., organized to build a road from Port Huron 
City to Brockway Centre, with a branch to the Wild Cat road in Grant Township, and thence 
to the Davisville & Lexington Plank Road, was organized November 30, 1874, with John 
Beard, John Kinney, Alexander McNaughton, E. Vincent and T. A. Beard, shareholders. In 
later days, the work of road-building has been almost entirely undertaken by the county 
authorities. 

On the completion o'l these I'oads, a stage was placed on the route. So late as 1840, the 
visitor from the Eastern States looked forward to the journey by stage into the pine-lands with 
anxiety. 

Within the ten or twelve years succeeding, great improvements were effected; railroads 
were completed from Detroit and Toledo to Chicago; roads wei-e rebuilt, and the means of 
travel rendered tolerable. But for those who came in early days and entered upon the work of 
building up a State, the roads were few, and rough in the extreme. 

RAILROADS. 

The railroad system of Michigan is one of the most perfect in the world, claiming over 
3,814 miles. To the people of this county, who have already one great railroad center at their 
county seat, and look for another one, equally as extensive, at their old seat of justice, the fol- 
lowing review of the railroads of the Lower Peninsula must be of some value. The informa- 
tion is taken fi-om the State reports for 1882: 

The Atlantic seaboard cities are, and are likely to be, the great markets for the produce 
and supplies of this part of the United States; and hence, the land thoroughfares of traffic of 
this region mainly run east and west. There are six important lines of railroad which traverse 
the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, practically in that direction. These are the Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern, the Michigan Central, the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, the Detroit, 
Grand Haven & Milwaukee, the Flint & Pere Marquette, and the Chicago & Grand Trunk, 
Southeastern Michigan is also crossed by the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway, connecting 
it with the main lines of the Wabash and the Baltimore & Ohio corporations. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAII! COUNTY. 471 

The Lower Peninsula has, iii addition, a well-developod north and south railway system; 
which, beside carrying to market the products of farms, gai-dens and orchards, derives a large 
share of its revenue from the transportation of lumber and the business growing out of lumber 
operations. This comprises these roads: The Flint & Pere Marquette, which is also an im- 
portant factor in the east and west system; the Jackson. Lansing & Saginaw, which, as the 
Mackinac Branch of the Michigan Goutral, may be called a feeder of the same system; the 
Grand Rapids & Indiana, which is purely a north and south road, but has intimate relations 
with the wealthy Pennsylvania Company; the Chicago & West Michigan, which will soon have 
a southern connection with the Baltimore & Ohio; and the short lines of the Fort Wayne & 
Jackson and the Toledo, Ann Aa-bor & Grand Trunk. 

Of the great east and west trunk lines north of the Ohio River — the Grand Trunk, the 
Michigan Central and the Lake Shore, connecting with the New York Central system, the Wa- 
bash the Pennsylvania and the Baltimore & Ohio— the first four traverse Michigan territory, 
and the others reach it by valual)!e connections with friendly roads. 

Nearly all of the Michigan lines named have branches or feeders spreading over the Lower 
Peninsula and interlacing with each other, so that not only is every populous rural community 
supplied with railroad facilities, but nearly all the cities and villages of importance have two 
or more railroad outlets, and the benefits of the resulting competition. 

One of the oldest and richest of these railroad corporations is the L'vke Shore & Mich igan 
Southern, extending from Chicago, via Toledo, to Buffalo. Its main line enters the State at the 
western border of St. Joseph County, and thence traverses that and the counties of Branch, 
Hillsdale and Lenawee, passing into Ohio through a corner of Monroe, Upon this line, which 
crosses the three counties tirst named centrally, are the thriving towns of Coldwater, Jonesville, 
Hillsdale, Hudson and Adrian. The Lake Shore has numerous branches in Michgan, all op- 
erated as feeders to the trunk line from Toledo to Buffalo. These include the roads extending 
from Toledo through Monroe to Detroit; from Adrian to Monroe; from the main line near 
Adrian through Tecumseh and Manchester to Jackson; from Banker's on the Fort Wayne & 
Jackson road, through Hillsdale and Manchester to Ypsilanti; from Jonesville through Homer, 
Albion and Eaton Rapids to Lansing; from White Pigeon through Three Rivers, Kalamazoo 
and Allegan to Grand Rapids; and from Trenton, on the Detroit River, through Monroe and 
Lenawee Counties to Fayette, about four miles within the borders of Ohio. The total length 
of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern and these several branches, within this State, is 532 
miles. 

First of the railroads of the State in age, and perhaps in importance so far as Michigan 
is concerned, is the Michigan Central. Its main line extends from Chicago to Detroit, crossing 
the counties of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Cidhoun, Jackson. Washtenaw and 
Wayne, and counting among its stations the important towns of Niles, Kalamazoo, Battle 
Creek, Marshall, Albion, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Its Air Line Division extends 
from Niles to Jackson, passing through the counties of Cass, St. Joseph, Branch. Calhoun and 
Jackson, and touching Cassopolis, Three Rivers, Centerville and Homer. 

There are several very important roads operated by this corporation. Chief of these is 
the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw, which now forms the Saginaw and the Mackinac Divisions 
of the Michigan Central. It extends from Jackson to the Straits of Mackinac, a distance of 
29") miles, and passes through Lansing, the capital of the State, Saginaw, West Bay City, 
Gaylord and Cheboygan, to Mackinac City, crossing the counties of Jackson, Ingham, Shia- 
wassee, Saginaw, Bay, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Crawford. Otsego and Cheboygan. A glance at 
the map will show this lino, un(piestionably destined to become an important artery of trade 
and travel, passing midway through the central part of the Lower Peninsula, north of Saginaw 
Bay, and opening to settlement a country hitherto largely undeveloped. It connects at the 
Straits of Mackinac, by a ferriage of five miles, with the Detroit, Mackinac tt Marquette 
Railroad of the Upper Peninsula, and also at Bay City with the Detroit, Saginaw & Bay 
City, another feeder of the Michigan Central, with which it forms a direct line between De- 
troit, the commercial metropolis of the State, and the new and rapidly growing portions of 
both peninsulas. 



472 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The Detroit, Saginaw & Bay City, which is operated as the Bay City Division of the Mich- 
igan Central, extends from Bay ,City to Detroit, passing through Vassar, Lapeer, the county 
seat of the county of that name, Rochester and Utica. It has branches extending from Den- 
mark Junction through East Saginaw to Saginaw, from Vassar to Cairo, the county seat of Tus- 
cola, and from Lapeer northward nine miles to Five Lakes. The Grand River Valley Division 
of the Michigan Central extends from Grand Rapids to Jackson, passing through Hastings 
and Charlotte, the county seats of Barry and Eaton Counties. The Kalamazoo & South 
Haven Division runs through Kalamazoo and Van Buren Counties and connects the two places 
named, the latter an important point on Lake Michigan. A short branch also connects Niles 
with South Bend. Ind. The total length of the Michigan Central and its branches in Michigan 
is 911 miles, exclusive of doable track, which extends for many miles along the main line. 

The Chicacco & Grand Trunk Railroad extends fromChicag:o to a connection with the main 
line of the Grand Trunk of Canada at Port Huron. It enters the State at the southwestern 
border of Cass County, which it crosses centrally and diagonally, then traverses consecatively 
the counties of Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer and St. 
Clair. Its chief stations are Cassopolis, Battle Creek, Bellevue, Charlotte. Lansing, Flint and 
Lapeer. Belonging to the same system is a line from Port Huron through Mount Clemens, 
the county seat of Macomb County, to Detroit, with a l)ranch from Ridgeway through Romeo 
and Rochester to Pontiac, whence it will soon be extended to Jackson. The total length of 
the roads in Michigan controlled by Grand Trunk interests is 319 miles, and they form part 
of a great thoroughfare to the Atlantic seaports, to Montreal as well as to those of the United 
States. 

The AV abash, St. Louis & Pacific system spreads throiigh several Western States, and 
touches the principal cities of the West and Southwest. It enters Michigan from Ohio, in 
the southeast corner of Hillsdale County, and crosses Lenawee diagonally, passing through 
Adrian. It also crosses corners of Monroe and Washtenaw Counties, then traverses XVayne to 
Detroit. The total present length of the road in this State is 78 miles. It not oaly connects 
the chief city of Michigan with the Wabash system, but at Auburn. Ind.. taps the important 
Baltimore & Ohio road. 

The Detroit, Lansing & Northern R. R. extends from Howard City, on the G. R. & I. i-oad^ 
through Greenville, Ionia, Portland, Lansing, Howell, Brighton and Plymouth to Detroit. In its 
course it traverses the counties of Montcalm, Ionia, Ingham, Livingston and Wayne, and passes 
through parts of Clinton, Eaton, Oakland and Washtenaw. It has a branch extending from 
Ionia through Stanton, the county seat of Montcalm, and Blanchard, in Isabella County, to Big 
Rapids, the county seat of Mecosta; this Stanton Branch is connected with Belding by a short 
line. It also operates the Saginaw Valley & St. Louis Railroad, running from Alma through 
St. Louis, in Gratiot County, to Saginaw City. With this latter road, connections are made by 
an independent line, which is known as the Chicago, Saginaw & Canada, and runs from St. 
Louis through Alma and Edmore (on the Stanton Branch of the main line) to Lakeview. The 
total length of tUe lines operated by the Detroit, Lansing & Northern is 254 miles, and that 
of the Chicago, Saginaw & Canada, 38 miles. 

The D., G. H. & M. R. R. extends from Grand Haven, one of the pi-incipal ports on 
Lake Michigan, and the county seat of Ottawa County, through Grand Rapids, Ionia, St, 
John's, Corunna, Owasso, Fenton, Holly and Pontiac to Detroit. It crosses the counties of 
Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Shiawassee and Oakland quite centrally, and also passes throiigh 
the southern portion of CTenesee. Its total length is 189 miles. 

The main line of the Flint & Pere Mar(]uette commences at Ludington, on the western 
shore, and passes through Mason, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Midland, Saginaw, (lenesee, Oak- 
land, Wayne and Monroe Counties, to the city of Monroe, Among its stations are Baldwin, 
Reed City. Hersey, Evart, Clare; Midland," Saginaw, East Saginaw, Flint, Holly, Milford, 
Plymouth and Wayne. Au examination of the map will show that this is one of the important 
roads of Michigan, serving a large belt of new and rapidly developing country in the northern 
midland district, and also traversing some of the oldest and richest 'counties. The Flint & 
Pere Manjuctte has l)ranches esteading from Mauistio to Manistee Junction on the main line, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 4<o 

from East Sa;^iaa\v to Bay Oity. from a point near I']:ist Sa'^inaw to South Saijiuaw. and fi- )!ii 
Flint throui^'h Ottor Ijake to Fostoria. This corporation also controls and oporatos tho Sa<^- 
inaw & Mount I'loasaut (Narrow Gaufji") llailroad, running from Coleman on its main line in 
Midland County, to Mount Tlcasant, tho county seat of Isabella, and the Saginaw & Clare 
Kailroad connecting it with Harrison, the county seat of C^lare. Its total length, including 
that of its branches of all kinds, is 345 miles. 

The G. E. & I. R. K. extends from Potoskey. in Emmet County, almost due southward through 
the counties of Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Wexford, ()sc(>ola, Mecosta, Montcalm, 
Kent, Allegan, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph to Fort Wayne, lud., where it connects with tho 
great Pennsylvania system leading tt) the Atlantic coast, atlbrding th(> main outlet to all south- 
eastern consuming jjoints. Its important stations are C/adillac, Keed City, Big Kapids, Cii-and 
Rapids, Plainwoll, Kalanruoo and Sturgis. It has these branches: 1, from Mouteith to Allt;- 
gan; 2, from Orono oom[)letod twelve miles to Luther and projected to Manistee; 3, from a 
point above Cadillac live miles toward Lake City; 4, from Walton to Traverse City; 5, from 
Petoskey to Harbor S])riiigs. The main line is being extended to the Straits of Mackinac, and 
will reach that jioint during the suuuiior of 1882. This road is the most important of tho 
Western Michigan lin(«, and has been a valnable factor in the development of the nortliwest 
eru jiortion of the Lower Peninsula. The total length in Michigan of the lines owned or 
operated by it is 341 mili>s. 

Tho Chicago & West Michigan Railroad traverses the important fruit belt of the westi^rn 
shore. Commencing at Pentwater, on Lake Michigan, it j)asse8 through the counti(>s of Oc(>ana, 
Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Van Buren, and Berrien to New Buffalo, on the Michigan ('entral. 
It has also branches from Holland to Grand Rapids, from Muskegon to Big Rapids, from Mears 
to Hart, from Holland to .\llegan. from White Cloud, on its Big Rapids Branch, through 
Newaygo to (iriiiid Rapids, from Whitt^ Cloud north toward the line of the Flint & Pero Mar- 
quette, from W'oodville southeast into the pineries, along tho shores of Muskegon Lake, and 
a short looj) line soiith of Muskegon. Its extension north to the Flint & Pore Maivpu^tte line 
is under progress. Its extension south is also projected, by a line from New Buffalo, through 
La Porto, Ind., U) points of junction with the Pennsylvania and the Baltimore & Ohio systems. 
The total length of this road and its branches is 379 miles. 

Tho Canada Southern Railroad extends in Michigan from Toledo to Detroit, passing 
through iMonroo and Wyandotte. Its main line ])roceeds eastward from Trenton Junction, 
crossing the Detroit River at Grosso Isle, and thence passing through (^anada to Buffalo, 
forming one of the chief railway outlets of the State. This company also oj)erates the short 
line (known as tho Michigan. .Midland i^: C'anada) between St. Clair, on tho river of that name, 
and Ridgeway, on the Detroit Branch of the Cirand Trunk. Tlie total length in Michigan of 
this road and its branches is Ci'i miles. 

The Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad extends from Fort Wajme, Ind., to Jackson, enter- 
ing this State at the southeast corner of Branch County, and thence crossing Hillsdale County 
in a northerly direction, passing through Jonesville to Jackson. Its length in Michigan is 46 
miles. 

The Toledo, Ann Arbor & G. T. road was projected from Toledo to Pontiac, and is in 
operation at the present time to South Lyon. Oakland Comity. It crosses, in a nearly northern 
direction, the counties of Monroe and Washtenaw. ])assing through Ann Arbor. Its total 
length in Michigan is T)" miles. 

The lumber districts of tho State contain many short lines of railroail, constructed by lum- 
bermen to carry logs from the pineries to the banks of rivers or lakes, or to some point of ship- 
ment. As a rule, these are private lines, and used oidy for the business of their owners. In a 
few instances, however, they have been incorporated under the general laws of the Stat(>. and 
thus opened to the jjublic. These latter lines, which are of full gauge, are three in numlx-r, 
as follows: The Lake Cieurge \ Muskegon River Railroad, in Clan^ C'ounty, connects the for 
ests about Tiake (icorge with the Muskegon River: the Saginaw Bay \- Northwestern Railroad 
exten<ls from Pinconning. on Saginaw Bay, in Bay County, westward nearly to (he line of 
(iladwin, with north and south branches near its western terminus: and the Lake County con- 



474 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

nects with the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad at New Branch station. The total length of 
these lines is 50 miles. 

The roads included in the preceding description are of the standard gauge usually em- 
ployed in the railroad construction of the United States— 4 feet 8i inches— except that the 
track of the Grand Rapids & Indiana (not including its Allegan Branch) is half an inch wider. 
There are also several naiTow gauge lines, which have been built and are operated at a much 
less cost than that of the standard roads, and which supply thriving towns and districts with 
railroad facilities. One of these is of considerable length and importance. This is the Port 
Hm-on & Northwestern, which is completed fi'om Port Huron to Sand Beach, with a branch to 
East Saginaw, The distance to Sand Beach is 71 miles, and the road runs almost due north 
entirely across the county of Sanilac, and about half way through Huron. The East Saginaw 
line takes a northwesterly course, crossing the counties of Sanilac and Tuscola, and touching 
northern Lapeer. The length of both branches is 150 miles. This is proving a very service- 
able road in developing the Huron Peninsula. 

The Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad extends from East Saginaw via Reese, Gilford 
and Unionville, to Sebewaing, a distance of 87 miles. It will extend beyond Sebewaing into 
the Huron Peninsula. The Paw Paw and the Toledo & South Haven roads make a continuous 
narrow gauge line of 13 miles, extending from Lawrence, near the center of Van Buren County, 
to Lawton, a station on the Michigan Central, through Paw Paw, the county seat of Van 
Bm-en. The Saginaw & Mount Pleasant Railroad is a narrow gauge line, operated, as has 
been said, by the Flint & Pere Marquette as one of its branches. The Hobart & Manistee 
River, the Tawas & Bay County, and the Muskegon River & Rose Lake lines are logging i-ail- 
roads of less than standard gauges, located resj^ectively in the counties of Lake, Iosco and 
Osceola. The St. Joseph Valley Railroad is a short line which connects Berrien Springs, the 
county seat of Berrien County, with Buchanan, on the Michigan Central. Its extension to St. 
Joseph, on the shore of Lake Michigan, is expected during the summer of 1SS2. Its present 
length is 10 miles. All of the.se lines possess a gauge of three feet, except the Hobart & Man- 
istee River, which is two inches wider. 

Besides the proposed extensions of the lines now in operation already noted, there are sev- 
eral projected roads, which are considered reasonably siu-e to be built in the immediate future. 
Chief of these is the Bay City & Alpena, which is to riin from some point on the Flint & Pere 
Marquette, or on the Mackinac Division of the Michigan Central, through Bay. Iosco, Alcona 
and Alpena Counties along the Lake Hivron shore to Alpena, touching the important towns of 
Alabaster, Tawas City, East Tawas, Au Sable, Oscoda and Harrisville. This road is to be of 
standard gauge, as will also be a projected line connecting Ovid, on the Detroit, Grand 
Haven & Milwaukee, with Walton, on the Grand Rapids & Indiana, and thus forming a new 
route between Detroit and Traverse City. Prominent capitalists and the localities interested 
are also considering projects for the construction of narrow gauge roads from Detroit to the 
chief towns in the Huron Peninsula, from Poutiac to Caseville or Port Austin, from Frankfort 
to Manistee, from Almont to Port Huron, from Traverse City into Leelanaw County, and from 
Pontiac to Jackson — a continuation of the St. Clair & Ridgeway Railroad. 

Of the sixty-seven counties in the Lower Peninsula, fifty-one have county seats possessing 
railroad communications. Of the sixteen county seats which have no railroad as yet, nine are 
lake jiorts, and have water communication, leaving only the county seats of seven- Sanilac, 
Huron, CJratiot, Gladwin, Missaukee, Montmorency and Oscoda — which have neither rail nor 
water outlets, and not one of these is twenty miles from a railroad station. The counties in 
the Lower Peninsula which no railroad touches are but eight in number, namely, Alcona, 
Alpena, Gladwin, Leelanaw, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda and Pi-esque Isle. In his re- 
port for 1874, the Railroad Commissioner of Michigan made this striking statement, and the 
comjiarison is equally valid now: " In the four southern tiers ui counties of this State, em- 
bracing 17,81)4 square miles of temtory, and a population, according to the census of 1874, of 
997,701, we have 2,383 mihis of railroad. This is equal to one mile of road to every 427 inhab- 
itants, while in Massachusetts there is only one mile of road to every 879 inhabitants; and 
in Connecticut there is but one mile of road to every 620 inhabitants; so that we have, within 



HISTOllY OF .ST. CLAIIi COUNTY. 475 

the limits of tlio territory nientioucd, in proportion to the population, more than two miles of 
Toad to one in Massachusetts, and one and two-fifths miles of road to one for Connecticut." 

KAILHOADS OF THE COUNTY. 
The r. H. & N. M. road was ])rojected as early as 183fi, one of the great enterprises of 
that year. Tho company was formed in 1841. In ISSfi, the P. H. & N. M. li. 11. Co. was or- 
ganized, the line located and a largi* sum expended. The interests of the company were sold 
in ISOl, and the ovgaiiization broken uj). In ISfio, another com])any purchased the property 
and rights of the defunct railroad organization. This company op(<rate(i the road, until its re- 
cent transfer to the Grand Trunk Company, with Mr. Bonner as general manager 

liKMIM.SCKNCES OP THK NOIiTll KKN 1!.U l.KOAU. 

An old resident of the Saginaw region wrote a series of letters for the Bay City Journals 
the last of which, regarding the Northern Michigan Eailroad. now the Port Huron & Lake 
Michigan, is thus given: "At the present time the name would hardly indicate its location, 
but at the time it was located it was to pass through the northern tier of counties in which 
there was any settlement, except the sparse and isolated ones in Saginaw, Mackinac and Chip- 
pewa counties, and to give your readers some indication of the rapid growth of Northern 
Michigan, it should be stated that a sectional contest for the election of a United States Sen- 
ator in 1847, only twenty-tive years ago, when the North, South and West each presented a 
candidate, all the representatives from the counties north of the tier through which the Central 
Railroad passes, and east of the meridian line including Clinton and a ]iart of Ingham west of 
it, marshalled themselves together as the champions of Northern Michigan and constituted less 
than one-third of the membens of the Legislature. The Northern Itailroad, not having as 
many interested advocat(>s as the Central and Southern lines, was not presented with the same 
vigor, but there must have been a large approjiriation made for its construction at an early day; 
for in 1841, after much money had been exj)ended in clearing and grubbing the line of the 
road, there was an nnexjjended balance of the aj)propriation amovmting to !?60,00O, which 
was ordered by the Legislature to ))e expended in the construction of a wagon road. I think 
the whole of that balance could not have been available for that piu'pose. for but a small por- 
tion of the line was passable as a wagon road in 1848, when an appropriation of 20,t)00 acres 
internal improvement land was appropriated, to be expended under the direction of a special 
commissioner in the construction of a wagon road on tlit^ before-mentioned line. I think the 
Hon. A. N. Hunt, of La])eer, was a]i])ointed special commissioner to make the outlay. Up to 
lS4'.t, the expenditures of the appropriations for a wagon road were confined to the line adopted 
for the Northern Railroad. In that year the Legislature jiassed an act appointing Lewis S. 
Tyler, of Genesee County (father of Doit Tyler, of our city), Albert Miller, of Saginaw 
County, and Henry Hunt, of Shiawassee County, commissioners to re-survey and locate the 
line of road upon which the s])ecial commissioner should expend the land approjn-iation which 
had been approi)riated to that section of the road which lies lietween the villages of Flint and 
Corunna. The commissioners had three lines to choos(» from — the southern, passing through 
what was then known as the Miller settlement; the central, j)assing through the Lyon settle- 
ment, and the northern line, passing through the village of Flushing. A line of road had been 
opened on each of the two first-mentioned routes, and the country partially settled all the way 
between Flint and Corunna, and on the northern route a good road had been constructed from 
Flint to Flushing, a distance of ten miles. The country was all settled along here, but after 
passing one mile west from the Flint River at Flushing, they came to a ti-act of fine timber 
land, which had never been p(>ni>trated by the settler, which extended nearly to Corunna, and 
a large portion of which had been selected and reserved for th(> payment of labor on the very 
road the line of which they were re(|uired to locate. The act appointing the commissioners 
authorized them, in locating the road, to take into consideration the individual subscriptions 
which might be made on the respective roacLs, and locate where the public interest might be 
the best subserved. There were heavy subscriptions made in favor of the northern route by 
James Seymour, of Flushing, and by George and Porter Hazleton, of Flint. After carefully 



476 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

looking ovM' the different routes, and discussing the different interests pertaining to each, the 
commissioners were unanimous in selecting the northern route; and subsequent events proved fhe 
wisdom of their selection, for in a short time a whole township through which the road passed 
was settled. If either of the other routes had been adopted, there would hardly have been an 
additional settler in consequence of it; f^r all the laud had been purchased from Government 
and most of it occupied; but the land over which the road passed, between Flushing and 
Corunna, was, a large portion of it. State Internal Improvement Land, and the contractors 
and laborers who built the road were glad to receive it for their labor, and, as mentioned above, 
it was very soon settled, and a township was organized and named Hazelton. 

In 1847, the Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad Company was incorporated; the 
Legislature authorized the company to take any portion of the northern wagon road that they 
might wish to adopt for their line, and relinquished to them all the rights of the State in the 
Northern Railroad. That company has been struggling for twenty-five years to build their road, 
and at last have succeeded in completing that portion which lies between Port Hui'oq and 
Flint, which must be a good paying road; but I think the business of the road would be 
greatly increased by extending the line to Owasso, which, by crossing the lake, would make 
the shortest possible route from the great West to the Atlantic cities." 

The following-named citizens petitioned Mayor Hibbard, of Port Hm-on, to call a meet- 
ing of tax-payers, to vote on the question of granting a loan of $42,000 to the P. H. & L. M. 
K.R. Co.: S. L. Boyce, William Farr, Alexander Buchanan, John Hilton, J. J. Haynes, A. 
K. Comins, JoLin Johnston, Henry Howard. E. C. Carle^on, P. B. Sanborn, James M. San- 
born, D. Bryce, George W. Pinkham. S. B. Green, \V. L. Hoffman, H. C. Hope, William 
Wastell, G. J, Parker. A. L. Stebbins, Thomas S. Skinner, E. R. Sweetser, William Hartsuff, 
C. G. Meisel, J. A. Davidson, J. B. Farrand, N. Walker, R. S. Patterson, H. Fish, M. Hags- 
don, S. McCormick, John Miller, John McCormick, Andrew Foster, Gage Inslee, H. A. Beach, 
F. Saunders, John Chambers, D. S. Harlev. William Sanborn, John Cole, John P, Sanborn, J. 
H. White. Ira Osborn, William R. Mufford. L D. Carleton, H. N. Wright. T. S. Tucker, 
John T. Travers, Jr., A. E. Chadwick. D. Ryan. J. B. Robinson, R. M. French, C. W. Rob- 
inson, John Haslett, T. L. Hubliard. 

The Mayor, in acceding to the petition, ordered a vote to be taken August 17. 1S69. This 
election resulted in a vote of 502 for grantint^ the loan, and 74 ajraiust the loan. 

or? o 

The stockholders of this road met at Port Huron. December 29, 1870. The condition of 
the railroad at that time is set forth in the following extract from the report of President Ed- 
gar White: The road was opened for traffic to Capac on June 8, 1870, and to Imlay City on 
the 28th day of July following. The gross receipts from traffic were 141,259.02. The number 
of passengers carried is 16,657, and the amount of freight moved 17,866,13-20 tons. The 
running ex{)enses were light, being only $12,317.47. 

The following officers were elected for the year 1871: Directors — Edgai- White, Port 
Huron; W. L. Bancroft,, Port Huron; James Turrill, Lapeer; Artemas Thayer, Flint; Isaac 
Gale, Remington, Mich.; W. F. Allen, Albany, N. Y. ; W. F. Drake, New York, 

President — Edgar White, 

Secretary and Treasurer — W. L. Bancroft. 

The Treasurer made the following I'eport: 

RECEIPTS. E.XPENDITimES. 

First Mortgage Bonds ^oO.i.OOO.OO Construction ac't ¥482,140.65 

Municipal Bonds 4,400.00 Equipment ac't ; 34,493.86 

Stock Subscriptions 44,100.00 Station Buildings 6,292.25 

Traffic Receipts 41,259.02 Operatini; Expenses 12.315.47 

Bills Payable 29.975.33 Tools anil Machinerv 680.67 

Difference in Fuel act 684.87 Coupons, Dis't and "interest 39,937. 10 

Contingent E.xpeuse ac't 3.43.S.26 

Bills Receivable 50,072.:» 

Balance 7,049.57 



1625,419.22 $625,419.22^ 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COTTNTY. 477 

The e(iuipment, of the road consisted of throe locomotives, two jiasseujijer cars, two bagpfa<;;e 
cars, ten box cars and fifty flat cars. Most of the rollinir. stock was purchased during ilio 
year 1870. The company commenced running trains t;; a point forty mile-< from Port Huron, 
and about seven miles beyond Imlay City, early in January, 1871. 

The opening of the Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad to Lapeer was celebrated on 
June G, 1871, by an excursion of " old settlers" of Port Huron, to the former city, on invitation 
of the officer.', of the road. Nearly two hundred invitations wen* issued, and about one hundred 
and lifty excursionists went out, tilling three cars. Th(> train which left the city, drawn by 
the locomotive Genesee, consisted of the two new pas.scnger oars recently built for this road 
at Taunton. Mass., the new baggage, mail and e.^cprnss ear, and the regular passenger car. 
No incident of special interest occurred until the train arrived at Imlay City, where the oxeur- 
sionists found a large number of people at the station. The building was trimmed with ever- 
greens, and at different points the following mottoes, painted upon canvas, or worked in over- 
greens were dis[)lay(Hl: 

" Wflcoine." 

"'Slow But Sure." 

" Euci-j;y and PcrstTVcrancc; will Iiisun' Success." 

A nvimber of young girls who had gathered in the station building sang songs while the 
train halted, and there were indications of good feeling on every hand. After ])assing Attica 
Station, foiu' or five miles west of Imlay, the speed of the train was slackened, as the in)u had 
been laid upon this section but a few days, and only a small portion of the track had been bal- 
lasted. As the train approached the stof^ping place at Lapeer, the depot buildings not having 
been completed, an animated scene was presented to the eyes of the excursionists. Gathered 
in the road, and in an adjoining grove, were several hundi'ed people, with horses and carri- 
ages, who commenced cheering and waving hats and handkerchiefs, and as soon as the oxcur 
sionists loft the cars they W(n-e warmly welcomed. It was soon understood that dinner would 
be prepared at the Abrani House, and thither the Port Huron visitors were conducted, 
carnages being fm'nished foi most of them. In the parlors of the hotel, the excursionists 
met and became acquainted with many of the leading citizens of Lajjoer, and an hour or 
more was very agreeably s])ont in social intercourse. The committee acting for the citizens of 
Lapeer was comjio.sed of the following gentlemen: R. (t. Hart, James Tm-rill, E. J. White, 
Horace D. Rood, W. H. Jennings Among those acting as waiters at the tables were many 
young gentlemen and ladies belonging to the best families in the city, who had volunteered for 
the occasion; but although inexperienced in this particular l)ranch of business, none had 
reason to complain that they were not promptly and bountifully served. All the arrangements 
were well made and carried out, and the welcome given to the Port Huron excursionists afforded 
them the highest gratification. The train loft for the return trip late in the afternoon, a largo 
number of the citizens of Lapeer escorting their Port Huron friends to the depot, and cheering 
them as the train moved off. Nor were the excursionists slow in expressing their appreciation 
of the hosj)itality of the citizens of Lapeer, and responding to their demonstrations of satis- 
faction at the comj)letion of the railroad to that point — a bond of commercial and social union 
between the two cities. 

The arrangements made and carried out by the oflicers of the Railroad dimpany were also 
excellent in every respect. Mr. Bancroft and his assistant, Mr. Taylor, were on the train, 
and treated all the excursionists with the greatest courte.sy. There was no crowding in the 
cars, but seats and space seemed to be exactly suited to the number of persons to occupy 
thom. The feeling of the excursionists was shown by the following resolutions, adopted on 
the return trip: 

At a meeting of the e.xcursionists composing the "Old Settlers Party," held on the carp 
upon th« return from Lapeer, June 6, 1871, the following persons were present, and unani- 
mously adopted the resolution hereafter written: 

Resolrcd, That the thanks of this jiartj' be and thoy are hereby extended to the Port 
Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad Company, and to the Hem. William L. Bancroft, Secre- 
tary thereof, for their energy, perseverance and pluck in building and equippinir this 



478 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

i-oad ami kindly placing this train of palace cars at our disposal to visit the prosperous city of 
Lapeer and receive the hospitality of her people. 

John Hibbard. Rev. J. Donelly, Jr., A. W. Clark, A. L . Stebbins, James H. Haslett, 
James Baird, Henry Fish, James Groulden, J. F. Merrill, F. L. Wells, D. Balentine, L. S. 
King, C. F. Harrington, E. Thompson, C. Robinson, D. Ryan, D. Whitman, I. D. Carleton, 
L. Atkins, E. R. Seeley, W. R. Mulford, A. Hendricks, B. H. Dale, John McNeil, E. G. 
Spalding, F. A. Weyers, John Howard, H. W. Stevens, D. -Robeson. Jr., S. L. Boyce, O. D. 
Conger, G. W. Pinkham, E. Petit, F. Saiuiders, A., Schryver, N. P. White, H. L. Stevens, 
J. D. Whitney, J. H. White, W. T. Mitchell, J. F. Batchelor, D. M. Hagedon, D. B. Harring- 
ton. T. K. Whitman, L. A. Sherman, A. W. Comstock, Henry Howard, S. D. Pace, William 
Hartsuff, John Johnston, S. D. Clark, J. Montross, William Sanborn, J. B. Comstock. S. S. 
Ward, O. Masonville, O'B. J. Atkinson. J. F. Talbot. N. Potter, Ira Osborn, J. H. King, E. 
Bm-tch, Allen Fish. Ed. Inslee. 

Ml-. Bancroft, who was in the third car of the train, was called for, and in response spoke 
as follows: 

"Ladies and Gentlemen — I regret very much that the President of our company has not 
been able to be with us to-day; but on behalf of om- company and of our Directors, I thank 
you for the expressions of satisfaction with the road and the excursion, contained in the 
resolutions just read and adopted; and I trust the Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad may 
lono- continue an avenue, not only of pleasure, but of wealth, to Port Huron and the entire 
section of country which it traverses. 

"In conclusion, I again thank you for yoiir kindly expressions of satisfaction with the 
excursion to-day." 

A subscription paper was circulated, and something over $800 subscribed as a fund for 
paying the expenses of an entertainment to the people of Lapeer, when they should visit Port 
Huron, which sum was increased to $500. 

On June 21, an excursion was given by the railroad company to the " Old Settlers " of 
Lapeer to Port Huron and retiu-n. 

RE.\IINISCEN'CES OF THE .JUUKNEY. 

Leaving the depot in this city, which is temporarily located at a point considerably south 
of that intended for the permanent buildings, the road curves gradually to the west, an air 
line being taken a little north of west. Westward from this point the road is perfectly straight 
as far as Emmet Station, the country being nearly level. At Emmet, the road makes a slight 
double curve, but is really an air line to a point three miles this side of Lapeer. The stations 
between Port Huron and Lapeer are as follows: Grand I'runk Crossing, Thornton, Goodell's, 
Emmet and Ca])ac. all in St. Clair County; and Imlay City and Attica (formerly Elk Lake), 
in Lapeer County. The distance from this city to Grand Trunk Crossing is four miles; to 
Thornton, ten miles; to Goodell's, twelve miles; to Emmet, eighteen miles; to Capac, twenty- 
nine miles; to Imlay City, thirty-four miles; to Attica, thirty-eight miles, and to Lapeer, a 
little over forty-six miles. 

Lapeer is a city of about 2,000 inhabitants, very pleasantly located on Flint River, in 
the midst of a fine farming country. It has several line churches, good court house and jail 
buildings, and several good business blocks on the principal street. There are also several 
industrial establishments, including foundries and machine shops, two flouring mills, etc. 
Two newspapers are published there, the Clarion (Republican), long established and ably con- 
ducted by its j)roprietor, Mr. S. J. Tomlinson. and the Democrat, recently started. I;apeer is 
already feeling the impetus given to its business by the railroad; and we understand that some 
of the business men of Pontiac, to which place, as the nearest railroad station, Lapeer has 
long been tributary, ai'o making an-angements to establish themselves at Lapeer. The amount 
of traific given to the railroad at this point will be very large, as an extensive tract of country, 
both north and south, seeks Lapeer as its natiu'al market. 

Attica Station, eight or nine miles east of Lapeer, was formerly known as Elk Lake. At 
this place the lumbering ojierations of I. N, Jenness & Co., and several other firms, are carried 



lllMOin' OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. t79 

on, and the amount- of freights furnished the raiU-oad is vt'ry large. A side track is now in 
process of '•onstrnction to the mill of I. N. Jenuess & Co., on the banks of VAk Tjak(>. 

Imlay City, foiu' or five miles east, is a town of just one year's growth, but it already has 
■400 inhabitants and is attracting a large traile. The Bancroft House, kept by Charles 
Palmer, is a fine hotel located near the depot, affording first-class acommodations to travelers, 
About 100 new buildings will be erected this summer, among which should be mentioned the 
new elevator of Messrs. Lauib & Townseud. 40xS0 fet>t in size, now in process of construction. 
Imlay City will probably have a thousand inhaliitants before it is three years old. 

The next station east is Capac, a flourishing village of several hundred inhabitants, 
located near the western line of St. Clair (Jounty. It has a large tradi> from the north, 
extending even into Sanilac Countv. aud the country for several miles south is also tributary 
to it. 

Emmet Station, eighteen miles from Port Huron, is a small village, which must in time 
become a liusiness point of consideralile importance. 

(ifoodell's Station has a post office and one or two stores, and is the poiut on the line 
where much of the produce of the* rich farming township of ^Vales will seek an outlet. 

Thornton, ten miles from Port Huron, is a flourishing little village, located half a mile 
from the station. The railroad has given it a start, and although it may n(>ver bo a larg(» town, 
a fair amount of business must always be done there. 

The project of constructing a railroad westward from this city — then a small village — 
was first started in 1837, as a State enterprise. At the same time t-wo other roads wore pro- 
jected, the Michigan Southern and Michigan Central, both of which were long since comjjleted. 
Che Northern Michigan Kailniad did not |3rosper so wi'll, however, and up to the year ISoT, 
twenty years hitn; no work had been done upon it. In that year, a company was organized, 
with N. P. St(>wart as manag(>r. and eousidei'able grading was done ujion the line. Jiut the 
strong opi)ositioii on the road on the part of rival liiu's, and other adverse circumstances, 
I)revented its comijletion, and this project was finally abandoned. 

Nothing fm'ther was done to s(>cure the construction of the road until the year lSt>5, when 
the company was organized. Nor were the difficulties in the way. and the obstacles to be 
overcome, any less in 18(55, than when the road was first i)rojected. Indeed, they were even 
greater, the power of rival cori)orations having been gn^atly increased, while their hostility to 
the northern route had not diminished. But the resources of the friends of this route had 
also greatly increasinl, and liberal subscriptions to the stock of the company from citizens 
of Port Hm'ou and other cities and towns on the route, gave it funds enough to make a start. 
But still there w(>re groat obstacles to overcome. First, there was a veto from th(>. (Gov- 
ernor of a bill calculated to give towns and cities an op])ortunity to aid the road; and some 
years later, when a number of miles of the road had been completed, the decision of the 
Supreme Court, rendering worthless the bonds issued by towns and cities in aid of railroads, 
dealt a severe blow to the young corporation. Then there was constantly in the way tlie 
influence of moneyed m(\n interested in other railroad lines, against the sale of the company's 
bonds; and such infiuence. as most ])rojectors of new railroads have found, it is almost impossi- 
ble to overcome. 

But the managers of the new com])any would not bo discouraged. With indomitable 
energy and perseverance, they sought out new methods of selling the eomi)any's bonds and 
raising money,' so that funds to meet its obligations and push the work forwai'd at a [)ace 
"slow," perhaps, but " sure," were seldom lacking. The first rail was laid in July, 18(59. 
and on June 0, 1871, nearly forty-seven miles of road were completed, which brought the 
county seat of a prosperous and populous county into communication with Port Huron. 

The total cost of the road, as completed in June, 187 1. with rolling stock, station houses, 
docks, etc., was about 81,400,000, or SotVWO per mile. The credit of negotiating bonds was 
due, in a trreat m(>asure. to the Secretary and Manager, \V. L. Bancroft, and the construction 
of -the road was credited to the wise policy of its principal officers, and th(> enterprise of the 
people of Port Huron and towns along the route. Since that time, the lino was gi-adually 
extended until it reached Valparaiso, and thence over the P., F. W. & C. R. K. track to 



480 HISTORY OF ST. CI. AIR COUNTY. 

Chicago. Under the control of the trustees, it was managed by William Bonner, and now 
forms the Chicago & Grand TrunkjK. R. 

THE MICHIGAN DIVISION OF THE GRAND TRUNK. 

The line of railway known as the Port Hiu-on & Detroit Branch of the Grand Trunk 
Railway, was completed in the fall of 1859. The entire expense of construction and equipr 
ment was borne by the gigantic corporation known as the Grand Trunk Railroad Company 
of Canada. The Michigan Division passes through St. Clair County to Richmond Township, 
and traverses the county in a southwe.sterly direction. The road has proved of substantial 
advantage to every part of the State and county not otherwise accommodated with a railway 
outlet, while the connection has proved invaluable to our merchants and shipjsers, and thereby 
to producers generally, in aflbrding a competing route to the East, as well as connection with 
points not reached by any other line. The main branch runs from Port Sarnia to Portland, Me., 
a distance of 802 miles. The Michigan Division runs from Port HiU'on to Detroit Junction, a 
distance of fifty-nine miles, making a total length, under the Grand Trunk corporation, of 861 
miles, apart from its Port Huron and Chicago line, formerly the L. H. & C. R. R. 

The Michigan Air Line was projected from St. Clair to Jackson; but it is not yet com- 
pleted. The railroad from St. Clair to Ridgeway or Richmond, and thence to Pontiac, may 
be considered the nucleus of what j^i'omises to be the great Michigan Air Line to Chicago. 
Indeed, work on the extension on the St. Clair & Jackson Railroad, from Pontiac to Jackson, 
was begun in November, 1882. 

The Michigan Air-Line project was originally designed as a short line from Chicago to 
Buffalo, and was intended to run across the State from Chicago, strikino; the St. Clair River 
just above the town of St. Clair, and there connect with what is known as the Canada Southern. 
The Michigan Central, which aided in building so much of this line as lies between Jack 
son and Niles, and furnished almost the entire capital with which it was built, finally made it 
a feeder for Detroit and the Central. This road runs through St. Clair into the southeast corner 
of Richmond Township, then traverses the townships of Ai-mada and Washington to Pontiac. 
It cost the peoj)le of the townships through which it runs a snug sum of money, but the 
benefits derived from the road ultimately compensate in a large measiu'e for the heavy tax 
its construction imposed upon many individuals. That railroads in general are a benefit no 
one will deny, but some are constructed at an immense sacrifice to property-holders, and the 
remuneration, in actual value, is oftentimes imperceptibly slow in development. But on 
the whole, railroad enterprises, when conducted by persons who have the welfare of the several 
communities through which they shall pass at heart, are means of much good, and vice versa 
when instigated, carried on, and controlled by speculators, who look only to their own per- 
sonal aggrandizement. As a public emolument, railroads ought to become as popular as they 
are generally successful. 

THE PORT HURON AND NORTHWESTERN. 

The latest and most remarkable railroad enterprise undertaken and carried to a success- 
ful issue by Port Huron citizens, is the Narrow Gauge Railroad. The first definite move- 
ment, says the editor of the Times, for the construction of a I'ailroad into and through the 
section of country lying northwest of Port Huron was made less than five years ago. At the 
outset several schemes were proposed, but no definite organization for the purpose was effected 
until eleven citizens of Port Huron formed a company and subscribed for its entire capital 
stock themselves. The idea, as finally carried out, originated with John P. Sanborn. His 
as.sociates in the company as fii-st organized were Daniel B. Harrington, James Beard, William 
Hartsuff, Henry Howard, Henry McMorran, S. L. Ballentine, C. A. Ward, F. L. Wells, P. 
B. Sanborn and C. R. Brown. Gen. Hartsuff and C. R. Brown subsequently sold out their 
interests, and Mr. Harrington died, and their places on the board of directors were taken by C. 
y. Hamngtou, E. B. Harrington and Peter Sanborn These are the men who took ujion them- 
selves the task uf building a railroad through a country that was largely a wilderness and 
through whose energy, enterprise and labor the task was accomplished. 

The first section of the road, from Port Huron to Croswell, was opened May 12, 1879. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 481 

This section is twenty-five miles long, and up to the time it was opened not a dollar of bonds 
had beer, issued, all the money for its construction having been furnished by the stockholder.s. 
Subsequently a mortgage of $5,000 a mile was placed on the road, and this is the entii'e 
amount of its debt at the present time On the 13th of September, ISSO, the road was 
opened to Sand Beach, a distance of seventy miles from Port Huron. In the meantime, the 
Marletle Branch, then so-called, had been projected, and this was opened to Marlette January 
17, 1881. Subsecjuently, the extension of this line to East Saginaw was decided upon, and it 
became known as the East Saginaw Division, while the line to Sand Beach is called the Sand 
Beach Division. The length of the Sand Beach Division is seventy miles, and that of the 
East Saginaw Division ninety miles. The same track is used to Saginaw Junction, twelve 
miles from Port Huron, so that the total length of main track is 148 miles. The company also 
have over tea miles of sidings, making about 160 miles of track in all. The [)reseut equip- 
ment of the I'oad consists of nine locomotives, six first-class and two second-class passenger 
coaches, four combination smoking and baggage cars, 175 box ears, eighty-six flat cars and 
seven stock cars. The com])any have now under contract, to be delivered soon, five additional 
locomotives, making fourteen in all, two parlor cars, four first-class and two second-class 
coaches, six summer excursion cars, and two mail and baggage cars. The passenger coaches 
of the company are equal in all points of elegance and comfort to those of standard gauge 
lines, and the socond-cUiss cars are as good as many of the first-class coaches now used on 
other lines. 

In January, 1S81, tlie first steps were taken toward the construction of the railroad bridge 
near the mouth of Black River. On January i3, a petition was presented to the Board of Super- 
vis.jrs, of which the following is a copy: 

"The undersigned Port Huron & Northwestern Railway Company, a corporation formed 
and existing under the laws of the State of Michigan, would resi)ectfully ask leave to construct 
a bridge over Black River, in the county of St. Clair, near the moitth of said river, for the 
piu'pose of crossing said river with engine, cars and other rolling stock and property pei'taining 
to the operations and business of railroads. The height of said bridge to be not less than five 
feet from the siu'face of the water, to be constructed of wood, iron and stone, or stone, wood 
andiron. Such bridge will have a draw of not less than one hundred and forty feet and suffi- 
cient for the convenient passage of vessels ancl boats and approaches of about one hundred and 
.sixty feet." 

The petition was signed by John P. Sanborn, President of the Port Huron ct Northwestern 
Railroad Company. The Committee on Roads and Bridges, consisting of Whipple Wheeler, 
Sylvester Caswell and Benjamin Latour, reported in favor of granting the reqitest, on which 
report the board acted. 

The track of the road is remarkably smooth throughout, considering the newness of the 
road bed, and trains run as smoothly as on most of the older standard gauge roads. Between 
Port Huron and Ea.st Saginaw, the road bed, bridges and culverts are of standard gauge size 
and strength. The bridge over Black River, thirteen miles from Port HiU'on, is the most ex- 
tensive railroad bridge in Michigan, being seventy feet high above the water, and 800 feet 
long. The iron swing bridge across Black River in this city is also one of the best in the 
State. 

The opening of the new depot in this city, and of the East Saginaw Division to Vassar, 
are events of much importance in the history of this road. Four months ago, the " flats." 
where the new depot is located, were largely cov(>red with water. Now a large portion of the 
groitnds of the company have been filled in to a height, of several feet above the water level, 
four handsome buildings have been nearly completed, a largo number of tracks have been laid, 
and a complete transformation in the appearance of the locality has been made. The main 
building, to bo used as a general jjassengor depot and offices for the company, is 82 feet wide, 
150 feet long, and two stories high, with an attic, and is surmounted by a handsome cupola 
and flag staff, on which the stars and stripes were raised for the first time December 1, when 
the first passenger train left the new depot. This building is of handsome architectural 
design and proportions, and when finished throughout will be one of the most elegant and 

31 



482 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

convenient railroad buildings in the State. On the west side, the company have opened a street 
extending to the freight depot, which is located forty feet south of the south end of the pas- 
senger depot. Broad platforms extend the whole length of both buildings on this side, for 
the convenience of passengers coming and going, and for the receipt and delivery of freight. 
The north end of the passenger building fronts on Court street; and on the east side there is a 
broad jslatform the entire length, beside which the main track for passenger brains is laid. 
Inside, the building is elegantly finished in cherry and ash woods, with ash floors. The general 
waitinof room occupies the whole width of the north end, and has doors opening from both sides 
and from the front on Court street. The ticket office, which is provided with a lire proof 
vault, is located between this room and the ladies' waiting room, on the east side of the build- 
ing. Closets for the convenience of passengers are located on the west side of the building. 
The ladies' waiting room occupies the entire width of the building next south of the ticket 
office. Opening from this room on the south, and, having outside doors on the east and west, 
is a large room to be used as a dining and lunch room. Nest comes a stairway opening from 
the east side of the building and leading to the second story, which is to be very handsomely 
and conveniently fitted up for the general offices of the company. The train dispatcher's 
office, baggage room, boiler room, and some other departments, are on the first floor, south of 
the stairway. The building is to be heated with steam throughout, and will be lighted by gas 
made on the premises. 

The freight depot is twenty-four feet wide and 150 feet long, substantially built and 
convenient in every respect. The rejDair shop building is located north of the passenger 
depot, on the same line. Its size is 40x112 feet. The round-house, with accommodations for 
eleven locomotives, the stalls being forty-five feet deep, is located a short distance north of 
the repair shops. All the buildings are of wood, and all are very neat in style and finish. 

The cost of the passenger building will reach 115,000 when fully completed, and the com- 
l^any expect to expend as much as .§150,000 on the grounds and buildings in this city within 
the next year or two. 

The laying of iron from Vassar to East Saginaw is progressing at the rate of a mile a 
day, and unless the weather should be very unfavorable, trains will run to that city by 
Christmas. At East Saginaw, the company's lirains will run into the elegant new depot of the 
Flint and Pere Mai-quette Railway, connecting also with the new Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron 
Nai-row Gauge Eailway. The terminal facilities of the road at Port Huron, East Saginaw and 
Sand Beach are therefore first-class in every respect, the company having several hundred feet 
of dockage on St. Clair River in this city, and dockage facilities at Sand Beach. 

Port Huron has every reason to be proud of the Port Huron & Northwestern Railway. 
It has been built entirely without outside aid, by citizens of Port Huron, and is an acknowl- 
edged success. No other city in Michigan, we believe, has done as much — not even the 
" metropolis." The road has already added much to the business and prosperity of Port 
Huron, as it has to the entire section of country through which it runs. Seventy box cars have 
been built here, and it is probable that the establishment of extensive car works will be one of 
the results of the building of the road. 

The officers of the company for 1881-82 are as follows: President, Henry Howard; First 
Vice President, John P. Sanborn; Second Vice J'resident, Charles A. Ward; Secretary and 
Treasurer. Frederick L. Wells; General Manager, Henry McMorrau; Superintendent, I. R. 
Wadsworth; General Passenger Agent, C C. Jenkins; Cashier, E. C. Chamberlin; Chief 
Engineer, A. L. Reed; Paymaster, J. B. Hull; Freight Auditor, Harry E. Hyde; Train Dis- 
patcher, F. E. Wellington. Mr. Wellington is also ticket agent in Port Hm-on, and S. P. 
Mann is freight agent. 

The Port Huron & Northwestern is one of the few roads which CRcaped the tongues of 
the envious and suspicious — it j)roved entirely satisfactory. Not so with otlier roads mentioned 
in this work. Among all the great leading interests of the country, none has suffered more 
seriously, and wo might add unjustly, than railway property Indeed for years it was the 
special object of bitter attack and iinreleuting hostility. If certain ruin-driving journals were 
to be believed — and in the fury of the years of panic their efforts were but too successful — the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



483 



managers of the railways of tlio eouutry, oinbracin^' a jiroporty of Imiidi-ods of millions of 
money, were thorouijjhly corrupt — a set of tluoves from ])rosideiit to track-master, each and all 
filching from the pockets of tiieir stockholder.s to the full extent of their ability. Olariii" in- 
stances of stupendous fraud, it is but too true, have been developed in railway management, 
but if the vast number of men who control other railways be considered, and this interest be 
compared with others, we doubt not that in banking, mercantile and other jnu'suits, a propor- 
tionate number of frauds would l)e found to exist. 

APPORTIONMENT OF STATE TAX, 1881-82. 

The amount of State tax apportioned to St. Clair CJounty under various acts of the Legis- 
lature is as follows, for theyesir 1881-82 was §2],l'Jf-7li with S(),4-4-^'' county indebtedness to 
the State aggregating $21), 586. 53. This sum was distributed as follows: 

University— Aid, .\(;t No. ;W, 18T;i ^ T.jO 00 

University— General and other expenses, Act No. 60. IWSl 1,379 (>;! 

Normal Seliool— Current expense.s. Act No. 100, 1881 3(il II 

Normal Seliool— Trainiuj; Sehool. Act No. :337, 1881 My^ iUi 

Aurieultunil Cidleye— Ceneral and other expenses. Act No. 21, 1881 93.5 36 

Agricultural Colle'ije— Experimcnt.s with Ensilage, Act No. 288, 1881 \8 ^>'2 

Slate Public School— Act No. 120. 1881 771 30 

Miehi.n-an School for Ihc Blind— C\n-rent expenses. Act No. -17, 1881 312 59 

Institution for the Deaf and Dumb— General and other (expenses. Act No. 92, 1881 770 37 

State Reform School for Bovs—Ciu'rent expenses. Act No. 4."), 1881 057 41 

Stale Reform School for Boys — Buildini,' and Special. -Vet No. .52, 1881 310 19 

Michigan Reform Seliool lor Girls — Building and general expenses, Act No. 112. 

1881 ^ 1,825 00 

State House of Correction— Building, etc., Act No. 90. 1881 71 64 

A.svUmi for Insane— Eastern building, etc.. Act No. 97, 1881 L.WO 00 

Asylmii for Insane— Working ca|)i(,al, -Vet No. 223, 1881 277 77 

.\svluin for Insane -Michigan building, ele.. Act No. 285. 1881 979 63 

.\svlum for Insane— New building-, etc.. Act No. 225, 1881 925 93 

Repairing south steps at Capitol. Act No. 22, 1881 93 59 

Board of" Fish Comnussioners- Act No. 57, 1881 148 15 

State Board of Health— Act No. 241, 1881 37 04 

Militarv purposes— Act No. 171. 1879 1,060 ,59 

General purposes— Act No. 282, 1881 7,493 98 

$21,161 76 
County Indebtedness to State to be included in county tax. Act No. 163, 1871. . . . 6,424 77 

Aggregate of tax and indebtedness to be apportioned 829,586 53 




484 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 



PORT HURON TOWNSHIP AND CITY. 



GEOLOGY. 

The lake and river shore in the vicinity of Fort Gratiot, is a low, gravelly ridge extend- 
ing nearly a quarter of a mile from the water front, where the ground rises suddenly to an 
altitude of twenty-iivo feet above the lake level, and retains this elevation with little variation to 
the hanks of Black Kiver. This elevated ground gradually approximates the St. Clair 
toward the fort, and, a few rods below, it becomes a perpendicular bluff in immediate contact 
with the water. 

All the wells sunk in the county pass through the following formatious: 

Soil and yellow sand, 8 to 12 feet. 

Compact blue clay, No to 100 feet. 

Coarse sand and gravel, 1 to 10 feet.. 

Limestone shale intercalated with thin veins of sand and gravel, 875 feet. 

Immediately beneath the strata of blue clay, immense quantities of gas have escaped in 
many places, and continue to escape, even after the lajjse of a quarter of a century. At a 
depth of two or three feet in the limestone shales, ptu-e water has always been obtained, which 
has risen in the wells about to the level of Lake Huron, or within ten to twenty feet of the 
earth's surface in this county. At the depth of 500 feet, salt water veins were struck, with a 
supply and strength to warrant investment in the manufacture of salt. 

The soil is mostly a sandy loam, with a small proportion of marsh. 

The physical peculiarities of the St. Clair and Black Rivers are noteworthy in many re- 
spects. Black River is formed chiefly by the superticial drainage of the bottom lands, the 
smaller tributaries constituting its origin, rising in the upland districts of the interior of the 
State. Its course through the low districts is tortuous, the current sluggish, the water highly 
colored with decomposing vegetable matter, to the extent of winning for it- its name. In the 
early settlement of the country, it was navigated by small sailing craft, and later, for many 
years, a little steamboat traversed its tui'bid waters for several miles into the interior. Later 
again, its surface was covered with the products of the great pine forests floating to the mills at 
Desmond or Port Huron, and now, while the same commerce comes iip, rather than down that 
river, it holds the same color still, inclining to be so conservative as to grow blacker as it 
grows older. 

The St. Clair River presents many interesting features, alike as regards its physical 
relations and its connection with the early settlement and militaiy occupation of the country. 
That the stream has undergone some very important changes since the historic period, scarcely 
admits of doubt. Tradition and the conformation of the adjacent country both indicate it. 
According to the Indian tradition, the ancient river channel "was fully a half mile east of the 
present channel, and the Indian canoes passed directly from the lake into the head of Sarnia 
Bay. The river was then a broad shallow stream, fully four or five times its present width, 
and scarcely twenty feet in depth. The changes are the result of lake currents, carrying down 
the sands along the eastern shore, until near the outlet they gradually accumulated, forced 
the stream into a narrower channel, increased the rapidity and depth of the waters, and finally 
carved out a dooj) channel, where in olden times was a shallow stream. Within the decade 
ending in 1870, the American bank from Ft. Gratiot southward receded fully 100 feet, while 
a corresponding accretion took place on the Canadian side. In 1760, according to Maj. 
Rogers, of the British Army, the river, where it leaves Lake Hiu-on, was about 500 yards wide, 
a distance more than twice its present width. 

The climate is much healthier and i)leasauter than in the interior of the State. Lying 
as it does on the St. Clair River, at the foot of Lake Huron, a large body of pure water rapidly 



IIIS'IOHY OF .ST. CI.AIK COINTY. 485 

flowing past mako.s the atiiiosphoro decidedly invigorating and bracing. A lireozo from tho 
lake or river is deligliti'iilly ploas.-mt, and a sail upon the waters in a sailboat, yacht, or row- 
boat, gives one anew lease of lif(^ The rate of mortality is less lliaii in any other city of the 
same ))oj)ulation in the conntry. 

In snch a coiioTry. at once lovely and romantic, stood the (piiet, nnjirerentions, Franco- 
Indian village of Delude, and as the visitor walked lazily over its limits, listening to the mnr- 
murs of the rippling waters of Indian Creek or JJlack Kiver, and the rush and sometimes roar 
of tho river, or watched the mist as it hung in twilight curtains about the groves, it requires 
no ]ioetic imagination to trace in his mind's eye a long cavalcade of romance, chivalry and 
heroism proceeding from this s|)ot in the days of barbaric domination, in its march over the 
world. And he, too, will must< upon the genius that once hauQtetl tli(> forests of the past, may 
be which had departed forever, and a gloom, not unlike su|)erstitioiis dread, will only be 
dissipated when the past vanishes and the present rises before him in all its beauty and 
magnificence. We can envy tlu^ (lioneers of the district and those primitive times. Then a 
single piece of calico would make the best ih-ess for every woman in the j)lace; the mom'nful 
tale of " nothing to wear" was never heard by the husbands or fathers of that period. The 
dry goods side of the store could be carried oft' in a wheel barrow, and the grocery department 
was e.Kceedingly limited in variety. The staple articles were whisky. ])oi'k, tlotu' and beans. 
If with a do/.en Ijarrels of whisky came two or three barrels of flour, the question was, " ^\hat 
in the dickens is to be done with so much Hour ':'" There was at that time usually ])lenty of 
game and lish, and, in their season, wild fruits: but the hardships of pioneer \\U\ whiK' not 
perhaj)s involving actual suffering for food, and the accustomed comforts of life, were never- 
theless serious, and the monotony of existence sent many early adventurers back to the purlieus 
of civilization under mure favorable surroundings. It was not until the land was opened up 
for homestead entry or purchase that imniigration became active, the country began to till up, 
and the necessity of an organized village became obvious. It will be thus seen that, not- 
withstanding the advantages of locality and its accessibility, it was not thought of as a site for 
a city for a i)eriod between the time Hennepin first ascended to the l'j)))er Lake country and 
the year when the first settlers visited the scene, and decided to establish themselves here, 
out of the wilderness, to fashion a city which should sonui day iie regarded as a city altogether 
lovely, altogether promising, the one among ten thousand to which the footsteps of active 
enterprise should bo directed, and where the virtues of this life would be treasured and pro- 
moted through the instrumentality of agencies, by which alone the maintenance of order and 
the perpetuity of nations are firmly secured. 

Among the American pioneers of tho township, the first and most favorably known is 
Judge Ze|)haniah \\. Bnnce. James M. Gill, B. Sturges, S, Huling. James Young and A. F. 
Ashley, together with others mentioned in the assessment roll of 1.S21. were all pioneers 
of the township. When they arrived here, it was a country of Indians, ])ine. black ash. hem- 
lock and kindred woods. Notwithstanding the fact that a few French Canadians and their 
children were located on Black Uiver, the townshi]) nuist b(( considered to l)e in its wilder- 
ness state, with savage men jtist calming down from the war heat of a few years before. Since 
their coming, tho pine forests have disapjieared, and everywhere throughout the township the 
works of the civilizers are evident. 

Originally the name Desmond was bestowed upon the district, under which title it was 
organized in IS'JS. with Jeremiah Harrington, Supervisor. Susequently, the name was changed 
to Port Huron. Th'e only post oHic<> outside Port Huron City was that of Marysvillo. formerly 
Yicksburg Yillage. 

The value of real and jiersonal property in the township is estimated at ^'Ja-'i.^Tr), The 
population in 1845 was I,1U8. including the village; in 1*^50, '.2,:301 ; in lSr)4. U.OSS; in l^^'U. 
5,485, and in 1880, *,t,8'J3 (city, 8,883). The area of the township without the city, is 
10,128 acres; the number of children of school ago in the township, 4;5.'>, and in the city, o.0()8. 

Throughout this State there cannot be found a more beautifully located township than 
Port HiU'on. Within its limits many of the early French settl(>rs made their homes, there 
also that natural locator —the Indian — built his wigwam, and squatted, so to speak, in the 



480 HISTOllY OF ST. CJ>AIR COUNTY. 

midst of plenty. The lake and streams of the township oft'ered the lazy red men their wealth 
of tish. the forest its game, and the soil its wild fruits, herbs and, in some cases, corn. 

So many references have been made to the town of Fort Huron in the general history of 
the county, and so complete are the biographical sketches of its citizens, little remains to be 
written here, beyond the special items pertaining directly to the township, 

EARLY PATENTHIvS OF LANDS. 

The first laud purchasers in Township north, of Range 17 east, are named as follows: 

Sections 2 and 3 — 477.50 acres were reserved for military purposes, since sold. Section 2 
was located, 4.75 acres were deeded to Solomon Sibley December 15, INIS. 

Section 4-18.30 acres were reserved for military purposes, being northeast frac;,ion of 
fractional section. Samuel Glidden patented 107.84 acres on this section November 26, 1824. 
Section 5 was patented by A, W, Comstock, Edmo A. Goussant, Edward Bingham and George 
AV. Dongall, in 1835-38. Section 6 — P'ortuue C White, James C. Kelsey, Z. Wright, Brad. 
L. Skitf, Jacob Miller, George P, McBride, Allen Ayrault, F, H. Stevens. Section 7 — Abner 
Coburn, J. L. Kelsey, Seth Spencer, Myron Stevens, Amzi B. Botsford. W. and R. Hill. Sec- 
tion 8 — E. A. Goupant. Simeon Cummiugs, Cornelius Masten, J. W. Edmiinds, J. L. Kelsey. 
Section 9 — J. L. Kelsey 275 acres in 1835. 

The Indian Reservation in this township was sold in May, 1830, to John King, John 
McDonnell, L. B, Mizner and Nicholas Ayrault. Frauds P. Browning, Joseph Watson and 
Solomon Sibley were the first to buy land in Section 10. Anselm Petit located 74 acres in 
Section 11, June 10, 1824, Section 15 was entered by Versa! Rice, Ira Porter, Stephen V. 
Thornton, A, Westbrook and George McDougall, between the years 1832-34, Meldrum & 
Parks, 040 acres, and the Otchipwe Ressrvation formed Sections 12 and 13. Stephen Hulin, 
Abner Coburn, S. Cummings, John A. McGrath, J, McGregor and C. Masten located Section 17, 
in 1835-3G. Section 18 was entered by F. and R, Moore, in 183(5. other buyers coming in the 
following year. Section 10 — Dan Stewart, 1S31, John Laudou, S. Hutchins, Cummings San- 
born. L. Smith, F, and R. Moore, Alfred HiU'tsliorn, Cyrus Moore. Benjamin Myers, McGrath 
and McGregor, entered lands in 183(). Section 20 — Zebulon Kirby, H. W. Pressen, Adam 
Courtney, A. Coburn, Stephen Huling, Porter Gamberlain, the Hills, McGrath and McGregor, 
in ]83G. Section 22- -Gerald Miller, Janus H. Woods, Stephen Warren, Lot Clark, Z. Kirby, 
S, Cummiugs, Jonathan Kearsley, 1823 to 1836. Section 22 — Samuel W, Dexter, 1824. 
Section 30 — Elisha Russell, 1835, John Allan, Rober and Smith, James B. Gorton, Josiah 
Loomis, John Dean, C. Sanborn, L. Smith, S, Hutchins, McGregor and McGrath, in 1836. 
Section 31 — Alfred Hartshorn, E. N. Bangs & Co., Melvin Dorr, S. Yuran, John T. Heath, 
Daniel 15. Harrington, A Westbrook, Sanborn, S. N. Dexter. Section 28-29 — Zeph W. Bunce, 

B. Whiting, J, Bagley, James M, Gill, B, Clark, L. B. Mizner, L. Clark, S. Warren, M, H. 
Sibley. Section 32— Z, '\Y. Bunce, C. Sanborn, Z, H. Gray, J, M. Gill, Edward Purcelle, 

INDIAN KIOSEllVE. 

In Township north. Range 17 east, or Port Huron Township, the Indian lands were sold 
May 22, 18;'9. The following were the purchasers: Thomas Tuters, John King, Jr., Fortune 

C. White, Shadrach (Hllet, Ira Davenport, N. Ayrault, Lansing B. Mizner and John McDon- 
nell. The Imlian lands in the townshi]) formed a tract of about 800 acres on Sections 9, 10 
and portions of 13, 15 and 16. 

SUI'ERVISOU.S OF TOWNSIIU' AND CITY. 

Jeremiah Harrington, 1828; John Kennelly, 1829-33; John Doran, Ralph Wadhams, 1834; 
John Konncilly, 1835; Cummings Sanborn, 1836; Ira Portei-, 1837; Commissioners Board, 
183.S 41; JohiiT. Heath, 1842;' Peter F, Brakeman. 1843; John T, Heath, 1844; Peter F. 
Brakeman, 1845-46: John Thorn, 1847; John Wells, 1848; J. P, Minnie, 1849-56; H, L, 
Stevens, 1857-d)-74; M. S. Gillett, 1857-64; A, F, Ashley, 1857-59; Edgar White, 1859- 
06: 1. Hould, 1859; E, W. Harris, 1859.()6; J, Demarest. 1800-64; D. Whitman, 1860-63; William 
Kirwin, 18()1 ; James Talbot, 1864-66; A. W. Clark, 18G5; Amos James, 1865; J. Demarest, 1866 



HISTORY OF ST. CL,AIH COUNTY. 4«7 

-71 ; Frod Shulto, 186(); R. W. MfitthewH, 18()7; Joseph WoUman, 1SG7; John Now(3ll.lS07; Rich- 
ard Cash>r, KS07; Edward White. 1808-74-80; D. Whitman, 1 SOS; E. M. Cady, 1808; Edward Fitz- 
gorakl, 1808; H. A. Bt-ach, 180U; H. W. Stovons, 180<,);T. K. Whitinuii, 180lt; Charhw Samb.^rg. 
1870-71; C. W. Robiuson, 1870; J. J. Whitman, 1870; Otis Joslin, 1871; Ernost Ottonburgor, 
1871; N. S. Boynton, 1872; Thomas Dun foro, 1872; T. K. Whitman, 1872; B. C. Farrand, 
1872-74; J. Domarest. 1878-80; C. B. Hubbard, 1873-74; Goorgo Brooks, 1873-74; S. T. 
Probptt, 1874; H. L. Stevens. 1875-70; S.H.Robinson, 1875; H. A. Batcholor, 1875; M. 
Youn<', 1875; F. Whi|)ple. 1875; John Havs, 1875; Joseph Wellman. 1870-78; Jamos Talbot, 
1870-78; Thomas W. Ward, 1870 -70; H. IJradloy, 1870; J. Montross^ 1870^78; E. P. Tib- 
bals, 1877; H.J. Bradboor, 1877-78; O. L. Jenks, 1877; J. Byron, Hull, 1878; L. B. W'hooler, 
1879-80; S. H. Robinson, 1879; Daniel J. r(>nny. 1879; J. B. Montross, 1879; Joseph K. 
Gardner, 1879; R.W.Matthews. 18S0; Jo.s>'phWeilman, 1880; James H. White. 1880; Thomas 
Schneider, 1880; Frank Ufford, 1880; John L. Newell. 1881; Lewis Atkins, 1881; S. H. 
Robin.son. 1881; Edgar White, 1881; Napoleon Roberts, 1881; J. B. Montross, 1881; Thomas 
H. Schneider, 1881; Thomas W. W^ard, 1881; Gage M. Cooper, 1882; R. W. Matthews, 1882. 

.lUSTiCE.^* OF Till-: i'r,.\('K. 

Lorenzo M. Mason. 1839; John S. Heath. 18:59; John Howard, 1839; Reuben Hamilton, 
1840; George Wliite, 1841; Lucius Beach. 1842; Beter F. Brakeman, 1842; Joseph P. 
Minnie, 1843; Reuben Hamilton. 1844; John Miller, Jr., 1844; Eiisha B. Clark, 1845; 
Alfred Comstock. 1845; L. L. Bailey, 1840; Joseph P.Minnie. 1847; John McNeil, 1848; 
Harmon L. Stevens, 1849; Reuben Hamilton, 1850; Joseph P. Minnie, 1851; Harmon 
L. Stevens, 1853; Peter F. Brakeman, 1854; M. S. Gillett, 1852; A. W^ Comstock, 1850; A. 
\V. Clarke, 1857; Raymond Wright, 1857-58; Stephen Huling, 1857; D. M. Bunce, 1858; 
Timothy Barron, 1859: Henry A. Caswell, 1800; Alexander F. Ashley, ISfiO; A. W. Clark, 
1801; Benjamin Burrows, 1862*; R. J. Wright, 18()3; J. W. Gustin. 18(53; William C. Flana- 
gan. 1804; A. F. Ashley, 1805-68; A. W. Clarke. 1805 08; Samuel Edison. ISOC); Stephen 
Huling, 1807; Lewis Potts, 1870; F. D. Manuel. 1871; D. W". Bunce, 1871; Stephen Huling, 
1872; Patrick Bourke, 1874; Burton C. Geel, 1875; James Butler, 1877; Richard Courtney, 
1878; James Ryan. 1878; Miron Williams, 1879: W'illiam Mallory, 1880 81 ; William Jewett, 
1881: Isaac Hubbard. 1881; Amsly W. Griffith, 1882; George W. Hoffman, 1882; E. G. 
Manuel. 1882; Felix Tonsley, 1882; Joseph P. Minnie. 1858-GO; John McNeil, 1858-67; 
Asa Larned. 1859-02; Arnold Saph, 1859; Charles L Hunt, 1801; Harmon L. Stevens, 1862- 
69: John H. ISIulford, 1863; John L. Newell, 1804: Michael McArron. 1860; Horm.n Herzog, 
180(); Edwin R. Seerly, 1808; Malcom McKay, 1870-74; Robert P. Young, 1871; Asa Larned, 
1873; H. L. Stevens, 1874-78; Jared Kibbee, 1875; William E. Leonard, 187(); Asa Larned, 
1877; Malcom McKa}% 1878; Harmon L. Stevens, 1879; J. JNI. Kane. 1880; Malcom McKay, 
1882. 

Two tickets were nominated in this township, vir.. Democrat and Citizc>n, in April, 1882. 
The election resulted as follows; 

Su])ervisor — J. L. Newell. 

Clerk— C. A. Bailey. 

Treasiu-er — ,J. B. Whitley. 

Highway Commissioner — John Allen. 

Justices of the Peace— ^V. W. Griffith, four years; G W. Halfman. three years; E. G. 
Manuel, one year. 

School Inspectors — Felix Towsley, A. W. Griffith. 

Constables — Horace Wells, Clarence King, Thomas Abbot, Ezra L. King. 

The following list contains the names of those who were liable to pay State tax in Des- 
mond Township, January 1, 1837: James Scott, W. and J. Orvis. Clark & McCrary, Black 
River, Steam Mill Co., S. and J. B. Comstock. Halstead iV Thornton, Hewitt & Bowen, J. H. 
King. Henry Harding, George M. Budd & Co., Shepherd and Bottsfurd, Elijah Burch, Whit 
comb and Ashley, Jeremiah Scoville. the four last named being tavern keepers, the others 
mercliants and traders. 



488 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

BOUNTY FOR WOLF SCALPS. 

At the period of organization, the northern and eastern sections of the township were 
sparsely settled, and were infested with wolves and other forest animals. Sheep and hogs 
could not be kept at all, unless closely watched by day and safely secured by night. The 
State offered a bounty of §8 for the destruction of each wolf, and the county added to this the 
sum of $3. in order to stimulate wolf hunters to greater exertion. The various townships 
offered bounties of from if3 to $5 for each wolf scalp brought to the Town Treasurer. 

Having given you a sketch of the early white settlements, let us turn for a few moments to 
the aborigines. It was no uncommon sight to see a band of Indians with their squaws, 
papooses and ponies traveling through the country, or to see their wigwams at their favorite 
camping gi-ounds, or to hear the tinkle of the bells on their ponies on a still night. On a 
beautiful elevation on the side of Black Eiver, about sixty miles north from the site of the 
mills, was the remains of an old French trading post or hut. A fine spring of pure water 
issued from the bank and flowed into the river, but now flows undergj'ound. A deep worn path 
led from the village to the spring. The ground for some distance around the village was literally 
covered with bones of deer and other game that had been slain to provide food for the red 
men. Still further back from the river, scattered here and there among the pines, were a 
number of Indian graves, each being protected by a minature log house, or what more 
resembled the second floor of a pioneer cabin, covered with shakes as the pioneer covers his, the 
top being about three feet high. But the plow and the ax of the white man have swept them 
away, and naught is left to mark the spot where the red man sleeps his last sleep. About half 
a mile west from this village was the Indian planting ground or corn fields, and about three- 
quarters of a mile southwest was the Indian sugar-bush, or sugar-camp, and from the scars the 
trees bore, it had evidently been used as such for many a year. From this village an Indian 
trail ran up the river. 

The trails were the Indian roads leading from one trapping post to another, and were 
often worn four or six inches deep. The second trail ran in a northwesterly direction along 
the river by the rapids above the village, and thence through the grove. Near this trail, on 
the south bank of what was then a small stream or brook, lay scattered here and there among 
the tall grass a number of human skeletons; who they were, or by what means they came to 
their death, is not known. Probably they fell in battle. 

POET HURON CITY. 

This city is one of the most naturally attractive, as well as pleasantly located, in the 
State. The streets are nearly all broad, and richly shaded with large trees, the growth of forty 
years, and the entire aspect of the place is one that Goldsmith would have delighted to 
describe, so quietly restful and peaceful is the scene, and so far removed from the restless and, 
more portentous activities of large commercial centers. To the north, the broad river trails 
its beauteous way throughout the land, basking like a silvery serpent beneath the sun's glorious 
lieams, while to the southeast and west extend the farms — the richest portion of the county, 
presenting to the eye a most magnificent rural view. Any lover of nature will acknowledge 
the perfection and beauty of the whole picture, and perchance, may indulge a sigh that all the 
world, and every place in particular, is not so happily conditioned. The inhabitants are 
generally from the North Atlantic States, or are representatives of the Eastern States, all vpell 
known in our vernaculai- as Yankees, who dropped out of the ever-westward-flowing tide of 
their brotherhood, and settled down here. 

To the people who came and remained we can say — you found a wilderness and cleared a 
place for habitation. You have taken from the mountains wealth to pay for labor; you have 
found at hand the clay for brick, the pine trees for lumber, and out of these materials built 
your towns. No better illustration is afforded anywhere of the skill and ingenuity of man. 
There is nothing great in this world but man. there is nothing great in man but mind. He 
found materials in nature's great storehouse; but he was the master, they his slaves. He 
found the land wild and inhabited by savages — lol the change! The great stoi-es, the busy 
banks, the restaiiran ts, the hotels, stand where a few years ago the tangled underbush gave 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 489 

shelter to wild beasts and creeping reptiles. The morning whistles, the school and church 
bells ringing from the hillsides, have supplanted the wild yell of the ludiau. The newspaper, 
the great modern missionary, is abroad in your midst, and re]iorts to yon tlio outside world. 
The telegi'aph and telephone are yonrs; a railroad system is yonrs; a well organized society is 
yours. These are your statistics! This is your civilization! Withal, your neighbors in the 
old countries may enjoy some advantages which you do not; many live in the midst of culture, 
in a region of accummulated wealth, yet would you change placi^s with themy Would you go 
back to the quiet life, so poor in oxperi((nce, as the old past you left in your old home? Nay, 
tarry here, amid these scenes, full of the romance of promise, the mysteries of illimitable 
possibility, where opportunity — a goddess shy in the older communities, and coy and hard to 
win — extends a friendly hand on hill-top and in vale, and fairly leads you to the summits of 
success. 

T()1'((i;i;ai'HICal. 

Of the places of resort visited by pleasure seekers during the summer months, those towns 
along the eastern boundary of Michigan are becoming more and more pojiuhir each scasim. 
As the conveniences for reaching them become better understood the influx of visitors largely 
increases. In the last two years. Port Huron has become somewhat noted as a ]>laco of rare 
attractions to those that wish to get away from the bustle and Inisiness, and enjoy the quiet of 
a country city without being subjected to the inconveniences which arc often met with in 
great centers of population. The landscape is beautiful. Fishing and hunting are e.xcellent; 
the streams and lakes are well su|i|)lied with fish; hotels are good, summer lodges or villas 
ntimerous, ami rents moderate. 

A Detroit journalist visited this section in the summer of 1882, and on his return wrote 
the following apostrophe to the Border Toirns : "Just think of it! we mean the future before 
the towns along St. Clair River, a place for beautiful homes, where not only the adornments 
that art can suggest may be used, but further made pleasant by nature's fairest stream. Every 
thing is in its favor, and the wealth, the influence and the business energy that is now found 
along its banks is but a tithe of what a few years will bring. Port Huron but needs the time 
to shake from off her shoulders a ponderous debt, when the advantages she can offer will bo 
accepted and her past exjiericnces will cause a healthy growth, in proportions surprising. St^ 
Clair, a beautiful place, doomed to l)e th(< Saratoga of Eastern Michigan, the home of culture 
and 'many fair ones." Jjusiness is, and will bo, our theme, and massive structures moved 
from our busy yards, requiring unlimited capital and skill, are but playthings compared with 
those that are yet to come. Foundries, dry docks, railroads, more entei-jirises, all are needed, 
l)ut are forthcoming, so soon as the animate barriers that now are with us find more congenial 
claims or are called to chant their own i'lii" praise in (labrieldom." 

Huronia Beach and Ivoslyn Beach, nortli of Fort, may be called the niiclei of a great 
summer city, stretching from Ft. Gratiot limits along the lake to the north line of I't. Cxratiot 
Townshij). Advancing knowledge points out the lake and river fronts as the fit summer homes 
for those who may be able to loan their days of leisure to the cause of health and quiet in this 
delightful regicni. 

The description of the city, published some years ago under the auspices of the Citizens' 
Association, or rather of those men who made the first great eflbrts to raise the location to that 
position, which it is so well fitted to occupy, is as follows: Port Huron is located on the St. 
Clair River at the foot of Lake Huron, in the county of St. Clair, and is the county seat of 
that county. The main part of the city lies upon ground well (>levated above the river level. 
The city, as now ])Iatted. is about three miles in length by two in width. Black River, running 
northwesterly, divides the city. The ])opul;iti(in is about ecpially divided on l)oth sides of the 
river. The city is laid out upon a liberal scale, with wide streets and broad avenues. The 
parks and public sipiares are large, and when the improvements now in contemplation are 
made, there will be none more beautiful and attractive in the State. Pine Gi'ove park, which 
lies on the St. Clair River, just south of the Grand Trunk Railruad depot, contains twenty acres 
of high, beautiful ground. This tract was donated by the I'nited States Government to the 
city when the Military Reservation was sold. From this park is obtained a beautiful view of 



490 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Lake Hm-on above and the St. Clair River to the east and south. During the season of 
navigation, it is a very attractive place for the pleasure-seeker to resort, t'nder the shade of 
the beautiful and majestic trees that abound in the park and line the bank of the river, one can 
pass hour after hour watching the large steamers, pro]iellers, and the magnificent vessels that 
are constantly passing up and down this great water thoroughfare of the West. At times the 
lake above is dotted thickly with the white-winged messengers of commerce that ply between 
' the eastern and western ports laden with the cereals of the jirairies, the mineral ores of the 
Lake Superior region, and lumber from the pine forests of Michigan. 

It will be seen from the map that the St. Clair River is a link in the great chain of water 
thoroughfare between the Great West and tlie Atlantic seaboard, and is without question the 
finest river on the continent. Its waters are always pure, clear as crystal, and not subject to 
sudden rise or fall. It seldom varies two feet from its regular level. There are no muddy 
streams emptying into it above the city, or even emptying into the lake for eighty miles above. 
It affords the purest and healthiest water of any river in the United States. 

As a railroad crossing, there is no point ou the great chain of lakes that presents better 
advantages than Port Hm'on. Where Lake Huron empties into the St. Clair River, and for a 
distance of two miles below, the current in the river is very rapid, the water running at the 
rate of seven miles per horn-. At the point where the Grand Trunk ferry-boats cross the river, 
the distance is only three hundred yards. This gives a quick and easy transit, never obstructed 
at any season of the year, winter or summer. While at other points in the St. Clair and 
Detroit Rivers, the ice gorges the channel and obstructs the passage of boats for at least 
three months in the year; on the other baud, the river at Port Huron has never been obstructed 
to exceed once in ten years, and then only for a few hours. The current being so rapid, it is 
impossible for the ice to jam so as to prevent the passage of boats. This natural advantage 
alone is destined to make Port Huron one of the greatest railroad centers in the West. It is 
quite evident to every one that the Government will never permit a bridge to be constructed 
across either the St. Clair or Detroit Rivers. It would place almost an entire embargo on the 
passage of the immense shijiping, which is yearlj^ increasing on the great lakes. Consequently, 
the great railway thoroughfares passing through Michigan and Canada must seek the most 
convenient and unobstructed crossing, in order to avoid vexatious delays in the transportation 
of freight and pa-ssengers. The Great Western and Grand Trunk Railways, the greatest rail 
thoroughfares in the country, terminate at Port Saruia, opposite Port Huron, The former 
road connects with the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad on the American side. The G. T, 
R. R. also connects with the same line, besides having a branch running to Detroit, and con- 
necting there with the M, C, R. R. The link of road on the Chicago & Lake Huron R. R., 
between Flint and Lansing will in a short time be completed. This will place Port Hm-on on 
a direct through line with Chicago, as well as with Milwaukee, by the D. & M. R. R. The 
lines tapping these roads from the west and north will contribute greatly to the traffic of the 
C. &.L. H. R. R., Port Hiiron being on the most direct line east, and having an unobstructed 
river crossing, both the freight and passenger traffic from points north and west miist of 
necessity pass through that city, particularly dm-ing the winter season, to insure quick transit. 
The F. & P. M. R, R. have decided to build an extension of their road from East Saginaw 
to Port Huron. The line has been sui'veyed and located, and that portion of it between East 
Saginaw and Vassar has been finished. The Canada Southern have a charter for constructing 
a line from Sarnia to Oil Springs to connect with their main line, and it will be built in a 
short time. The construction of this line has become a matter of necessity, rendered so by the 
fact that at no other point can they secure an unobstructed crossing of the St. Clair River, as 
the present point of crossing at St, Clair, twelve miles below Port Huron, is totally obstructed 
with ice during at least four months in the year. There are also other roads in contemplation 
pointing toward Port Huron, which must, sooner or later, be constructed. Taking into con- 
sideration the advantages it has in this respect, it is quite evident that at no distant day, the 
city will become the tei-minus of the great railroad thoroughfares passing through Michigan. 

The city of Port Hunm, lying as it does at the foot of Lake Huron, becomes a very 
important shipping jwint. But very little delay is experienced by boats in landing here, and 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIli COrNTY. ' 491 

loadinir and unloadiuo^ freii^ht. There is a liin" of propcllors plyiui; bp^ween thja poiiif. ami 
Chicaj^o, another line between Port Huron and Detroit, and I'ort Huron and porta upon the 
lake whore. Another line runs between the Groat Western road and all ])oint8 on the Canada 
shore of Lakes Huron and Superior. All the groat through lines of steamers plying between 
Buffalo and Chicago make Fort Huron a regular stopping point. A person unacquainted with 
the immense shipping of the (ilrnat Lakes can have no idea of the numb(>r and ca]>acity of the 
steaiiKU's and sail vessels that daily pass up and down the St. Clair lliver. By actual count, 
last year, it was found that, on an average, during the season of navigation, one passed Port 
Huron every four minutes, night and day. 

The pojnilation of the city has more than doubled in the last six years, and the nunil)pr of 
inhabitants is rapidly increasing. According to the spring census, the city contained over 
8,000 inhabitants. Thei-e is not a vacant house in the city, Over 800 buildings were erected 
last year, and the number will exceed that this year. 

The city is furnished with water from the St. Clair lliver, at the rapids, by the Holly 
system. The works have been in operation about a year, and are a perfect success. The 
water coming out ot the lake is pure and cool and perfectly healthy. As a fire protection, 
the Holly system is superior to all others. 

The city is well lighted with coal gas, manufactured and furnished by a company com- 
posed mostly of our citizens. The works are located on the north side of Black lliver. and 
have a capacity for lighting a city with 20,000 inhabitants. Main pipes have been laid on 
most of the streets, and strt^et lamps of the latest and most approved pattern have been 
adopted. 

An excellent system of sewerage has been adopted, and a large ammint of money has been 
expended this _year in constructing sewers throughout the city. The high elevation of the city, 
and the character of the soil, makes it both easy and economical to give the city good ;uid perfect 
drainage. This, as a natural result, must add materially to its sanitary ailvantages. 

The manufacturing interests of the city are varied and rapidly growing. There are seven 
large saw mills now in operation, with capacity for cutting 40.000,000 feet of lumber and 
20,Oi)0,000 lath each season, employing 800 men. The capital invested in this branch of busi- 
ness alone will reach §1,000,000. The National Stave Company, with a capital of .SlO0,OO0, 
em])loy from seventy to eighty men. There are also four sash, door and blind factories and 
planing mills, combined ca])ital invested !?f)0, 000, emjiloying from fifty to sixty men: tliree 
iron foundries and machine shops, and Uva boiler shops which keep seventy to eighty men con- 
stantly employed: four ship-yards and two dry-docks, which generally employ between 400 and 
500 men. In this branch of tradi>, a very large amount of money is expended yearly. The 
number and size of crafts constructed at this point exceeds that of any other place of the same 
size i)n the whole chain of lak(>s. Three breweries, turning out annually 5,000 barr(4s of beer 
and ale. One stave and sawmill employs fifty men, and manufactures 100,000 fish kegs 
annually and 1.000,000 feet of lumber. There is also one soap factory, turning out immense 
quantities of that article. The Taylor, Smith & Clark celebrated tire extension ladder is also 
manufactured here. Although it is a new invention, the com])any have just commenced oj)er- 
ations, the pros])ects ai-e that they w-ill do an immense business. It is certainly the best tire 
apparatus of that character ever l)rought before the jniblic, and must soon take the place of all 
other similar apparatus in the country. 

There are a number of other manufacturing establishments in the city of smaller cajjacity, 
but all exhibit signs of prosperity and growth. 

The great coal beds at Corunna, west of Port Huron, are easily accessible, and coal can be 
shi])[ied to Port Huron by the C. & L. H. R. K. at vt»ry low rates. This afibrds an ample 
fin{)}>ly of fuel for manufacturing jmrposes at very low figures. There are large cpiantities of 
timbered land to the west and north, and wood for fuel can be obtained at a very reasonable 
price. 

A manufacturing association has been recently organizcvl in Port Huron. The object of 
the association is to encourage men of capital, enterprise and skill to locate there and build up 
manufacturing enterprises. The association is composed of live, energetic, go-ahead and 



492 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

moneyed men. They are pledged to extend aid to all legitimate enterprises that offer them- 
selves. The association desires to open up correspondence with any one seeking a location for 
manufacturing purposes. Any correspondence addressed to the secretary of the Port Huron 
Manufactiu-iug Association will receive prompt attention. 

As a manufacturing center, Port Huron has certainly sup?rior advantages over most of the 
other places in the State. With excellent v^ater and rail transportation, the means of ship- 
ping to all points east and west, north and south, are easy and quick. Manufacturers can 
take advantage of the competition between water and rail, that always exists during the 
the season of navigation, which all will admit is a big point in favor of the shipper, which in- 
tferior cities and towns do not have. 

It is admitted by wool buyers that Port Huron has fairly gained the reputation of now 
being the best wool market in the State, both in regard to the (juality and quantity of wool 
purchased here and shipped to the Eastern markets. 

It is further evident that the city must very soon become a trade center of no small im[)or- 
tance. With its rail and water communication, jobbers can easily reach a large section of 
country that is naturally tributary. Already a very large jobbing trade has sprung ap and it 
is rapidly increasing. 

The city is well provided with churches. These churches are large and elegant, and 
reflect great credit on the liberality and enterprise of the people. The Methodist Episcopal 
Society are now building a tine church, and when completed, will be the largest and most ex- 
pensive in the city. 

The headquarters of the Huron Customs District is located at Port Huron. This district 
has become one of the most important collection districts in the country. The number of 
immigrants passing through at that point is second to no other port of entry in the United 
States. There is now in process of construction a large btiilding for a custom house and 
post office. Congress appropriated $200,000 for that purpose. The foundation is now laid, 
and the building will be completed sometime in 1875. From seventy-five to 100 men are 
constantly emjiloyed upon it. 

There is no city in the State of the same population that has a better school system or 
finer and larger school buildings. The citizens take great pride in the prosperity and welfare 
of the schools, and hence they have constantly improved their character and usefulness. Prof. 
Bigsby, of the State Normal School, has now the superintendency of the public schools of 
Port Huron. 

The Huron House is a very large, fine hotel, and has become a poptilar place. The Albion 
House is a fine new hotel, and nicely located at the foot of Butler street. There are in all ten 
hotels in the city. 

The Port Hui-on Fire Department is well conducted and very efficient. In fact, but very 
few cities in the State are better provided for in that respect. 

A str(>ct railway runs from the C. & L. H. R. R depot on the south, to the G. T. R. R. on 
the north, a distance of two miles. There is also another street railway being constructed, 
which will soon be completed and in running order. It will run between the same jibints; 
the main track running on streets further west, which will accommodate the inhabitants living 
along the line of the road in that part of the city. 

Port Huron has four banking institutions, viz.: First National, Port Huron Savings Bank, 
John Johnston & Co. 's, and J. J. Boyce & Co.'s private banks. 

The City Hall and Court House is a very fine structiu-e, and an ornament to the city. In 
fact, the j)ublic buildings show the good taste and the enterprise of the citizens. Public im- 
provements are going on all over the city. Large business blocks are being erected, and the 
sound of the hammer is heard in all parts, putting together buildings of all sizes. The evi- 
dence abounds upon all sides pointing to the future rapid growth and increased prosperity of 
Port Hm-on. 

All that was prospective in 1874, when the foregoing review of Port Huron's advantages 
was published, has been accomplished. Much more remains to be done by the people of the 
present time. 



HISTOllV OF ST. CLAIU COl'NTV. 493 

In H foriDPr portion of this work, devoted to general histoi-y, the endeavor has he(>n made 
to portray that j)eriod ir. the history of I'ort Huron when the jjiiinary steps were taken to found 
a colony and build a city, bringing the record down to a date when the early settlement, 
emerging from behind clouds of disappointment and uncertainty, took its allotted place among 
the established evidences of Western enterprise. It is now pro|)osed to examine into a lat er 
period in the history of the same city, when with resources greatly enlarged and territory ex- 
tended by a brilliant career of enterprise and industry, it has |)rogre.-.sod to a degree of perfec- 
tion, invariably attending the exercise of these incentives. >Such success, i)orii of laudable 
ambition, may have excited the jealousy of rivals, but it has not bred a mischi(<vous j)olicy, 
nor nurtured the germs of domestic corruption which grcidually culminates in dismemberment 
and decay. History and tradition unite in ascribing to the present city site a semisacred char- 
acter, as the resort of Indians, from time immemorial, to indulge in games of athletic sports and 
skill. Without the sanctity attaching to grounds wholly devoted to religious usage, it was so 
far privileged as to be made a ground of neutrality and a common jilace .>f assemblage for the 
various tribes of a lai'ge section of the country. Being easy of access by niason of its conti- 
guity to the Black and St. Clair Rivers, both of which unite within the city limits, although the 
wat(>rs of the tirst does not mix with that of the St. Clair for miles below the coiiHuence. After 
the manner of the Creeks who, in ancient times contended in the Olympic, Jsthmean and Nemoan 
games at stated intervals, those red browed ccmtestants came from far and near to enter the 
list against foemen of rival tribes. One who witnessed the game of la crosse, speaks of seeicg 
not less than three hundred of the most superb and renowned warrior.* of opposing tribes 
matched against each other. To avoid all incumbrances to their movements, they were 
striyjped almost to nudity, and the eflbrts made by the contending forces called into exercise 
every faculty of their savage nature. The e.xcitement was shared by friends of the respective 
parties, who inspired them to i-enewed vigor and the exercise of every power of which they 
were capable, to the end that they jnight prevail. These gatherings are said to have occurred 
both in the spring and fall, ;uul the contests were long and bitterly conducted. Following 
the pioneer period they gathered about the store, and at other eligible points in the vicinity in 
large numbers, and were occasionally disjiosed to be pugnacious, e.specially if the least affected 
by liquor or the want of it. Hand to hand contests were of frequent occurrence between trav- 
elers and Indians, as also among themselves, and notwithstanding the jiaucily of numbers, the 
Caucasian was capable of maintaining his supremacy, and of becoming an interested spectator 
of the squabbles which the red men improvised in their own homes, when aggravated by a 
continued period of peace. 

For nearly a year after the late war, business is said to have bi'(>n the reverse of brisk. 
It was the calm that succeeded the storm. At the expiration of that period, the city again 
grew rapidly. Trade was extended to remote settlements in the northeast; manufactures in- 
creased; public and private improvements began to become prominent in various portions of the 
city: additional schools were provided for the education of youth; now religious and secular 
societies were organized; agricultural interests prospered and increased, and iiKU'cantile vent- 
ures were vastly benefited; new railroads were incorporatcnl, projected and built during this 
decade; the bridge and internal improvements of immense value were mooted and provided 
for. As the years succeeded one another times became better and better, and, before the dawn 
of the Centennial decade, steady [)rogress, with every appearance of ultimate success, was made 
in the departments, essential to municipal, public and private growth, notwithstanding the 
temporary paralysis of business caused by Black I'Viday, The year ISTd gave bright promise 
for the futiu'e, and the career to which this was the introductory annual has not entirely failed 
of a complete fruition of such promise. Hard times affected Port Hm-<m as they did other 
points. The failure of Jay Cooke, followed by the panic of 1S73, left its mark throughout 
the Northwest. 

The past few years have seemed to intensify the admiration of residents, as also to attract 
accessions to the citizens. The beauty of location, the enter[)rise and liberality of the found- 
ers and builders not moi-e than their educational and social i)rominence. the superiority of 
public, private, denominational and convent schools, and the comparatively high state of 



494 HISTOIIY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY 

morals to be found in the city, combine to render it a point at which merit will receive encour- 
agement and assistance in identifying itself with the town. A railroad has recently connected 
the city with the Saginaw Valley," and will contribute in years to come to its advancement, its 
wealth and its population. It is the largest city in the county, and the county seat. Around 
it are gathered abundant evidences of material prosperity-. The glory of tields, the bounty of 
dairies, the fruit of trees and vines, and the sweets of blossoms pay tribute to the beautiful 
place, and on every side the altars of the fruitful Pan and the bountiful Ceres are redolent 
with incense most pleasing to the husbandmen who frequent her markets or make Port Huron 
a shipping point for their products. 

EARLV HISTORY. 

Surveyor Jewett, under date July 25, 1803, speaking of St. Clair County, says: From 
the mouth of the River Sinclair, six miles up. are twelve farms that front the river in the 
usual manner, from three to four and five acres, and forty back, none exceeding in quantity 240 
acres. This land differs from the face of this country generally. Its soil possesses every 
mark of poverty, sandy and low in the extreme. Nothing exists to recommend this settlement, 
except its bordering on one of the most delightful rivers in the Western World. 

The only pretension these people have to their farms is derived from a simple possession 
taken obtrusively in the years 1780, 1785 and 1790. They are all Canadians. From this 
settlement, for twelve miles up the river, not a vestige of a house can be seen, owing to its 
being for that distance a perfect barren; when you are suddenly and agreeably surprised with 
the presentation of a number of fertile and well improved farms, edging the river for the 
extent of ten miles to the amount of twenty-five farms, now under cultivation and laid off on 
the river, as other settlements in this country, with the difference, that the claimants extend 
their farms ten and twenty acres in front of the river, and, in two instances, from forty. five to 
fifty, all running back'to one rear line, which is, by survey, forty acres. 

The River Sinclair is in length forty-five miles, and in beauty and convenience of navi- 
gation preferable to Detroit, though it is not quite as wide. Such is its transparency, that 
the eye can distinguish at the bottom, in fifteen feet of water, the most minute object. In it 
there are no shoals, and in depth, generally five and six fathoms. 

As nearly as can be ascertained, the first white settlers on the site of the city were Denis 
Causlet, who settled near the mouth of Black River previous to 1790. From what Mrs. 
Brandamour states, it is learned that this old settler was born in 1773 or 1774. His death 
took place in 1859, and his remains were interred in the Sarnia Cemetery. 

Peter Brandamour, Sr. , who died in 1852 or 1853, located near Black River two years 
after Denis Causlet. 

Peter Brandamour, Jr., a settler of 1792, died in November, 1880. 

Mrs. Peter Brandamour was born at Port Huron March 10, 1803 This old lady still 
resides in the city (July, 1882), and retains in memory many of the early events in the history 
of the distjrict. 

Frank Brandamour, brother of Peter Brandamour, was the first white child born in St. 
Clair County. Mrs. Brandemour states that ho was born on Mini Creek, a mile up Bl«ck 
River, long before Edward Petit was born. This first white native died about twenty-four 
years ago. 

Causlet and Brandamour were couriers in the service of the French traders. They were 
young men in 1790, and could not tolerate the severe labors of that service, nor the tyranny of 
their task masters. 

The former deserted previous to 1790, and sought a home among the Indians of Black River: 
the latter rebelle in 1792, and joined Causlet in his savage home. 

Anselm Petit arrived a short time after Causlet and Brandamour, and located near the 
confluence of the Black and St. Clair Rivers. 

Peter Bonhomme or Burnham, built a log house at Ft. Gratiot, while still the river was 
named Otsi Sippi. 

Racine had a log house at the foot of Butler street. 



hISTOliV OF ST. CLAIl! COrXTY. 495 

TIIK KIM! TIIAIiKi;'^. 

To understand in a clearer light, the service which these first squatters, at the nioutli of 
Black River, deserted, tiie following descriptions are given: 

The fur company at one time had 3,()n() men under employment. The batteaux from the 
different departments would assemble witli the furs they had collected during the winter at 
Mackinac, generally about the 1st of Juno in each year, and calculateil to get in about the 
same time. They were watched for eagerly, and would come in singing their Canadian boat- 
song. When all in, the boats would line the shore of the bay from where the old mission 
house now stands to the western end of the Island. Then would ensue a couple of months' 
rest for the men, and Mackinac would be full of life and gayety. somewhat rude in character, 
perhaps, but as thoroughly enjoyed as are the seasons at Newport or Saratoga. In those days, 
the island was the center of trade for all this northern country, from the southern extremities 
of Lake Huron and Michigan to the head of Lake Superior. The dollar of our fathers was 
the only coin, and the company needed more than one barrel for distribution when the fleet 
came in. Silver coin was as plenty as blackberries, and as carelessly expeiuled by the men 
who had earned it, by braving danger.sand enduring hardships such as no other class of men 
in our country have known. There was a s[)irit of emulation among them and a love of advent- 
lu'e which led them to attempt the most hazardous journ(>ys. both on land and water. Recruits 
were brought yearly from Lower Canada, and the principal argixment employed to get. them 
was a narrative of the perils and hardsliips of the life b(<fore them. This lired the imagina- 
tion of the young men. and stirred their blood. What other of their countrymen had done, 
they could do, and were eager for the trial. Very freipiently the old voyagenrs. priding them- 
selves upon the feats they had accoiu])lishod, would jeer at the new recruits ujion their arrival, 
and then would follow a succession of fights of an o))stinate character, for these men ])ossessed 
courage and ])ersistency in a rare degree. They were all, however, under the comjilete coritrol 
of the officers of the company. They were an army — a well disciplined army. The soldiers of 
Napoleon at Austerlitz were not under better discipline, or more willing to brave death than 
these voyageurs. Their rations when starting out on their long expeditions were a (piart of 
corn and an ounce of fat deer a day. The corn was hulled and prepared here. In one of the 
letters of Ramsey Crooks, he dir(>cts th(> purchase and sending forward of several hundred 
bushels of ashes to be used in preparing the corn. The voyageurs were not permitted to carry 
a gun. They took these long expeditions around the head of Lak(> Sui)erior, to the Red River, 
to the Yellowstone and down the Mississi[)pi, and up its various tributaries, with no other 
protection than a knife about a foot in length, and a small hatchet. The loads they carried 
were called packs. These j)acks weighed eighty pounds. A one-pack man was not regarded 
with much respect.. A two-i)ack man was looked upon as a res])ectable voyageur. A three- 
packman was an object of veneration, and a four-pack one was a Triton among minnows. They 
went in companies of fi'om five to ten, one being designated as commander. The s[)irit of 
I'lnulation to which I have referred led them to endure fatigue and danger cheerfully. The 
men from the Yellowstone, the Red River and Lake Superior looked with contempt upon the 
men who traded along the shores of Lakes Jlichigan and Huron, and in Illinois and Indiana. 
The latter were called " Cads. " and many a tight occurred between the two classes. As an 
illustration of the discipline of the men. I will state the manner in which the batteaux left 
Mackinac, and continued on their journey until they separated in dilTerent squads. The 
clerk to command would start with a boat about half loaded and six stalwart oai'smen, saying 
to those that were to follow, ''We shall stop to-night at" (naming place). The boats 
that followed would be heavily laden, and have but five rowers, and would not reach 
their destination till midnight. Then a little fire would be built, and the <iuart of corn and 
ounce of fat cooked. Not mor(> th.an two or thr(>e hoiu's' rest wc)ulil be permitted, and the men 
were not allowed to take ijreakfast before starting. They placed the pot of corn and fat on 
the seat beside them, and dipped from them and ate as they were rowing. The incidents in 
the lives of these voyageurs. if properly narrated, would form a history as interesting and 
graphic as that of the explorations of Livingstone or Stanley. 

Anselm Petit, Franf;ois Lariviere, Baptiste Levais, J. B. Duchesne, Michel Jervais, J. B. 



496 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Coiirneais and Peter Moreaux, settled near the mouth of Black River, between 1790 and 1794. 
At this period, the settlers gave the name La Riviere Delude to Black River, and La Riviere 
Jervais to Indian Creek. 

Rev. O. C. Thompson, iu his historical paper, says: Several French families settled at 
the mouth of Black River about the year 1790, among whom was Anselm Petit. They were 
Roman Catholics, and were permitted by the Indians to build shanties and cultivate small 
patches of land on the flats. They named the place Desmond. Black River they called La 
Riviere Delude, from a Mr. Delude, who was drowned in its dark waters. The settlement 
was also called by the same name. At that time and later, the place was a favorite resort of 
the Indians for hunting and tishing, as game and fish were abundant. Three thousand 
sometimes lined the banks with their birchen wigwams pitched under the shading pines. 
The bluff on which the present Custom House aud surrounding buildings stand was their 
burying ground. Some time during the war of 1S12, the settlers were warned by a friendly 
squaw of the meditated treachery of the British allies, and taking to their boats escaped the 
massacre. After the war, the first white settlers returned to their homes. Ft. Gratiot was built 
in 1814. and so named from one of the officers. The last of the military reservation was sold 
in 1880. 

Slavery penetrated into this northern wilderness, and a man, in imitation of the patriarch 
Jacob, worked seven years in the mill of Park & Meldrum, and purchased one of their slaves 
for his wife. Desmond was not organized into a town until Aj)ril 8, 1838. It had a popula- 
tion in 1830 of 377 souls. Either in 1835 or 1837, its name was changed to Port Huron. 
The population was iu 1840, 1,113, and in 1S50, 1,584. 

The city of Port Huron was organized in 1857, under a charter obtained April 8, of that 
year. The few French families who came to the mouth of Black River in 1790, were re-en- 
forced in 1815 by a few more of the same nation and faith; and yet, in 1819, the primitive 
forest covered the site of this city. There were at the latter date only four dwelling houses 
in the township, two of which were within the cit,^ limits. On the flats, near the present 
corner of Third and Court streets, was the log house of Anselm Petit, a Roman Catholic. On 
the southwest corner of Military aud Water streets, stood the block-house of an irreligious 
half-breed named John Reilly. Outside the city limits, three miles above the mouth of Black 
River, on its south bank, lived Richard Sansbury, and four miles down the St. Clair was the 
frame house of Z. W. Buuee. Thirteen years later (1832), there were fifteen buildings in the 
township — one saw-mill, one hotel, one log hoiise, two trading posts and two dwelling houses. 
In 1833, the original Black River steam mill aud its boarding house were completed Fine, 
comfortable dwellings were also erected in the vicinity of this mill. A public house and a 
dwelling house were built just south of the present railroad bridge, on the east side of Military 
street, on what was then the military road from Detroit to Ft. Gratiot. Port Huron contained 
one steam saw mill, two or three public houses, one shoe shop, four trading posts and eighteen 
dwelling houses, besides several shanties occupied by the Canadians who came for work in the 
mill In 1834, the row-boat over Black River gave place to a bridge, which united Hui-on 
avenue with Military street. As yet, most of the inhabitants were squatters with few signs of 
permanence. From 1835 to 1837, a tide of speculation platted a paper city upon the area 
north of Black River, which it called Ft. Gratiot. The ebb of that tide left its ordinary traces. 
The people were disappointed and discouraged, and readily concluded that Port Huron was 
only a lumber town, a fishing station, never to grow much larger; but soon to grow much 
smaller. Yet the place began to increase until in 1857. a city charter was obtained. 

The first house ever built at Port Huron was that of Anselm Petit, near the present loca- 
tion of the Hogan House on Court street; the second building, which stood where Stuart's 
store is, was occupied by a half-breed named John Riley. It must, however, be understood 
that settlers had erected wigwams or shanties previous to the building of the Petit House. 

The first village plat was made early in 1835 by Edward Petit, and the location called Peru. 
In the fall of the same year, Harrington & White platted Port Huron Village, and in 1837 
the village of Paris was laid out under the direction of Maj. Thorn. 

The first schoolhouse was erected by Francis P. Browning, on the west side of the park 
north of Black River. Th"^ first hotel was a log-house, built in 1827, on Quay street. 




^^-^A^^v o^ y^y 



'^-^. 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 497 

John B. Phillip.s built the first steamboat at Port Huron. 

In 1833, Military street or the Military road was laid out, and tlie first bridge over Black 
River built. 

PORT liri'.(.)X IN 18-ir,. 

The Congress of 1825- 20 made provisions for the construction of a military road between 
Detroit and Fort Gratiot, and Amos Mead, of Farmington, Harvey I'arke, of Pontiac, and 
Conrad Ten Eycke, of Wayne County, were appointed Commissioners to lay out and establish the 
same. The Commissioners met at Detroit earJy in June, and ihe relator of this reminiscence, 
then a boy of eighteen years, was employed to carry the force end of the chain. The starting 
post was struck near the present site of the City Hall and Market, which at that time was at 
some distance from any l)uilding, out on the common. Harvey Parke was a prtictical surveyor, 
a man of gentlemanly bearing and a fine scholar. 

Pushing on from the starting [)oint, in a direct line for Mount Clemens, on the third day 
we struck the twentieth mile stake, opposite the court house in that village. From Mount 
Clemens we took as straight a line as we could for Fort Gratiot. AI)out four miles south of 
Belle River, we struck a heavy windfall of timber, where we camped for the night. The nest 
morning we started on, creeping as we could through the dense mass of fallen timber, and 
halted at noon on the bank of Belle River for om- cook and packer to come up with provis 
ions. Here we waited until next day, endi;ring a fast of thirty hours. The windfall proved to 
be of much greater extent than we had supposed, and, in seeking to get around it, our cook 
and packer had to travel many miles eastward, and then work their way back to strike oiu' 
lines. Though deprived of our tent and provisions, and feeling the keen demands of appetite, 
we had rather a social time, as Deacon Erastus lugersol, of Farmington, the axman of the 
party, told several stories of a funny character. The deacon was a large, tleshy man, and, it 
being warm weather, he had divested himself of coat and vest, retaining only his pants and a 
thin cotton shirt to protect him from tha hordes of mosquitoes that sought to refi'esh themselves 
from the deacon's store of blood. With the aid of punk. Hint and steel, carried by one of the 
party, we succeeded in getting u|) a lire; but despite the smoke, in which the deacon sought to 
hide from his tormentors, he had a hard time of it. Passing over Belle River and other inter- 
vening streams with swamps and marshes, we struck the bank of Black River, some distance 
above the present site of Port Huron. The only inhabitants of what is now Port Huron were 
John Riley and his wife — half-breeds — who lived in a blockhouse of two rooms, on the south 
bank of Black River, a I'.ttle above what is now known as Military su-eet, and a Frenchman, 
who occupied a frame house just south of Riley's. On the north side of the river stood a board 
shanty, occupied by a man who was a graduate of some Eastern college — a man of culture, but 
who, disappointed in love, or some other such affair, had strayed into the wilderness and was 
then following the trade of a cooper. At that time, Fort Gratiot was a tumble-down affair, with 
a few block-houses within the embankmoats of the fort, occupied by some fishermen and their 
families. The site of Port Huron was then owned by John Riley, the half-breed just named. 
He was not only proprietor of the place, but the chief of a band of Indians, the most of them, 
at that date, residing on the opposite shore of the St. Clair. He had been educated at the 
Presbyterian Mission at Mackinaw, and read and spoke go.od English. He was a gentlemanly 
appearing man, mild in his address, and expressed a willingness to have the road pass 
through his premises, if the public good required it. He dressed after the fashion of the 
whites, but his wife, a full-blooded Indian, th nigh neat and tiiy in appearance, dressed in 
true Indian style. At that early date, who could have dreamed that on that i-ude, wild spot, a 
city of goodly proportions was to arise? Yet so it was to bo, 

SALE OF BUILDING LnT.<. 
The following is a list of building lots, sold at Port Huron, by D. B. Harrington, between 
th( years 1S35 and 1811, with the date of sale and amount of purchase money. Ifl the general 
bis ory, the names of all real or personal property owners in the village in 1821 iire given: 

32 



498 



HISTOET OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



PUBCHASERS' NAMES. 



Date of Sale. 



Harding & Shepard Nov. 15, 1835 . 

G. F. Boynton iNov. 15, 1835 . 

Bee. 21, 1835 . , 
Dec. 21, 1835 . , 
Dec. 21, 1835 . 



Dec. 
Dec. 



28. 1835 .. 
38, 1835 . . 



J. S. Heath 
J. Richardson . . 
Willard Orvis . . 
Ruth Davis. . . . 
N. V. Horton.. 
Mason & Power 

J. P. Minnie I 

J. Howard March 28, 1836 

Mason & Powers April 

J. S. Orvis April 13, 1836. 

S. F. Atwood April 19. 1836 . 

Lucien Beach 'April 19, 1836 . 

Ira Porter iMay 10, 1836. . 

Clift Comstock May 13, 1836. . 

Minnie & Canfield ^May 12, 1836. . 

J. L. Kelsey 1 

M. Mason ^July 37, 1836. . 

M. Mason jJuly 27, 1836. 

Campbell :July 37, 1836. . 

Thompson July 37, 1836 

& .1. B. Comstock 



Amount. 



L. 
L. 
J. 
C. 
A. 



J. Campbell . 



August 31, 1836 
iVugust 31, 1836 



M. Mason 

N. Powers August 31, 1836 

P. Minnie 'October 6, 1836 

0. Waller 



L 
D 

J. 
C. 

L. M. Mason Jan'y 13, 1837. 

Samuel Hall lApri'l 11, 1837. 

A. F. Ashly lApril 11, 1837. 

G. Clark April 11, 1837. 

S. & J. S. Heath April 18, 1837. 

Mason & Porter April 18, 1837. 

William Moore April 29, 1837. 



$74 90 

50 00 

80 00 

35 00 

50 00 

.50 00 

50 00 

50 00 

75 00 

100 00 

120 00 

50 IKI 

100 0(1 

50 00 

100 00 

100 00 

50 00 

100 00 

50 00 

100 00 

127 75 

300 00 

600 00 

300 00 

300 00 

150 00 

75 00 

500 00 

200 00 

125 00 

300 00 

200 00 

350 00 

200 00 

125 00 



PURCHASEKS' .NAMES. 



Date of Sale. 



May 10, 1837. . . 
May 10, 1837... 
June 15, 1837 . . 
August 1, 1837. 



Dale & Hancock 

Ira Porter 

J. S. Comstock 

O. A. Hancock* Dale. 

M. H. Shippey August 15. 1837. 

A. W. Campbell !. .[Nov. 13, 1837 . 

J. S. Comstock Jan. 1, 1838 . . . 

J. S. Heath ! 

George Clark Sept. 14, 1839 . 

.1. B. Flanagan jOct. 26, 1839. .. 

J. B. Flanagan Oct. 26, 1839... 

J. Howard IFeb. 35 1840... 

J. Spalding 'Feb. 25. 1840.. 

J. Miller July 27, 1840. 

J.Miller 

J. Miller 

N. Nash 

S. V. Thornton* J. Wilson Jan. 9. 1841 

J. Spalding IJan. 15. 1841.. 

S. V. Thornton and others Feb. 4, 1841 ... 

L. M. Mason Feb. 15, 1841 .. 

G. F. Boynton Feb. 23. 1841. . 

Robert Sickling March 1, 1841 . 

S. L. McCuot March 3, 1841 . 

H. W. Hopkins .March 31, 1841 

N. S. Carpenter April 14, 1841 . 

G. Clark & C. Flugal lApril 27, 1841. 

J. Bryce jMay 1, 1841.. 

J. F. Batchelder iMay 17, 1841 . . 

Henry Dunn 'May 20, 1841.. 

S. B. Carl iMay 37, 1841.. 

;L. M. Mason 'July 19.1841.. 



Aug. 29, 1840. 
Nov. 16, 1840 . 



Total . 



Amount. 



$200 00 
500 00 
150 00 
300 00 
200 OO 
300 00 
500 00 
200 00 

1200 00 



500 00 
350 00 
350 00 
250 00 
350 00 
2640 00 
50 00 
250 00 
130 00 
300 00 
200 00 
400 00 
100 00 
175 00 
200 00 
375 00 
800 00 
250 00 
300 00 
125 00 
200 00 
100-00 



$16,633 65 



.^FTKR TtlK CRLSIS. 

The financial crisis of 1837 ended, confidence began to reign, and the laeople resumed 
their wonted occupations. A brief period was afforded them to realize all the 
dangers which had surrounded them, all the dangers through which they had 
passed, and to make a survey of the wreck caused by financial depression on the 
one side, and by famine and disease on the other. They saw the bones of their former savage 
neighbors lying scattered over the Indian garden plots, along the river banks, and, seeing, re- 
gretted their oft-repeated wish that the Indian would die The new solitude was real; the red 
men who varied the monotony of life iu the wilderness were g.iue; and the few who remained 
were so stricken with the calamity which had fallen upon their band, that moroseness was added 
to their natural stoicism, rendering them at once objects to be pitied and to be feared. In 
1838 or 1839, the last of the Indians left this country; a little later, a business revival took 
place, and within a few years the age of progress was entered upon by the settlers. 

Thus, year by year, was formed the nucleus from which has grown this wealthy and pros- 
perous commonwealth. We do not claim this a complete list of those who settled in the city 
during the years referred to, but have merely made a brief record of the early settlements in 
different localities in the county, as they have occurred to us. From 1842, the county increased 
so rapidly iu population and the development of its resources, that any attempt to mention 
more individual names would render this sketch very tedious. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE VILLAGE. 

The place, as yet, had no city or even village pretensions, in a government way, the town 
organization meeting all the requirements in this respect. It was formerly a backwoods clear- 



IIISTOKV OF ST. CLAIK COI'XTY. 499 

in^, satisfied with the nanu" of Uivicro Doliulo. Dosmoiid, aiul ('von called St. Joseph by some 
early travelers. lu IS 111. liowover, township j;-overnment was set aside*, in favor of local rule: 
and liencefurlh the little !uml)erinn; and tishinjj; settlement trod in the ways of progress. 

The tirst meetinij of the Port Huron Villaj^'e Board was held May" 14. lS4!r with L. M. 
Mason, President. Martin S. Giilett, Wellington Davis, J. W. Camplield, John Wells, H. L. 
Stevens and Kobert Hickling, Trustees; James Grover. Recorder; William Mitchell, Denufv 
liecorder, present. At this meeting, Benjamin Bemis was appointed Poundmaster; Charles 
Horton was allowed $3 for services as clerk of charter election, and William 'i\ Mitchell ijfj as 
Village Attorney. In June. ISH), M. S. Giilett was appointed Overseer of Sidewalk Constrnction 
on Military street, between Pine and Water streets. During the fall of ISlU. the existence of 
a few cases of small-pox drew forth the following declarations from the Board: " Whereas, it 
is the opinion of the Board of 41(>alth that persons may take tint smallpox from do^'s, it is the 
opinion or the Board that the dogs belonging to Drs. Bell and .Jeraw ought not to be allowed to 
run at large. The Board do, th(>refore, authorize the Village Mai'shal to kill all dogs belonging 
to Drs. Bell and Jeraw. if found ruiming at large." 

The officers from IS (9 to ISSO are named as follows: 

Presidents— L M. Mason, 1S4',): M. S. Giilett. ISoO: 1). P.. llan-ington, 1851; Alonzo E. 
Noble, 1852; Wellington Davis. lSr>:!: .Vlvah Sweetzer, IS")!; Newell .\verv, IS."),"); John Mil- 

ler. mm. 

llecorders— James Grover. ISt'J: Alfred E. Fechot, 1850; John T. Hamilton, isri]; 
Alfred E. Fechet, 1S.:)2 -58; Bethuel C. Farrand, 185 1 55; F. H. ^'anderburg. 1850 

Trustees- -M. S. GiPett., W. Davis. J. W. Cami)fleld, John Wells. Robert Hickling, H. 
L. Stevens, 1849; William T. Mitchell, John Miller, Tone P. Tucker, 1850; Alonzo E Noble, 
Elijah Burke, Nelson D. Horton, J W. Campfield, J. S. Bottsford, L. M. Mason, 1851; M. 
S. Giilett, H. L. Steven'-, James W. Sanborn. John Hibbard. A. Fish, Jr., David Whitman, 
1852; O. D. Conger, John Howard. Perry D.ale, John W. Camplield, A. Sweetzer, D. Whit- 
man, 1853; E. R. Sweetzer. Ann Lamed, John T. Trav(>rs. David Whitman, John C. Forbes. 
James Baird, 1854; James Baird, Asa Lamed, John Miller, Elias R Swe(>tzer. Allen Fish, Jr., 
David Whitman. 1855; Wellington Davis. Joseph P. Minue, William T. Mitchell, John Hib- 
bard, Nelson Roberts, David Whitman. 185G. 

Assessors — Joseph P. Minne, JohnL. Beebe, 1850; Joseph P. Minne, G.A. Eldredo-e, 1851: 
Joseph P. Minne, W'. H. B. Dowling, 1852; Joseph P. Minne. H. L. Stevens. 1853; Joseph P. 
Mini, Allen Fish. 1854; Jo.<eph P. Mini, John Howard. 1855; Josei>h P. Mini, Alonzo E. 
Noble, 1856. 

Treasurers — George D. Pinkham. 1S50; George D. Pinkham. 1851; John T. Hamilton. 
1852. 

Marshals— Seth L. ^McCarty. 1849; Newton L. Carpenter. 1S51; J. K. Bailey. 1852; D. 
McKellar, 1853: Noah T. Farr, 1854-55; Amos James, lS5r). 

()I!G.\NIZ.\T1()N OF THE CITV. 

The city government was organized, under legislative authority, in 1857. The charter 
was amended in A]>ril, 1S09, and again, under the act of JIareh 29, 1877, it was subject(>d to 
other changes. Under the au.endatory ac^t of the last date, it was ordenul that. The territorial 
limits of said city shall consist of all that tract of country in the county of St. Clair bounded 
and described as follows: (?onnueneing at a jioint t)n the national boundary line in the St. 
Clair River, directly opposite and in a lino with the south line of fractional section fifteen 
in the township of Port Huron, and running thence westerly along said south line of said 
fractional section fifteen, to the east line of .section sixteen; thence north along said lino, and 
said line extended to the middle of Black River, thence up said Black River to the northwest 
corn >!• of th.' military roscrvatian; th vj3,\ easterly on th-> north line of said military reservation 
to the national boundary line in the St. Clair River, thence southerly alc)ng saiil boundary line 
to the place of beginning. 

The first election under the City Charter, was lield within the Port Huron Engine House. 
April (j. 1857. John Miller, William T. Jlitchell and J. H. Vanderburg were Ins|iectors, and 



500 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

R. Crowell and F. H. Vanderburg, Clerks. The total vote cast was 474. The officers elected 
were: 

Mayor — William L, Bancroft, 27'J votes. 

Recorder — Frederick L. Wells, 243 votes. 

Treasurer — John P. Nizziman, 201 votes. 

Street Commissioner- William Thompson, 282 votes. 

Marshal —Amos James. 303 votes. 

School Inspectors —Thomas Hollihau, 253 votes; John McNeil, 215; John S. Bottsford, 
218; George B. Eingle, 2(54. 

Overseers of Poor — William H. B. Dowling, 215 votes; Norman Nash, 2()3; John Hib- 
bard, 211; D. McKellar, 252. 

Supervisors —Harmon L. Stevens, 258 votes; Martin S. Gillett, 115. 

Aldermen — .John Davidson, 179 votes: Newell Avery, 124; Cyrus Miles, 179; James 
Beard, 124. 

Treasurer — First Ward, Charles H. Travers, 180 votes; Second Ward, Elias R. Sweet- 
zer, 119. 

Constable — Amos James, 199 vote.s; Noah T. Farr. 119. 

CirV OKKICEKS FUO.M 1858. 

Mayors— Edgar White, 1858; Newell Avery, 1859; John Miller, I860: Calvin Ames, 
1861-2; Frederick S Wells, 1863; Cyrus Miles, 1864-65; Jared Kibbee, 1866; John Johnston, 
1867; John L. Newell, 1868; John Hilibard, 1869; Samuel L. Bovce, 1870; John Miller, 
1871-72; John Johnston, 1873; Nathan S. Boynton, 1874-75; S. L." Boyce, 1876; Daniel N. 
Runnells, 1877-78; Edmund Fitzgerald, 1879; Joseph Jacobi, 1880;Ezra C. Carleton, 1881. 

Recorders— Robert J. Baker, 1858; John McNeil, 1859; William T. Mitchell, 1872. 

Treasurers — John Hibbard, 1858; Antoine Marentette, 1859-62; Horace Baker, 1863-65; 
Daniel Ryan, 1866-67; P._M. Wright, 1868; J. B. Hull, 1869-70; Sigmond Goodman, 1871; 
Antoine Marentette. 1872-/3; John E. Miller. 1874; Henry McMoran, 1875; Carleton W. Rob- 
inson, 1870; Martin Huner, 1877-78; Charles Grieb, 1879-81. 

Marshal— Amos James. 1858; E. R. Sweetzer, 1859; W.P. Edison, 1860. 

City Clerk— Frederick L. Wells, 1859-61; F. A. Weyers, 1862; Hermon Herzog, 1863; 
Julius M Carrington, 1864; Lewis Atkins, 1865-66; Albert Dixon, 1867-68; Anson E. Chad- 
wick, 1869; Albert Dixon, 1869; Lewis Atkins, 1870-72; Bennett H. Welton, 1873; Lewis 
Atkins, 1874; B. H. Weltou, 1875; Frank Follensbee, 1876-80; Louis N. Minnie, 1881. 

Aldermen— Joha S. Crellin, William Kerwin, James Beard, 1858; William Kerwin, 
Samuel Hamilton. Allen Fish, Cyrus Miles. Henry N. Wright, George W. Milieu, Frederick 
Hubert, (yalvin Ames, 1859; Lewis Atkins, Jacob F. Bachelor. John S. Crellin, James H. 
White, 1860; John S. Bottsford, Allen Fish, Jr., Joseph Smith, Nelson D. Hortou, 1861; 
Michael MoAaron, Newell Avery, O'B. J. Atkinson, George W. Miller, 1862; William Kerwin, 
Jacob F. Bachelor, Thomas K. Whitman, Hiram P. Vroman, 1863; Amos James, Henry How- 
ard, Anson E Chadwick, Frederick L. Wells, 1864; William Allen, John Johnston, T. K. 
Whitman, W. R. Mulford, 1865; William Kerwin, Henry Howard, Cyrus Miles, James H. 
White, 1866; Henry McMoran, Samuel L. Boyce, Henry Fish, E. M. Carrington, 1867; 
Albert Hendricks, S S. Penney, Tewkesbury Strout, Henry Howard, 1868; Robert Walsh, A. 
L. Stebl)ins, W. D. Wright, Albert K. Comins, 1869; Ed'muud Fitzgerald, Henry Howard, 
O'Brien J. Atkinson, Frederick L. Wells, 1870; Daniel Ryan, Abram L. Stebbins, Jacob P, 
Haynes, Carleton W. Robinson, 1871; O'Brien J. Atkinson, E. Orteuburger, Daniel IV. Run- 
nells, Edmund Fitzgerald, 1S72; George F. Adams, Henry Howard, Albert Hendricks, Freder 
ick L. Wells, Martin Huner. 1873; Benjamin Karrer, D. N. Runnells, John Russell, Martin 
Huner, 1874; Edmund Fitzgerald, George F. Adams, Peter Schweitzer, Charles Wellman, 
1875; Amos James, Guy Kimball, George Brooks, Edwin S. Petit. Otis Joslyn, James Beard, 
1876; Edward Fitzgerald, Henry Huner, Sigmond Goodman, John G. O'Neil, Stephen T. 
Probett, James Golden, James H. Stone, 1877; Henry Huner, Frank Whipple, William Wan- 



IIISTOUY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 501 

less, Hiram It. Mills, Duncan Campbell, Orrin L. Jonks, 1878; W. D. AVright, Siu;mniid Good- 
mau, John G. O'Neil. Chester Kinney, Myron Northiup, Henry W. Cooley, 1N79; Henry 
Huner, Jared Kilibee, Charles "Wollman, John McCorniick, S. T. Prol;ett, Otis Joslyn, Jacob 
Eisenhauer, 1880; Dennis Jones, William Springer, E. B. Harrington, Frank W. Parsons, S. 
T. Probett, James Golden, John Chambers, 1881. 

Supervisors— H. L. Stevens, M. S. Gillett, 18r)8; H. L. Stevens. M. S. Gill.-tt, James 
Heald. Edward W. Harris. 1859; H. L. Stevens. Edgar White, David Whitman, E W. Harris, 
18fi0; William Kerwin, Edgar White, David Whitman, E. W. Harris, 1861; H. L. Stevens, 
Edgar White, George Phillips, E. W, Harris, 1862: Edgar White, E. W. Harris, David 
Whitman, H. L. Stevens, 1S( a ; Edgar White, E. W. Harris, James Talbot, H. L. Stevens, 
1864; E. W. Harris, F. Schulte, E. White, E. M. Carrington, 186(); R. W. Matthews, John 
L. Newell, Richard Cassler, Joseph Wellman, 1867; E. Fitzgerald, Edgar White, Joseph 
Wellman, E. M. Cady, 1868; Edmund Fitzgerald, Edgar White. T, K. Whitman, Horace A. 
Beach. 1869; Charles Samberg, Edgar White, T. K. Whitman, Carleton W. Robinson, 1870; 
Charles Samberg, Edgar White, Otis Joslvn, Ernst Orttenburger, 1871; Thomas Dun ford, 
Edgar AVhite. Tliomas K. Whitman, Bethuel C. Farrand, lS7l'; C. B. Hul)bard, Edgar White, 
George Brookes, Bethuel C. Farrand, 1873; C. B. Hubbard, Edgar AMiite, George Brooks, S. 
T. Probett, 1S71; Sylvester H. Robinson, Frank A\'hip])ie, Henry A. Baelielor, Edgar White, 
187"); James Talbot, Edgar White. Joseph Wellman. J. B Montross, Honry Bradlxnn-, Tliomas 
W. Ward, 1876; James Talbot, Edgar White, Joseph Wollman, J. B. Montross. Henry J. Brad- 
beer, Orin L. Jenks, 1877; James Talbot, Edgar White. Joseph Wellman, J. B. Montross, 
H. J. Bradbeer, T. W. Ward, 1878; Sylvester H. Robinson, Edgar White, Daniel J. Pennev, 
Jeremiah B. Montross. Joseph K. Gardner. T. W. Ward. 1879; R. W. Matthews. Edgar A\hite. 
Joseph Wellman, James H. White. Thomas H. Schneider. Frank IJftbrd, 1880; S. H. Roliiu- 
son, Edgar White, Napoleon Roberts, J. B. Montross, T. H. Schneider. Thomas W. \\'ard, 
1881. 

Controllers— E. P. Tibbal.s. 1877: J. B. Hull, 1878; L. B. Wheeler, 1879; Edmond Fitz- 
gerald, 1880: Lewis Atkins, 1881; F. L. Follansbee. 1881; Edgar Wliite, 1882. 

h'lN'ANCI.AI. IIISTOKV. 

Previous to the war, the financial history of the city does not jiresent even one extraordi- 
nary feature. In 1869, however, the old conservative system of voting moneys for necessary 
improvements was cast aside, and one more worthy of the spirit of the times adoi)ted. A sum 
of $80,000 was voted to iiid the P.. H. & L. M. R" R., but owing to the decision of the Su- 
preme Court, declaring bonds issued by town or city governments in aid of railroads invalid, 
the smu voted could Jiot be legally raised, and thus the question rested until 1871 -75. During 
the years 1871 -75, the contest over the railroad btmds issued by Port Huron and other munici- 
palities of Michigan ended in the United States Courts, by decisions whi(!h rendered it' certain 
that all such bonds must be paid, -ludgments to the amount of $40,000 or mor(> were rendered 
against Port Huron, and efforts were made to sell 8 per cent refunding bonds to pay the judg- 
ments. No bids were received, however, and 10 pi>r cent bonds were then offered and sold at 
a little above par. It being universally conceded that there was no escaping judgments on all 
the outstanding bonds, action was taki>n by th<> municipal authorities to confess judgmcMits 
and mak(> as little c^osts as possible. In this way all the lionds when du(^ were paid, reflinding 
bonds being sold to raise the necessary funds, a portion of them bearing 8 per cent interest. 
This left aliout $87,000 of original railroad aid bonds outstanding and yet to mature, all bear- 
ing 10 )>er cent interest. On tiiese the city paid interest from year to year, and saved the costs 
of judgment. 

While this state of affairs existed, in tlie years 1872-78, the city waterworks were con- 
structed, at a total coht of $170,000, all of which was borrowed at 10 [ler cent interest. This 
investment has never been regretted by the peojile of Port Hunm. The works have more than 
paid all the expenses of running n.nd maintaining them, have proved a sure protection from ex- 
tensive lires, and have so beneliied the public health that the death rate of the city has been 
reduced nearly 50 per cent. In the year 1878. a considerable amount of money had accumu- 
lated in the sinking fund, and by unaminous vote of the Council, a portion of the outstanding 



J02 



HISTOIM' OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



railroad aid b(3ii Js were purchased and canceled, and another portion refunded at 7 per cent inter- 
est. This left but $17,500 of the original railroad aid bonds outstanding. Of these, |7,000 
mature during the present year, $U,500 in the year 18S3, and $1,000 in 1880. The total 
bonded debt of the city, January 1, 1880, not including accrued interest, was $37(),960. Port 
Hiuron suffered greatly from the financial panic, through depressions in marine business, and 
through the j)ractical annihilation of its large lumber business by the destruction in 1871 by tire 
of the timber adjacent to the streams which have their outlet at the foot of Lake Huron. From 
1873 to 1870, the city had no actual growth, either in business or population, the large acces- 
sions on account of its increasing importance as a railroad center being fully neutralized b^' its 
losses through the disappearance of its lumber traffic and the depression of marine and ship 
building interests. This being the condition of aftairsi, it will not appear strange that the 
burden of a high rate of interest on so large a debt was seriously felt after the decision of the 
United States Courts had rendered valid the railroad aid debt, increased by about ,$60,000 accu- 
mulated interest and costs. Tax-payers began to look abontj for some measures of relief, but 
could find no prospect of any, for years to come, as nearly ■ all the bonds had from ten to 
twenty years to run. and could not be called in and paid until maturity. 

During the disagreements in the Council during the year 1870. the city defaulted in the pay- 
ment of interest on her bonds. A public meeting was therefore called and a committee, con- 
sisting of two Republicans and three Democrats, was appointed to negotiate with the holders of 
10 per cent bonds, and see if they would not consent to a reduction in the rate of interest, or to 
the payment of their bonds. After two or three months of correspondence, the consent of the 
owners of neai-ly two-thirds of the 10 per c(!nt bonds to refund at 7 per cent had been obtained, 
with fair prospect that all others would consent to a similar arrangement. 

A meeting of the Council was then held to consider the i[uestion of refunding the entire 
debt; but a resolution favoring a total refunding was negatived, and instead one passed for 
the issue of $200,000 of 7 per cent i-efunding bonds, to take up a similar amount of 7 per cent 
bonds, excluding all thuse issued for railroad purposes. This killed the refunding scheme, as the 
consent of bonilholders to refund had been coupled with the condition that the refunding 
should cover all the outstanding bonds. 

The beneficial restilts of the financial policy adopted were made manifest May 20, 1882, 
when canceled bonds and other evidences of the city's debt were burned by the Treasurer. D. 
N. Runnels, in presence of William Hartsuff, S. L. Bovce, R. "Walsh, John McCormick, James 
Moffnt and Edgar White. 

The census of the city, taken in July, 1854, by J. P. Minnie, gives the following figures: 

M.'iles (maniwl) 567 ' Grand totul 3,088 

Males (unmaiTicd) 1,058 i Population in IS.'iO 3,302 

Increase 1,386 

Population of the village 2,293 

Population of the village (1850) 1,484 

Total 1,463 i Increase 708 

Note. — Deaf and diiiiili, ■!', insane, .'i; colored, 13; number of marriages during the year, (t.T; nuiuber of tie.aths, .')1. 

The census of the city in 1866 was as follows: 

Total (Kirst Ward) ' 1,:!25 |: Total (colored) 18 

Total (Second Ward) 1 .083 | ' Total (Fort Gratiot) 45 

Total (Third Ward) l,0(i() h 

Total (Fourth Ward) 1,173 1 Grand total 4,704 

The census of Port Huron in 1870 shows the following figures: 



TotaJ 1,620 

Females (married) , .587 

Females (unmarried) 931 



WARDS. 


Inhubi- 
tants. 


Deaths. 


.Maiio- 
fact- 
nrers. 


]>wuilings 

232 

308 
234 


W.VKDS. 


Inhabi- 
tants. 


Death.s. 


Manu- 
fact- 
urers. 


Dwellings 


First Ward 


1361 
1235 
1441 


22 
17 
12 


34 
39 

10 


Fourth Ward 


1936 


19 


5 


396 




Totals 




Third Ward 


5973 


70 


88 


1070 









HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. o03 

The column of doiiths iucluLles those who died from .lime 1. 1809, to May 31, 1870. 
The population of the city in Juno, 1881), is given in the general history, as 8,8815 persons. 
Owing to important railroad ch-angos, and the prosperous condition of commerce, this 
nnmher is thought to he under the actual population by about "2,000. 

THE S.\W MILL CITY. 

The rapid growth of nearly, or quite, all the localities which boast of being lumber man- 
ufacturing centers is phenomenal. Scarcely one of the towns which had pine forests in prox- 
imity but has, within the past twenty years, made rapid advances in the matter of growth and 
development far in excess of other 'localities equally well situated for manufacturing enter - 
pris(>, but lacking the accompaniment of the forest. In no branch of industry has a greater 
stimulus been given to inventive genius; and the saw mill of to-day is in but few respects the 
likeness of those of a quarter century ago. The incentives to improvement in saw mill ma- 
chinery have been extended as well to all branches of wood- working industry; and where, in 
the i)ast, the manufacture of furniture, agricultural implements, wagons, etc. , was wholly 
dependent upon the skill of trained mechanics, whose preparation was accomplished through 
long years of close apprentice.shiji, the present time finds them carried on with the aid of 
labor-saving devices worked by unskilled youth, or men educated at the machine which is de- 
voted to but a single portion of the multitu<linous details of the work to be aggregated in a* 
grand and perfeciexl whole. With the decadence of the pine supply, it is tlie pjirt of wisdom 
for those localities which will presently find themselves put upon a shortened supply of the 
pine timber which has formed the basis of their growth, and the foundation of their prosperity, 
to take steps to continue in the path of manufacturing progress by the establishment of works 
which shall utilize the timber which has been considered boundless in quantity, and of but 
little value in comparison with the greater importance of the pine. 

Wagon and agricultural implement and furniture factories are valuable adjuncts to the 
pi-osp(>rity of any locality, and withal their products are not only in increasing demand as the 
country develop.s.but the hands employed at them form a valuable adjunct to the population of 
the village or city where they are located. An agricultural implement or wagon factory re- 
quires the adjuncts of foundries and iron- working establishments, while those towns which 
bor.st the possession of furniture factories lind other industries following in their train as a 
matter of necessity. Many large establishments are located at jjoints remote from the produc- 
tion of the timber" whicli enters niost largely into their manufacture, and the item of transpor- 
tation is of no inconsiderable imi>ortancB as a factor of original cost to the finished product. 
Factories located at the point where the liunber is originally sawed enjoy the advantage of a 
reduced cost of handling several times, added to the cost of trans])ortation. They, too, are en- 
abled to purchase their raw material at a cheaper rate, inasnuich as they can enjoy the advan- 
tages of that by no means small proportion of the log stock which, while too coarse to bear the 
cost of transportation, is yet excellently adapted, in a large proportion of its bulk, for what is 
known as " cutting up," the valuable "portion being utilized without the expense of transport- 
ing that which is worthless. In the near future it will be found that those himbor centers of 
the past which, with wise forethought among the capitalists and business men, have secured 
the establishment of manufactories for working up the o^k, majile, beech and ash. with other 
of the hardwoods now in many localities looked upon as of little or no value, will lind their 
prosperity not only assured. ])ut pi>rn\anently promoted in a direction doubly advantageous, in 
that it will increase the population, utilize a comparatively useless product, and add to the 
world's resources in commodities which must always be in demand in an ever-increasing )atio. 

In 1851. the pine lumber trade was the great and absorbing business of this place and 
the surrounding countrv. Bv careful estimate, the lumber manufactured in St. Clair and San- 
ilac Counties amounted" in 1853 to y2.U00.000 feet. 

KKET. 

value i:3,19U.(M)0 

Quantity of lumljcr and logs for ia">4 14.i,090.(W0 



Logs furnished l)V tlicsc counties, and sawed vkkt- 
l)y mills on Detroit River ;j3,()00,000 

New mills erected durinit the past winter 

fijual to .' (i.DOO.OnO 

Add 10 percent for increased machinery and 



. _, , „ ^ „_.^ Worth at a low estimate ($10 per thousand). 

mprovoment.s, and general advance in i nniountinjr to ^l.+W.OOO 



504 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



Add to this sum tbe value of lath, shiocjles, fish, staves and spars, and the exports from 
the two counties named above will not fall below $2,000,000 the present year. To this immense 
trade Port Huron is mainly indebted for its hitherto rapid growth and present prosperity. It 
continued to increase until the trade had reached its maximum — until the forests disappeared. 

The saw mill interest of the city to-day is extensive — it is a great industr'y; but, like the 
forests of the county, it will fall unless auxiliary manufactories are established. 

Port Huron had, in 1867, seven mills, which produced lumber and lath during that year 
as follows: 



NAME,S. 


Lumber (feet.) 


Lath (pieces.) 


NAMES. 


Lumber (feet.) 


Lath (pieces.) 




5,000,000 
3,200,000 
4,006,000 
3, .500, 000 
2,800,000 


3,000,000 
2,000.0(10 
237.. 500 
1,8(.)0,000 
1,500,000 


A. & H. Fish 


6,000,000 
1,200,000 
4.000,000 


3,000,000 




Z. Bunce 


1,500,000 


W. B. & J. Hibbard 


N. & B. Mills 




Tnhn WplU A', Snn 








Totals 


39,706,000 


13,037,50() 







The numbers of logs sawed was 112,000, and about one seventh of the lumber produced 
was clear stuif. The greater part of the lumber was shipped to Ohio markets, but some of the 
clear went to Albany. About 1,100,000 pipe and hogshead staves were shipped, worth $60 per 
thousand, yielding $66,000; beside a considerable quantity of cedar posts, shingles, tan 
bark, etc. 

The total amount of logs inspected in Black River during the year was 64,700,000 feet of 
the usual board measure. 

The following interesting statistics, dealing with manufacturing statistics from 18G7 to 
the centennial year were published by A. Marontette in 1876: 

Hibbard's mill started sawing each year, beginning with the spring of 1867, to the spring 
of 1876, and the amount of money paid each year for labor in manufacturing lumber and lath. 
Also the total amount paid to the fall of 1876. Also giving the date of the first boat from 
Detroit to Port Huron each year: 



MILL STAHTEl). 



1867 April 8 

1868 March 30 

1869 April 12 

1870 April 11 

1871 March 16 

1873 June 10 

1873 April 29 

1874 April 27 

1875 April 16 

1876 April 21 

1867, April 14, Genesee Chief came from Alpeiia. 



FIRST BOAT FROM DETROIT. 



1867 April 15 

1868 March 26 

1869 April 18 

1870 April 10 

1871 March 27 

1873 April 17 

1873 April 9 

1874 April 10 

1875 April 26 

1876 Aprils 

No ice in the lake. 



WEEKS MILL KUN. 



1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
18V0. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 



.33 

.34 

.3.5* 

.29 

.13i 

.28i 

.2U 

.16i 

.18 



PAID FOR LABOK. 



1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 



1 9,172 00 


12,376 00 


14,057 00 


13,525 00 


11,003 00 


5,737 00 


11,249 00 


8,597 00 


5,067 00 


5,490 00 



$96,273 00 
In 187.5-6 rcbuiliiin,ir mill, labor only 2,989 00 

Total $99,263 00 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COl'NTY. 505 

Those figim's do not iiicliidi" dork hire or olH3e oxp'iis?s, UBithar ordinary (^xp-nscs for 
furnishing and repairing mill, which is quito an item, as for belting, saws, tile, oil, tallow, 
timber for repairs, et/'. 

In Sanilac Connty. the lumlier was sold for an average of $10 per thousand feet, a total 
of $1,4-K),0l)(t and the lath realized the sum of $4r),000. The number of shingles manufactured 
was IT), 000, 01)0, which sold for an average of $4.50 per thousand, realizing the sum of $()7,- 
500; making the total receipt for lumber, lath and shingles. $l,r)52,r)00. Between 2O.000.0OO 
and l!O.OI)0,000 feet of logs were rioati^l down Black liiver and Elk Creek to Port Huron dur- 
ing the spring of 18(57. 

The firm of W. B. & J. Hibb u\l wa-i the oldest lumbering lirm in existence in the city in 
1875. On account of the destruction of their mill by fire on the :-*d of September. 1875, work 
ceased for awhile; but they rebuilt on a larger scale than Ijefore. They purchased the inter- 
est of the Horton estate in the site of the old mill, and broke ground in October, 1875, for the 
new building. The site, at the contiiieuco of the St Clair and Black Rivers (the most easterly 
point of land in Michigan) is not surpassed anywhere for mill purposes. It consists of eighteen 
lots of laud fronting on both rivers. The new mill is I'JOx^U feet in size, containing one large 
circular saw, gang edger, lath mill, planing mill, dry kiln. etc.. andada])ted to till all orders 
for the retail trade, which the firm made a specialty. The cost of the new mill was from $10.- 
UOO to $15,000. The lirm was composed of William B. Hibbard, of Milwaukee, and John 
Hibbard, of Port Huron. They continued in uninterrupted business for over a (juarter of a 
century at Port Hiu'on. 

The Port Huron Ferry Com])any's new steamer is one of the finest ferry-boats on fresh 
water. It lias been named " Omar D. Conger," in honor of the talented Senator, in 1882. 

The Omar D. Conger is 104 feet in length, and lit in width; depth of hold, lO.J feet; 
the engine has a 24.J-inch bore and a l?0 inch stroke. The engine was built by the Cuyahoga 
Works of Cleveland, Ohio, and the boiler by Messrs. Desotell & Hutton, of Detroit. The 
main aft cabin is about twenty feet square, and is finished in an elaljorate style. The doors, 
window frames and mouldings are made of walnut, and the wood work is grained in imitation 
of mahogany and bird"s-(>ye maple. The floors of the cabin are covered with Brussels carpets, 
and the seats upholstered with red plush. The hull and upper works are painted white, and 
present a tine appearance. The side cal)ins and alley ways are grained in oak. 

The boat was built under the sujiervision of Ca|)t. George Hardison, of Detroit, a recog- 
nized master iijechanic, ami reflects great credit on his skill. The joiner work was done by 
George Travers, of Port Huron, and is acknowledged to be of su])erior style. The painting 
and graining was done by ihe well known firm of George Crackell & Co., and gives evidence of 
excellent workmanship. This steamer accommodates 800 people, and is run as an excursion 
and ferry boat. Capt. Chris. Smith, recently of the Ferry Bockwith commands the new steamer. 
He has been connected with the ferry company for seven years, and is a courti>ous and ofiicieat 
officer. 

The Dormer is a favorite ferry boat — an ancient, constant visitor between Port Huron and 
Canada, in c arg(> of a favorite corps of officers. 

The Bockwith and the Baird are new boats, contributing much toward rendering the 
ferry service effective. 

rili: PRESS. 

Port Huron City has always been blessed with newspapers of more than ordinary ability, 
influence and respectability. The general intelligence and prosperity of a community may bo 
fairly measured by th(> chai-acter of the newspapers published therein, and the liberality wilh 
which they are supjiorted. .Vn intelligent, thrifty and enterprising community demands news- 
papers of the same attributes; and, sooner or lat(>r. that demand is always supplied. The city 
has not been in advanc(> of her newspapers, from the days of the first Ohsi-rrfr. down to the 
present j^ublications; and, possibly, has not been up to them in liberality and enter|)rise. The 
village had very good local newspapers before it contained a church or a court house, and very 
soon after the first schoolhousc wiis erected within the present city limits. Thej' have kept fully 
up to the excellent standard ever since; always praising and pointing out to the world, without 



506 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.. 

money or price, the advantages of soil, health, climate, location, growth, .society, education, 
culture and enterprise of the place; inciting new improvements and enterprises, where they 
did not already exist, and wielding, in the case of one or two of them at least, a strong influ- 
ence in shaping political and State, as well as local, affairs. They have, therefore, playod a 
very important part in the development and growth of the locality and the State, and the best 
history would rightly be considered far from complete if it contaiaed no account of the various 
newspaper publications. Tn the sketches which follow, those are the most liberally treated of 
whose tiles were the most perfect and afforded the most material. Many volumes of the differ- 
ent newspapers have been destroyed, lost or borne away by those interested in their publication 
or the history they contain. This necessarily abbreviates the histories of some of them, 
although the most that is worth recoi'diug and preserving in pages like these is obtained and 
verified. 

The Democratic newspapers of the city may be said to have had a continuous publication 
from the first inauguration of journalism here to the present time. The Commercial is the 
successor to a line of well-edited weekly papers, and must be considered one of the best expo- 
nents of Democracy in Michigan. 

The Daily Times is a neat four-page journal, devoted to general aad local new.s. As a 
Republican newspaper, it has always taken a most active part m all campaigns, making its in- 
fluence felt in the most unmistakable manner It did not, however, spare the Republican 
party or the party leaders when they chanced to be in the wrong, believing it far better to 
eradicate an evil than to attemjit to hide it by silence. This honorable policy sometimes in- 
curred the displeasure of the Republicans who happened to be criticized, but it secured respect 
from all quarters, showing an honesty of purpose that gave the utmost meed of praise wherever 
deserved, and admiuistering the severest c(!nsure with equal freedom and vigor. 

The Dailij Telegraph, the Tribune, the Journal, and other napgrs uoticei in the general 
history, have all contributed a share to that wealth of general intelligence which marks the 
city. 

INTEr!N.A.T10NAL SPELLING MATCH. 

Once there was a wicked journalist in Port Huron. There may be wicked joui-nalists in 
Port Huron now, but this wicked journalist is there no more. Once while he was there. Elder 
Smart proposed to get up a revival, and went about the work systematically. He set the date 
three weeks ahead, got oiit posters and made all arrangements to draw good houses. The 
wicked journalist did not believe in revivals, and be said one day to another Port Huron edi- 
tor who was not truly good: "I believe we can break up that revival." The other editor 
thought not. Now it was just the time when the spelling mania was sweeping over the land. 
At once the wicked editor put an item in his paper suggesting that Port Hiu'on shouldn't lag 
behind the ago, and it was high time she began to spell. T'other editor copied the item and 
urged Port Huron to do her duty. The third day a call was issued for a spelling match. In 
a week everybody had a spelling book in his pocket and studied at eveiy odd moment. Or- 
thographic exercises were the order of the day. When the time came for the revival to open. 
Port Hiu'on and Sarnia were booked for an international spelling match, and Port Huronites 
scarcely know whether they had souls to save or not. They only knew they would spell the 
Canadians down or die ir the attempt. The revival was abandoned. This does not profess to 
be a story with a moral, although it may tend to show how easily it is to set folks wild over 
nothing, and how like sheep they will go astray, or any other way, when some one chooses to 
lead them. 

FllJE OF 18.54. 

The fire of March, 1854, at Port Huron, was supposed to result rom thej^rosecution of the 
whisky sellers. The losses, as nearly as we have l)een able to ascertain, are as follows: E. R. Swet- 
ser, goods. $12,000, insurance, $5,000; M. S. Gillett, books, papers and building, 14,000, insur- 
ance, $1,250; Conger & Bancroft, library and papers, $3,000, total loss; J. H. Haslett. $500, total 
loss; Sweetser & Sanborn, building and goods, $20,000. insurance, $4,500; H. J. Bockius, 
boots, shoes, etc., $2,000, insurance, 1,600; A. & H. Fish, goods, $7,000, covered by insurance; 
Cummings Sanborn estate, building $2,000, insurance. $1,500; J. K. Bourne, $200. In ad- 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 507 

ditiou to these losses, the tek'i^-i'aph aparatus in Bockiiis' store was entirely destroyed and the 
clerks in E. R. Sweetser's and Sweetser & Sanborn's store lost nearly all their clothin<if, barely 
having time to escape. Youn<^ Wastell, in E. R. Sweetsei"'s store, in descending a rope from 
the third story, tore the flesh from the palms of his hands, so thpt he still suffers severely from 
the injury. George Proud, a young man in the employ of C. Bancroft, who was sleei)ing in the 
block, lost his watch and every rag of clothing, barely escaping with his life. The safe of 
Eddy. Avery & Co., was found to bo so much s|)rung by the heat that it had to be l)roken open. 
Sweetser & Sanborn's safe stood the wlu)le of th(^ fire and came out very littli> injured. E. R. 
Sweetser's safe was thrown out of the secoutl story window at the commencement. 

THK l'l!OGIU«.SIVK I'.\KTV OF ISIi.'). 
The citizens of I'ort Huron, on every occasion when the subject has been presented, 
have made the most generous offers to the people of the county respecting the public build- 
ings. They have often shielded, by such offers, the people from unnecessary and oppressive 
taxation. Thus, when it was ])roposed in 1850 to raise a tax of $1(),00() to erect new county 
Iniildings. some of the most rt*sponsibl(^ business men strapped foi'ward and proffered a bond to 
erect a court house and jail, worth at Last §10, ()()(), free of cost to the county, on the simple 
condition that the county seat should be located in this placo. Many of the townsliips were 
not then organized, a majority of the board was not suHicien-. to control thiMjuestion, and hence 
St. Clair succeeded in regaining the county seat. 

No sooner was the action above noticed taken by the board, than the citizens of Port Hu- 
ron set about complying with the terms, and promptly furnished the committee with the fol- 
lowing bond: 

Know all men by thexe presents, that we, Cyrus Miles, Daniel 15. Harrington, Jacob F. Bac.liolor, Alien 
Fisli. .lames H. While, Ifenry Ilowanl, (ioorce W. Pinkham, T. S. Skinner. .John Miller. \V. Wastell, D. 
Bryce. II. Ilei/o;;-. ,Tohn Wells, O'li. .1. Atkinson. .Jno. Stilson. S. .McCurmiek, R. Walsh. .T. \V. Thompson, 
.Jas. Heard, .lohn .Johnston. .Jas. Ilaynes. Wni. Farr, .1. W. Sanborn, ,1. S. Crellui. H. C. Farrand. W. T. 
Mitchell, W, F. Oreen. Wm. Stewart! D. Whitman. .T. 15. Shaller, O. A. Wilson. W. K. .Mulfonl. E. FitZi^er- 
aUl, W. Sanborn, J. Howard, F. Saunders. M. Walker, ,J. P. Sanborn, E. Ortenbnrger, P. Walker, ll. J. 
15ockius, F. A. Weyers, J. B. Hull, — all of St. (;iair Comity, Michigan,— are held and (irmly bound luito the 
Board of Supervisors of St. Clair Count)', their successors and assigns in the penal sum of twentj- thousand 
(.|20.(IIHI) dollars, for the payment of which, well and truly, to be made to said Board, their successors and 
assigns, we hen'ljy bind ourselve.s. om- and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and sev- 
erally lirmly by these presents. 

Witness oiii- hands and seals, at Port Huron, this day of October, A. D. 18(i."). 

Whereas, The citizens of the city of Port Huron have agreed to furnish a suitable site, and Imild, erect, 
and ((implete a Court House, .fail and f'ounly Offices, and to conve_v the same to said I5oai(l of Supervisors by 
a good and sullieient deed; Provided, and for the consideration, that tlie County Site of St. Clair shall be re- 
nioveil fi*m St. Clair to Port Huron. 

And whereas, the said Board of Supervisors did, at their late • ession in October, 18(i.5, vote to remove 
said Count}- Site from St. ('lair to Port Huron; Now. the condition of this obligation is. that if a good and 
convenient location shall be obtained in the city of Port Huron, for County buildings — a Court House. .Tail 
and Coimty Ollices. built e(|nal to or exceeding in value those now occupied at St. Clair and conveyed to said 
Board, on'br before the expiration of two years from the time that said County Site shall be declared to be 
removed from St Clair to .Port Huron; and if. in th(( meantime, suitable rooms, for Court House, Jail, and 
County Offices, shall be fm-nished at Port Hiu'on for the use of the County, and without expense to the County, 
then this obligation shall be void; Otherwise to be and remain in full force and ellect. 

William Wastell. I). P.rvce, 15. C. Farrand, W.Stewart. 

H. Ilcrzog. .lohn Aliller, W. C. (Jreen, John 15. Schaller, 

John Weils, OB. J. Atkinson. D.Whitman. John Howard, 

John Stilson. Samuel McCormick, Oscar A. Wilson, E. Ortleiiburger, 

Cyrus Miles, K. Walsh, John P. Sanliorn. F. Saiuiders, 

J." W. Thomson, James Be.ard, William H. :\Iulford. .M.Walker, 

John Johnston, James Haynes, II, J. Boekius, 1^. WalkiT, 

William Fair, (ieorge W. Pinkham, Edmund Fitzgerald, J. B. Hull, 

.las. W. Sanboin. Henry Howard. F. A. Wevers. 

.1. H. While. Thos. S. Skinner, William Sanborn, 

I) 15. Harrington, John S. Crellin. William T. Mitchell. 

We, the imdersigned Committee, appointed by the Board of Supervisors for the County of St. Clair, do 
hereby certify that we have carefully examined the within luind. and tind the same correct," and do therefore 
approve the same. • Thomas Dawson, 

Henry Ri.x, 
Wn:. .lenkinson, 
George S. Granger. 



508 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

FIRE OF APRIL 21, 1866. 

A clisastrous fii'e occiuTed in Port Huron on April 21, lS(i6, commencing in a saloon and 
restaurant occupier] by H. Williams, and thence extending to other buildings. Four buildings 
were consumed, three belonging to William Stewart and one to S. S. Ward, the loss to the 
former estimated at $6,000, and to the latter $6,000. 

THE WAR OF 18(;i-65. 

In the decade -commencing with 1860, the whole country was convulsed by war between 
the .States; and, while this portion of the Union, being remote from the scene of active hostili- 
ties, was not so sensibly aifected as the States in immediate proximity, or at a short distance 
therefrom, the withdrawal of a generous j)ortion of the bone and sinew of the city and county 
was a sacrifice at the expense of the material prosperity. The population of the city was then 
only a few thousands, and but little reflection is necessary to an appreciation of the effect on 
trade, commerce, agriculture and manufactures entailed by rec|uisitions made on its quota of 
troops by the Government. 

As elsewhere, citizens of Southern politics and sympathies were slow to countenance the action 
of the Government, and while allurgedtheenforcementoi the laws and maintenance of the Union, 
there were many who differed honestly as to the means to be employed in that behalf. While 
repudiating the practical application of the resolutions of 1798, they insisted that violations of 
the Constitution defeated the objects .sought to be gained. One class labored for the Constitu- 
tion and Union, another for the Union with or without the Constitution. This division of sen- 
timent caused interminable disputations, which were characterized by intense feeling on both 
sides, not altogether obliterated by the lapse of years. How the true citizens, both men and 
women, acted their part throughout those years of trial, is shown in the general military his- 
toiv of the countv. 

THE CAUS1-; OF TENirERAXCE. 

The purpose of the organization, as set forth in its constitution, is to promote the cause 
of temperance and sobriety by abstaining from the use of all intoxicating liquors. Perhaps in 
DO city in the world has the cause of temperance had more earnest workers than at Port Hu- 
ron. It is now some years since the organization attained its full strength. The lessons which it 
then taught, and the earnest manner of the teachers, rescued numbers of people from the ruin 
which strong drink was bringing or had already brought upon them. 

In 1867, Port Huron had several religious societies, owning five church edifices, worth in 
the aggregate, $25,000. These societies paid their ministers not to exceed an average of $800 
each. The whole expense of supjiorting these five societies, including taxes, insurance and 
all other charges, did not exceed 16,000. 

Port Huron had also twenty-six saloons, devoted solely to the sale of intoxicating drinks. 
Her citizens paid the keepers of those saloons an average of at least $600 a year, making an 
aggregate of $15,600. They also paid their rent, which at a low figure amounted to at least 
$3,000. Total, $18,600. Her citizens assisted, too. in supporting the bars of eight hotels, at 
an additional expense of say $4,000. 

Looking at the sacred and profane iu this light, it is not to be wondered at that the peo- 
ple rose en masse to assert their intelligence. 

IMPROVEMENTS IN 18(59. 

In reviewing the improvements made during the year 1869, the following description of 
such improvements is selected from a number of papers on the progress made during that year: 

THE CITV HALL AND COURT HOUSE. 

The corner-stone of the County Court House was duly placed October 30, 1872. Early 
in the forenoon, the music of bands was heard on the streets, and a gathering of members of the 
Masonic fraternity was noticeable. At noon the Masons entertained members of the fra- 
ternity from abroad, and invited guests to the number of 242, at Bazar Hall, where 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 509 

dinner was providod. Alter diunor, the Masons, led by the I'urt Huron Baud, and tli(^ Knights 
TeinpUir, marched through some of the principal streets, linallv halting at City Hall Park. 
The procession numbered nearly 200, and was made up of Masons r(>sident here, and m(>inbers 
of the fraternity from Sarnia, Mariae City. Algonac, Lexington and other places. Th<> Romeo 
Band was also in the line. The' Knights Templar, under command of Eniin(>nt Commander 
F. L. Wells, were especially noticeable for their fine nnirornis anil excellent drill. 

The following were the Masonic ofllcers taking jiart in the ceremonies 

Acting G. M. -M. W. De]). G. M. Hugh McCiii-dy, of Corunna. 

Acting D. G. M.— M. W. P. G. M. W. T. Mitchell. 

R. W. G. Chajilain. — Rev. A. M. Lewis, of Romeo. 

Acting G. S. Warden.- -P. M. A., J. Cummings. 

Junior G. W. P. M. -Isaac Thorne. 

Senior G. D. — Robei't S. Brown. 

Junior G. D. H. W. Stevens. 

Grand Tiler. — Charles Flugal. 

Grantl Marshal of the Day -Lieut, (xeorge Duff. 

Bearer of the Golden Vessel of Corn — B. F. Owen, of Marine City. 

Bearer of the Silver Vessel of Wine — Ralph Wadham. 

Bearer of the Silver Vessel of Oil— J. D. Whitney. 

Bearer of the Holy Bible, Square and Compass— William Johnston. 

The corner-stone of the new building was laid at the northeast corner. lender it was a 
square cavity in the brick work, ])repared for the reception of th(* bo.x containing the jiapers 
and other documents depositcnl. 

The exercises commenced with jirayer, offered by the Rev. A. M. Lewis, of Romeo, Right 
Worthy Grand Chaplain of the State. FoUo.wing this. Acting (xraml Master \V. Dep. G. M. 
Hugh McCurdy, of Corunna, delivered the following address: 

" Brotheks — In the nami> of our ancient order-, we are invited to lay in fitting place the 
corner-stone of an ediiice devoted to the admiaisti'ation of pulilic justic^e. and the official duties 
of those who rule a city. As the corner-stone becomes the chief prop of the ediiice, so it is 
deemed im|K)rtant that it should l)e adjusted to the jirinciples of the s(|uare, level and ])lumb, 
laid broad and deep, aud dedicated to the i>ternal principles of the Goddess of Justice. It is 
not unusual that it should also be the chosen stone by which the builders may communicate 
with their descendants in the great hereafter when the heail that conceived and the hand that 
executed shall have moldered into decay. 

" In no other section of the liroad land which we inhabit can we drink in the inspiration 
here afforded. Within the days of men now living, the region here around us was but a vast, 
continuous fiu'e^^t. shadowing the fertile soil, sweeping over hill and dale in endless undula- 
tions, surging the shores of yonder inland sea in verdure, and mantling brooks and rivers from 
the light of day. Green intervals, dotted with browsing deer, and»ice fields blackened with 
more formidable game broke the sameness of the woodland scenery. The vast lake at our feet 
then as now, washed the shore; but the Indian voyager, in his birch canoe, could descry no 
land be\'ond its world of waters. 

"Agriculture is little known to the dusky sons of the forest and through summer and win- 
ter they range the wilderness with restless wandering. Exploring the beautiful strait, or the 
meandering stream that gives a dark tint as it moves to the crystal waters of the more inipet- 
ous river, the Indian li fts his canoe upon the sand beach, and smokes away the sultry hours 
in lazy luxuriance. To him tlie wilderness, rough and harsh, has charms more potent in their 
seductive influences than all the lures of luxury and sloth, and he finds no heart to dissolve the 
spell. Such is the picture of the past. 

"To-day the scene is changed. The wigwam has given way to the stately palace and the 
Indian, driven by the advancing steps of civilization, has gone still further to the settinf sun. 
On the river the canoe is superseded by the white- winged vessel; and the boat propelled by an 
element which tlA red man knows not of, and laden with the products of industrVj speeds its 
■way to marts beyond his knowledge. Now. art and refinement spread out charms, and knowl- 



510 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

edge leads man to the highest type of social enjoyment. The frowning stockades at your 
northern door have been removed, as no longer necessary to your saftity; a teeming popula- 
tion under the direction of skill and capital, extends its labors and scatters prosperity and hap- 
piness on every son of toil. Every department of industry is pursued, and every resource of 
wealth developed. Situated at the outlet of an immense sea fed by others and at a point that 
must make your lovely city a commercial and railroad center, nothing can retard its onward 
progress. 

"This proposed edifice attests the liberality and public spirit of the people, and here, on 
behalf of the great fraternity I represent, I congratulate the f-itizeus on the prosperity they have 
so worthily secured, and on the commenci^ment of a building which, when finished and com- 
pleted in all its parts, will be a pride and ornament to the metropolis. Brethren, according 
to ancient Masonic usage, we will now proceed to lay the corner-stone." 

The corner-stone was then adjusted in true Masonic form, after which the Grand Master 
addressed the citizens as follows: 

" Fellow-Citizens — To our trust, as Free and Accepted Masons, has been committed the 
layiag of this corner-stone; and we who are lawful Masons have performed that duty with an 
eye single to the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe, and e^fact justice to all men. 

" Centuries have looked down upon our fraternity, and ages still in the womb of time will 
attest the honor and beneficence of the brotherhood. 

"We practice the essential requirements of the good and just, as handed down to us by the 
best of the sons of earth. 

" And now my brethren, let it ever be our effort to observe, preserve and keep every rule 
enjoined by Masonry, and so live as not to bring a taint upon its fu.ture history. 

" Thus untarnished and full of fresh life and vigor, may it ever march on to new achieve- 
ments until time shall be no more." 

At the command of the Cri-and Master, the Masons then gave the public grand honors, in 
perfect time, and with impressive effect. 

The following is a list of papers and other articles deposited in the corner-stone, which 
was read by the Grand Secretary : 

Copy of City Charter and Ordinances. 

Port Huron City and Business Directory. 

List of members of Board of Education, rules, etc. 

List of Mayors of the city. 

Autographs of City. County and United States offiiers residing in the city. 

Copies of city papers of latest dates. 

Co]-)y of Lake Huron Obseroer, September IB, 1837. 

Proceedings of Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Michigan June 4 and 5, 1872. 
Other proceedings of Masonic bodies. 

Manual of First Baptist Church. 

Manual of First Congregational Church. 

Certificate of Membership of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. 

List of Members of Fire Department. 

Historical sketch of Ladies' Library As.so3iation with list of books. 

Historical paper on " Early Settlemsnt of Port Huron " by Mrs. B. C. Farraad in the 
Daily Times of June 1 7. 

Photograph of William Stewart & Co. 's hardware store. 

Business cards of Howard & San,W. B. & J. Hibbard, James H. Haslett, L. A.* Rose, Will- 
iam Wastell, H. Mears, M. Walker, William Stewart & Co. (with coin attached), Commercial, 
and Samuel J. Giddey. 

One 25-cent fractional currency, is.sued by John Miller & Co., August 25, 186'i. 

One dollar note of P'irst National Bank, deposited by Henry Howard. 

Silver coin deposited by Edward P(^tit, date 1854, inscription, "E. Petit, born 7th Febru- 
ary, 1813, first white child Ijorn in the city of Port Huron." > 

Five silver coins, inscribed and deposited res[)ectively by John Miller, J. Gillett Wastell, 
Alice M. Miles, Nellie Stewart and Hattie Howard. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAli; (orXTV. 511 

One silver coin, inscription. " S. T. Probett & Son, Builders. August '50. 1872." 

Photogra])h of A\'illiara AVastoll's druu; .store. 

Certifioato of membership of Spiritual Society, with date of ori:;anization, and date of 
erection of their hall. 

Piece of charred wood from Chicaj^o fire. 

Discipline of Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch of Port Huron, ISfiS, with names of officers and 
memb(^rs. 

Copy of proi^ramme of b:iu<(uet i;fiven to the Masons, Auu^ust IH, 1872. 

List of officers and members of (irace Episcopal Church, with history of its organization. 

Copies of Detroit daily papei's of latest dates, 

Copy of contract with" Stephen T. Probett, builder of City Hall, dated July 10. 1872. 

Photograph and history of Mother ilodd. 

Business card of J. W. Camptield, boots and shoes, establishinl 18H3. 

Early history of the family of S. S. A\'ard. 

The Masonic ceremonies were completed by the application of the square, level and com- 
pass, tlio stroke of the mallet, and the pouring on of corn (wheat), oil and wine. 

Judge Mitchnll then made a few remarks, saying that the orator of the day, Mr. Eldredge 
of Mount Clemens, was not present, being detained, as he supposed, by ill health. He 
thanked the brother Masons from othar pla(!3s for their kind assistance in the ceremonies and 
labors of the day, and especially those from Canada, whose presence testified that the brother- 
hood of Masonry is not limited by cities, countie.s, States or nations, but is as wide as the 
world. He called upon Mayor Jliller to speak for the city. 

In re.sponse to this, Mr. Miller came forward, thanked the Masons for their assistance in 
the ceremonies of the day, and (expressed his confidence that the building would stand for he 
did not know iiow long. 

Mr. O'Brien J. Atkinson then spoki^ on behalf of the Common tJouucil, also thanking the 
Masonic brotherhood for the part they had taken in the ceremonies of the day. This closed 
the exercises at the stand, and the crowd, which must have numbered two or three thc^usand 
persons assembled in the park and streets adjacent, immediately dispersed. Most of the stores 
were closed from 1 until -! o'clock and many places of business were handsomely decorated 
with flags and streamei's. All the exercises passed oft' pleasantly and satisfactorily, makiui; the 
affair in every way a success. 

THK ri'SToM hoc.-;k .\.M) i'ost OFFirp;. 

During the year ISO"), the customs i)usiness of this region attained such porportions as to 
convince the Government authorities that the interests of the revenue service would be ad- 
vanced by the organization of a new district separate from that of Detroit, of which it was then 
a part. In the winter of ISlio-OO. definite movement was made by our citizens to secure the cre- 
ation of the new district, and a delegation of our leading business men. among tht>m Hon. 
James W. Sanborn, Henry Fish, John P. Sanborn, H. Howard ani F. L. Wells, proceeded to 
"Washington to labor for the result which was attained in the April following by the passage 
of the bill creating the "Customs District of Huron," embracing twenty-two counties and all 
the frontier from Lake St. Clair to the Straits of Mackinaw, a lino of coast of fully 550 miles, 
counting the bays and inlets of Lake Huron. The organization of the district was begun in 
the fall of 18C)(j,and completed the next spring.since which latter time the upper part of Johnston 
& Howard's block, on the corner of Water and Military streets, has been occupied by the offi 
ces of the district. This arrangement was, of course, intended from the first to be only tem- 
porary. 

Hon. Omar D. Conger was elected to Congre.ss in 1808, anl aiujng tlm first l)ills intro- 
duced in the House by him was one pi-oviding fjr the erection of a Government building at 
this point. After the usumI delays which stich measures meet with in Congress, the bill was 
finally passed June 10, 1872, and approved by the President the same day. It authorized 
and directed the Secretary of the Treasm'V "to purchase at private sale or by condemnation in 
pursuance of the statute of the State of Michigan, a suitable lot of ground in the city of Port 



512 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Huron, State of Michigan, and to cause to be erected thereon a building suitable for the accom- 
modation of the custom house, bonded warehouse, and other Government ofiSces in that citj, 
the lot of laud and the building thereon, when completed, upon plans to be previously made 
and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, not to exceed the cost of $2()0,000." Plans 
were at once prepared under the supervision of A. B. Mullett, then Supervising Architect of 
the Treasury Departmeot, and steps takeu to secure a suitable site for the building. There 
was some rivalry between the north and south sides of Black River in the effort to secure the 
location of the building, and various spots were placed in competition, most of which, however, 
were excluded by the exactions of the Government, which were that the site should be bounded 
on at least three sides by streets or alleys. The site finally selected by the locating committee 
(consisting of Collector Sanboru, Postmaster Hartsuif, Capt. E. Fitzgerald, John Howard, 
W. L. Bancroft, Albert Hendricks and Peter Hill), was the lot on the corner of Sixth and 
Water streets, fronting 225 feet on the former street and 181 on the latter, and 175 on the alley. 
The cost of the lot was .§10.000, |5,000 of which sum was paid by subscrip^iious of citizens, 
so that the cost to the Government was less than had been anticipated. Some fault has been 
found with the location, but all things considered, it is doubtful if any better one could have 
been made. It is central, on high ground and convenient of access, which considerations out- 
weigh the single objection that the Ijuilding is not as conspicuous as if situated on Military 
street or Huron avenue. 

The plans of the building were completed and the first appropriation of $100,000 toward 
the work made March 3, 1873. It is of rich light-bluish sandstone, three stories in height, hip 
or square roof, and surmounted by a dome. The style is composite, the Italian predominating. 
Its exterior in the main is plain, though the carved stone cornice and pilaster capitals are 
handsomely and richly ornate. The dimensions of the structure are: Length, 113 feet 10 
inches; breadth, at the ends, 62 feet 7 inches; at the center, 07 feet 7 inches; height from the 
basement to the eaves, 53 feet; to the summit of the dome, 105 feet; to the top of the flag 
staff, 144 feet. 

As above stated, the first appropriation, $100,000 in amount, was made March 8, 1873. 
The subsequent appropriations were, $75,000, June 24, 1874; .125.000, March 3, 1875, and 
$36,000 for completion of building, and furnishing the same, July 31, 1876. The work of 
excavation was begun in August, 1873, unior the suparvision of Henry N. Wright, of this city, 
who remained in charge uutil the arrival of Mr. George H. Soase, the preseat Superintendent, 
who came here in October of that year from St. Paul, where he was just completing the United 
States Court House and Post Office at that point. Mr. Sease, who is one of the most capable 
builders in the employ of the Government, besides the St. Paul building, had also super- 
intended the construction of the Cairo, 111., Court House and Post Office, and was thoroughly 
familiar with the task before him, which he at once entered upon with vigor, and has prosecut- 
ed most faithfully and successfully from that time to the present. He has given close per- 
sonal attention to the minutest details, and not one cent of the Government's money has been 
wasted. He first completed the excavation and procured the material for the concrete founda- 
tion. The excavation extended three feet below the floor line, which space was tilled with 
concrete composed of limestone, broken into pieces about the size of a hen's egg, mixed with a 
composition of coarse gravel, sand and cement. As the concrete was laid the system of drain- 
age was also constructed. This is of the most perfect and substantial character. Water from 
the roof is conducted through cast iron pipes in the wall into two stone drain pipes underneath 
the basement floor, extending the full length of the building, with lateral branches. These 
pipes are provided with stench traps that prevent gas accumulating in the sewer from coming 
up in any part of the building, and empty into a 15-inch stone pipe leading to Black River. 
The laying of the concrete was about two-thirds completed when the weather became so cold 
that work was necessarily suspended and Mr. Sease proceeded to St. Paul to close up his super- 
intendeucy there and accompany his reports to Washington. He returned here in February, 
1874. and as soon as the weather would permit resumed work. 

The i)utting doNvn of the concrete was finished and the laying of stone in the basement 
story begun May 1. Work was pushed rapidly forward and the corner-stone laid October 8, 



fL 




^ijj ^^ 



'^1 



/ 




''^?M/^i 




IIISTOKY OF ST. (^LAIl! COUNTY. ol3 

1874. with imposing corcmonie.s. Tho occasiou will ho i('iU(unbored. The Flint, Bltio.s with 
Gardner's famous band, Di>troit Knijjhts of Pythias, officers of the Grand Lodge of Mic'liif^fan, 
Knights Templar, various jNIasoiiic Lodges, and other home societies, and a large concourse of 
people participated. The oration was delivered by Hon. (). D. Conger, to whom, as much as 
any other person, the erection of the building is due, and in it wen! included some statistics 
concerning the business of the district, which were jirobably new to most of his hearers, and 
which we cannot do better tiian to reproduce here for the pnrpos(< of showing the iinportance 
of the business interests of this district, for the accommodation of which this new building has 
been erected: 

Ml!. CDNGKK'.S ADDKK.SS. 

" We have met, fellow-citizens, to assist in the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of 
a beautiful editiee designed to promote and foster the commerce and navigation of our conntrv. 
facilitate the reception and distribution of letters and literatur(>, provider for the administra- 
tion of justice, and subserve the necessities of the peo])Ie. 

The peculiar Masonic ceremonial of occasions like this, originated in that early j)eriod of 
man's history when increasii.g civilization required the magnificent sti-uctures dedicated to com 
morce, religion and social life, and when the 'level, s(piare and plumb' ever heralded man's 
progress as the emblems and implements of architectural symmetry, beauty and grandeur. 

The Pyramids of Egypt attest their presence. The Temple of Solomon ac(}uired its mar- 
velous symmetry and beauty "from foundation tocap-stoao" by their application. The splendid 
ruins of Palmyra av(' mute Imt elo(pient witnesses i>f the antiquity of the Order and the per- 
fection of the Craft. 

In theory and practic(>, the ceremonial of laying the corner-stone of tlu> magnificent edifices 
erected for the public welfare has accompanied man, in the East and the West, from his earli- 
est civilization through all ages of his progression down to the j)resent tim(v 

In like manner, on this day, t!:e representatives of the mystic craft, whose labor and skill 
have adorned the pathways of human e.xistence througli all the ages with the most enduring 
monuments of symmetry, beauty and usefulness, according to ancient custom, lay the corner- 
stone of this edifice, erected by a free people to subserve the growing necessities of their ad- 
vanced civilization. 

This building, spacious and beautiful as it seems to us, with its estimated cost of §20(),- 
OOO. though rather insignificant when compared to the magnificent structures for similar ])ur- 
poses at New York, Boston, t!hicago and other places, at a cost respectively of from 6H,(I()I), - 
000 to §10,000.000, is necessary for the wants of the Government, necessary for the interests 
of the peoi)le of this customs district, and of all the Northwestei'n States. 

It is desi'gnated for a custom house for the District of Hiu'on, which extends from Lake 
St. Clair to Mackinaw, with a shore line of over Ti 50 miles, and embracing twenty- two counties. 

For a bonded warehouse for valuable imported articles for th(> benefit of all the importers 
of the Northwest, who from ('hicago. Cincinnati. Milwaukee and other cities, petitioned Con- 
gr(!ss to provide for its erection. 

For a courthouse for the administration of justice, and for a |)ost office, not only for the 
convenience of the j)(>ople .jf this city, but for the reception and distril)ution of all the mails 
of a hundred post offices and mail routes of Eastern Michigan and the Uj)per Lakes, so that 
this edifice, although local in situation, is national in its objects and usefulness. 

The District of Huron, of which Port Huron is the port of entry, was organized October 1, 
1866, only eight years ago. 

In the belief that some statistics of the disti-ict would interest you, and not be itiappropri- 
ate to the occasion, I have procunxl some tables from the custom house repoi-ts and other 
sources, which I shall present with these remarks, and to some of whidi I wish to refer more 
particularly as I proceed, and while I am presenting some of the leading items of th(> business of 
the district dm-ing the eight years of it« existence, I will ask you to reflect that all this vast 
business of this vast Northwest has come into being during the lifetime of many who listen to 
me this day. 

Fifty yeara ago there was no commerce on these gi-eat lakes, only one little steamer on all 



514 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

these waters, and even that was declared unprofitable because its draft of seven feet of water 
prevented its entrance to most of the harbors of Lake Erie. No railroad in all the land — 
scarcely a wagon road. 

A few frail vessels, a few wandering batteanx, a few Mackinaw boats, a few bark canoes, 
and here and there an Indian trail, furnished all the means and modes of commerce, trans- 
portation and travel. 

A few thousand people numbered all who dwelt along these beautiful straits, and in the 
vast territory bordering upon the Upper Lakes. 

The fields yielded no products for commerce, the forests no timber for transportation, the 
fisheries were unvesed by the seine, the waterfall was unused for the mill, and the steam en- 
gine was unknown in the land. The iron mountains were undiscovered, and the copper mines 
were suggested only in the traditions of unsuccessful explorers and the vague reports of the 
early missionaries. 

In all this marvelous region of the Upper Lakes, o'er all the boundless prairies, through 
all the gloomy pine forests, amid the mountains of iron and the ancient diggings of the cop- 
per mines, even among the lonely Indian tribes, reigned a mysterious silence, a supernatural re- 
pose, as if all nature were hushed to temporary rest, before the new era of steam and strife, 
of business and bustle, of sm-veying and settlement, of civilization and commerce, should 
burst iTpon the land and the lakes. 

And then, you came hither, bold pioneers of the vast northwestern lakes and shores, you, and 
thousands like you came up and possessed the land; came with your wives and little ones, or 
came singly and alone; came as pioneers, or came following your friends, and raised the log 
cabin, cleared tlie land, builded the mill, launched the vessel, opened the roads, erected the 
schoolhouse, planted the towns, reared the churches, and with privation, patience, toil and en- 
ergy, you developed the marvelous growth and civilization of this wonderful, beautiful land, 
and rendered necessary the erection of the building whose corner stone we are laying to-day. 

Brave old settlers of the early days! As you see this day all these evidences of growth and 
prosperity, where once you found a wilderness, do not the toils and dangers of former times 
fade from your memory, while your heart glows with the proud consciousness of having borne 
an honorable part in such a glorious transformation? 

And you who came later, to enjoy the fullness of this beautiful land, should never forget 
the gratitude due to those who first traveled the wilderness alone. 

With this brief reference to the past, let us now return to the consideration of our present 
condition, as suggested by the occasion which calls us together. Michigan is divided among 
foiu- Customs Districts. Detroit District has the southei'n j^art, with Detroit for its port of 
entry. The City of the Straits, to me the most beautiful city of the Union, our commercial 
metropolis, with its steady growth, its ever increasing manufactures, its unrivaled harbor, its 
great mercantile and shipping interests, and its splendid situation on the great highways of 
commerce both by land and by water. 

The District of Michigan, with its port of entry at Grand Haven, includes western Michi- 
gan, with its great lumber regions, its marvelous growth of fruits, its numerous harbors and 
the boundless West for its market. 

The District of Superior, with its port of entry at Marquette, the Upper Peninsula, with 
its untold wealth of copper, its mountains of iron, its forests of pine, its undeveloped fisheries 
along the shores of the three bordering inland seas, and last, but by no means least, the District 
of Huron, embracing Eastern Michigan, with its port of entry in our own prosperous city. 

Within our borders is the best white winter wheat region of the State; the best pine ever 
sent to any market in the world; the wonderful Saginaw Valley salt basin; almost the entire 
salt manufactories of all the Northwest; some of the finest flocks and choicest herds of the 
country; the finest fisheries on the lakes: the best and largest ship yards in the West; the port 
of entry of nearly all the commerce and immigration by rail from the St. Lawrence; the only 
open channel upon the straits for winter crossing of raih'oad communication, and the most 
northerly practical point of connection between the Northwest and the East, whether by rail 
or by water. 



IIISTOllY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. ■'il.j 

.\nd liore. my fpllow-citizeus, at this fjjrwit eastern .ijate of oouiuioree. wo may. if wo will, 
sit and hold the keys, and lock and unlock the portals throufrh which will pass a wealth of 
commerce unrivaled in the land. From the East the Grantl Trunk and Groat Western Rail- 
roads pour their vast wealth of freight uj)ou our shores. From the West, the South and the 
North, the Chicago & Lake Huron and Grand Tnuik Railroads and the waters of the straits 
and of Lake Huron bring to our door the wealth and commerce of the w^hole region of the 
lakes. In the season of navigation of 1S71, the aggri^gato nuinl)(>r of steamers and vessels pass- 
ing the Gratiot Light House was •J(),4S(); in 1872, 32.U70. and lS7:-5, :!'.», 188. On what other 
waters of the world tloats such a Jleet of commerce.' 

In the last eight years, there have arrived at this port •!U>, H'.l immigrants- enough to form 
a State — a greater number than at any port in the Union except New York, and here they ])ay 
no head money and are sul)jec,t to no swindling or e.xlortion. 

The importations for eight years at this port amount in value to $7,() t2.75.*, and the e.x- 
portatious in value to §21,7 l'.),OS I. During the same time t'.ie duties and fees collected and 
paid into the Treasury from this District, anionnt to §1,21)5.71), and from otlier places on 
goods entered at this port but transferred to interior ports under consular act and interior port 
of entrv act, §l,;)12,24l. making a total for duties and fees for goods entertMl at this ]>ort of 
$2. ()().< U'.'lt. 

Should not the Governm(Mit have .-iome better place than a rented room and a wooden ware- 
house to accommodate a business of such proportions'? 

In the last eight years, there have been built in this district of steam(>rs, barges and other 
vessels the number of 385, with a tonnage of 80.t)27 tons, at an estimated value of §9. ;il2,295, 
of which jirobably about §7, ()()(', I""' was paid out in the district for labor and material. 

The principal ship yai'ds are at Vlgouac. Marine City, St. Clair. Port Huron and on the 
Saginaw River, with some shipbuilding at other pl-'ces in the district. 

Some of the largest and finest steamers, barges and vessels on the lakes were built in this 
district. an<l oar ship builders have acquired a reputation siu'passed by none in the country 
for the e.tcelleiico, almost perfection of the craft they put afloat, and every year there is an in 
crease in the size of the vessels built. As the Government by liberal ajipropriatiims improves 
the harbors and deepens the channels of our waters, the ship is increased in size, and transpor- 
tation is rendered more secure and ehea|)er for the producer. As an illustration of the magni- 
tude of the ship building interest, I am furnished a statement of the value of ship-building 
and repairs in Fitzgerahl's yard in this city, by which it appeals that during the last eight 
years the amount at one yard was §558,000, and in this city there are four other shi|) yards. 
whose business statistics 1 have not on hand. 

The Cirand Trunk Railway has some l,l(K) miles of track connecting our city directly with 
Buflalo, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec ;ind Portland, crowded with an over increasing business, 
sending daily fi-om twenty to twenty-five trains of cars, and for the month of September, 1S74, 
sending (>,2S5 cars to the East. 3,()<J0 to the West, or about 10.000 cars for the month, being 
an increase of fully 50 jier cent over the corresponding month of last year. 

When the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad shall have finished its line by the completion 
of its short pr.rtion between Flint and Lansing, which will be done within the coming year, our 
city will lie upon the place of crossiuir of the most direct and shortest routes of railway com- 
munication across the continent, and directly upon the line of the only water communication 
between the East and the A\'ost, where the trans} lortation by land and l)y water meets and may 
pass on or diverge as the necessities of commerce shall re(juire. 

The St. Clair Branch of the Canada Southern Railroad also crosses the straits in this dis- 
trict, and when its western connections are comjileted will add largely to the commercial im- 
portance of this district. The Flint & Pere Marcpiettc and the Detroit & Bay City roads pass 
for a considerable distance through the District of Huron, ;nul furnish transportation for the 
immense business of the Saginaw Valley and the interior counties. 

Fellow-citizens, it was in the interest of so great and so widely extended commei-cial in- 
terests and postal service, as well as for the bouelit of this people and the growing local im- 
portance of our city, that Congress has provided for the erection of this building at the port of 



516 HISTORY OF ST. Cl.AlR COUNTY. 

entry of Huron District. Its dimensions are about 130 feet in length by 67 in width, with an 
elevation from the floor of basement to the top of the dome of about 120 feet. About 26,000 
cubic feet of Sandusky limestone are used for the foundation and basement, and nearly the 
same quantity of Berea sandstone, with some SOI). 000 St. Clair brick for the superstructiire. 
The plans and general direction of the work of the building are under the control of A. B. Mul- 
let, Esq., the accomplished architect of the Treasuiy De^iartment, while its immediate super- 
intendence is committed to the care of George H. Sease, Esq., whose courtesy and ability, well 
known to our citizens, has been heretofore proven at other places, in an erection of some of the 
finest Government buildings in the Western country. 

And now, my fellow-citizens, having briefly and imperfectly, in obedience to your invita- 
tion, presented for your consideration such suggestions as seemed to me befitting the occasion, 
there remains the pleasing duty of retm-uing thanks in your name, to the distinguished socie- 
ties and visitors, who have gratifiod us by their presence, and honor this occasion by their at- 
tendance. 

And while our guests receive from me the assurance of your cordial thanks for their friend- 
ship and courtesy in rendering this occcasion so pleasant and interesting, I am proud to be- 
lieve that they rejoice in your good fortune, and are gratified by the evidences of the growth 
and prosperity of om' goodly city, and that we all together may feel a common pride in the 
commercial advantages of this and other portions of our beloved State — the land of our pride 
and our hope, the home of our adoption and choice. 

How beautiful is her situation! Enthroned in the midst of her crystal lakes! The white- 
winged messengers of commerce hovering on every shore, and seeking shelter in every harbor; 
her iron roads traversing every portion; her fields yielding abundant harvests, and her orchards 
o'erladen with fruit; unrivaled wealth in her mines; abounding riches in her forests, and con- 
centrating in herself all the elements of prosperity and greatness, our Michigan is to-day the 
home of virtue and intelligence; the abode of peace and prosperity, and has fair promise of a 
more glorious f utui'e in the development of her agriculture and commerce, and the perfection of 
her free institutions. " 

Later statistics would make the showing still larger and enhance the importance of the 
District in the eyes of the reading and business public. The exports of later years were more 
than twice as great as the average cited by Mr. Conger, while the freight and transfer business 
of the Grand Trunk was very much larger than in any j^receding year, 140,000 cars (an aver- 
age of 440 per day) passing through the hands of the customs officials during the twelve months 
ending June 30, 1875. The duty collections in some single months exceeded $10,000 gold, 
outstripping anything known in the Detroit District. The Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad, 
now completed, and which must hereafter jn'ove a great trunk line, is now running. This will 
largely increase business at this point, and must aid in making Port Huron one of the leading 
points in business importance on the North vvestern fi-ontier. 

The basement story is 10 feet 4 inches high in the clear. The walls are of blue Sandusky 
limestone and massive work of masonry. The outside foundation walls are 3 feet 6 inches in 
thickness and the interior walls 2 feet 6 inches. On the southern side is an area the whole 
length of the building uj feet wide in the center and 8 feet wide at the ends. There is also 
an area around each window and the retaining walls of all the areas are very heavy. The base- 
ment is designed for the heating apparatus, closets, water supply, sinks, hand basins, storage 
of bonded goods, etc. There are in all in the basement 30 massive stone arches, and the base- 
ment walls are unquestionably as good specimen of rubble masonry as there are on this conti- 
nent. They are sufficient to sustain with safety a building of twice the size and weight of 
this structure. The basement floor is of brick, stone flagging, and marble and slate tiling. 
In the larger room in the north half of the basement is the heating aparatus. This is one of 
the latest and best designs, constructed by the Detroit metal and plumbing works, at a cost of 
$5,550. The building is warmed by indirect heat from the circulation of hot water. The 
water is heated in one immense boiler with 53 tubular flues. The heat creates an expansion of 
water and thus a circulation. The wafer is forced into coils in brick chambers, from which 
it returns to the boiler as it cools. The coils are fed with pure air from out of doors, through 



IIISTOKV OF ST. CLAll! COUNTY. 517 

apertures exteiulin<r throiiijli the walls. The air is warmod by jiassing through the coils and 
rising, reaches Ihc dil't'oront offices of the building through Hues exteiiding from the basement 
to all the floors. The superiority of the a|)paratus over others lies in the fact that the air is 
always pure, and there is at all times a perceptible circulation like a gentle summer breeze. 
The other rooms in the basement are for the storing of bonded goods, closets, etc. with an el- 
evator in the southeast corner running to the third story. From the solid foundation rise the 
walls of the building. They i;re of handsome sandstcme blocks, backed with brick. These 
blocks are laid in coiu'ses about 15 inches high, and vary in weight from 1,000 to S, 000 pounds 
each. They are smoothly finished, the lower story in miter joints. At the top of the first story 
is a heavy broad belt or first story (cornice. The first floor, which is laid on iron beams and 
brick leveled up with concrete to the proper height for the tiling and wooden floors, is gained 
by the one staircase of stone steps in the east end. from which one jjasses into a i)ublic hall, 
out of which an iron staircase leads to the up])er stories. The pulilic hall is 12 feet wide, and 
runs from the north side to the elevator. The east front door opens into this hall, and is the 
main entrance to the custom house and other offices up stairs. An inside door communicates 
with the post office corridor, which is 11 feet wide and runs the full length of the post office 
screen, 70 feet. Two outside doors also open into this corridor, from the north front. The 
floor of the corridor and lower hall is of slate and white marble tiling in alternate square 
blocks, with neat slate border on the outer edge. 

The general business office of the post office is a noble room 70 by b") feet in size and 17 
feet 4 inches in height. The floor of this is of black walnut and ash alternating. In the room 
are eight iron columns 1 4 inches in diameter to support the u])per floors. The ceiling is ])las- 
tered on iron lath, and is a beautiful piece of work. The mails are to be conveyed into this gen- 
eral office through the doors in the rear, or south side of the building, and. in this large room 
is the post office furniture, all very ingenious and labor-saving, built on the premises. The 
furniture for handling the mails consists of two "general delivery cases." two "assoi'ting tables." 
one "stamping" or "canceling table." one "distributing oven," sometimes called a "throwing 
table,'' one "mailing case," one case for advertised letters, transient newspapers, etc., and three 
standing desks. The screen which separates tlie general business office from the public cor- 
rider is now being put in place. The frame work is of walnut an<l butternut, with oil finish. 
In it are the draw(>rs and boxes to the height that a man can conveniently reach, and above 
that glass reaching to the ceiling. Two-thirds of the space designed for that pur])Ose is 
now occupied by the drawers and boxes, of which there are 24 (h'awers, U) newspaper boxes, 
and 1,'250 lock boxes. Of the latter, tllO are No. 1 size, 2,\ by 4^ inches, and 8()0 No. 2 size, 
4^ inches S(|uare. They are of metal frame fronts with small gla.ss in' each behind the frame 
through which the box owner can see whether mail is in the box wiithout unlocking. The 
locks are manufactured by the Johnson Rotary Lock Comjiany, of New York, and are very 
similar to the Yale lock. Nothing could be better or more convenii>nt. At the west end of the 
corrider is the money order and registoed letter department, a large corner room 22 by 20 in 
size, to which there is also an outside enttance. Here also the mail carriers and route ;i gents 
will leave their mails and registenxl letters, exchange receipts, etc. Adjoining this depart- 
ment ai*G public and private offices of the Postmaster. 22 by 11 f'-et, and 22 by 20 feet in size 
respectively. These will be carpeted and handsomely furnished, and provided with the usual 
office conveniences. Thus it will be seen that the whole of the front story is assigned to post- 
office uses, and in <>legance and convenience of arrangement equals anything to be found in 
any city of 100,000 inhabitants in this country. The second fioor is devoted to the Custom 
House and Court Room. It is laid on iron beams atid iron arches. It is reached by the Inroad 
iron stair case at the oast end of thi' building. A hall 12 feet wide, well lighted, and with 
mai'ble and slate tiling floor, reaches from the east end to the court room door. Immediately 
at the head of the stairs in the east end is the water siipjily for the second and third stories, 
closets, wash hand basins, etc. The height of rooms on this floor (except the court room) is 
14 feet and (i inches. On the left of th" hall is the office of the Collector, 21 by 23 feet in 
size, and adjoining it on the west a large room 24 by 34 feet in size for general pm'poses. 
Across the hall opposite the Collector's office is the room of the Special Dei>uty. This room 



518 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

is of the same size as that occupied by the Collector. A small room, 11 feet square, suitable 
for wardrobe or stationeiy supply room, iu the northeast corner of the building, opens into this 
apartment. A door opens from the Special Deputy's room into the general business ofBce, to 
be occupied by the entry clerk, bonded cievk, vessel clerk, and the clerical attaches of the office. A 
handsomeblack walnut counter extends the whole length of the room and behind it are the desks 
of the difierent clerks, cashiers desk, safe, etc. As in the lower story, there are no vaults, the 
building being essentially fire proof. The safes will lie burglar pronf, the only sort of pro- 
tection needed. 

The court room to which entrance is made through the wide doors at the end of the hall, 
runs clear across the building, 56 feet, and is 35 feet wide. It occupies the second and third 
stories, thus having two rows of windows, and is ;:?2 feet high from floor to ceiling. It is wains- 
coted with black walnut and butternut, and the walls are relieved with plaster ornamentations. 
The plastering in this room and throughout the whole building i.s t?qual in iinish to anything 
in the West. In the ceiling are two large iron ventilators, from which ventilating pipes ex- 
tend through the attic into ventalators through the roof. This room is expected to be occupied 
for one term at least of the United States District CJourt each year, since a very large share of 
the admiralty business in the United States Gom't of the Eastern District comes from this Cus- 
toms District. 

The third story, also gained by the iron staircase in the east end of the building, is simi- 
lar in arrangement to the second. It v^ill be occupied by the Inspectors of Halls and Boilers, 
Collector of Internal Uevenue. United States Commissioners, Deputy United States Marshal, 
etc. There will also bo a small room for the use of the janitor. The ceilings of this story are 
13 feet 4 inches high. The hall, which is of the same width as below, 12 feet, is not tiled, 
biit floored with ash and walnut Prom the west end of the hall a staircase leads into the at- 
tic. This is lighted by a large glass-covered ventilator in the roof. Though quite spacious 
and floored, the attic will not be devoted to any particular use. Through it winding stairs 
lead into the dome, from which a magnificent view of the city, and the surrounding country, 
manv miles in extent, down the river and up Lake Huron, is obtained. " 

The wood work of the building is butternut and black walnut, the former predominating, 
all finished in oil and natural color. 

The marble mantels, 17 in number, are of Vermont red marble, and the grates are pro- 
vided with summer fronts, affording ventilation. 

The outside doors are of massive black walnut, and the door trimmings throughout the 
entire building are of bronze, heavy and of elegant patterns. 

There is in and underneath the building over a quarter of a mile of drain pipe, or 1,526 
feet in all. 

There has been expended up to February 1, for labor, .'it;r25,000. This has given em- 
ployment to a large number of men, most all of whom have been residents of Port Huron, the 
policy of the Superintendent having been to always give work to our own people when it was 
of that character that persons here were able to do it, which was not the case with stone carv- 
ino- and some other kinds of skilled labor required. It has been a great benefit to the city in 
these hard times. 

The roof, undoubtedly the best in this State, is of heavy sheet copper, which was pur- 
chased in New Y'ork and cost 30 cents per pound, or with the labor of placing it in position, 
$6,300. 

The windows of the first story are '.) feet 11 inches by 4 feet 3 inches iu size; in the 
second story, 9 feet 1 inch by 4 feet 3 inches; third. 6 feet Ih inches by 4 feet 3 inches. The 
glass in the first and second stories on the north front and each end are of plate glass, four 
panes to a window, and the glass in the second story rear and third story of double strength 
sheet. It was all furnished by the Star Glass Company, of New Albany, Ind. , and with the 
other glass in the building, cost $1,550. 

The gas fi.vtures are not extravagant, but are very handsome. The two chandeliers in the 
court room are each eighteen light. 

The following will show the amount of materials of Viu'ious kinds used iu the construction 
of the building: 



illSTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 519 

Limestone, cubic feet .' 4fi,:i59 

Sandstone, cubic feet 31,750 

lirick 668,000 

Wrought and cast iron (exclusive of iron stairs, iron latliing, pipes of the heating apparatus, gas and water pipes. 

or any hardware), lbs 215,000 

Nails, lbs 8,500 

l.e.id, ll)s 3,000 

topper in roof, lbs 14,31)0 

Cement, hbis 1,550 

Lime, bbls 750 

Sand, cubic yards 1,038 

I'ine lumber, feet 250,000 

nutteriMit lumber, feet 25,000 

Walnut lumber, feet 25,000 

CITV Wi\TER-WORKS. 

The bid of the Holly Company, of $25,000, was acceptetJ May 8, 1872, on condition that 
the machinery would be oomnleted before Sejitember 15, that year. The contract for piping 
was let to Walker & Eich, at S0S.S5 per ton, and .?500 additional for each crossing of Black 
Kiver. In August. 1872, the mandamus was replied to by Mayor Miller declaring the contracts 
which he signed illegal. This resulted in postponing the completion of the work . All the 
petty disputes in this matter were subsequently settled, and, on September 0, 1873, the works 
were formallj' opened. 

The water-works machinery cost the city $25,000, and is a very fine piece of machanism 
and workmanship. The most important parts are the cylinders and pumps, there being four 
of each. The engines are rated KH) horse power each, or 400 horse power in all. 

Two cylinders are placed upon each side of a heavy iron frame, with the pistons and con- 
necting rods working at right angles to each other, upon a shaft placed at the top of the 
frame. The crossheads can be disconnected from the piston rods in a moment, so that each 
cylinder is practically independent of all others in its workings. On the lower side of each 
cylinder, the piston is extended to connect with , the piston of the pump, with a crosshead and 
key for instantaneous disconnection. The steam cylinders are 14x2-1 inches in size, and the 
pumps 9x24 inches. The pumps are capable of forcing into the pipes 4,000,000 gallons of 
water each twenty-four htmrs. By a new combination, the cylinders and pumps put in iu this 
city can be run either high or low jn-essure, or with high pressui'e in one cylinder, and low 
pressure in all the others; that is. the exhaust steam from the cylinder which I'oceives "live " 
steam, is passed on to the others, and moves them. At a trial made iu September, 1873, with 
the "compound" throttle open 1-32 of an inch, the cranks made 17 revolutions a minute, and 
with the throttle open 1-10 of an inch they made 28 revolutions in minute, steam pressure 
being 4Gi pounds. With steam in all the cylinders, and throttle open l-lfj inch, 42 I'evolu- 
tions per minute were matle. 

Connected with the suction pi])es are two air chambers, and the discharge pipes have the 
same number. The cylinders are cased in black walnut, and all the unpolished iron work is' 
neatly painted. 

The regulators are ingenious pieces of mechanism, and are essential to the proper work- 
ing of the machinery under all circumstances. There an* two of the.se; one of which acts as 
a fire signal, blowing a small whistle when hydrants are opened, and letting more steam into 
the cylinders at the same time. (Jauges placed in conspicuous places also indicate, at all 
times, the exact pressure of water in the pipes, and of sti^am in the boilers. 

The condenser, used when the engines are run on low pressure, is of the most approved 
pattern, and has connected with it two air pumps. There is also a " donkey engine," to suj)j)ly 
the bo'lers with water in case of accident to the pumps connected with the machinerj'. All the 
stetim pipes in the building are covereil with asbestos, to prevent condtmsation. 

The boilers ari> two in number, each five feet in diameter and sixteen feet long, with 
sixty 3| inch tubes. They are substantially placed on heav_\ cast iron fronts, and appear to be 
excellent iu every respect. They weigh over five tons each, and the whole machinery weighs 
about KM) tons. 

These works save the citizens an indirect tax of thousands of dollars. Diseases have 
almost disappeared since their establishment, while the fire fiend can be said to be fully umler 
their control. The engineers in charge, and the officers of the water supply department of the 
city prove by attimtion to duty that th(>y are proud of their service. 



520 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT, SHOWING THE AMOUNT OF BUSINESS TRANSACTED IN THE DISTRICT 
BE OF INTEREST : 



CLASSIFICATION. 



PKOM 

OCTOBER 1, 

1866. TO 

JUNE 30, isei 



Value of Imports entered for Transportation to Interior Ports ♦ 

Value of Imports entered for Transportation and Exportation to Manitoba. . 

Value of Imports entered for Consumption 

Value of Exports of growth and production of U. S. to adjacent Provinces.., i 

Amount of Duties collected in Coin 

Amount of Duties on Mercliandise entered for transportation to Interior Ports 
Amount of Duties on Merchandise entered for transportation and Exporta- 
tion to Manitol)a 

Amount of (ttlicial Fees collected 

Amount of Tonnage Tax collected 

Amount of Marine Hospital Collections 

.Amount of Inspection Fees of Steamboats 

Amount of Licenses to Pilots and Engineers 

Value of Free Goods Imported i 

Amount received from Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures 

Amount received from Bonding Seals ' ■ . 



73,040 00 
136,563 00 
170,416 00 
398,186 00 
45,736 22 
28.125 78 

88.051 61 

6,599 35 

5,074 82 

480 57 

412 50 



197,445 00 



Number of Entries made of all kinds 5,739 

Kumber of Entrances and Clearances of Vessels .i,809 

Number of Tiansportation Bonds m.ade i5 

Number of Transportation and Exportation Bonds made I 39 

Amount of Tonnage Outstanding (owned in the District) ;l4,8fiO .7-100 

Number of Vessels owned in the District 1» 

Nuinber of Immigrants arriving at this Port 24,318 



FISCAL 
YEAR END- 
ING JUNE 
30, 1868. 



S 153,367 00 

164,667 00 

240,824 00 

1,133,091 00 

72,402 21 

52.436 59 

130,154 78 

14,826 SO 

7,042 99 

852 18 

1,547 29 



266,085 00 



6,072 

9 392 

136 

49 

20,659 86-100 

170 
.30,593 



FISCAL 
YEAR END- 
ING JUNE 
30, 1869. 



j 129,825 00 
23,899 OO 
371,305 00 

1,667,210 00 
87,ia3 07 
55,657 75 

21,259 01 

16,581 60 

8,189 49 

1,240 61 

1,143 86 



FISCAL 
TEAR END- 
ING JUNE 
30, 1870. 



FISCAL 
YEAR END- 
ING JUNE 
30, 1871. 



i 101,870 00 

51,476 00 I 

346,701 00 

1,927,368 00 I 

103.3S4 23 

45,526 61 

36,327 48 

16,515 00 

9,.113 15 

1,221 93 

1,293 20 



5 108,921 OO 

114.574 00 

350,994 00 

2.754.463 00 

98,.508 23 

48,719 04 

S7.795 03 

14.412 25 

2,839 90 

1,744 75 

1,270 42 



315,738 00 j 391,812 00 i 283,889 OO 



6,458 6,780 I 5,193 

9,882 9,984 i 9,201 

109 I 92 I 113 

40 1 43 I 125 

25,2,50 27-100 29,005 02-100 31,600 01-100 

207 2.38 I 248 

35,589 43,356 36,277 



1874-5 34,580 

1875-6 ■. 31,334 

187r.-7 80,185 

1877-8 ' 30,610 

1878-9 33,423 

1879-80 to May 31 79,265 



In 1871, the Tonnage Tax was abolished, except on vessels engaged in foreign trade. 

The number of immigrants who arrived at Port Huron in each fiscal year, ending June 
30, 1880, commencing with the organization of the district of Port Huron, October 6, 1866, 
was as follows: 

1866-7 24,318 

1867-8 30,.593 

1868-9 3.5,689 

1869-70 43,3.56 

1870-1 36,377 

1871-2 38,988 

1872-3!! 58,917 

i873-4 58,381 Total .565,816 

It will be seen from this that the total number of immigrants who entered the United 
States at this port in thirteen years and eight months was 565,816; or more than one- third the 
present population of Michigan. Before the close of the fourteenth year (October 3, 1S80), 
the number reached 600,000. Within the past two years, it is supposed that over 200,000 
immigrants entered the United States at this port. During the year ending June 80, 1881, no 
less than 111.170 immigi-ants crossed the line at Port Huron; while during the year ending 
June 30, 1882, 71,424 immigrants were registered. During the last six months of 1882, the 
number of immigrants entering the United States at Port Huron is estimated at 80,000. 

POSTMASTERS AT PORT HURON. 
The first Postmaster in the Port Huron District was George McDougal. He was succeeded 
by John S. Heath. In 1840, John Wells was appointed. W. L. Bancroft succeeded him in 
1845, On Mr. Bancroft's resignation, in 1846, Cummings Sanborn received the appointment. 
Either Allen Fish or M. S. Gillett took charge of the office in 1848. In 1853, George W. 
Pinkham was appointed; in 1857, H. S. Potter; in 1861, M. S. Gillett, and in 1865, Gen. 
Hartsuii, the present incumbent, was appointed. 

UNITED STATES REVENUE COLLECTORS. 
The list of United States Revenue Collectors at Port Huron since 1849, embraces the 
names of John Wells, W. L. Bancroft. AVilliam Sanborn, John Atkinson and John P. Sanborn. 
At date of writing, it is reported that changes are to be made in the official ranks of both the 
Collectors' and Postal departments. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIll COUNTY. 521 

OF HUIUIN, MICHIGAN, FRtlM HATE OF ORGANIZATION, OOTOliKR 1, 1806, To JUNK 30, 1882, ,Mi;ST 



FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL FISCAL 


FISCAL 


FISCAL 


YKAR END- 


YBAB END- 


YEAR END- 


YEAR END- 


YJBAR END- 


YEAR END- 


YEAR END- 


YEAR END- YEAR END- 


YEAREND- 


YEAR E,\D 


ING .lUNE 


ING JUNE 


IN(i .(INK 


ING. TUNE 


ING .JUNE 


ING .rUNE 


ING JUNE 


ING JUNE IN« JUNE 


IN<i JUNE 


ING .lUNE 


30, is7a. 


30, 1S73. 
» 117,791 00 


30, 1874. 
S 69,994 (»1 


30, lS7f 
* 103,195 


u:i 


30, 1876. 
* 331.088 00 


30, 1877. 
i 429,9.57 00 


30. 1878. 
1 169,036 00 


.•iO, 1879. 30, 1880. 


30, 1881. 


30, 1SS2. 


$ 258.371 00 


* 110,W!5 00 S 408,327110 


» 381,050 l» 


t 86.5,356 00 


153.liril 00 


240,28-1 00 


5,W.239 00 


5.56,732 


00 


473.935 00 


486,7.55 00 


404,868 00 


1,1IX),203 00 2,IH7.987 00 


3,331.419 00 


6,950,497 00 


37S,557 00 


445,510 OO 


783,1159 00 


753,777 


OO 


795,463 HO 


635,780 00 


424,291 00 


337,336 00 8ai,398(XI 


8,56,798 OO 


1,5I5,0>S 00 


2.tiH4.4llt; (0 


3,183.071 (10 


5.007,838 00 


5,023,899 


(lU 


5.770,533 00 


8,933.028 00 


6,645,004 00 


5,S.i5,7-34 00 5.i;69.(U9 00 


9,239,.S94 00 


9.613.422 00 


Si.lis 18 


78,311 50 


84,506 99 


69,585 


W 


164,317 77 


146.675 20 


105,762 36 


T3.117 64 , 307.076 53 


229,214 35 


319,538 23 


iiis.oiis lis 


49,673 61 


40.336 35 


35,902 


61 


83,519 96 


109.406 80 


57,943 51 


43,183 32 1 121.867 70 


101,010 58 


181,299 45 


100.73.1 63 


153,305 73 


440.292 53 


307,166 


14 


375,734 00 


291,827 03 


265,61(1 SI 


613,313 54 953,983 68 


1,681,915 IS 


3,817,.571 31 


ISMS 10 


8,558 60 


9,431 80 


7.917 


15 


9,421 ■» 


16,049 34 


14,697 91 


13,889 20 , 20,7,53 35 


2.3,289 95 


■14,298 02 


.3.171 75 


8.515 69 


4.411 6S 


3.537 


51 


1.273 .35 


4,977 56 


3,358 46 


3.660 38 ' 2,637 78 


2,124 70 


3,164 31 


2,8Si 07 


2,SW 41 


3.060 68 


2,881.) 


62 


2.914 57 


2,991 33 


3,922 86 


3,699 38 4,214 39 


3,715 90 


1,WI3 32 


1,995 1)8 


2,388 fill 


2,757 02 


3. 128 


89 


2,781 15 


2,.351 m 


2,264 35 


2,650 8. , 3,034 25 


3,179 45 


3,383 95 


1,970 00 


2,395 OO 


2.6.i0 00 


2,250 


m 


2,230 00 


2,115 00 


2,290 00 


2,.5O0 00 ' 3,910 00 


2,785 00 


1,8116 50 


423,703 IK) 


373,949 00 


438,430 00 


461,.372 



00 


561,153 00 


428.735 GO 


571,531 00 
360 34 


680.332 00 i 1,114,232 00 
2,331 98 1 2,141 22 


1.354,361 00 
3,468 63 


1,87S,653 00 
498 00 















886 80 


1.362 16 ! 122 58 


599 28 


8,T67 73 
















ti.312 


6,023 


5,175 


3.764 




4,733 


4,834 


6,188 


6,621 10,317 


11,104 


10,733 


7.114 


8,4.38 


8,M6 


6,835 




7,6.53 


7,128 


8,737 


6,523 10,883 


10,151 


12.699 


•as 


155 


143 


133 




277 


364 


173 


139 1 379 


.331 


637 


312 


284 


456 


514 




539 


701 


698 


1,6.35 1 2,612 


3,S80 


7.460 


39,C11 35-100 


4fi,575 76-100 


53,265 15-100 


53,650 




55.219 75-100 


50,734 88-100 


53,688 81-100 


49,780 93-100 47,8.19 57-100 


59.915 37-1:0 


64,103 83-100 


274 


293 


314 


330 




339 


»12 


:).30 


277 301 


313 


831 


38,988 


58,917 


58,381 


34,580 




31, .334 


30,185 


30,610 


33,42;i 94,375 


111,170 


71,424 



TIIF, P. II. & N. W. R. R. DKPOT. 

The building of tlio depot of the P. H. & N. W. R. R. Co. was begun August 20, 1S.S], 
under the superintendence of Jamt's O'Sullivan. The size of the building is 32x150 feet and 
two stories high with cupola. A fourteen-foot platform runs uU around it on the ground level, 
and a balcony sis and a half feet wide runs the full length on both sides at the second floor. 
The framework is very strong, surmounted by a truss roof secured with iron. The projection 
of the roof on each side is wide enough to shade the balcony, and is supported by strong 
brackets, sixty-sis in number. There are upward of one hundred windows, including a bay 
window from the roof down on the riverside. There are nineteen outside doors, nine of them 
double doors. The sides of the building are tightly sheeted with lumber; against this is felt 
paper lining, and then the siding. Inside the tinish is of lOierry and ash. On the lower Hoor 
are a ladies' waiting I'ooiu, a gentlemen's waiting room, and a dining room, each 22x31 feet 
in size: also eleven other roi^ms of various sizes, includintr ticket office, baggagre room, train dis- 
patcher's room and a kitchen. Above them are sixteen rooms, beside halls, all for the u.ses of 
the officers of the road. 

In the north end, a brick vault extends from the ground to the roof. It is 8xi<) feet in size, 
and has two one- foot walls all around, with an air space between them, making it certainly lire 
proof. The structure is heated by steam and lighted by gas made in the building. The boiler 
room is brick, l()x24 feet in size, with cement floor. The gas pipes are being put in now. The 
cupola is 8x10 feet in size, and rises from the roof twelve feet. The whole building rests 
firmly on spiles that were driven into the ground ten feet. The cost will reach $10,000. 

A short distance south of this building is the new freight house, 24x150 feet in size, 14 
foot posts. A platform extends all the way around it. and thtiro is an office fitted up in the 
north end. 

The Chicago & Grand Trunk depot is farther south. 

Till': IKON ISKIIIGK. 
One of the very important improvements made by the narrow-gauge company was the 
building of the neat-looking, strong, iron bridge near the mouth of Black River. The wood 
work was done by James Sullivan, for the comjiany, and the iron work by the Smith Bridge 
Company of Toledo. It rests upon spiles driven bj' Daniel Runnells. and has 144 feet of a 
span, besides about 250 feet of trestle work apj)roachos. 



5-I-2 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The iron bridge across Black River, thirteen miles above its mouth, is one of the largest 
pieces of bridge architecture in Michigan. Its construction is due to the enterprise of the P. 
H. & N. W. R. R. Company. 

The Military street and that known as Seventh street bridges, are both swing bridges, 
similar in construction to those in use at Chicago. 

TELEniONE EXCHAiNGE 

The first magnetic telephone line jjut in operation in Port Huron was that between the 
office of Fraser & Fish and the olfice of the Register of Deeds. About the same time a line was 
established connecting the residence of Mr. C. B. Peck, manager of the N. W. G. T., with his 
office, and with the office of the train dispatcher at the depot. McMoran & Co. also had an 
" acoustic " telephone line in oiieration between their mill at the mouth of Black River and 
their store in the Opera House Block, during the spring and summer of 1879. None of these 
lines were of public importance, and no general interest was awakened in the'subject 

In September, 1879, the manager of the Tinier! determined to make an effort to secure the 
establishment of an exchange in Port Huron, and after some correspondence with Mr. W. A.. 
Jackson, Manager of the Telephone and Telegraph Construction Company, of Detroit, which 
holds all telephone franchises for Michigan, seciu-ed the promise that Port Huron should be 
the next place in Michigan to have an exchange, if fifty subscribers could be obtained. The 
canvass for subscribers was commenced about a month later, and the project has been com- 
pletely successful. 

The system of telephone exchange is an enterprise that is destined to grow in importance 
and extent until every business house, scores and hundreds of ju-ivate houses, and every vil- 
lage and city in the State, if not in the whole country, are brought into immediate speaking con- 
nection with every other. The whole thing is so wonderful, so marvelous, so far, indeed, be- 
yond what any of us would have believed possible ten years ago, that it is difficult even now to 
realize it fully. And yet it is an established fact, and a fact that goes beyond a scientific won- 
der and becomes of the greatest practical utility. 

.SOCIIOTII-;.^. 

The schools and churches of the city are fine monuments to the educational and religious 
earnestness of the people. The •Congregational, Catholic, Methodist and Baptist Church 
edifices are substantially built after varied architectural designs. The Huron House, Opera 
House, and many of the business blocks display both enterprise and taste on the part of their 
builders. The homes of the principal citizens are marvels of refined architecture, while those 
of the citizens generally show good taste in building style as well as in the order of the 
grounds surrounding them. 

The secret and benevolent societies comprise the Commandery, K. T. ; Pine Grove Lodge 
and Port Huron Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Odd Fellows; Templars of Temperance; Diamond Tent, 
K. O. T. M. ; Integrity Lodge, K. of T. ; Temple Lodge, A. O. U. W. ; Hope Council, R. A. ; 
St. Patrick's Society, and Huron Lodge, A. P. A. The Literary Associations are the Ladies' 
Library, the Shakespearian, Lotos Club, and Literary or Debating Society. The military order 
is represented by a Company of State troops, known as the Port Huron Guards; the medical 
by the Society of Physicians and Surgeons: the law by the St. Clair Bar Association; the 
press by two daily papers and four weekly journals; trade, by a large number of enterprising 
merchants, and banking by three solid money houses. The religious and educational inter- 
ests are ably represented. 

THE I'OKT lU'RON' RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

The remarkable and conciliating dispatch exercised by the people of St. Clair County to 
relieve their northern neighbors during the terrible forest conflagration of 1881 cannot be 
overestimated. The moment the telegraph wires flashed the astounding news, the people of 
this county — the peojjle of the two cities in particular — went forward to the re.scue. A telegram, 
of which the following is a copy, was transmitted to Gov. Jerome, then at Marqiiette: 



HlSTOllV OF ;sT. CLAIH (JOUXTY. 523 

Sc'pU^mbrr 1'-!. ISSl. — To Gov. Dneid II. Jerome. Marquette,. Mieh.: Public opinion is iiuanimous that 
you should forthwith issuo a stronj; appeal to the whole countiy for aid to the rirr sutl'crers. A.i'ents are now 
in th(! burnt n^gions collecting; statistics as to the loss of life and property and needs of the people. One miU- 
ion dollars is required bj' nood judges to carry the sufferers through. We have thorouLddy organized for.sys- 
teniatic relief, and Port Huron can reaeli the cicstitiUe better and quicker than any other point. Don't delay. 

( I D. C'ONOICK, 

W L. B.\Ncn()KT. 

The executive al'-ility of the people had even then aceoniplished uiucli. An orgauizatiou 
■was a reality, and to this ory;anization is due the steady, well ordered relief which poured into 
the fire-striclcen country, ridding the calamity of half its horrors and rescuing the unfortu- 
nate settlors from the starvation which threatened them. 

This llelief Committee labored earnestly and well. All oflbrts were practical, and judicious, 
good men were employed, and thus the nol)le cause of charity was made still more noble by 
the manner in which it was observed. 

On the 27th of May, the Port Huron Executive Commiitee for llelief instructed their 
chairman to appoint a sjiecial committee of sis, three of whom should not be members of the 
Executive Committee, to examine its t^ooks and vouchers. This special committoe appointed a 
sub-committee, consisting of Rev. Sidney Beckwith, .Judge Nahum E. Thomas and Judge 
Edward W. Harris, to do the work. The report of the sub-committee was submitted by the 
special committee as their report to the Executive Committee, and w.as in substance as follows: 
" Our careful and extended examination satisfies us that every dollar received by the Relief 
Conunittee has been fairly and honestly accounted for." 

The cash subscriptions amounted to $!'.)(), :5'27. 98, and the value of goods donated was esti- 
mated at S'i()U.:527.S7, the aggregate of money and goods thus being S4()5,055.80. 

• THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

A meeting was held at the Presbyterian meeting house at Port Hiu'on, May S, 1<S40, to 
organize a Presbyterian or Congregational society. Rev. O. C. Thom])son. at that time labor- 
ing in the Gospel ministry throitghottt St. Clair. Macomb and Oakland, presided. The orig- 
inal applicants for membership were El gar Jenkins. .Mary Jenkins. Justin Rice, M. D.. Alici> 
L. Thompson, Gen. Duthoit Xorthrup, Pamelia Xorthruii, Ruth Rice, William Bair<l and 
Pamelia Rice. An adjourned meeting was held at the schoolhouso May 1"). IS-IO, when Eliza- 
beth Drum, Abigail Beebe, Margaret Martin and Ann Townsend applied for admission as 
members. A third meeting was held May Ki, 1840, when Lnciau Howe, Ruth Miller, Sarah 
Smith, Sarah R. F. Miller. Salome D. Clark and Julia Eleanor Scott were admitted to mem- 
bership. 

On May 15, Dr. .Justin Rice and Gen. D. Xorthruj) were elected Elders, and Dr. Rice, 
Deacon. On May J'i, (Jen. Xorthrup was (dected Clerk. 

Rev. O. C. Thompson says of this organization: "There was no church nearer than St. 
Clair at that time. 1 speak advisedly on this point. I say. positively, this was the first; and 
there was no other for more than a year after this." 

From 1840 to 1858, there was no installation of pastors. 

Rev. Orin C. Thompson, the first teacher and organizer, was also thi' first pastor. The 
congregation assembled regularly on the Sabbath, and, in addition to the charter members, 
the names of L. JI. Mason, Ira Porter and Dr. Xoble, Maj. (Gardner, Mrs. Gardner, Lieut, 
Drum. Sergt. Townsond, Sutler Jenkins, of the garrison at Fort Gratiot, with their wives, 
were regular attendants. In 1840, Mr. Thompson brought his family to Port Huron, and 
during the year held morning, afternoon, and sometimes evening services. .Vfter some time, 
the afternoon service at Port Huron was discontinued, owing to the fact that the pastor estab- 
lished a Sabbath service at AN'adham's Mill. Again, he jireached at Sarnia, and may be called 
the organizer of the Presbyterian Society at that point. 

During his labors at Port Huron, twenty-three tuembers were added to the congregation, 
seven were dismissed, and one died. Eighteen children were baptized by him from the begin- 
ning of his ministry here until its close, May 17, 1843. 

Rev. Peter Boughtou arrived in January 1, 1844, and continued his labors here until Oc- 



524 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

tober, 1850. During his administiatioD, thirty-fivo members united by letter, and seventeen 
on profession. 

Rev. J. H. Benton served the church froDi October, 1851, to October, 1853. During the 
two years of his ministry, fifteen members united by letter, and three on profession. 

Rev. William P. Wastell was pastor from October, 1853, to October 21, 1855. At that 
time, their house of worship was on Butler street. Thirteen members united by letter, or on 
profession. 

From the close of Mr. Wastell's ministry to December, 1856, the pulpit was tilled by Rev. 
Jesse Gurney, Rev. Newton, Rev. Charles Kellogg, Rev. Elkanah Whitney, Rev. L. B. Fitield 
and Rev. Mr. Cheever. 

Rev. Sylvan us M. Judson served the church from December, 1850. to December, 1857. 
After he left Port Huron, during the winter of 1857-58, the church was closed ; yet the Sunday 
school and prayev meetings were sustained. The church and society found a temporary home 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both societies shared in the revival meetings of that 
period. 

Rev. James S. Hoyt, D. D. . a graduate of Yale in 1851, and of the Union Theological 
SemiLary in 1858, was ordained at Stamford, Conn., May 25, 1858, and began his eighteen 
years' term of Gospel work at Port Huron June 1, same year. His engagement for this dis- 
trict WHS due to the fact that Dr. C. M. Stockwell wrote to an acquaintance at Binghampton, 
N. Y., regarding a suitable pastor for the church at this point. Inquiry reached Mr. Hoyt, 
together with a letter from the trustees at Port Huron, March 11, 1858. The student searched 
the map in vain for Port Huron, but succeeded in learning from a Michigaii student that the 
village was " somewhere north of Detroit, and one of ihe hardetft places in Michigan." Not 
deterred by this representation, he agreed to supply the jjulpit April 11 and 18. on condition 
that his expenses should be paid. The society acceded to this proposition, and Mr. Hoyt 
preached to the people on the days named. April 16, 1858, the society met. and voted that 
the church and society give him a call to supply the pulpit for one year in consideration of 
$800 salary. On April 2(5, this call was accepted by Mr. Hoyt, who at once returned to the 
seminary to graduate, graduated, married Miss Martha A. Osborn, ordained, and arrived at 
Port Huron, to assume the pastorate of the church, June 6, 1858. October 22, 1858, the soci- 
ety tendered him a unanimous call. This call was accepted December 8, 1858, and on the 
same day Mr. Hoyt vvas installed by the Council of the district chiu'ches then assembled at 
Port Huron. 

Rev. Mr. Hoyt tendered his resignation of the charge, January 2, 1876, to take effect May 
31, 1876, the closing day of his eighteen years of service. 

Rev. A. Hastings Ross entered on the duties of his office the day following the retirement 
of Dr. Hoyt. Mr. Ross is a native of Winchendon, Mass., a graduate of Oberlin, Ohio, 1857, 
and of Andover Theological Seminary, 1860, taking a full coui-se of study in each of these in- 
stitutions. 

He preached before the church, March 12 and 19, 1876. A call was extended to him 
March 31 , 1876, and on January 4, 1877, he was installed pastor by an Ecclesiastical Council 
convened for the purpose. Revs. Minor W. Fairfield, W. H. A. Claris, Waid I. Hunt and 
W. P. Russell participated in the ceremony of installation. 

The church may be said to be inaugurated at Port Huron in October, 1839, when the 
American Home Missionary Society sent agents into the village and neighborhood. Dming 
the ten years succeeding, that society expended $1,250 on this mission, to which must be 
added $300 subscribed for building a hall and enlarging the meeting house. July 29, 1853, 
the church adopted the present articles, except No. VI, setting aside the articles adopted at 
organization. 

The first Ladies" Sewing Circle in connection with the church was organized under Mrs. 
Bough ton in 1847 or 1848. 

The worship of praise was, fi'om the beginning, a volunteer choir, under the direction of 
Martin S. Gillett and Mrs. Elizabeth Gillett. 

The instrumental accompaniment was a boxwood flute, played by Dr. Noble. During his 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 525 

ab-sence, John Miller performed on a black flute with silver keys. Snbse(|nently, an accordion 
and a bass-viol were introduced, with Messrs. Forbes and David Bryce musicians. Watts' and 
Select Hymns were sun<^ from 1840 to 1843, when the Church Psalmist was substituted. All 
this old-time music has <^iven |)lace to a rej^ularly organized choir of talented musicians. 

The Congregational Sunday School was organized in (Jctobt^r, 1838. Meetings were held 
in a hall, which was destroyed by lire. The Sunday school, as now organized, has a useful 
library and rooms in the new church building. The gift of 275 books from Rev. Dr. Savage, 
Chicago, and of S3,(K)I) from the late Mrs. Sweetzer, aided much in improving the society. 

The Ecclesiastical society was organized March 21, 1843, under the title of The First 
Congregational Society of Port Huron. Gen D. Northrup, Amasa 15ottsford. Martin S. Gillett, 
E. B. Clark, John Miller, were elected Trustees. Newell Avery, John P. and Peter Sanborn 
presented a '2.031 pound bell to the society on the completion of the new church. 

The salary paid each pastor, in early times, was $500 to llev. O. C. Thom])son; $000 to 
Mr. Wastell the first year, and $700 the second; $800 to Rev. S, M. Judson. When it is re- 
membered that tlie County Judge received only $400, the County Clerk $2-")0, the County 
Treasurer, $500. and the Prosecuting Attorney $300, the salari(>s paid to these early pastors 
seem large. 

The church built in 1838 by Justin Rice. Alanson Shelley, and others. In 1844, Maj. 
Thorne offered a site for a ('ougregational Church, provided the society should locate it on the 
corner of Fort and Butler streets. The proposition was accepted, and the building moved to 
the southwest corner of the streets named. The church was lengthened, a belfry erected in 
1844. and the first church bell introduced into Port Huron placed therein. This was the house 
of worshi]) until December 25. 1859; when the congregation took possession of the brick 
church building. The Cirerman-English School Association pm'chased it and used it until 1870. 
Subsequently it was used for business jnu-poses until burned in 1878. 

In 1S5<), the site on which the Congregational Church building now stands was located, 
and ])nrchased Febr'^ary 14, 1857, at a time when that vicinity was minus any improvement. 
In A])ril, 1851), ground was broken for the building, and ou January 4, 1860, the building was 
dedicated. Regular worship began thenun on January 7. In 1868, a new roof was placed on 
the building, which was re-dedicated October 11 of that year. The edifice cost $18,500. The 
parsonage was built in 1865-67, at a cost of $5,000. 

Among the members of the congregation who served in the war of the Union were C. M. 
Stockwell, M. D., Surgeon Twenty-seventh Michigan Infantry; James Allen, Assistant Sur- 
geon: Edward C Avery, Third Michigan Infantry; Samuel B. Carl, Lieutenant Second and Sev- 
enth Michigan Cavalry; James Eckels, Seventh Michigan Cavalry (died in service April 28, 
1862): H. P. Holland. Third ^lichigan Infantry; John Sackett. Twenty-second Michigan In- 
fantiT (died December 30, 1862); Lieut. William Thompson, Third Michigan Infantry; Eben 
W. Beach, Seventh Michigan Cavalry; and Lieut. AN'illiam J. Mnlford, Third Michigan Cav- 
alry. 

The associations connected with the church ai-e floui'ishing. They are, the Ladies' Aid 
Society, the "Woman's Missionary Society, the Ecclesiastical Society, the Sunday school and the 
Choir. 

It is said that this church society is one of the best governed and most iufiuential in the 
State, 

The |>astors of the church since 1840 are named as follows: Rev. O. C. Thompson, 1840- 
43; Rev. Peter Boughton, 1844-50; Rev. J. H. Benton. 1851-53; Rev. AV. P. Wastell, 
1853-55; Rev, S. M. Judson, 185()-57; Rev. J. S. Hoyt, D. D.. 1858-70; Rev. A. H. Ross, 
1876-82. 

The Ruling Elders were Justin Rice, M, D., Gen. D. Northrup, Edwin Thompson. 

Deacons — Justin Rice. E. Thompson. Nelson George. D. Northrup, AV. R. Mulford, Allen 
Fish, Jr., Perlev Morse, Joel Whii>p.le, Enoch Carver, Christian G. Meisol and John McKeand. 

Clerks— Gen. D. Northi-up, M. S. Gillett, George Barrett, J. S. Hoyt, F. A. Fish, A. H. 
Fish, John McKeand. 

Treasm-ers— John IMiller. 1850; Allen Fish, 1858-82; Gottlieb C. Meisel and Dr. H. R. 
Mills. 



526 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

Leaders of the Choir — M. S. Gillett, Perley Morse and Nicholas Cawthorne. 

Society Clerks— Gen. Northrup, E. B. Clark, S. A. Jones, W. T. Mitchell, W. R. Mal- 
ford, AV. L. Bancroft, S. A. Jones, Edwin Thompson. John Miller. Laban Tucker, John John- 
ston and C. M. Stockwell. 

The Sunday School Superintendents were: AUanson Shelley, 1838; N. D. Hortou, 1839; 
Justin Rice, 1840; Nelson George, Eben W. Beach, Laban Tucker, Allen Fish, B. C. Farrand, 
1855-66 and 18G0 63; John Johnston, Perley Morse, F. A.. Fish, W. J. Mulford, George Bar- 
rett, Gottlieb C. Meisel. Justin R. Wastell, E. V. W. Brokaw and H. W. Chester. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 
The first meeting to organize the Baptist Society of Port Huron was held at the residence 
of John Lewis, December 5, 1859. Articles of association were signed, and John Lewis, John 
Howard, J. J. Scarritt, J. B. Hull and C. Ames were elected Trustees. Religious services were 
held from that time, but it was not until 1861 that steps were taken to ei'ect a house of worship. 
Not much was accomf)lished until 1862, when Rev. C. R. Nichols came to the city. Through 
his endeavors, a subscription of §2,309 was made, and he gave encouragement to the work by 
becoming the first pastor, the Ladies' Society becoming responsible for his salary, 1-550 for a 
year. Lots on Superior street, between Butler and Broad, were given to the society by Messrs. 
Lewis, Shelley and Ames, on which to build a church. M. E. Dodge became contractor to build 
the church for $2,600. but this did not include finishing or furnishing. 

A Sabbath school was organized, beginning with fourteen scholars, but rapidly increasing 
in numbers each Sunday. Church services and Sabbath school were held in the old Congrega- 
tional Church on Butler street, until December, 1802, when they moved into the basement 
rooms of their new house, which they occupied for one year. The audience room above was 
finished and carpeted in December 1863. 

Up to September, 1863, only a Baptist Society had been organized, so at this time the 
following named persons, who were baptized, met and organized themselves into a regular Bap- 
tist Church: 

Rev. C. R. Nichols, Pastor; F. E. Manley, Clerk; William H. Sanborn, James Gleasou. 
Michael Dove, Mrs. Nancy Howard, Mrs. P. E. Nichols, Mrs. Harriet Hubbard, Mrs. Sarah 
Ford, Iklrs. Sophronia L^wis. ]Mrs. Catharine Mclntyre, Mrs. Anna M. Manley, Miss Julia 
Wilson. Miss Margaret Gardner, Mihs Juliette Petit. 

On October 4. 1863. the church observed the ordinance of the Lord's Supper for the first 
time. The church being organized and the house of worship finished, a council of Baptist 
Chiu'ches was called, and the church recognized, and the house dedicated on the 8th of Decem- 
ber, 1863. 

Rev. A. E. Mather preached the sermon. The address to the church was delivered by Rev. 
J. C. Baker, of Romeo, and the " Right Hand of Fellowshi]i " extended by Rev. B. Curtiss, 
of Kalamazoo. 

The first baptism took place April 1. 1864, when Mrs. Henry Howard and Miss Sarah 
Howard were bm'ied beneath the baptismal wave. In May following, the pastor, Rev. C. R. 
Nichols, resigned, having acted as pastor, and completed the erection of the church edifice and 
rendered invaluable services which will never be forgotten. 

In 1864. abont the 1st of June, the Rev. J. Donnelly. Jr., was called, and accepted the 
pastorate at a salary of $750. At this time the church numbered twenty-nine members. 

From this day of small things the church has prosj^ered and increased in membership. In 
Septemljer. 1866, a bell was bought for $700. and in l868, a parsonage was purchased of E. M. 
Carrin"-ton for $4,000. The chm-ch edifice had also been enlarged and repaired, making the 
whole amount expended for church property to May, 1868, about $12,000. The membership 
at this time was about 150. Rev. J. Donnelly resigned his long and successful pastorate of 
nine years in 1873, leaving a membership of 186 and a Sabbath school numbering 206. 

The church had no regular pastor during the remainder of 1873, but the pulpit was sup- 
plied by various ministers of the denomination. During the last three months. Rev. John 
Matthews, of Detroit, supplied acceptably while the church was waiting for the arrival of Rev. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 527 

Alexander Macfarlane, who had accepted a call to be pastor. He entered upon the duties of 
the pastorate January 1, 1874, and a revival interest was immediately awakened uador his 
preachiuiT, and an increase of about sixty to the membership was obtained. Other additions 
were made each following year. The church was very pros[ieroas during his whole pastorate 
of three years, bajitism being administered to sixty-eight candidates, and thirty-nine received 
by, letter and on experience. 

Mr. Macfarlane. having received a call to the Hanson Place Baptist Church of Brooklyn, 
N. Y., resigned his pastorate here, to take effect December 31, 1876. His resignation was sor- 
rowfully accepted, and the church was once more without an under shepherd. 

After various candidates had supplied the pulpit, a call was extended to Rev. D. Bald- 
win, of Strathroy, Out., who entered on the ])astorate June 1, 1877. During J\L'. Baldwin's 
service, the church edifice was biirned. It was on Sunday. January 12, 1879, a sharp, cold day 
in midwinter, after the people had returned to their homes from morning service and Sunday 
school, and after aunouncements had been made that the coming week would be devoted to 
revival services, that the sharp clanging of the lire bells brought all to the fact that the Baptist 
Church was in flames, and was soon lying in a heap of blackened ruins. Since then, the 
chm-ch lias held its services in Red Ribbon Hall, until the resignation of its pastor, Februarv 
1, 1880. Ml-. Baldwin labored faithfully through many trying circumstances, and s(>verod his 
relation with the church with many expressions of regret from the members. 

Steps were taken to procure suitable lots, and apian for a new hrnise of worship was made. 
A committee was appointed, and after some delay the lots on the corner of "West Butler and 
Ontario streets were purchased for $1,500, of Dr. Hartsuff, of Detroit, and thi3 contract let 
to J. Spalding to construct a brick charch on the lots according to a plan agreed upon, for 
about ijf 11,000, some necessary changes, together with heating apparatus and furnishing, 
bringing the entire cost to about iil4,000. ■ 

Thursday, the luth of July, 1880,the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the new Baptist 
Church, on the corner of Butler and Ontario streets, was performed. About 250 people gath- 
ered to watch the ceremonies, and disposed themselves about the speaker's stand, which had 
been erected at the soutJieast corner of the edifice, and in the center of which the corner-stone, 
bearing the figures 1880, hung suspended. Th<> platform was occupied by the Revs. Alexander 
Macfarlane, H. S. White, T. W. Monteifch.A. H. Ross. Rev. Mr. Johnson, from Sarnia.the Rev. 
J. McDonald from Brigden, Ont., and the choir, for whose benefit a small organ had also been 
placed on the stand. The exercises were o[)eued with music l)y the choir, which was followed 
with prayer by the Rev. A. H. Ross, after which came the reading of the Scriptures l>y the 
Kev. Mr. Johnson, of Sarnia. .\nother selection was then nmderetl by the choir, at the con- 
clusion of which the Rev. Alexaiul(>r Macfarlane took the stand and delivered the address. 

Dr. A. A. Whitruiv t'uen read a list of the articles to be deposited in the corner-stone, 
which included a manual and list of membei-shi[) of the church, short histori(!s of the various 
societies connected therewith, a copy of the Sabbath School record, copies of the Daily Times 
and Journal, and some specimens of coin. These were put in a tin casket, .sealed, and placed 
in the excavation in the -stone covered by the corner stone, which was then placed in position 

The church is built in the English Gothic style of red brick, with liasement and giound 
floor, presenting an enduring and solid, as well as a handsome and truly proportioned exterior. 
(ieorg(i Wardell, cf Grand Rai)ids, was the architect. There are four entrances, the main one 
being at the southeast corner. The projection ;it this corniM- forms (he vestibule. The area of' 
the audience roum is 00x52 feet, with an inclined floor. The wood work is of oak and cheny, 
finely jiolished. A graceful arched alcove forms the choir, in front of which is the j)ulpit. On 
either side of the choir is an ante-room, connecting with smaller vestibules that compose the 
south and west entrances to the church. The baptistry is so arranged that two diagonal sec- 
tions of the choir floor and railing and the whole of the pulpit floor swing back on hinges, dis- 
closing steps leading down from the ant"-rooms to the zinc-lined basin. Rijies for conducting 
hot and cold water to the basin havt' been placed. The ingrain carpeting, of which UM) yards 
were used, was purchased of G. R. Shatto. The room contains 3(')5 comfortable chairs, with 
iron frames and maroon i>lush upholstery. They were fiu-nished by A. H. Andrews, Chicago. 



528 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The windows present silent sermons, in their symbolical flowers and designs, and glowing 
poems are revealed in their harmonious forms and colors. Few external objects could have a 
tendency to develop veneration and sj^irituality more fully than this appeal to the ;esthetic 
perception — sunlight streaming through stained glass, tilling the room with a soft radiance, 
and here and there visible patches of rainbows. The most matter-of-fact could not fail to be 
impressed by the wondrous efieets of these blending, shifting colors in a place of divine wor- 
ship. The large south window, presented by the Young People's Society, represents at the top 
a dove, a lily and a sheaf. The east window was presented by Messrs. Albert Dixon and S. L. 
Boyce. This is covered over with conventional designs of typical flowers and emblems. The 
long, narrow window back of the choir is a delightful place to rest the eyes; not that the others 
are tiresome, but because the varied tints of green, and the semi-transparencies, remind one of 
green pastures and living waters. The glass came from the Arm of Frederiech & Staffen, De- 
troit The buttresses are gracefully formed to sujDport the vaulted ceiling, all of which await 
frescoing at some future time. The chandelier, from Mitchell, Vance & Co , New York, has thirty- 
six gas jets in a circle and an opal glass reflector. Three large arched doors on the north side, 
sliding upward, disclose the lecture rooms, 47x28 feet, neatly furnished with matting, plain 
chairs and the belongings of the Sunday school. The numerous windows here are also very 
tasty. To the east side of this is the infant room, 22x16 feet, connected by large sliding win- 
dows. It is pleasant to observe that, m the new ai'rangement, the little ones have been remem- 
bered with new chairs suited to their size. In the basement is an airy kitchen, with the neces- 
sary furnitui'e, and back of this the furnace which heats the last two upper rooms described. A 
boiler has been ordered, to heat the audience room by steam. A dumb waiter works between 
the kitchen and upper story, as a convenience for chui'ch socials and festivals. The infant 
and Sunday schoolrooms open into a hall, through which is the east entrance from the street. 
From this hall, a noiseless double door on reversible hinges connects with the main part of the 
church. It is a noticeable fact, that throughout the church there is no attempt at superfluous 
ornamentation; there is a happy combination of beauty. 

^- J The dedicatory service was opened May 21. 1882, by the choir singing "Praise God, from whom 
all blessings flow," followed by a prayer by the pastor and the reading of a psalm, singing of an 
anthem by the choir, a Scripture lesson by Rev. John Donnelly, of Coldwater, and a prayer by 
Rev. D. Baldwin, of Mason. The choir and congregation then sang the hymn. " In the cross 
of Christ I glory," after which Rev. L. Kirtlej', of Jackson, jireached an excellent sermon: his 
text being a portion of the twenty-first verse of the first chapter of the first epistle to the Cor- 
inthians — " It pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believed." A 
quartette was then sung, and the pastor announced that one of the practical parts of the serv- 
ice and been reached — the raising of money. Mr. Harris then read the following financial 
statement, after which contributions were received: 

EXPENDITURES. 

Site I 1,050 

Buildina- 16,619 

Furnishings 4,495 

Total $23,664 

RECEIPTS. 

Insurance on old building I 4,000 

Land sales 1,140 

Subscriptions 7,814 

Mortgage 5.000 

Note 600 

Total $18,554 

Balance $ 4, 110 

AMOUNT OF INDEBTEDNESS. 

Mortgage . . . '. $ 5,000 

Note 600 

Floating 4,110 

Total $ 9,710 







^"^'^'■^'im 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 529 

Thp congregation responiled libei'cally, and in a sliort time $3,800 was contributed. The 
dedicatory jirayer was also to have been made at this service, but owing to the late hour it was 
deferred until the evening. The service concluded by the choir singing one verse of the hymn 
■'Coronation," and the jironouncing of the benediction. 

The afternoon service commenced at 3 o'clock by the choir singing an anthem. Rev. J. 
Grinnell, Jr., of Detroit, then read a psalm. Rev. L. Kirtley, of Jackson, ofi'ered a prayer, and 
the choir and congregation sung "Guide me, O Thou Cireat Jehovah." Rev. John Donnelly, of 
Coldwater. then delivered an address. He was pastor of the Baptist Church for nine years 
and four months. He preached his first sermon in the old church eighteen years ago next Sun- 
day. When he first came here, in lSr34, the membershi)) of the church numbered 26 persons, 
18 being women. The first winter, nine or ten converts were received, and during his pastor- 
ate about '200 were added. The sjieaker refen-ed to the nol)le women who heli)i>d to ))ear the 
burdens of the church, and credited them with being the foundation stones. The five trustees 
who were then in ollice also rec(nved much praise. They labored under the most adverse cir- 
cumstances, but always met the church's obligations in good spirit. All the work done in the old 
church would not be known until the resurrection morn. Rev. D. Baldwin, of IMason, also 
made a brief address. He was pastor here when the old chvu-ch was burned, and well remem- 
bered the 12th of January, ISTO. the Sunday the church was laid in ruins. It was at a 
time when Port Huron's business men were passing through one of the darkest liuiincial peri- 
ods that they ever experienced. ^ AVhen the church was destroyed, the congregation were re- 
joicing in a revival season, and their joys were mingled with sadness when they found they 
were without a house of worship, l)ut they soon regained their faith and resolveil u])on doing 
more work. Remarks were also made by Rev. T. W. Monteith and Rev. Thomas Stalker and 
Rev. Mr. McAaron, of Brock way. A quartette was then sung, after which subscriptions to the 
amount of S200 were received. The services closed by the congregation singing, " O, could I 
speak Thy matchless Word," and a prayer. 

The evening service was prol)ably the most interesting, as it clu-onicled the raising of the 
balance of the $-3,000. The service commenced liy the choir singing an anthem followed by 
the reading of a Scri]iture lesson by Rev. A. H. Ross, a prayer by Rev. T. W. Monteith, and 
the singing of the hymn. "Bow Thine Ear, Thou Eternal One." Ilev. Z. Griuell, Jr., of De- 
troit, then delivered a fine discourse, his text being the fourth verse of the twenty-seventh 
Psalm. Rev. Mr. Harris then announced that there remained only §1,500 to be raised, and, 
as already stated, the amount was soon secured. The dedicatory prayer was then made by Rev. 
John Donnelly, it being a fervent plea that the church would be accepti.'d by God. and that 
He would i)0ur down untold bles^ings upon the pastor and congregation. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
As early as 1780 we can find traces of Catholic missionaries who visited the t>tchipwes of 
the Sinclair River in the neighborhood of Black River. Over a century before ITSC), about 
1670-71. the two Sulpitians — Dollier and Galirice -visited the Indian villages along the river, 
and ai'e supposed to have made a stay at the CJhamplaiu mission at the head of the River St. 
Clair, opposite Fort Gratiot. From this period until 17S0, little is known of the Catholic 
Chm-ch of St. Clair. The father of the late Nelson Roberts, who passed this way about the 
year 17S6 en route to Red River, reported on his return to Montreal, that he had seen a priest 
with the Indians at Black River. After the war of 1812. the visits of the missionar}- fathers 
to this district became more regular. In 1817, about twelve Catholic families moved north- 
ward from Swan Creek and located along the north bank of Black Rivei*. A reference to the 
chapter on French Settieuieut, or to the assessment roll of the county in 1821, will show the 
names of these early imuugrants. Rev. Father Badiu visited the settlement that year, when 
the mass was celebrated at the house of of Louis Tremble. In 1820, the Rev. Besrinquet ar- 
rived from Quebec, and the same year erected a little church on Walpolo Island (Isle du Sud). 
This priest visited the Black River mission in 1820 or 1821, when he made a stay at Louis 
Tremble's house; celebrated the services of the church, baptized chi Idren, and performed a few 
marriage ceremonies. This priest left for Lake Superior, where he became a great Indian 
missionarv. 34 



530 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Rev. Father Sagelle came in 1825, and made regular visits to the mission stations at la 
Reviere aux Pins (St. Clair City); la Belle Reviere (Marine City); la Reviere aus Cigues (New 
Baltimore), making his home at the honse of Louis Tremble. Rev. Gabriel Richard visited all 
these missionary stations before the coming of Father yagelle. 

Rev. Andrew Vizoiski, subsequently the venerable pastor of Grand Rapids, was a]ipointed 
missionary to St. Clair in 1833. With the aid of the United States soldiers at Fort Gratiot, 
and the Catholics of the county, he built a log church in Cottrellville Township, two miles be- 
low Marine City; but the building and the ground on which it stood were washed away by the 
waters of the St. Clair. The jDarish registers, now in the archives of the St. Clair Cliurch, 
bear testimony to his frequent visits tu this portion of Michigan. 

Rev. Frederic Baraga came to Cottrellville toward the close of 1834, with the intention of 
making St. Clair County his home, but finding the mission too limited for his apostolic zeal, he 
moved to Lake Superior in 1836, where he labored for many years, and where he was conse- 
crated Bishop of Sault de Ste. Marie in 1853. 

From 1836 to 1850, the priests who visited the missions of St. Clair were Revs. Bauwen, 
Scalamon, Van Campenhout, Kendekins, and Van Rentreghan. Rev. Lawrence Kilroy, for- 
merly assistant priest at Grand Rapids, was appointed first resident pastor by Bishoj^ Lefevre 
in 1850. He made his home at Vicksburg or Marysville, where he lived three years in the 
home of James Fisher. He visited Port Huron, St. Clair, Marine City, and the country mis- 
sions, and must be considered the organizer of the various Catholic congregations now existing 
in the county. In 1853, he completed the frame church at Marine City, in 1853 he built the 
frame house of worship at St. Clair, and made the village his home until 1857, when he came 
to reside at Port Huron. Here he purchased the old Methodist Church for $300, which was 
used as a Catholic Church until l8i)S. when the present church building was dedicated. This 
building was on the angle formed by Water street and Lapeer avenue. He erected church 
buildings in Columbus. Burchville, and Kenockee, and in 1867 was assigned the missions of 
Columbus and KeLockee, which he now administers. Rev. Lawrence Kilroy was born at 
Tisarm, Ireland, in 1815. He arrived at Detroit in 1834, and received minor orders from 
Bishop Raser, in 1839. He was ordained priest by Bishop Lafevre March 26, 1842, and was 
appointed pastor of Trinity Church, Detroit. He was assistant pastor of St. Andrew's Parish, 
Grand Rapids, from December 23. 1847, to January, 1850, when he entered upon the labors 
of his ministry in St. Clair County. 

Rev. John Reichenbach .was born at Connor's Creek, Detroit, in 1840, was ordered to Ma- 
lines, Belgium, December 23, 1865; and the following year was appointed pastor of the church 
at St. Clair. 

Rev. Edward E. Van Lauwe was born at Ghent, Belgium. October 13, 1836; studied at St. 
Barbe, at the American college of Louvain, under Rev. P. Kindekins, and at the University 
of Louvain. He was ordained July 26, 1862, came to Detroit the same year, and six years 
later was appointed pastor of Port Huron. 

The corner-stone of St. Stephen's Church, of Port Huron, was laid by Rev. Lawrence Kil- 
roy in 1865, and the foundations completed by him the same year. A'v'ork on the building 
ceased until May 1, 1868, when Rev Edward Van Lauwe, placed the first brick on the foun- 
dation walls. On November 22. 1808, the last brick was i^laced, and within a month the build- 
ing was dedicated (December 17, 1868), under the patronage of St. Stei-ihen, the first Martyr. 
The building is plain Gothic, of red brick with green stone facings; IIU feet in length, 57 in 
width, and -iO feet in height from floor to ceiling. The central tower is completed; but the 
spire designed to surmount this tower, and bring its altitude to 150 feet, has not yet been un- 
dertaken. The entire cost of this chm'ch edifice is estimated at S30,000. 

The parsonage was built under direction of Rev Edward Van Lauwe in 1869-70 at a cost 
of $4,400. 

The school building of St. Stephen's was commenced October 2, 1879. a sketch of which is 
given in the school history of Port Hmon. 

The Catholic congregations of this county, in 1875, numbered as follows: Port Huron, 
1,800; St. Clair. 1,200; Marine City, 1,000; Kenockee and Columbus, 1,500; Burtchville, 100, and 
Marysville, 150. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 531 

GKACIi ICl'ISCOP.'VL CHUaOH. 

This ehnroh \v;is ori;-anizoi.l in 1840, by Rev. Charles Reighley. D. D. The tirst church 
edifice was enwted iu lISi54. Rev. Sabin Hough came in 1S4'.2; Rev. Oharlos Reighley returued 
in 1843; Rev. P. D. Spalding came in 1845; Rev. George B. Englti in 1850; Rev. Jo.-^eph Phelps 
in 1859; Rev. H. Banwell in 18G1; Rev.William Stovee, in 1865; Rev. A. M. Lewis. In 187'J, 
Rev. Sidney Beckwith, the present pastor, took charge. H. L. Stevens and F. L. Wells, War- 
dens; Albert E. Stevenson, Lay Reader. Number of communicants, '220. The following re- 
port to the convention in 1882 shows the condition of the church and society. 

Biiptizcd— Iiifuiils 17 

Adults 3 

Tnt:ll ■>!> 

Coiitirnied 1.") 

Comiiuuiic:iiit.-> — Last rc|i()rtcd ".id.") 

Admitted in tlie parish 15 

Ht'cuivt'd frum olhcr parislics i:! 

Total added :JS 

Died 3 

ReiiKivcd from the parish 10 

Total lost 13 

Present number '^30 

iNIarringes 15 

Rurials 1(1 

Pidilie services — Sundays 1(17 

Holy days 7 

Other d;iys 50 

Total 11)1 

Ilidy communion — .Sundays 17 

Holy days 4 

Private 4 

Total ■ 25. 

Consre.n'ation — Families 175 

Individuals not included in fanulies 15 

Sunday School — Teachers and otlieers 31 

Scholars 300 

Sunday School Library, vcdumcs 400 

PAUOnllAL OHG.VNIZATIOXS— CUIKCn All) SOCIETY — IlKI.riNG HAND SOCIETY. 

Communion alms not otherwise reported $ 5T 00 

Rector's salary 1, 100 oo 

:\Iusic 330 00 

Other current expen.ses 300 00 

Rectory or improvement thereon (iO 00 

Indebtedness on church property 411 87 

Total for ])arochial pur|)oses $ 2,0.58 87 

Diocesan missions 65 00 

Ccmvention assessment 43 00 

Christmas fuml 13 00 

Church building in the Diocese 35 (K) 

Relief of sulTerers by fire 500 00 

Total for Diocesan purposes $ 044 00 

Domestic missions 16 00 

Foreign missions 15 00 

Mission to the .lews ■ 3 81 

Total for general purposes 34 81 

By the Sunday school for its own pin-poses 196 00 

Total of eoutributiotis and otTerings | 3,933 68 



532 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 

Sources of above — Offertory fi94 31 

Pew rents ." 1, 108 97 

Subscriptions, gifts, pledges, etc 935 40 

From jiarocliial societies 135 00 

Value of cluirch property — Chapel 4.000 00 

Church lot 2.500 00 

Rectory and lot 3,500 00 

Total value of property $10,000 00 

Salary pledged to the Rector, $1,100. Number of sittings in the church. 250 — rented. 
Indebtedness — On church property, $500. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The following historical notice of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Huron was 
written the day after the destruction of the building in Jiily, 1879. Since that time the church 
edifice has been rebuilt and restored. It forms one of the finest houses of worship in Michigan, 
and is, beyond all doubt, a true testimonial to the earnestness of the Methodists of Port. 
Huron. 

The first Methodist society of Port Huron was organized in 1830, but discontinued or 
disbanded after a short time. In 1884, a society of nineteen members was formed, which 
gradually increased until 1844, when a chtirch building was erected, " The building," says 
the chronicler, " became insufiScient for the accommodation of the rapidly increasing congrega- 
tion, and it was sold to the Catholics, and a new church commenced on Sixth street, near 
Water. In the course of time, the Catholic society sold the property, and it still stands on 
the angle between Lapeer avenue and Water street, and is at present used as a saloon. In 
1851, the Sixth street btiilding was so far completed that the basement could be used by the 
congregation, and it was not iintil some five years later that the audience room was formally 
dedicated. Many 'reminiscences are still related by the older members of the church of the 
efforts put forth to secure this building, and of the sacrifices made by some of its friends to 
pay their subscriptions. This building still stands, in a good state of preservation, is used as 
a temperance hall and reading room, and is the property of Mr. George Fish. 

" For several years previous to 1871, there was a growing feeling among the membership 
that their church accommodations were not such as were demanded by the large congregation, 
and at a meeting of the officers of the church, held February 27, 1871, the pastor, Rev. F. A. 
Bourns, was asked to call a general meetmg of the church to consider the stibject. Such a 
meeting was held March 6, and was unanimous in favor of commencing the erection of a new 
church. Accordingly, the lot on which the ruined church now lies, together with the house ad- 
joining, was purchased, for which the society paid $5,800. The house being suitable for a 
parsonage, it was used for that parpose, and the old one, on the corner of Eighth and Cottrt 
streets, was sold. Under the superintendence of the late Henry Fish and other church oflScers, 
a sub.scription was started, and was responded to most generously by members of the congrega- 
tion, as well as by citizens generally, and before long a sufficient amount vvas subscribed to 
warrant the commencement of the building. The foundation was put down, and arrangements 
made to proceed with the work, the expectation being to complete the church within two years. 
In May, 1875, the building was up, the basement finished, and it was dedicated by the late 
Bishop E. R. Amos. Rev. J. S. Smart, now of Bay City, was pastor at that time. Nothing 
further toward the completion of the church has been done since. The chtirch edifice was of 
Gothic architecture, and was one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind in the State. The 
front of the building was particularly admired for its symmetry and beautiful finish. The roof 
andffinely proportioned spire were covered with slate of different colors, which added very mtich 
to its appearance when viewed from a distance. The exterior of the church was finished. The 
windows were in, the floors laid, and the audience room and vestibule were ready for plaster- 
ing. The basement, as we have intimated, was well finished and nicely furnished, and has 
been occupied for over four years. 

" The cost of the mined chiu-ch. exclusive of the groiind on which it stands, was §32,000. 
This includes a very fine bell, weighing 4,000 pounds, which still hangs securely in the tower. 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 533 

'Unfortunately for the society, when the hard times came on they were in debt to the amount 
of §14,000. Aboiat this time, when the pressure began to be severely felt, and thousands of 
business houses and corporations all over the country were failing, the society suffered the 
loss of its linancial leader, Hon. Henry Fish. Several of the more wealthy members suffered 
very severe financial reverses, and others have removed from the city, so that the ability to bear 
this burdensome debt was very much lessened. At different times, within the ])ast two or throe 
years, the society ha-- been in rdmost utter despair, the saving of their beautiful church seem- 
ing an impossibility. At the annual conference, held in Sejjtember, 1878. Rev. M'illiaiu Fox 
was appointed as the financial pgent of the church, and at once undertook the task of i-aising 
the $14,000 of debt. During 1879 he was industriously engaged in soliciting subsci'iptions, 
both in the city and throughout the eastern part of the State. By an almost superhuman effort, 
$8,000 were subscribed. .4.bout half of this sum was collected, so that the present imlebtediiess 
of the society on the ruined church, counting in uncollected subscriptions, is about §8.(^00. 
We learn that the membership of the church is so prostrated financially, that they are actually 
not able to pay the current expenses and the interest on the debt. Thus it will be seen that 
the Methodist Church of Port Huron is utterly paralyzed under its tiuancial burdens, and now, 
since this new disaster has come upon them, they are, of coiu'se, financially ruined. It will 
cost fully iSlO.OOO to put the building into its former shape." 

Some time previous to 1877. an old settler, whose initials sjjeak a well-known name in 
the history of this county, saw a sketch of the Methodist Episcopal ("hurch Society in one of 
the city jiapers, to which he refers as follows: 

To t lie Eilitor : Sir. — bi your hist Sunday's issue, coiitainiu.i;- an arcouni of llic buililin.n of Ihc First 
Metliodist Clnu'cli in St. Clair ('o\inty. you state tliat tliere were Init f(uu' persons on the subscription list now 
living, in wliieli y(ni are mistaken. W. K. Gowlini;-, of Clyde, and Mr. llopUius. of St. Clair, should be in- 
cluded. The writer of this knew a hirse proportion of the subscribers, and the list extends from the lowest 
settlements on St. Clair I'iver to .lolin 11. Westl.'rook's mills at the upiier setllenienls on Black Uiver and Mill 
Creek, now the village of Kul>y. and represents iiearl}' all the Proti'stants of St. Clair County, there beiui; 
about an eijual number of Freneh Catholics, and ll)e two together comprised about the entire pojiulatioii. 
The amount of sub.seriplions and the mode of payment is pretty good evidence of the state, of finances at 
that lime. The cider, whi.sky ami rum so generously paid in aid of its construelion, would doubtless have 
been classed under the lu^ad of "sundries" by a less sitieere and truth loving man than .lohn K. Smith, who 
always called things by their proper names. 

NVhat would oiu- croakers of the hard limes say now at getting out lumber at $(1, and shingles at |1 a 
thousand '.' llow would our |;j(i,()l)(l churches, our |2,(1(I0 ministers, our lady altendants, dressed in a ward- 
robe for the occasion costing more than the whole church building at Point Ducliiene. have managed their 
matters in those primitive days, and now calling the present lirrible Imrd liiiicx' D^B. II. 

'• As has been stated, a new edifice has taken the j)lace of that destroyed by the storm. 
Under the administration of Ilev. Thomas Stalker, this society has made remarkable ad- 
vances.'' 

(vriiEi! rnuHciiKS. 

The United Presbyterian Church of Port Huron is situated at the corner of Broad and 
Michigan streets. The organization of this society is r(>ferred to in the general history. 
Rev. Thonuis W. Jlouteith. pastor. 

Ths Ciermtm Lutheran Church and School, situate on Tenth and (Iriswold streets, of 
which the Rev. R, Lauritzen is pastor, claims a small mtuiibership. The school is denomi- 
national. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Port Huron, with a house of worship on the 
corner of Seventh and Pine streets, is one of the leading religious organizations of the city. 
The building is frame, with tower and spire. Rev. C. Bolinger is th<> ])astor. 

S(;ho()1.s. 
The country schools throughout the West fifty years ago. whether considering the build- 
ings, teachers or regulations, weri- generally of a character that would be denominated exceed- 
ingly primitive. ThebuiKlings were usually sorry apologies for a modern tenement, or a room 
l"2sl4. in some incomplete residence. The seats were slaljs of puueheons elevated at a distance 
from the Hoor suggestive of dangerous possibilities to small scholars, who were required to sit 
thereon, however painfirl the experience. The teacher was ordinarily a man of fact, who regard 



534 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COl^'TY. 

ed all else but his duties as fiction unworthy of his condescension. As a rule, he occupied an 
old-fashioned arm-chair about the center of the room, adjoining a small round table, which sup- 
ported, in addition to the test-books comprisiag his limited course, a birch rod of tried strength, 
length, bre^adth and thickness, as the pupils ofttimes had sensible evidence. With these sur- 
roundings, that would, in this day of superior educational facilities, be regarded as discom- 
forts not to be endiu'ed. scholars were taught the alphabet, their ''abs." reading sentences, con- 
taining words of two syllables only, and many other incidents ])ejuliar to school life which, in 
that age. inspii-ed the intellectual, but to-day ]>rovoke the mirthfal and cause mental inquiries 
if such things cuuld be. But recurrence to those days often engages the reflections of pioneers, 
who see no compensation in the labor-saving apparatus employed to aid the ambitious youth in 
his ascent of the hill of knowledge. 

Gibbon relates th'it. during a cruel perseBtition at Ephesus, seven noble youths concealed 
themselves in a cave, when they fell into a sleep which was miraculously prolonged for a hun 
dred years. On awakening they found everything so changed, to conform to the advanced age, 
that they burst into tears and prayed Grod that they might be permitted to return to their 
slumbers again. Such are the feelings of many who were scholars half a ceutnry ago. regard- 
ing with feelings of indignation the neglected facilities of the present, "'when fond 7nemory 
brings the light of other days about them." The school teachers of fifty years ago were ear- 
nest in their efforts, and the advanced state of education dui'ing these r.he final decades of the 
nineteenth century are. in a great measure, the result of their labors. The pupil of those 
times, too. was a character of the day beyond comp.arison or earicatare. He usually appeared 
at school prompt to the minute, barefoot in summer, his trowsers of home manufacture kept in 
place by a couple of pieces of ticking, to which he appropriated the term "'gallusses," and his head 
protected from the penetrating rays of the summer's siin by a chip hat. or cap deftly fashioned 
by a mother's or a sister's hands. Thus embellished, the young man of promise came early, 
and from his advent upon the scene to his exit therefrom joined constant issue with the teacher 
with such requests as "Lemme speak to sis," "Lemme go out," ''Lemme ha' a drink," etc .etc., 
until the expiration of the day's term, when he is permitted to go home, where, after the chores 
are done, he slips oif his trowsers, hangs them on lais bed post by the "galluses " and, soon rev- 
eling in the dim land of dreams, becomes forgetful of the trials that will be born again with 
the morrow. Among the early settlers there were many men of unusual ability; not men of ex- 
tensive education, but men who made their marks upon the times, and, had they received the 
advantages of early training, would have proved themselves giants in intellectual and moral 
forces. Even with the few advantages which the "Western schools of the past age afl'orded. 
there were men went forth from them who did prove equal to all and every emergency which 
private or public life called upon them to meet. The first American settlers were earnest in 
everything. They said, "'We are going to make the utmost of the capabilities of this spot," and 
they did. First they said, "'In process of time, all over this beautiful eoimtrv will be scattered 
■educational institutions of a high order: the needs of an intelligent people will demand them. 
What is to hinder us from building a village on this slope which overlooks one of the most 
lovely landscapes in the world? Nothing is to hinder: let us do it." And it was done. At 
that time there were a few houses and shanties in the little hamlet of Black Kiver, and the 
commencement of anything so portentous as a schoolhouse in so small a community without a 
penny of foreign aid would have seemed preposterous to the average mind, but it was done nev- 
ertheless, and there stands the schools of the city to-day the chief supporting pillars of the fut- 
ure. Considering all the circumstances — the times, the poverty of the district, the sparseness 
of the population, the infinitesimal size of the village — the erection of the first school building 
was a great achievement. It is safe to say that only a few persons or families subscribed four 
fifths of all the money it cost. True they reckoned that this money or some of it would come 
back to them in after times; and it did. 

Thy children of the Canadian French were taught by young men employed in the Black 
Kiver steam mill. Even in 1821, a missionary school was started at Fort Gratiot by John S. 
Hudson, John Hart, their wives, and a Miss Osmer. This Indian school contimied in opera- 
tion three vears. when the teaehei-s moved to Mackinac, together with thirtv or forty of their 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. oSo 

dusky pupils. In that old school. Edward Petit and other children of the French settlers re- 
ceived their lii-st lessons. Instead of slates, the scholars used small boxes of sand, on which the 
pupils wrote with pointed sticks. 

The first schoolhouse was built in 1S83 near the corner of Broad and Superior streets, in 
rear of the pre.sent Hudson House. It was a ■24x2(5 foot building, eight and one half feet from 
floor to ceiling. This concern was subsequently known as the Old Brown Schoolhouse. not 
that it was painted brown but turned that color under atmospheric influences. From 1833 to 
1S42. this was the schoolhouse of Port Huron. In 1842, a new schoolhouse was built in the park 
south of Black River. In 1849, the union school building was completed. Ten years later, 
the Park Schoolhouse was destroyed by fire. The city of to-day supports five public schools, all 
well administered. The schools of St. Stephen's Parish, in connection with the Catholic 
Church, form a remai-kable monument to the earnestness of the congregation. 

In July. 1852, a select school was formed by ilr. Magee. The following is the advertise- 
ment: "The subscriber begs leave to inform the inhabitants of Port Hui'on. of his immediate 
intention of commencing a Select Mathematical and Classical School in this place. Those 
wishful to favor the above school, will please call at the Rev. 'Sir. Benton's residence, or at the 
stores of -Messrs. Gillet. Dowling. and Beach, and leave the names of those whom they wish to 
have instructed. His terms will be reasonable, and he pledges himself, as a teacher, to be 
swayed by impartiality, devotedness to the interests of his pupils, and the bro.adest Christian 
charity. Geokge Magee. 

"Port Huron-. July 17. 1852." 

The German -English School was conducted by C. F. Diehl, in 1863. The schoolroom was 
in the basement of the old Brockway House, on West Butler street, near the Baptist Church. 

Sf. Stephen's School. — The elegant school building known as St. .Stephen's was erected in 
18~'.l-S0 by Rev. E. Tan Lauwe. This structure was begun October 2. 1S79. and the house 
finished the following yeai\ The building of the schoolhouse was carried out successfully, 
owing to the liberal spirit in which the congregation and men of other religious denominations 
contributed moneys, as well as to the well-directed energy of the pastor. The schools were 
opened in ISSO with the Sisters of Providence in chai-ge. The number of pupils in attendance 
at the opening in September. ISSO, was 279. 

The Convent School of the Sisters of Providence was established at Port Huron in 1S79. 
The design of this institution is to accommodate parents desiring to have their daughters enjoy 
all the advantages necessary for ac<iuiring a thorough and polite English education in conuec- 
tion with a knowledge of the fine arts, music, painting, and other branches. The method of 
instruction followed embraces all that goes to form the character of an amiable, useful and ac- 
complished woman. It is the aim of the Sisters to train the hearts of their pupils to the love 
and practice of virtue, while cultivating their minds and endowing their manners with dignity, 
simplicity and grace. The government is mild, yet sufficiently vigilant and energetic to secure 
perfect order. The sole object of the regulations of the house being the welfare of the pupils, 
they are induced to comply with them rather from a sense of duty than through fear of pun- 
ishment. They are made to understand that iheir own improvement and happiness are ulti- 
mately connected with the careful observance of discipline. A tender vigilance is exercised 
over the hearts of the pupils: when one is taken sick, a jihysieian is called in time, and infor- 
mation is given to the parents, who are at liberty to withdraw her. If they leave her in the 
institution, she receives every attention that kindne.ss can suggest. 

The scholastic year consists of four terms, each comprising a parioi of eleven weeks. 
The first term commences on the first Monday in September. 

Tuition in all the English branches, board, bedding, useful and ornamental needle work 
with the use of patterns, use of library, clothes of pupils marked for them, are ofi'ered at 
$35.7.r> per term of eleven weeks, while the following branches of higher education are faith- 
fully taught for an extra charge : French, German, drawing and painting in water colors, 
oil painting, with use of patterns, piano, organ, or guitar lessons, vocal music, private les- 
sons, use of instruments for practice. 



536 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

L.A.DIES' LlliRARY AS.SOCIATION. 
The Ladies' Library Association of Port Huron, Mich. . was founded in 18(56, and the 
following historical sketch of the association was prepared and read by Mi's. B. C. Farrand at 
the decennial celebration of the society held January 6, 1876. 

The first consultation with refei'ence to the organizstion was held by Mrs. A. B. Comstock, 
Mrs. A. H. Wright and Mrs. B. C. Fan-and, who decided to invite the ladies of the Soldiers' 
Aid Society — then about to disband — with other ladies who were thought to be favorable to 
such a project, to meet and discuss the matter. Such meeting was held in December, 1865, in 
the small room of the basement of the old Methodist Church. The Soldiers' Aid Society at 
that time disbanded, and donated their stores and clothing to worthy families of soldiers, and 
their other effects, including some odd buttons and buckles and a cupboard, to the new organ- 
ization, if such should be formed. At this meeting, Mrs. Henry Fish being Chairman, it was 
decided to organize a society for the mental improvement of its members, and the formation of 
a library. This first meeting resulted in an organization, with an object exactly defined, a 
name, "The Ladies' Library Association, of Port Huron." and the possession of a cupboard 
for a library case. 

A meeting was called, through the papers, inviting all ladies friendly to the object, to 
meet on January 5, 1866. At the appointed time, fourteen ladies were present: Mrs. A. J. 
Bigelow, Mrs. H. C. Buffington, Mrs. Barr, Mrs. A. B. Comstock, Mrs. B. C. Farrand, Mrs. 
Henry Fish, Mrs. James H. White, Mrs. J. B. Hull. Mrs. James Haynes, Mrs. Perley Morse, 
Mrs. William Sanborn, Mrs. J. W. Thompson, Mrs. A. H. Wright and Miss Emma M. 
Farrand. 

Mrs. J. B. Hull was chosen Chairman, and Mrs. B. C. Farrand, Secretary. 
The present constitution, modeled after that of the Flint Association, was adopted. 
At a subsequent meeting held January 19, presided over by Mrs. Henry Fish, the first 
officers of the society were elected as follows: 
President — Mrs. B. C. Farrand. 
Vice President — Mrs. James H. W^hite. 
Recording: Secretary — Mrs. A. H. W^rirfit. 
Corresponding Secretary — Mrs. Perley Morse. 
Treasurer— Mrs. J. B, Hull. 
Librarian — Mrs. A. B. Comstock. 

Executive Committee — Mrs. J. W. Thompson, IVIrs. A. J. Bigelow, Mrs. John Botsford, 
Mrs. William Sanborn, Mrs. H. Fish. 

Book Committee — Mrs. H. C. Buffington, Mrs. J. P. Sanborn. 

The Constitution and By-Laws having been settled iipon. the officers elected, the society 
was already to work, but found no place for meeting. The room in the church was recpiired 
for extra religious meetings. Two meetings were held at the residence of Mrs. A. H. Wright, 
on Sixth street, and then at Mrs. Buffington's, on Fourth street. A back room in a lawyer's 
office was then offered, free of rent, the association furnishing wood. The records tell of 
committees appointed to look for a room, reported " no room found," and committee dis- 
charged. 

The number of members constantly increased, until "a jjlace to be," exercised the mind of 
each by day and disturbed their dreams by night, when to the surprise of all. the City Fathers, 
throiigh Hon. Cyrus Miles, Mayor, offi?red for the use of the Association and its library the 
Common Council Chamber, free of charge. 

This was gladly accepted, and furnished a very desirable and convenient room until Novem- 
ber, 1868, when the library was removed to the rooms in the Town Hall, then used as school 
rooms. On the completion of Phcenix Block, the room over M. Walker's store was leased and 
occupied March 4, 1869, the day of the inauguration of President Grant. 

Ladies' Library Association of Port Huron was organized and incorporated under the 
general laws of the State, January 10. 1868. The charter election meeting was presided over 
by Mrs. J. B. Hull, of the Corporation Committee. Mrs. Wright was appointed President and 
Mrs. J. P. Sanborn, Secretary of meetiag. The election of officers resulted as follows: Mrs. 



lilSTOUV OF ST. CLAIR COL'XTY. 537 

Tliompsou was elected President: Mrs. Stevens, Vice President; Miss Sanborn, Recording 
Seeretarv: Mrs. Sanborn, 'Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Hull, Treasurer: !Miss E. Farrand, 
Financial Secretary: Mi's. Comstock, Librarian; Mrs. Huntington. Assistant Librarian: Miss 
CaiTie Farrand. Historian; Mrs. ]5. C. Farrand, Mrs. Comstock. Mrs. Harris. Mrs. Finst(!r, 
jMrs. Crawford and Mrs. Morse, together with the officers of the association. w(>re appointed 
members of committees. 

On April 2, 1870, the books were removed to the room now occupied, which proves ample 
for the present wants of the association. Frequently during these ten years a desire for a per- 
manent location for the library has found e.'cpression in the meetings, and the hope indulged 
that when the library should be worthy of it. some one of our generous fellow-citizens would 
bestow upon it a home, and thus honor himself and become a public benefactor, whose name 
should be held in grateful remembrance by posterity. 

The fu'st money received was on January lU, ISliB; membership fees, Sll; January 26, 
a donation of $5 from Mrs. Farrand, and fees S8: ten books given by members (the names of 
these donors I have been unable to obtain, but hope they may yet be found ). It would seem 
that the faith in the library out of these ten books must have been considerable, for we find 
the Executive Committee ordered '200 suitable labels for the books, which the committee made 
3(10, as a matter of economy. 

A committee to prooiire subscriptions was appointed, and the amount of ."?lll)..10 realized 
in this manner for the founding of a library. Three gentlemen. Mr. Newell Avery. Mr. John 
Johnston and Jlr. B. C. Farrand gave SIO each. Several gave S.j. The greater number of 
subscriptions were §2 each. 

The first book in the liljrary was the gift of Mr. Waldo Comstock, entitled "' Chronicles 
of the Middle Ages," by Froisart, a very valuable book. The first twenty-seven books are 
donations. The fii'st pui'chase of books numbered eighty-six. so that in September, ISGG, there 
were 118 volumes in the library '-upboard, duly labeled, and many of them drawn and read 
each week. 

There were Motley's Dutch Kep\il)lic, Irviug's works. Chambers' Cyclopedia of English 
Literatiu-e. Parton's Lives of Andrew Jackson and Ben. Franklin, Draper's iDtellectual De- 
velopment of Europe. Pre.scott's l^hillip II, a full set of the Spectator, Goldwiu Smith's Study 
of History, Fronde's History of England, Daniel Webster's works, costing •'?30. Life and works 
of E. A. Poe, Lockhart's Life of Sir Walter Scott, in all '100 volumes, at the close of the first year. 

The second year numbered 34! volumes, including Noctes Ambi"osian;ie, Motley's United 
Netherlands. Januarv 22. 1809. there were 505 volumes. In recotrnition of the 500 volumes 
in the collection, a celebration took place which was numerously attended, and a larger interest 
awakened among those before little ac([uainted with the association. 

In 1S70, there were 500 volumes Many valuable public documents and State papers 
were received this year through Hon. O. D. Conger, and in 1S7I, through Dr. Finster, a 
collection of books valued at SI 12 was received, called the Swedenborg collection, making 
1,083 volumes at the close of 1871. 

The possession of 1,000 and more volumes was duly observed, and friends wei'e invited 
to view the library. Some who came left substantial evidence of their desire to add to its treasures. 
Some old and valuable books were among the gifts on this occasion. 

The numiwrs swelled to 1.500 in 1872. Many of them were received from Washington, 
through Hon. (). D. Conger. 

In 1873, there weri> 1.758 volumes. In 1874, there were 1,813 volumes, and in 1S75, just 
closed, 1,938 volumes. 

During the year 1875, Bancroft's History of the I'nited States. Hume's History of 
England, and Epochs of History have been among the excellent books purchased. 

And now a library of nearly 2,(W) volumes, including many of the very best star.dard 
authors, a complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. a full set of Chambers' Cyclopedia, and 
Thomas" Cyclopedia of Biography and Mythology, and Chambers' English Literature, fm-- 
nishes the means for successful research in many departments. All this, through fhe united 
efl'orts of yoiu- mothers, wives and sisters, a few ladies, for the short space of ten years! 

4 



538 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Various means have been employed for the purpose of raising funds. Lectures have 
seldom netted but small sums. The first summer, the sale of ice cream and cake on Saturday 
evenings proved quite successful, the net receipts on seven evenings being SIOO. Tv?o boat 
rides brought to our exchequer an increase of |150. But the series of parlor entertainments, 
with an occasional dramatic representation, have been the chief reliance for an increase of the 
building fund. The success of them will always be associated with the efforts of one who very 
largely contributed to them — Mrs. E. W. Glover. 

At an early day, funds derived from entertainments and similar sources, were set aside 
to create a building fund, as according to the Cou,stitutiou. all fees and dues are to be exclu- 
sively used for the library proper. 

May 25, 1870, Mrs. Mary J. Sweetser, of grateful memory, made a note in favor of the 
association for $1,000, to be paid on or before her decease. After her death, which occurred 
before the close of 1870, this amount, with interest, was jiaid over by her executors, and was 
added to the building fund, and invested at 10 per cent. The entire fund amounts to nearly 
or quite $2,400. Besides the building fund, the amount of money received the first year, 1866, 
was $479.64; first three years was $1,129.58; the last year it was $505.46. 

Of the presiding officers. Mrs. H. L. Stevens has been twice elected, Mrs. J. W. Thomp- 
son, once, Mrs. E. W. Glover twice, Mrs. J. McNeil once, and Mrs. B. C. Farrand four times. 

Mrs. J. B. Hull and Mrs. H G. Barmun have tilled the office of Treasurer since the be- 
ginning, Mrs. Hull seven years, and Mrs. Barnum three 

Mrs. A. B. Comstock, the first Librarian, was unwearied in her devotion and care of the 
books — for several weeks transporting them from place to place in a basket. For eight years 
the custodians of the library received no pay. 

But the library itself is but an incident designed as an aid to mutual improvement. With 
very few exceptions, weekly meetings for literary exercises have been held. These hours have 
been occupied and a good degree of pi-ogre.5S attained by those mast regular in their attend- 
ance. The early records mention readings. I'eeitations, with an occasional original review of a 
book. 

As the years advance, progress is noticed. The year 1874 appears to have a more contin- 
uous and decided plan, commencing jjerhaps with the century readings — the fourteenth cen- 
tury most pi'ominently: while the last year a full and clear study of literature, first of English 
and now of American literature, has been instituted and is carried on, much to the cultivation 
of those taking part, as well as attending upon the exercises. 

Could the young ladies of the city, as well as the old. be aware of the opportunities and 
advantages here afforded, it would seem that they would hasten to appropriate them to them- 
selves. 

Another means of culture and interest has been instituted — the departmeat of the 
museum, which it is predicted will receive increased attention with the coming years. It 
already contains manv articles of historic value, which time fails me to enumarate. A new 
office has been created. Keeper of the Museum, and the officer elected, so that the articles and 
curiosities will soon be mounted and labeled for exhibition, as well as for preservation. The 
centennial year will no doubt develop interest in this direction, and the museum will receive 
the benefit of such awakened interest. The association has from time to time received friendly 
gifts of pictures to adorn the walls, of a stereoscope and views, as well as curiosities from vari- 
ous parts of the country, and larger and more numerous remembrances of this kind are in store 
for it in the not distant future. 

Mention should be made of the extraordinary success of a club called the Cyclopedia Club, 
which in a very short time raised funds to purchase the Encyclopedia Britannica, Chambers' 
and Thomas' Cyclopedias, besides smaller works, which were presented to the association for 
its Library of Reference, a large and appreciated addition to its resources. 

Of the fourteen members at the time of organization, only one has been removed by death 

— Mrs. Antha L. Bigelow, one of the most hearty and faithful co-laborers, was very suddenly 

called to leave her family and her work here, but not without leaving an abiding impression 

, upon those who knew her best, that her work had been well done. Her memory is still fresh 



HISTORY OF ST. (LAIR COUNTY. ^SD 

in our minds, and wo drop a tear for onr loss, assured that tho chaui;'o to ber was gain. Mrs. 
J. J. Scarritc was taken from our membership by death, bat not until she had some time been 
absent from the city. (Her contributions of the works of Dickens to the library have been 
among the books well read. We rooall with interest her groat desire to promote tho attract- 
iveness of the literary exercises. Mrs. C. A. Chamberlain, after a brief sojourn, and a short 
time of service as Vice President. I'eturned to h(>r former home to die in the springtime 
of life, her babe resting upon her arm; both slcoj) in the <iniot rm-al cemetery with tho early 
Called. 

.\mong those who came unobtrusively and frequently to the Saturday afternoon gather 
ings of this association, we recall tho name and memory of Mrs. C. W. liobinson, who was 
removed from our membership through death, in the autumn of 1874. 

Our last bereavement was of one in mature womanhood, full of hope and life, surrounded 
by a growing family of children, herself anxious to improve her mind, and amid her numerous 
duties and cares found time to study (lerman, to commit to memory goms of ]ioetry and [irose, 
which she would lecite when called upon, as a means of entertainment toothers. None, among 
the lai'ge membership, valued the advantages of the association and library more than our 
friend, Mrs. Tiber, now departed. "Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud r" was 
one of her favorite recitations. Peace to the memory of those gone before. We shall go fo 
them. Shall we not desire to be and to do something to benetit others while wo liveV 

These records of ten years are chose of loving work by willing hands, and tho results 
in a very feeble and imperfect manner have been enumerated. 

To recapitulate. A scjciety of one hundred and thirty or more members, each paying 15 conts a 
month, or $1.80 per year, to maintain a lil)rary for their own benefit and that of the conuuunity, 
exists. 

The librai'v contains very nearly 2,000 well -selected volumes. 

The association has its own hired room, carpeted, and furnished comfortably with com- 
modious book shelves, which have taken the place of the cupboard. 

This association is an incorporated body. 

It has a well invested building fund of %^2,4()0. 

The association has no debts, and has never discovered any defalcation or embezzlement of 
its funds. It has the names of ov(>r two hundred who draw books from its library. 

It has a well-selected corps of officers for the centennial year. 

Its members have hopes that bringing before the comnmnity and ourselves this statement 
" What it is; what it has: and what it does," that " a long train of improvements will come 
into quiet and irreversil>lo operation;" that its members may be increased tenfold in tho next 
decade, and that in due time a library building or room shall bo found suited to contain this 
large " storehouse of medicine for the mind," this " dispensary for the soul" — as the ancients 
called their libraries. Over some of its alcoves, at least, may some of the names of those 
present be inscribed as its honored benefactors. 

The officers of the .Vssociation, since 1870, are named in the following list. 

1870— President, jNlrs. S. L. Ballentino; Vice President, Mrs. J. B. Hull; BecA)rding 
Secretary, Mrs. A. H. Wright: Financial Secretary, Mrs. K. F. Harrington; Corresponding 
Secretary, Mrs. J. P. Sanborn; Treasurer, Mrs. H.G. Barnum: Historian, Mrs. B. C. Farrand; 
Librarian. Mrs. S. M. Huntingt(m. 

1877 — President. Mrs. T. L. Wells; Vice President, Mrs. N. E. Sanborn; Recording Sec- 
retary, ]\Irs. S. L. Ballentine; Financial Secretary, Mrs. A. H. Wright; Corresponding 
Secretary, Mrs. M. W. Sanborn: Treasurer, Mrs. B. C. Farrand; Historian, Mrs. D. Robeson; 
Librarian, Miss Mary Wright. 

1878— President. Mrs. H. L. Stevens; Vice President. Mrs. N. E. Sanborn; Recording 
Secretary, Mrs. Henry O'Noill; Financial Secretary, Mrs. B. C. Farrand; Corresponding 
Secretary, Mrs. D. Robeson; Treasurer, Mrs. H. G. Barnum; Historian. Mrs. A. McKenzie; 
Librarian. Mrs. R. T. Yeats. 

ff, 1870— President, Mrs. B. C. Farrand: Vice President, Mrs. R. T. Yeats; Recording 
Secretary. Mr.s. J. A. Davidson; Financial Secretary, Mrs. D. Robeson; Corresponding Secretary, 



540 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Mi-ri. S. M. Himtington; Treasiu-er, Mi-s. J. B. HiUl; Historian, Miss Mary Wright; Libra- 
rian, Mrs. M. Casler. 

1880 — President, Mrs. J. A. Davidson; Vice President, Mr.?. J. McNeil; Recording Sec- 
retary, Mrs. R. T. Yeats; Financial Secretary, Mrs. M. Casler; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. 
E. W. Glover; Treasurer, Mrs. J. B. Hull; Historian, Miss Marv Wricjht; Librarian. Mrs. D. 
W. Fisher. 

1881 — President, Mrs. J. A. Davidson; Vice President, Mrs. H. Burke; Recording Secre- 
tary, Mrs. R. T. Yeats: Financial Secretary, Mrs. M. Casler; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. D. 
Robeson; Treasm-er, Mrs. J. B. Hull; Historian, Mrs. J. W. Thomson; Librarian, Mrs. D. W. 
Fisher. 

1882— President, Mrs. J. W. Thomson; Vice I'resident, Mrs. E. W. Glover; Recording 
Secretary, Mrs. R. T. Yeats; Financial Secretary, Miss Hendricks: Corresponding Secretary, 
Mrs. P. M. Wright; Treasurer, Mrs. J. B. Hull; Historian, Mi-s. Lauritzen; Librarian, Mrs. 
M. Casler. 

The number of members in 1882, was GO; the number of volumes in library, 2,508, and 
the value of property $5,000. The influences which surround such an association, and 
extend themselves into the homes of the people, are of that refining character which cannot fail 
to leave their marks on the manners and customs of the future, if not on the manners of the 
present time. It has passed into a proverb, that where there are not books there is ignorance 
and vice. 

THE LOTOS Club. 

This club may be said to have been organized in 1873. The first regular meeting, after 
organization, was held March 17, 1873. The first officers were: A. N. Mofl'at, President; 
J. A. Drury, Vice President; M. Young, Secretary; Ada Kibbee, Corresponding Secretary; 
Fannie Smith, Treasurer; J. F. Talbot, S, &M. ; T. J. Parsons, Censor. At this period the 
association was known as the Oasis Societj% and the meeting was held at Cawthorne's rooms. 
At the next meeting, Angus G. McKay moved that the name Lotos Club be substituted for Oasis 
Society, which motion was carried. 

In September, 1873, the nomination of officers took place, when M. Young was elected 
President: Mrs. A. M. Moffit, Vice President; Mis^ Mitts, Recording Secretary; McDearmid. 
Corresponding Secretary; G. R. Osman, Treasurer; James H. Talbot, Critic. The re-organiza- 
tion of the club took plaue January 17, 1875, at the Moffat residence. VV. D. Wright was 
elected President; Miss Blennerhaust, Vice President; Mrs. E. W. Glover, Corresponding 
Secretary; Mrs. A. N. Moifat, Recording Secretary; J. W. Porter, Treasurer. The first regular 
meeting of the club after re organization was held at the house of Mrs. Glover. 

OFFICERS OF THE CLUB. 

1875. — O'Brien J, Atkinson, President; Mrs. J. McNeil, Vice President; Frank Whipple, 
Secretary; Susie Dwyer, Treasurer; E. W. Harris, President, December, 1875, 

1876.— A. N. Moffat, President; Mrs. P. B. Sanborn, Vice President; Mrs. W. Walker and 
Mr. Stevenson, Secretary; Mrs. W. F. Atkinson, Treasurer; Kittie Riddle, Recording Secre- 
tary; L. McKay, Corresponding Secretary; John McNeil, President; Mrs. John Miller, Vice 
President. 

1877. — H. G. Barnum, President; Mrs. Brown, Vice President; Miss Hogan, Recording 
Secretary; Mrs. Gaylord, Corresponding Secretary; C. Gilchrist, Treasurer. 

1878. — Dr. Whitney, President: Mrs. J. C. Johnson, Vice President; Miss E. McGinn, 
Recording Secretary; Mrs, Sherman, Corresponding Secretary; Maude Danger, Treasurer; 
Miss Eleanor Donnelly, Recording Secretary; E. G. Stevenson, President; Mrs. Glover, Cor- 
respoxiding Secretary. 

1879. — H. G. Barnum, President; Sarah Donnelly, Recording Secretary; Hannah J. 
Dwyer, Corresponding Secretary; Clara A. Sharpe, Recording Secretary. 

1880. — Judge Brown, President; Mrs. AUardt, Vice President; Maud Danger, Recording 
Secretary; Mrs. E. W. Glover, Corresponding Secretary; Johnson Hogan, Treasurer; Fannie 
A. Smith, Recording Secretary. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 541 

18S1. — Mr. AUardt, President: Mr.■^. Sanderson, Vice President; Lizzie Talbot, Iteeor diner 
Secretary; A. Weyers, Cori-o.sponding Secretary; W. Cliue, Treasurer. 

1881-82.— Judge E. W. Harris, President; Mrs. Thompson, Vice President; Einnia 
McGinn, Kecording Secretary; Mrs. Glover, Corresponding Secretary: Judo-e McXoil, 
Treasurer. 

1S82-83.— Albert McCall, President; Mrs Butler, Vice President: Miss Lillio Harri.s, 
Kecording Secretary; Miss Hogan, Corresponding Secretary; Mr. IJaruum, Treasurer. 

MKETINT..'^ OF CLCB. 
1875. — January 17, at Mrs. Moffat's residence: January 2'.), at Mrs. (rlovor's residence; 
February 12, at IMrs. B. Big.sby's residence; February 27. at Mr. P. B. Sanborn's residence; 
March 7, at George Jones' residence; March 21. at A. W. Smith's residoTico; April 8. at A. 
N. Moffat's residence; April 18, at Capt. Hurlburt's residence: May ;], at Mrs. J. E. Johnson's 
residence; May 18, at Mrs. (ilover's residence; May 31. at Mrs. B. Big.sby's residence; June 
14, at John Miller's residence; June 28, at Mrs. D. Robeson's resideaco: July 2. at F. Vandor- 
burg's residence: July 11. at James Baird's residence; July 2-o. at James CTOuldoii's residence; 
August 7, at Mrs. Hull's residence; August 21, at Mrs. Smith's residence: Soptembc'r 4. at 
Mrs. A. N. Moffat's residence; September 25, at Mrs. William F. Atkinson's residence; October 
9. at Mrs. Glover's residence; Oatober 23. at Mrs J. Miller's residonce; November fi, at 
William Jenkinsoa's residence: November 20, at H. G. Barnum's residence; December 4. at 
P. B. Sanborn's residence; Djcembs^r 18 and 31, at Mrs Glover's residence. 

1876. —January 15, at J. W. Banedict's; January 29, at Mrs. L. A. Sherman's: F(>l)ruarv 
12, at J. Goulden's; February 2(5, at J. C. Johnson's: March 11. at William Jenkinson's: March 
25 at W. D. Wright's; April 18. at Mr. Robeson's; April 22, at J. J. Bovce's; Mav (). at Mi. 
Neff's; May 21, at Mrs. Insloy's; June 3, at Mrs. John Miller's; June 17, at Mrs. W. F. 
Atkinson's; July 1, at Mrs. Glover's; July 15, at J. Goulden's; July 29, at E. C. Spalding's; 
August 12, at Judge Mitchell's; August 26, at J. C. Johnson's; September 9. at Mrs. L. A. 
Sherman's; September 23. at Atkinson & Stevenson's office; October 21, at A. W. Smith's; 
November 18, at Mrs. Williger's; December 3, at Mrs. John Miller's; December 16, at Judge 
Brown's; December 30. at Mrs. Glover's. 

1877. — January IS, at Mrs. D. Robeson's; January 27, at F. H. Davis': Februarv 10, at ilrs. 
W. F.Atkinson's; February 24,_at E. W. Neff's; March 10. ,it P. B. Sanborn's; March 31, 
at i\L-a. J. W. Benedict's; April i, at W, D. Wright's; April 21, at E. W. (ilover's: May 5. at 
Mrs O. D. Conger's; May 19, at Mrs. H. L. Stevens': June 2. at Mrs. Crawford's: Juiie 16, 
at ili-s. Jenk's; June 29, at Rev. H. Elwood's: July 14, at Mr.s. Donnelly's, Sarnia: July 28, at 
Mrs. Col. Davis': August 11, at John Huwai-d's; August 25, at W, D. Wright's; September 
8, at Mrs. W. F. Atkinson's; September 21, at Mrs.' J. Goulden's; September 27. at Mrs. 
Glover's; October 20, at Mrs. W. Wright's: November 3. at Mrs L. A. Sherman's; Novemljer 
17, at Mrs. F. Davis'; December 1, at Judge Brown's; December 15. at Mrs. Gaylord's; 
December 29. at Mrs. Baimum's. 

1878. — January 12. at Mrs. Glover's; January 25, at Mrs. J. Wells'j February 9 and 16. 
at P. B. Sanborn's: Februarv 23, at D. Robeson's: March 9. at Mrs. Stevens'; March 23. at 
Mrs. A. N. Moffat's: April o" at :Mrs. Neff's; April 20. at Mrs. Glover's; May 4, at Mrs. W. 
F. Atkinson's; May 19, at Mrs. Jenks' ; June 1, at Mrs. E. G. Spaulding's; June 15, at Mi-s. 
J. B. Farrand's; June 30, at Mrs. Mulford's: annual meeting at Mrs. Benedict's; August 10, 

at Mrs. J. Goulden's; November 30, at Mrs. A. N. Moffat's; — , at Mrs. Glover's; 

December 28, at Mrs. Goulden's. 

1879. —January 11, at Gen. Hartsuff's; February 22, at Mrs. Walker's; March 8, at Mrs. 
O'B. J, Atkinson's; Aj)ril 18, at Mi-s. D. Robeson's: May 3, at Caj)t. Anderson's; May 27, 
at Mrs. Sjiaulding's: June 2, at Mrs. Hendrick's; June 14, at Mrs. Miller's: June 28. at Mrs. 
Bi'ook's; November 1. at Mi-s. Gaylord's; November 15, at Mrs. Barnum's; November 29, at 
Mrs. Hogan's; December 13. at Mrs. Allardfs. 

1880. — January 10, at Mrs. Thompson's; January — , at Mrs. Miller's; February 7, at 
Mrs. Goulden's; February 21, at Mrs. Bradley's; March 6, at Mrs. W. F. Atkinson's; March 



542 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

19, at Mrs. J. Talbofs: April 3, at Mrs. F.Davis': April 17, at Mrs. O'B. Atkinson's: Ma> 
1, at Mrs. Grlover's; May 14, at Mrs. McKay's: May 29, at Mrs. Gaylord's: .June 26. at John 
Thompson's; November (5. at William Jenkinson's; December 18, at Mrs. Hondrick's. 

1881. — January 8, at Mrs. Goulden's; January 29, at Mrs. C. Sharpe's; February 12, at 
Mrs. O'B. J. Atkinson's; February 26, at Dr. E. P. Tibbal's; March 12, at Mrs. Barnum's; 
March 26, at Mrs. Walker's; April 9, at Mrs. Glover's; April 23, at Mrs. F. Davis'; May 7, 
at Mrs. John Miller's; May 21, at Mrs. J. W. Thompson's; October 1, at Mrs. Glover's; 
October 15, at Mrs. Davis'; October 29, at Mrs. W. Jenks'; November 26, at John W. Thomp- 
son's; December 10, at Mrs. H. L. Stevens'. 

1882. — January 7, at Mi-s. Barnum's; January 21, at Mrs. Walker's; February 4, at Mrs. 
Glover's; February 18, at Dr. TibalFs; March 4, at Mrs. Hendrick's; March 18, at Mrs. Judge 
McNeil's; April 1, at Mrs. Crawford's; April 15, at Mrs. Haven's. 

Ban<iuets were given by the club annually, until the year 1882, when the annual dinner 
was dispensed with on account of the illness of Judge McNeil, an old member. 

The last meeting was held at Mrs. Cilover's, in Novembei-, 1882. During the summer 
of ISS2, the club was merely a nominal afl'air, owing to many of its old members having left 
the city. However, in the winter of 1882-83, an eifort was made to revive an interest in the 
organization, and it is believed that the old Lotos Club will again take its place among the 
first literary associations of the State. 

.SHAKESPl'lARIAX CLASS. 

This is an association of Shakespearian students and readers of this city. It was formed 
during the winter of 1881-82, and since that time has continued to hold its regular Monday 
evening meeting. The originators are members of the Ladies' Library Association. The aver- 
age number who attended the class during the past year is stated to be twelve. Judge E. W. 
Harris was elected leader, and has given a great deal of attention to the class since its forma- 
tion. 

THE PORT HURON LITERARY CLUB. 

This club was organized in 1880, and articles of incorporation filed April 13, of that year. 
The original members were: Charles K. Dodge, N. M. Sanborn, George R. Wallace. Laura 
M. Thomas, Mrs. Harriet McNeil, A. R. Avery, Thomas C. Gardner, Harriet Wright, Sara So- 
cia Thomson, and Esther McKenzie. The first Board of Directors comprised A. R. Avery, 0. 
R. Brown. L. A. Sherman, Mrs. H. R. Miller, Mrs. H. H. Wright, E. S. Post, George R. 
Wallace, Mrs. J, P. Sanborn, Miss Lucy Sanborn, and Mrs. N. E. Thomas. 

THE MUSICAL SOCIETY OF PORT HUltON. 

This society was incorporated October 2, 1882. The original members were: -C. B. 
Stockwell, E. G. Spalditag, G. W. Alexander, Ella M. Plaat, Rosa M. Crictsaclen, Mrs. J. B. 
McGregor, Mrs. A. Smith, J. W. Miles, Alma D. Walker, Susan G. Wall, Maggie M. Adams. 
Mattie Bradley, Tillie Goulden, Mrs. J. B. Farrand. S. Melville. Gertrude Melville, M. 
Wheeler, E. T. Freeman, and N. Cawthorn'^. This society is among the best conducted music- 
al associations of the West. Among its members are men and women whose refined musical 
talent is known and appreciated. 

THE OPERA HOUSE. 

Harrington's new Opera House was opened Monday evening, November 22, 1875, under 
the most favorable auspices, by what was uncpiestionably the strongest dramatic combination 
that ever visited the West up to thai time. The company included within its membership. 
Mrs. D. P. Bowers; the veteran actor, C. W. Couldook; the talented tragedian, J. C. McCol- 
lum; and the well-known actors, J. T. Taylor and Hart Conway, supported by a stock company 
of unusual strength and merit. 

The opening play was Sheridan Knowles" sterling drama, " The Hunchback," with Mrs. 
Rowers in the role of "Julia." The second night, Shakespeare's great tragedy, "Macbeth," 
with Mrs. Bowers as "Lady Macbeth," was rendered. 



HIS'POIIV OF ST. CLAIl; COrXTY. 543 

Till', liasi'lTAI, AM) HOMK ^DCIKTY OK !'()I!T lIUltON. 

This society was organlzoil iu Janu;ir_v, 1SS(). with the followiaif-naiuecl ofBcers: Presi- 
dent, William T. Mitchell; Vice Prosidout. Dr. C. M. Stockwell; S 'Ci-etaiy, Goorgo P. Vor- 
heis; Treasurer, James J. Boyce; Directors, Drs. H. R. Mills, S. W. Smith. M. McKay and Pe- 
ter Hill, Mrs. Hattie I. Wolls, Mrs. Francis S. Fish and Mrs. Henry Howard. This society 
has accomplished much good during the two years of its e.\istenoe. 

KOVAI, TKMl'LARS OF TEMI'KRA.NCE. 

Rod Ribbon Council, No. 2, Port Huron, was instituted February 5. 187'.), by Supreme 
Councilor, C. K. Porter. The officers chosen were, S. C, William T. Mitchell; V. C, George W. 
Howe; P.C., D. M. Bennett. M. D. ; Chap., Charles Wilson; Secy., John McKenzie; Treas., George 
Mitts; Herald, John C. Figg; Deputy Herald, Mrs. Peter Mitts; Guard, S. W^. Maddox. and 
Sentinel, Peter A.. Mitts. The charter members numbered thirty. The total mc^mbership 
since organization is 75; dismissed by card to other Councils. 2; withdrawn from the order, 
2; deceased, 1; expelled for non-paymon*. 12; present membership. TiS; active (male) members, 
28; honorary members, 1 ; contril)Uting life members, 29(femah^s); bencticiary amount active 
members, 5^2,000: contributing life. i!i,()()0. 

Past Councilors, D. M. Bennett, M. D., John McCormick and George A. Ashpole. Select 
Councilors, W^illiam T. IMitchell, John McCormick, George A. Ashpole and Angus Cameron. 

Present officers, S. C. , Angus Cameron; P. C. George A. Ashpole; V. (J., Charles B. 
Stone; Chaplain, John Mct'ormick; Socy., Mrs. William Wastell; Treasurer, Mrs. Lovioa Has- 
lett ; Ho'ald. Peter A. Mitts: D(>i)uty Herald, Mrs. L. W. A\'allace; Guard, Horace Plaisted, 
and Sentinel. George Mitts. 

This association of temperate people has aecom[)lished an amount of good during the few 
years of its existence. To its charter members must lie credited the comparative tem])erauce 
of the city at the present time. 

1 INK GKOVK LODGIC NO. 11. I'. .<- A. M. 

This lodge received its charter January 14, 1874, its first W. M., Hebner Hamilton: S W., 
Wellington Davis; J. W.. James H. Burloy; the.se are the only charter members, the names of 
whom can be given on account of the records being burned some years ago. The names of W. 
M. up to the present time as far back as can be ascertained ai'(> Hebner Hamilton. lOdgar White, 
Fidward W. Harris. Albert Dixon, Isaac Thorn, Oliver A\'. Sfrout. Henry Burton, M'illiam H. 
Avery and Robert P. Young, The present officers are, 11. P. Y'oung, W. .M. ; Alexander Jacobi, 
S. W. ; William Thorne, J. W. ; .1. W. Jacobi. Treasurer; H. Burton, Secretary; Edward Gow- 
ling. S. D. ; William L. Eaton. J. D. ; Charles Flugal, Tiler. The present active membership to 
date is 147 in good standing. The lodge is prosperous and is considered one of the best in 
this grand jm-isdiction. 

INDKI'ENDKXr OKDKR OF ODl) FF.l.l.' >U'.-<. 

Lodge instituted July S. 187."), Xumbor of members at present, 72, Charter members, 
J, B. Hull. James Gammic. C, B, Hul^bard. Joseph Walkt-r, J. R. Taylor. J. B. ^Montross. H.C. 
Knill, Edward Gowling, W. D. Wright, C. E, Johnson, Henry Shater, I. N, Applegato, Isaac 
Springer. 

Past Grands, James Gammic, Edward Gowling, C. B. Hubbard, J. B. Hall. Isaac Springer 
C. E. Johnson, Josh Johnson, Joseph Walker, J. L. Bartholomew. J. B.Montross. 

Present Officers, N. G., George Frink, Vice Grand, G. A. Bailey; Treasurer. Isaac 
Springer, Secretary, H. AV. Cooley; membership small on accjunt of thirty members with- 
drawing and instituting a lodge at Fort Gratiot last Octobol-. The lodge is in excellent finan- 
cial condition, having about §1,500 in bonds and iu bank as surplus. Also in good social >vork- 
ing ofder. 

THE OIlDKi; OF KNIGHT,^ OF llONOl!. 

This order is a secret benevolent society, composed of a Supreme, Grand and Suliordinafe 
Lodges. It was established in June. 187;]. and organize.l in Kentucky. Januarv 1, 1874. bv 



544 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

persons who felt that the various systems of relief to the families of deceased members, as 
adopted by other orders, were deficient in important respects, and who believed that an order 
established with the purpose of paying a death benefit as one of its main objects would meet 
with approval and success. 

The objects of this order are briefly stated by the Supreme Lodge, as follows: 1st. To 
unite fraternally all acceptable white men of every profession, business or occu])ation. 2d. 
To o-ive all moral and material aid in its power to members of the order, by holding moral, in- 
structive and scientific lectures, by encouraging each other in business, and by assisting one 
another to obtain employment. 3d. To establish a benefit fund, from which a sum not exceed- 
ing $2 000 shall be paid at the death of a member, to his family, or to be disposed of as he 
may direct. 4th. To establish a fund for the relief of sick or distressed members. Subordi- 
nate lodges are composed of members of good social and moral standing, who are admitted upon 
petition, by ballot, after passing a favorable medical examination. The petitioner must be a 
white, male person, between the ages of twenty-one and fifty-five. 

The order extends into every State in the tJuion and claims 130.000 members. It paid for 
the vear ending May 1. 1882. no less than $2,153,000 to families of deceased members. There 
are about 2.900 lodges. Port Huron Lodge was organized October 3, 1875, and is known as 
Integrity Lodge. No. 179. 

The charter was granted by the Supreme Lodge Knights of Honor of the World, to George 
K. Nairn, A. A. Whitney, M. D., W. W. Campfield, George Van Epps, A. B. McCollom, William 
Wastell, A. H. Tibbits,' E. T. Yeats, G. C. Meisel, H. R. Mills. R. A. McCarty. Hon. C. F. Har- 
rington, B. Bigsby, A. B.. J. C. Woodbury, C. D. Horton, C. J. Rathfon, P. McElroy, J. W. 
Burns, C. J. Canan, Hon. H. McMorran, M. Walker, J. W. Thompson, Jr., and their successors 
constituting them Integrity Lodge, No. 179, K. of H. , with power to confer degrees of infancy, 
youth and manhood, and the benefits of the order. 

(Signed), J. A. Ege, S. Dictator. 

October 13, 1875. J. C. Plumber, S. Reporter. 

The first officers were George K. Nairn, Dictator; R. A. McCarty, Reporter; C. J, Rathfon, 
Financial Reporter. The first year the member.ship increased to forty-six. The whole num- 
ber received into membership to July, is 107, but by suspensions, death and withdrawal cards, 
the membership now stands reduced to fifty-six. The following have been Dictators, or chief 
officers of the lodge: G. K. Nairn, Hon. C. F. Harrington, "William H. Fyan, A. A. Whitney, 
M. D., J. H. Sage, C. E. Spencer, J. P. Rice, J. A. McMartin. B. Hillier. 

The present officers are as follows: B. Hillier, Dictator; E. Mead, Vice Dictator; D, Mc- 
Kenzie, Assistant Dictator; J. B. Montross, Reporter; A. A. Whitney, Financial Reporter; A. 
H. Tibbitts, Ti'easurer; David White, Chaplain; R. P. Yoiiug, Guide; J. Isabell, Guardian; B. 
San Jule, Sentinel; A. A. Whitney, M. D., Medical Examiner. 

The lodge meets every alterna,te Wednesday evening in Odd Fellows Hall. A sick ben- 
efit of $4 per week is allowed, at a cost of $4 a year, and a death benefit of $2,000, at a cost 
of $16 per year, payable about monthly. The order is growing, has increased in membership 
20,000 the past vear. 

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WOROIEN. 

This is an order ancient only in the foundation principles, which are mutual aid and as- 
sistance; was first organized in Meadville, Penn., about twelve years ago, and has become so 
popular with the people that it has spread over the whole United States, and numbers nearly 
100,000 members. It is distinctly an insurance order. Each member who has taken the 
third degree is insured for the sum of $2,000 for the benefit of his family or friend named. 
The order in any State numbering more than 2,000 members may, by request, become a sep- 
arate beneficiary jurisdiction. The association is represented at Port Huron by Temple Lodge 
No. 121, with F. L. FoUensbee, M. W., and J. G. Cobb, Recorder. 

HUMBOLDT TEXT, NO. 284, K. 0. T. M. 
This tent was oi-ganized and received its charter April 14, 1881. Its incorporation was 
perfected .January 23, 1882, and the notice of such signed by John Klaiber, Commander, and 
Henry Smith, Record Keeper. 



r^. 



I 





^^-^r^^y^^^ 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 545 

DIAMOND TENT. NO. 179. 
This organization is jiresided over by by D. J.Penny, Oouimander. and R. E. Strout, li. K. 

SONS OF TEMPERANCE. 
A division of this order was instituted at Poi't Huron in March. 1853. to be called Port 
Huron Division, No. 155. The names of the officers elect are a guaranty sufficient that it 
came up to the v?ork of urging on the Temperance Car, nobly and efficiently. Thev are as fol- 
lows: J. S. Botsford, W. P.; Smith Barns, W. A.; J. C. Forbes, R. S.; W. F. Cloud, A. R. 
S.; J. P. Minne, F. S. ; E. W. Beach, T. ; T. B. Carpenter, C. ; Henry Kewlev, A. C; C. Fur- 
guson. J. S. ; W. H. B. Dowling, O. S. 

ST. GEORGE'.S SOCIETV OF PORT HURON. 
This society, comprising residents of English birth or the descendants of persons of En- 
glish birth, was incorporated July 15, 1S74, with Stephen T. Probitt, T, Biddlecomb, S. W. 
Griudrod, Alfred Rush, Edward Percival, John Saunders. A. H. Rush. T. Fowler. Ed. T. Clif- 
ford, Stephen Birley and John Blower, original members. 

ST. PATRICK'S SOCIETV OF PORT HURON. 
This society was organized in September, 1875, with the following members: William F. 
Atkinson, M. H. Fleming, E. Fitzgerald, William Reynol<ls. Henry Walsh. P. Newell, Mat- 
thew Finn. George Phillips, Hugh Doran, Sr., and Patrick Bourke. 

Rin'AL ARCANUM, HOPE COUNCIL, NO 2.3. 
This organization is presided over by J. B. Moatross, Regent, and C. M. Beutley, Secre- 
tary. 

THE A. P. A. SOCIETV, HURON LODGE. NO. l:i. 

This is a modern organization at Port Huron. The W. M. is D. Robinson, and the Sec- 
retarv, Rank Phenix. 

THE SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETV OF PORT HURON. 

This society was organized in 1862, with Mrs. John Wells first President, and Mrs. B. C. 
Farrand, Secretary. Among the principal ladies connected with this society, from its organiza- 
tion to its close, were Mrs. Allen Fish, Mrs. H. Fish. Mrs. Newell Avery, Mrs. A. B. Comstock, 
Mrs. M. S. Gillett, Mrs. A. E. Wastell, Mrs. E. W. Glover. Mrs. E. W.' Harris, Mrs. E. White, 
Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. H. L. Stevens, Mrs. Bedford. Mrs. J. Haines. Mrs. Talbot. Mrs. W. S. 
Jenks, Mrs. Spaulding. Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Ira Csborn. Mrs. Crawford. Mrs. J. B. Hull. All the 
ladies of the city assisted in the good work. 

••WILLIAM SANBORN POST" OF THE G. A. R. 
This society was organized December 31, 1882, and now has over thirty members, and is 
steadily increasing. It was named in honor of a brave soldier and esteemed citizen, William 
Sanborn, now deceased. The officers are as follows: Commander, George R. Nairn, Sr. ; 
Vice Commander, James Gain; Junior Commander, Frank Whipple; Adjutant, S. H.Avery; 
Officer of the Day, E. G. Spalding; Quartermaster, Harry Traver: Chaplain, W. F. Ernst; 
Surgeon, A. B. McCollom; Officer on Guard, G. B. Maun: Sergeant Major, B. J. Karrer; L. 
M. Sergeant, H. C. Mansfield. 

PORT HURON BOAT CLUB. 

This organization may be said to have been carried down from the earlier years of the city, 
under various names, to the present time. Perhaps there is not. in the wide world, a more in- 
spiring locality to the lover of the yacht or row boat than this city; and it is as creditable to 
the people, even as it is due to the district, to have such a club; because the want of an organ- 
ization of this character would certainly be detrimental to a communitj' the members of which 
are, in all social respects, fully as well organized as the people of the oldest cities in the Union. 
The officers of the club for 1882-83 are named as follows: T. R. Wright, President; A. R. Ballan- 
tine, Vice President; P. H. Phillips, Secretary; James Bradley, Treasurer; James J. Lynn.Cajitain; 



546 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Arthar F. Spencer, E. G. Stevenson and J. B. McGregor, Executive Board. At the date of the 

election of these officers, April 11, 18S2, the organization was, numerically and financially, in 

a good condition. 

THE PORT HURON BASE BALL CLUB. 

This club is an incorporated society, with a capital of §5,000. During the season of 1882, 
the players of this club won a very enviable name in the base ball circles of the country. 

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The Fire Department of the city is said to be among the first in the State. The Sixth 
Ward Hose Company was duly organized October 20, 1875, under the name of "Deluge Hose," 
and the following officers were elected: Foreman, Almond Stevens; First As_sistant, Stephen 
Kaiser; Second Assistant, Archibald Wright; Secretary, John Kendall; Treasurer, John Cham- 
bers; Steward, Lewis Owens; Branchmen, Arthur Armstrong, Robert McMannus. 

Twenty-six members were enrolled. The fiction of this newly organized company was 
brought before the Council for approval, after which it was legally organized and ready for 
work. 

The Port Huron Fire Escape and Hook and Ladder Truck Company, was organized April 
8, 1876, with a capital stock of $200,000. William L. Bancroft, Wallace Ames, James Goul- 
den, Samuel D. Clark, Taylor E. Daniels and N. S. Boynton had 1,200 shares each of $25 per 
share. 

The department of the present time is in the employ of the city. It is fully equipped and 
supposed to be equal to meet any emergency which the fire fiend may create, 

HOTELS. 

In the general history the story of the first hotels at Port Huron is told. The principal 
hotel of the city is the Huron House. It was built in 1871-72 by a local company. The fol- 
lowing are the names of the subscribers to the stock of the Hotel Company with the amounts 
subscribed: N. P., J. H. & E. White (lots), $10,000; Howard & Son, $5,000; John Johnston 
& Co., $5,000: D. B. Harrington, $5,000; John Miller, $3,000; F. L. Wells, $3,000; William 
Stewart, $3,000; J. P. Sanborn, $1,000; William Wastell, $1,000; Hull & Boyce, $1,000; M. 
Walker, $1,000; E. Fitzgerald, $1,000; L. N. & R. A. Minnie, $1,000. 

The changes which have marked the management of this house since it was first opened 
would make a chapter of themselves. It was well conducted under Mr. Whitney, now of the 
Pacific Hotel, but for some time its management was so poor, that the whole State had to listen 
to the complaints of discontented spirits. In the summer of 1882, the hotel was re-opened, and 
gives evidence of good management. 

The Pacific Hotel is conducted by Mr. Whitney. Its location on fhe northeast corner of 
Butler street and Huron avenue renders it a most convenient hostelry. The house is heated by 
steam, and very well ordered throughout. 

The Larned House is one of the old hotels of the city. The Thompson House, on Mili- 
tary street, is another of the old hostelries. The Albion House, a new hotel at the foot of But- 
ler street, and a number of smaller houses contribute to render the city complete in its hotel ac- 
commodations. 

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. 

Under this head may be grouped the dry docks, iron works, controlled by James H. Fitz- 
gerald; Excelsior Brass and Iron Foundry, by Rudge & Round; Barnett & Blair's iron 
works; W. W. Smith's plow factory; the 'ship building industries of Stewart & Carleton, Dun- 
ford & Allison and Edmond Fitzgerald; the Port Huron Gas Light Company; the f)laning 
mills of Ames Wallace, August Berhand and Chai'les Wilson & Co.; the lumber factories of 
Fred L. Wells, Brooks, Joslyn & Co., and Beard & Co.; the flouring mills of McMoran & Co., 
Guy Kimball, John Holt and D. G. Williams; the marble works of Alexander J. Grant; the 
industries operated by John Howard, Johnson & Figgs and William Buckeridge's wagon and 
carriage manufacturers, with a number of smaller industries. 

Among the incorporated companies of thecity, noticed in the county records, are the fol- 
owing: 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 547 

The Hcile Mamifaeturing Company was incorporated in November, 1874. with O'Brien J. 
Atkinson, Henry Howard, AV. P. Hale. O. L. Jenks and H. (1. Richards. Directors. The ca[)ital 
stock was$(iO.(lbO. 

The Port Huron Dry Dock Company was incorporated October 7, 1S71, with a capital stock 
of $100,000, half of which sum was then paid in. The names of stockholders were: Archi- 
bald Muir, $32,000; Abijah W. Smith. §:!2,000; Alexander Stewart, $4,000; AVilliam Living- 
stone, Jr.. of Detroit. $25,000; and William Liviugstoue, Detroit, .$7,000. 

The Detroit & St. Clair Steamboat Company was incorporated, under authority of Legis- 
lative Council. April 15. 1883: with Thomas Kuapp, Barual)as Campau, Henry Howard, F. 
G. Wilcox and James Abbot. Directors. 

The Black River Steam Mill Company was incorporated December 5, 1S34. It appears, 
from the preamble to the act, that Phineas Davis, Enoch Jones, Bartlett A. Luce, Frederick 
H. Stevens, E. Bingham, John Clark and Jonathan L. King were creditors of Francis P. 
Browning, who owned real estate on Black River with a steam saw mill and water mill there- 
on. They sought to purchase this property from the heirs of Browning, and, by continuing 
the business there, so save themselves from loss. 

The Port Huron Trans[)ortation Company was incorporated May 12, 1881, with William 
Jenkinson, Eliza M. Jenkinson. Jennie Jenkinson, William R. Soutar, H. C. Hope and 
Chai'les Clausen, original stockholders. The capital stock was $50,000. 

The Port Huron Oil & Mining Company was formed November 1. 1881, with John W. 
Twiss, Frank Whipple, Jacob P. Haynes, S. W Smith, D. A. Cameron, George P. Voor- 
heis, Charles A. Ward. H. R. Mills. A. N. Moffat and L. E. Suively. stockholders. The capi- 
tal stock was §50,000, of which sum $4,000 were paid in at date of organization. 

The Mills Transportation Company was formed FeVn-uarv 4. 1873, with a capital stock of 
$250,000. divided into 10,000 «hares of' $25 each. Nelson Mills, of Marysville, held 2,812; 
Barney Mills, U38: August C. Gray, 1,250; Henry McMoran, Port Huron, 2,500; and Charles 
Neal, Bay City, 2,500 shares. 

The Bottsford elevator, above the waterworks, was one of the first structures to mark the 
return of prosperity to this section of the country. It is an immense structiu'e, well located to 
meet its uses, and one of the monuments to the business activity of our times. 

The Banking establishments of the city are the Commercial, the National, Boyco's private 
banking house and the Port Hui\)n Savings Bank. These financial houses are ably managed, 
and enjoy the full confidence of the people. 

The city boasts of large business houses; notice of which is given in other pages. 

In the pages devoted to personal history, references are made to the men who l)uilt up the 
manufacturing, shipping and commercial intei-ests of the city. 

The River Street Planing Mill is a two story frame building, 100xl()0 feet, and was built 
in 1876 by Wallace Ames. In 1879. it passed into the hands of its present owner, E. B. Tay- 
lor. Doors, sash, blinds, moldings, and, in fact, all kinds of wooden building material are 
manufactured there, giving employment to thirty men. The buildings and machinery cost 
$20,000. In 1882. the business am'ninted to $30,000, and this year will increase tenor fifteen 
per cent. 

Henry Howard tt Co.'s saw mill is located at the mouth of Black River, and is one of the 
largest manufactories in St. Clair County. The mill is two stories high, 34x120 feet, and was 
built in 187(5 by W. B. & J. Hibbard. In 1879, it passed iDt(j the hands of Henry Howard & 
Co., the present proprietors. Jlr. Howard is Mayor of the city, a leading Rejiublican, and has 
been a member of the Legislature. He is also a prominent vessel-owner. 'I'he amount of 
lumber, lath, shingles, etc., sold by this firm in 1882 amounted to $120,000, and in 1883 the 
business will, it is supposed, reach $150,000. 

Brooks, Joslyn & Co.'s saw mill, on Black River, is also one of the most extensive institu- 
tions in this city. The mill is built of frame, two stories high, 30x120 feet, with brick ono-ine- 
house, and was erected in 1880. The cost of the mill and machinery was $20,000. Thirty- 
five men are employed throughout the year. Diu'ing the winter this firm engages in lum- 
bering, and employs 100 men. 



548 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTT. 

Love i Sehofield"s boiler shop is one of the rapidlv growiag establishments of Port Huron. 
Ther commenced business in 1S76. near Dnnford A: Alversons dry dock, but in ISSO ther 
erected a new shop. 6^>s;100 feet, on SL Clair Elver, at a cost of $4.0iX). Love A: Schofield do 
general marine wort, and their boilers are rated high by vessel men. Thirty men are steadily 
esaployed. 

The Port Huron Dry Dock Lron Works were established in 1S76 by James H. Fitzgerald 
and Henry Burton, but the latter retired in ISTS. These works are located on St. Clair Kiver. 
the buOdin^s being of frame, and two stories high. The machinery and btiildings cost about 
?6.0'W. and twenty men are employed. Most of the machinery in the large vessels are 
overhauled at these works. The proprietor, James H. Fitzgerald, for several years sailed on 
the lakes, and is a thorough engineer. In 1SS2. about 820. <>W worth of work was sent out. 
and this year the amotint will increase to $30,CK)0. 

LOIBER YARD? 

The largest Itimber yards are owned by Peter Hil l. .John Hill and John Jenkinson. all 
being located on Black Biver. The lumber, lath and shingles handled by these dealers comes 
principally from up-shore ports. 

L. L. Wells" saw mill, on Black Kiver. west of Seventh street, is a thriving industry, fur- 
nishing employment to thirty or forty men. 

LIME KILSS. 
S. T. Probett is the largest manufacturer of lime in this section, and he ships several 
thousand barrels each week. Jedediah Spalding has the next largest lime kilns. Both are 
situated on Black River. 

WAGOX AXD CARRIAGE FACTORIE.-. 

George ilitts. whose factory is located on Water street, manufactures heavy and light 
wagons and carriages. 

The carriage factory owned by Asa H. Wright, also located on Water street, is another 
growing industry. A superior carriage is manufactured there, and although the establishment 
is not very large, the proprietor competes with the largest institutions in the country. 

DRY DCMTKS AST) SHIPYAED.S. 

The Wolverine Dry Dock was btiilt in 1S75, by Carleton. Stewart &. Co., and is conven- 
iently located near the upper end of St Clair River. The total length is 205 feet, breadth 45 
feet and depth of water over miter sill 14i feel Total cost. 324,0iX). After its completion, 
several large vessels were builL In ISSl. it became the property of the Wolverine Dry Dock 
Company, and is now owned by that company. During the past two years, the work has been 
almost esclusively confined to rebuilding large craft, but the company intend to build vessels. 
One hundred men are constantly employed. 

Dunford k. Alverson's dry dock is one of the oldest in 3Jjchigan. It is situated on St. 
Clair River, adjacent to all the docks. It was built in 1S66, by Archibald Muir & Co.. and 
cost §SO.Ch'»0. Some of the largest vessels on the lakes were built at this dock. In 18S0. it 
was sold to Dtmf ord i Alverson, the present proprietors. Between eighty and ninety men are 
employed. The frame of a large craft is now on the stocks. No ship-builders in Michigan 
have a better reputation than Dunford &: Alverson. 

THE PHCENTX lEOS WORKS. 
The largest fotuidry in the city is situated adjacent to the Chicago &, Grand Trunk and 
Port Huron A; Northwestern Railways, and facing St Clair River. The business was first car- 
ried on by W. S. k. X. Jenks, in a frame building built in 1S57, when ten men were em- 
ployed. In 1S61, this building was destroyed by fire. In the same year large brick buildings 
were erected, and nacced the Phcenix Iron Works. In 18S2, the business amounted to $125,000, 
and this year will, it is said, increase to §175.00<1 The new works and machinery cost §65,- 
000, and seventy-five men are on the pay-rolls. Special attention is given to machinery 



HISTOBY OF ST. CLAIB COrXTY. 549 

f ; r " •" "^T>g rnflHTig and marine. This &irL ••^g.r'-^p.i-t .inp-j sap^rri :r eiuirLcS. frjin. p'SirS'rni.s ir- 
rented in the works. 

fdjcr mill. 

ilcMofran i Co.'s lioTir miiL located on St Clair Biva-. and adjacent ro the Pert Hurcn 
i Nordiwest.='m dep-jt and frr-ijht vard. is one of thft m.:<5<: exti=-n5iTe in-timrijns of the kin-i in 
ilichig^n. The 's-ort of ro.iliing -"as cotnm<mced in IST*?. slA. c->otnpIeced in ISTT. The aiill 
then -i sii nm of stones, cut two jears later fi're njjre were a.iled. In " "- _ -ill 

was . L nve stones taken otir and the new patent rcllers s-ii=.i^ Zi^ht ^ ,. - ^- 

rels ;:' re tianniaettire'l in i■?'^'2. and in l^>-j the ani;':int wilL it is thctiiht. L-r in- 

crease- '- barrels. Thirty-nve men are emplcjeii ilciTtrran i Co. hsTe an immense 

local trade, and also m^-de Leaw shit>iiifiiit5 to the Xew England States, L~erp-j«ji and Glas- 
gow. 

EAXLWAT >HOPS. 

The Port Htsrim ic X:rthwes:em Railw^i -" - 'T-rand Tr-^—^ =- ^~ '—- " -^- -^ 'jrand 

Tmnk shops are located here, and fnmish e^ „: to abont six htLndred mem The nr=t- 

named shops are parelv locaL beinj owned an^i ■..j.«crs.:ed bj" Port Hnron cap:t2j_L5t5. who bnilt 

the nair'Tw-^ange railwav. 

HASXE.'^ FA'TTORY. 

The harness factcrv on Hnron avenue, owned by John HcC'i^Taiiik. is a larre. tw;-ss(aT 
brick bnildin^. The factory was established in V^<^. and the business hss steadily rno-reasel 
tmtil fifteen men are new employed. AJI kinds o-f harness are ^ .sr. rif ?.c>.u.ttrd. and sntt p^i to 
everr State in the Union- In lS>i the sales anKKinted to >"4'.'.'^«*-*: thf-^ year the btLsiness will 
a^rte^te S*?*.'.''""!'. The rr^tC'rietor is at - j ' -s a deep interest m tne 

T-rlrareof the city. He is at present at- _ _ 

THE P<:'ST HrEON BEi>">M FA-rTOET. 
This factorv was established in 1^74. by Edward PsvjitsL and is now one :f the ieadinj 
industries of Port Hinvn. The factory is a fonr-story brick btiildin^. and twenty men are txm.- 
stantly employed- Brcoms of every description are mantifaetared. and are celebrated for 
their fin- '- Afc<ut S40.'XV' worth were :_ ' ' -"'_ '. this year the sales 

will reach " - A.t the be^inninj t-f lSi3, 1 . _ - - -- a partner, and the 

nnn name is E. PerciTal i Son. 

>: " -r.ICAL. 

Perhaps in no qiiarter of the eiv-..._ . _rld are the phenonjaena of the skies to bte 
: - .-. ed more clearly, or the eccentricities of the atmv"^here to be eip^erienced moce materially. 
i^-m alon^ the St. Clair Hirer. There cannot be conceive"! anything: m?:re ~ ^ latnre. 

than the sunrise beyond the river, and the hues it conveys to the dancing \te Sn 

C. 7. and the tints it gives :" - -of churches and windows of pnt-t.; ,-; '■ 'gs and 
_ --s, and to the shade trees. :_ _ .t the riverside city of Port Hurrn 

There is a dntts' amon^ the leases: off there to the right, s.: " ■ - m 

:f the 'iinily- lighted scene: the tors ;•? the trees shiver with the nr- - _ ?- 

ite tenderness of color there is wedl.-ck between the glowing lignts above and the clinging 
shadow? that belong to earth. As one gazes, siinietiiing stirs in the fttrrcvw at nis very fees: 
it is scarcely a soand: rather it is a sigfa between two dreams. Frightened a: the silence that 
ensaes. the skylark lies close and hushed. Then the ' ' ' ^ ' - .-_.-_.--- _^ 

chirp, then twi-». then silence. Then a irar>. bereft o: 

as if moisten- ' • _e new !■_ - - -n 

his shelter be ;:rssses - _ _ r- 

ing calls from here, ir.^m * - - -i- 

sions — a growing dood of i. .-, , :_„: r -.- : , _ - .- - z 

light of day. The heavens are a wonder. ^ATiile in the east the sttn Tentures to p r e 

tip end of his rosy nose, westward — still enfolded in the chilly vapors of the n:ght^._- _ ..n 
lies dvinjj — dies. 



550 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The day succeeding may be characterized by extremes of heat and cold. The weather is 
very treacherous; but throiTghout the year, the resident knows, should the visitor fail to realize 
the fact, that under no other sun can a more agreeable clime be found than here where the 
vanished pines give place to a prosperous city. 

The city was a base of supplies for lumbermen and raftsmen during the great lumber 
era. It is now the depot for the neighboring farmers. Every class of goods required in the 
pineries, or anywhere in the vicinity, can be found in the stores and warehouses, which are 
being constantly added to as business increases. The legal, medical and clerical professions 
are well represented. In the biographical sketches, the jjersonnel of many of the most prom- 
inent of these may be found. The history of the county is insepavable from that of the city. 
Some points, however, of special interest to the residents of the city, will be presented in this 
connection. The building of a city at the point was not the result of a deliberate plan or 
scheme, no one contemplated such a thing: but being at the end of a road by the rapids, and 
at the foot of a* long stretch of smooth water, it naturally became a depot and an entrepot for 
supplies, and so the town grew. The panic of 1857, it is believed, worked material iujm-y to 
the progress of the village, as also to that of the county. Few came in, from this year until 
after the close of the war. Financial stringency produced a practical of the lumber interests, 
and consequent stagnation of business. There wa;? comparatively no farming of consequence, 
and less trade. The value of farm products depreciated, and prices of commodities increased 
correspondingly. The effect of these anomalous conditions were perceptibly visible, not alone 
at Fort Huron and St. Clair, but also throughout this portion of the lumber district. Impov- 
erishment, if not ruin, stared many in the face, and escape therefrom was only accomplished 
after trials no pen can adequately describe. To the close of the war, both increase in popula- 
tion and the number of improvements were nominal. As one who is familiar with the fact 
asserts, there was not to exceed forty heads of families who came into the county during the 
period between 1S57 and 1865, who remained permanently. Others visited the vicinity, but, 
having canvassed the probabilities of the future, decided against remaining, and went else- 
where. Improvements continued to be made, and brick blocks were substituted for the in- 
convenient and contracted quarters erected before Port Huron became a city. They were on a 
scale of finish and capacity almost equal to any east of the lakes, and were eminently adapt- 
ed to the displays of stock made therein. The dwellings were also of a more modern type than 
any of moment previously erected, and added to the appearance of the city in their neatness 
and finish. A musical association was organized and gave concerts occasionally, by jiarticular 
request, at Harder Hall, and the praiseworthy efforts of the society evoked a murmur of sur- 
prise at the " quantity and quality of musical talent" that was wasting in the city. Another 
success scored du.ring the spring was the organization of a fire company, the first in this city. 
This grew out of the constant alarms of lire raised, it is said, almost daily within the city lim- 
its. Its repetition produced an effect upon the public mind, and those who owned property 
began to fear that the streets of Port Huron would some day be made desolate. In February, 
three buildings caught fire, and were only saved by the gi'eatest exertions. Later in the month, 
an alarm from opposite portions of the city was sounded, and both houses were destroyed. The 
bucket brigade, with axes, comprised the department at that day, and their labors were consid- 
ered as feeble in opposition to elements against which only almost inexhaustible resom'ces can 
combat. The loss that would some day accrue, if measures were not taken without delay to 
prevent it, would be in the nature of a calamity, the reparation of which would be diffie'ult, if 
not impossible. There was material in the city out of which to organize hook and ladder and 
engine companies, and before it was too late the citizens decided to do this. Thj membership 
was made up of young men, and for once in the history of the human family, to be youthful 
was a condition of felicity superterrestrial. 

I In closing this sketch of a city, which contains within itself all the qualities to render it 
populous and prosperous, it is but just to point out the great requisites of our time. Owing to 
its central location, with reference to the important producing and shipping interests, it has 
become the point from which the major part of these are managed. Hence, it continues to 
grow in wealth, population and business, despite the neglect of its people in the matter of or- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 551 

ganized effort to promote its advanceaient. Its growth without such effort but indicates what 
its progress might have been, if the stimulus of systematic work on the part of leading prop- 
erty owners and business men to promote its welfare were applied to the development of its 
natural advantages. The compiler is no chronic fault-finder, but sees so clearly what is lost 
by remissness in this respect, that he cannot help deploring the want of united action to send 
the town rapidly forward. He knows that nothing but such action is needed to place Port 
Huron in the front rank of Michigan cities, as the manufacturing and commercial center of a 
rich region, and in jioint of population. The business men are the peers of any to be found in 
the country in enterprise, liberality, business sagacity and iiluek, but the trouble a])peai-s to 
be that they are so absorbed in large uadertakings, not dependent upon the prosperity of the 
municipality, that its material prosperity is but a secondary consideration with them. The 
city needs more manufactm-ing establishments of various kinds to insiu-e permanent prosper- 
ity, by bringing us skilled artisans, whose labor would increase the wealth of the place; but 
there is no encouragement offered those to locate here, save what is held out by our natural 
advantages, while there is nothing done to advertise these to the world. Hundreds of cheap, 
comfortable homes, to accommodate men of small means who are obliged to rent are needed. 
There are being tens jiut up where hundreds are wanted, and these by jiersons who intend oc- 
cupying the buildings themselves, thus but indirectly relieving the pressure that has crowded 
a large portion of tenements in the city to an extent destructive alike to the health and com- 
fort of their occupants. We might lengthen out this list of '' needs " indefinitely, all of which 
tend to retard the advancement of the town, and many of which exist only because of the las- 
situde of the people where the welfare of the city is concerned. 

Marysville, or Vicksburg, as it was formerly called, is situated on the St. Clair River, 
six miles below Port Huron, and the same distance above St. Clair. It contains a population 
of about 300. It has three steam saw jnills, one hotel and a Methodist Church. Some ship- 
building ia carried on here, Marysville being the headquarters of the Mills Transportation 
Company, which has a capital of .'f!'250,()00 — $70,000 paid up. The Lake Shore line of boats 
stop at Marysville daily, and it has a daily mail the year around and also telegraphic facil- 
ities. 

PEKSO.NAL HI.STORV. 

History is a relation of facts, while biography is actually a history of the lives and char- 
acters of the men who caused such facts to have an existence. One should be inseparable from 
the other; and so apparent is this, so apparent has it been, that for some years we made it a 
practice to deal fully with the people who have made subject for the histories of our counties; 
and particularly with those whose intelligence now guides them to place contideuee in our 
work — to realize its value, to take an esf)ecial pride in its success. In the following sketches 
it will be evident to the reader that an effort has been made to deal fairly with the people of 
this city. We owe them a bona fide history, for the special support they have given the work; 
we owe them our thanks for the hearty co-operation extended to ourselves and to our employes. 

EDWARD PETIT.* 

Edward Petit was born February 7, 1813, in a log house built by his father, near the 
foot of the present Court street. Port Huron. 

He was the oldest and now only living son of Ansolm Petit. His mother was Angelique 
Campau, daughter of Simon Campati and Angelique Bourdon, from Quebec. Mrs. Campau, 
the grandmother, was one of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters. She died at 
the house of Lebby Gamjaau, in Detroit, aged ninety-six years. 

A daughter married one McDougal, who kept slaves — two of them, named Jo and Callette — 
may be remembered by persons now living in Detroit. Callette. after the death of her mis- 
tress, went to live with Lebby Campau, at whose house she died. 'When IMr. Petit was but a 
few months old, the family was obliged to flee for safety to Detroit, where they remained till 
the close of the war (1812), when they returned home, and his father assisted in building Fort 
Gratiot, 

About the yeai: 1821, Mr. John S. Hudson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hart and Miss Osmer 

♦This biography is tali en from Mrs, B. C FarrandV hii^torical paper. 



552 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

opened a missionary school at the fort, for the benefit of the Indians and any that chose to at- 
tend. The first year they met with poor success, the Indians wholly refusing to receive in- 
struction, believing or fearing that the missionaries wished to enslave them. But after get- 
ting an interpreter, named Javerodd, the school numbered some fifty or sixty, and was contin- 
ued three years, until the missionaries were removed to Mackinaw. Thirty of the Indians 
followed them thither, thns proving their attachment to these self-denying, good people. 

At this school Mr. Petit took his first and only lessons, which were learned in a box of 
sand. Each pupil was provided with a sharpened stick, and formed letters in the sand after a 
copy placed upon the wall. After the inspection of the teacher, the work was rubbed out and 
another trial made. 

What a change have these fifty years witnessed! 

The chief amusements of Mr. Petit's boyhood were those of the Indian — hunting and 
fishing. 

The Indians were very numerous, and from them he learned their language — French being 
the language of his parents, and English settlers coming in. he learned simultaneously the 
French, Indian and English languages, all three of which he now speaks with fluency — and on 
this account, as well as his enterprising spirit, ho was well calculated to trade for the fui' com- 
panies, and in that trade he was employed almost from boyhood. 

He well remembers the visits of old Father Badin at his father's house, and in 1828, at St. 
Ann's Church, in Detroit, he received the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Chiu-eh from the 
hands of Pere Richard. 

During that year, and at only fifteen years of age, he engaged in the Indian trade and 
spent the winter on the Canadian side, near the Sauble. He took supplies of shot, powder, 
calicoes and blue broadcloth, one and three-fourth yards of which was called a blanket. Th& 
Indians gave for them maple sugar and furs — otter, beaver, mink, marten and bear skins. Of 
the early visits of the steamer Superior, he has a distinct recollection. About four times a year 
she was accustomed to visit this place for wood, dry pine being deemed the only wood suitable 
for steamboats. A Mr. Hatch had a contract to supply the wood. 

The captain of the boat charged all who went on board to visit her one shilling each. 
" Our whole family," says Mr. Petit, "visited the boat, and going on board, stood in mute ad- 
miration of the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We thought we were in heaven." 

When in the Indian trade, in the employ of Crurden and Ephraim Williams, then of th& 
fur company, Mr. Petit had a post on the Cass River, at a place called Skop ti-qua-nou. mak- 
ing a very short bend in the river, shaped like a horseshoe. The Indians on that river were 
numerous and unusually intelligent. The traders had plenty to eat. and plenty to do looking 
them up and bartering with them 

Special interest had been awakened by the failure of all the traders to find an encamp 
ment of five or six families of Indians who had been gone all winter, and must necessarily 
have great quantities of furs, or skins as they were called. Party after party went out and 
retiu-ned, not having found them. The head of this camp was Tawas, a cunning old fellow^ 
one of whose sons had blue eyes. 

Young Petit resolved to seeui'e this prize, if perseverance would accomplish it, and started 
out with provisions on his back for a week, together with articles for barter. He took with 
him as guide an Indian with one arm. The other arm had been sacrificed to the revenge of 
the Indians, who had shot him because he had murdered his own wife at la Riviere Delude. 

The two started off and passed over to Sebewaing, then following round the lake came 
down to the f)lace now known as White Rock, where they encamped, after making for themselves 
a lodge of bark. Before morning, a di'enching rain set in, and with nothing to cheer, and only 
one loaf of bread remaining, they set forth renewing their search, which was rewarded after a 
tramp of five miles. Tawas and his families were forind preparing to make sugar. They had 
brass kettles of all sizes, which had been given them by the British Government. They had 
selected this spot on account of its facilities for fishing. When found they were almost in a 
starving condition, having no food at all except moose tallow scraps. Petit divided with them 
his only loaf, and in return shared their hospitality ia the shape of scraps of moose tallow for 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 553 

several cLays. He purchased, during this time, 500 marten skins at $1 each, which were 
readil}' sold at $2. Only the finest of the furs could they take away. The coarse ones w(>re 
left for later traders; and, rc^turning to camp rejoicing, his wages were quadrui)led by his em- 
ployers. 

Another winter, while in the Indian trade, he was three months with only one man for 
company, on the Canada side of the lake. Cietting shoi't of provisions, he sent the man forty 
miles, to Goderich, for food. The snow fell during his absence, and was so deep that return 
was impossible. The bread and crackers gave out, and he had nothing left but whole corn, 
without any salt. After some days, an old Indian came in from tlie hunting-grounds on the 
Thames, bringing on his back a basket he had made from elm bark, filled with honey, found 
on his way in a tree. After that, to use his own expression, they " lived first-rate on corn and 
honey." As soon as the sun came out so as to melt the snow and form a crust, the man who 
had laeen sent for food returned on snow-shoes, and soon four Frenchmen came out, bringing 
relief to the starving trader. 

It was in this vicinity, on the Sanble, about forty miles from Sarnia. that he observed the 
ruins of an ancient house. 

Pacing the size, ho found it to have been forty by twenty-four feet on the ground. On 
the middle of the soutli or gable end, was a chimney eighteen feet high, in excellent preserva- 
tion, built of stone with an open tire- place. The fire-place had sunk below the surface. This 
ruin had a garden surrounding it, ten or twelve rods wide by twenty long, marked by ditches 
and alleys. And most remarkable of all, even wonderful, inside the walls of the house a 
splendid oak had gi'own to be three feet in diameter and sixty feet high, without a limb and 
perfectly straight. It seemed to be of a second growth, and must have been 150 years in 
reaching the proportions observed. On inquiry of an aged Saguenay chief,* eighty-four years 
old, he stated that a white man built the house at the time his great-great great-great-grand- 
father lived, and that white people lived then in all the country round; that they were not 
Frenchmen, and that everything, no matter of how great or small value, was sold for a peminick, 
meaning dollar. 

Who could these generous white men of the north have been? 

After so varied an experience in border and Indian life, Mi'. Petit, scarcely past middle 
age, resides in the place of his birth, blessed with ample means, the fruit of his own industry 
and well-directed enterprise. 

He is a zealous member of the Congregational Church, and lives to enjoy the luxury of 
doing good, and to help Iniild up those institutions of benevolence and Christianity which, in 
so short a period of time, have changed the wilderness, where only the swarthy Indian roamed, 
to the city whoso schoolhouses and churches guard and develop the intellectual, moral and re- 
ligious culture of its thousands. 

For the facts and incidents of the foregoing sketch of early French settlers of Port Huron, 
I am largely indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Petit, and their only daughter, Mrs. Louise Petit 
Smith. 



PORT HURON. 

THOMAS AISTROP, farmer, Section 30, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of England, and wa.s born 
November 9, 1817. Upon reacbini; manhood he came to Canada in 1839, and lived there until 18.i3, when he 
came to this county; boujjht the land wliere he now lives, and settled upon it, and cleared it, and made his 
farm, which contains fifty acres, and lias lived here thirtj- \'ears. In 1841, he married Miss Mary .lames, a 
native of Enj^land; they have four i-hildren — John, .Jane, Edward and Lottie; thev have lost four children. 

.TOHN ALLEN, farmer. Section 7, P. O. Port Huron, is a luilive of New ffanipshire, and was born in 
Cohoes County, May (i. ISKi. lie lived there until March. 184(1, wlien he came to St. Clair County and settled 
in Port Huron, and engaged in lumbering, and was connected with tliat business until 1803. He bought the 
farm where he now lives in 1858, and since then has lived here and has been engaged in fanning, and owns a 

* Onictc-uick. 



554 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

gooil farm of eighty acres — well improved. He has held office of Road Commissioner and school office. He 
married Miss Phebe Patridge October 11, 1.H19; she is a native of Pennsylvania; she came here in 1837 with 
her parents, who were early settlers here. They have nine children — Clara, Albert, Herbert, William, Edgar, 
Hattie. Minnie, Annie and Ida. 

THOMAS A. ALVERSON, of the firm of Dunford & Alverson. ship builders, is a native of Wyoming 
County, N. Y., and was born August T. 1844; his parents came to Oakland Count}-, Mich., in 1845; he attended 
school and afterward began learning the trade of ship carpenter. He was foreman for Charles Mears, and was 
also foreman for Rust, King & Co., at Saginaw. He came to Port Huron in 1874, and was foreman of 
Fitzgerald's shipyard between two and three years; then engaged in business with his present partner; the}' em- 
ploy from 100 to 200 men at certain seasons of the year. In 1879, he married Miss Mary Hannah Travis, a 
native of Canada; they have one son. Homer. Mr. Alverson's father is eighty-three years of age, and his 
mother seventy-three years of age; are both living with him. 

CYRUS ANGrEY, farmer, Section 31, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Canada, and was born below 
Montreal, December 13, 1839. He came to this State in 184S, and engaged in lumbering; he was in the em- 
ploy of Nelson Roberts for eighteen years. In 1871, he bought this farm and since then has been engaged 
in farming. He married Miss Mary Roberts, daughter of ISelson Roberts, in 1854; she died iu 18(51, leaving 
three children, only two survive — Louie and Rosa. In 1870, he married Miss Matilda Parket, of Montreal, 
Canada. 

WILLIAM C. ANDERSON, dealer in wagons and agricultural implements, is a native of Canada, and 
was born August 3, 18.53. His parents came to Michigan during his early childhood and he gi-ew up and 
received his education in this State. The business of Anderson & Co. was establi-shed in 1874; their retail 
trade e.xtends over St. Clair, Sanilac and Huron Counties, and their jobbing trade extends through the north- 
eastern part of the State, and to the Upper Peninsula. They have the agency of the Studebaker wagon's 
and Wood's mowers and reapers, and have a Large and extensive trade, and also have a large trade in other 
agricultural implements, and transact the leading business in this section of the State. This firm has branch 
houses at Mindon and Marlette, where they carry a full stock of goods for their trade. Mr. Anderson was 
united in marriage .January 5. 1881. to Miss Ida F. Beard, daughter of the late James Beard, an early settler, 
and one of the most successful business men of St. Clair County. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one 
daughter. 

O'BRIEN J. ATKINSON, attorney at law, is a native of Canada; was born in the city of Toronto, 
May 34, 1839, and came to this State in 1854. Attended school here and entered the State University at Ann 
Arbor, where he completed his literary education. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1861; then 
engaged in the practice of law in Port Huron, and since then for the past twenty-two years has successfully 
practiced his profession here. Mr. Atkinson is a hard student and has won an enviable reputation for ability 
and eloquence as a pleader, and is a leading member of the legal circles of the State. Soon after being 
admitted to the bar, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of this county in 1861, and held that office four 
years, and has held town and school offices, and is now President of the village of Fort Gratiot. He is not an 
office seeker, but devotes his energies to his profession. Mr. Atkinson was united in marriage, November 4, 1863. 
to Miss Mary M. .Jones, of Port Huron. His brothers. Col. John Atkinson and W. J. Atkinson, were formerly 
connected with the press and bar of this county. 

B. D. AUSTIN, Superintendent of the Board of Public Works, is a native of .Jefferson County, N. Y., and 
was born September 10, 1824; his parents came to Canada during his boyhood; after reaching manhood he 
came to St. Clair County in 1850, and settled in the town of Clyde and engaged in lumbering and farming. 
He has lived in this county, and been engaged in and connected with the lumber trade for one-third of a 
century. He has held the office of Commissioner of Highways and school offices, and is now Superintendent 
of the Board of Public Works. In 1847, he married Miss Mary Ann Bentley. a native of Canada. She died in 
June, 186.5, leaving four children— Edward E., is freight agent of the P. H. & N. W. R. R. ; James D., is with 
his father; Martin M., in railroad business iu Minnesota; Maynard B., clerk in railroad office. Chicago. Mr. 
Austin married Mrs. Harriet Smith, a native of England, January 31. 1866. She has two sons — Stanmore 
Perley, clerk in railroad office, Chicago; Joseph W., machinist at Saginaw. 

A. R. AVERY, attorney at law, "is a native of Canada, and was born November 14, 1846. He attended 
school there and came with his parents to St. Clair County in 1863. He attended the schools here and then 
entered the norma! school where he completed his education and afterward engaged in teaching. Studied law 
and was admitted to the bar in December, 1871; after his admission he attended course of lectures at the law 
department of the State University. In the spring of 1873, became to Port Huron and engaged in the practice 
of law, and since then has successfully practice^l his profession here. In the fall of 1873, he was elected 
Circuit Court Commissioner, and in the" fall of 1874, was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1876 was re- 
elected to the same office. Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Martha Locke, a native of Sanilac County, 
Mich., July 2i. 1866. They have three children— Henry A., Minnie and Kittle. 

STEPHEN H. AVERY, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Canada, and was born May 18, 1844. 
He attended school there and came"to Port Huron in 1860. After the war broke out, he enlisted in Company 
K, Twenty-.seoond Regiment Micliigan Volunteer Infantry, and served about three years. After the war he 
returned here; in 187.5, he was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs, and since then for the past seven years 
has held that position. He is connected with the State Militia, and is Captain Company F, Third Regiment 
Michigan State Troops. In 1867, Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Emma Potter, a native of St. 
Clair County. They have four cliildren— Howard, Nettie, Grace and George. 

WILLIAM H. AVERY. engineer water works, is a native of New York State, and was born in the city 
of Buffalo, February 7, 1837. He learned the trade of machinist; after reaching manhood, came to Michigan 
and located at Jackson. He held the position of engineer in charge of the Jackson water works for several 
years; and came to Port Huron in 1873; when the water works was put in, he was appointed engineer in charge, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COLrXTY. 555 

and since then for the past nine years lias hel<i th-it nn^itinn -vr- \, •,,,-, 

G^se. Count., Ohii, Januar^, t85^; S^ .Cl^Xldi^lj^^^ew ^^3?'!;^^^^;;!-^^^ 

city of Dresden, tlie capital of the Kin..d,)ni of SaTon ?■ nn.,,^- o ' 'J/ '7 °^ Germany, and was horn in the 

eighteen years of age, during, which iSeZ a tennVhecZmof^^^ ^' '''?'^' "? ""'V'^. "^'"^ ">"«^ ""fl 

ward became clerk in a gnn^^T store Xere In Miv is/o , ,^^ '" "'"' city; after- 

of establishin,^ a RepubliTan goVe>nnu"t fn whid!'^V took an ae e^^ir^'^h °rlV'lr'"T'^ ^°' ""-' '^"■'P^^'' 
he emigrated to America, and arrived in New York in Au.vnt^ 1840 H I'i, ^ febe l,on being not successful, 
to Detroit, and was eugascd in the orocen tiAde tb 'V wi,JI„ ^^^^ He lived in Buffalo, and in 1851 came 
Pflugk. on the 23d da? of Smte mbcr i.^i -i f.t v. .^f t^ ? '?'"" '''''''''' '''' '"""-ie^l Miss Ernestine 
Port°Huro,i an.l established his peseni b ishiet fnd since Zn^f V''™'"^-. H -'^P"'' 'f^' "»'^>- ^'^-^^ to 
carried on the business here. He and JuX Saunders n if • \v '""■'°'' ''f '"■'^"'-'-^^■^' ^''^^-'s ^e has 
in this line of business here; duriuUl" t tiZ?he its .h^v 1/ '^ y-^'i"? ''''Vr^"'' "'^'''*' merchants now 
two years been engaged in the bottling U?Ls and ha biil 'up V wT"' ^}K''''\'"' ""^ P^'' 

had nothing, and his success is owim<- to his own ,'ffn,ts L P J ? ^ hen Mr. Baer began life, he 

corner Huron avenue and Bard stree where he m-es and carX o^n h ";'''°-?=^'"<^"t- He owns the property 

^^■J\X. ''''■ "''- '-^ '-^' ^^i''^^-^^^ -^- Bia;:i:]^^'^;!;:;:;^^ 

born'in™fof^^ ^^f-polf Hu'r NoSr u'lSSo"' ';?i''-' ?"°';' '^t " "'■'"Tr"^ ^'^ ^''^^ ^ountv, and was 
the earliest settlers here. ^^thei li " in 1865 and 1 il n Zr !'■ trf """^i •^°¥""-'' ^"^lev. wVre among 

attended school here, and since his fule'^leath has been en " 'f w' f V""''^?"''^',"'' '-- ' ^^'^^ ^'- S''^^"' "P ""J 
""FR'vNr i^'^l,V?f*tiv"f -^I-Tsville." They ha'"ot d^ufhfc^-^Jcv""^^ ""'" '" ^^■"''"'"^■■' ^S"- '^<' 

was b^l^^..!;^[^?^,;,-:;'';^^;:;!rr^y^'i!:g'^y::^^^^ - « native of Ohio, and 

of age, and he "rew ui> in this •^i.itr. Aft„ • P'^'i^ntt, C'iime to Michigan when he was only ten years 

July? 18", and ?in<^e ttn has carried onlheb.'Zc"^,'" ^"" i^"''','"' '"; ^^^ablished his present businS 
manufactures all of his tiV con^eXnerv and he has the le'^Hh,"/'"^ ""'-\ P"„«°" "' l"*' t'^^iness here who 
to Jliss Emma Atherton, a native of Aldan Mich In .s A i"|~ ''' T, ^^u ^'"'-'■^' 7'''* "-^'^"l '" m-.m-Uxge 

HORACE BAKER. Clerk of the Circuit Cnnrt' ^M\l ^'''■;-}- ^ '"">; ^="''' ""^ daughter-Bertha, 
became to Detroit ui 1838 ren?ain iig tl M-er,- ^nTw^^^^^^ J- February 8, I.809; 

troi , where he had two uncles, and received' h^ducat on there wh,^,^«^ "' attended school in De- 

Port Huron and went to work for James W Sanborn fn^ri-^' twent.v-one years of age, he came to 

ser, the tirst year worked for |iV h k boa ^ u'ls^ j T. in ff: 'V-' ''' f'7^-' '" 'H ^^"'"'^ «^ E. R. Sweet- 
continued for three years. He eno-aced in "enel-al n,^; ;/Am^" ""' '" '''"'l"nK ^d -general business, and 
there seven years. In 1878 was efetfd to his^nreli n. ffi business at Brockway Centre, and continued 

also re.ele..tf.d in 1885 foi'thbd en K ? ^0!^,^' f nlV'T lef ''^'rt'""^ '" "^^*"°« P^^*"'""' 
united in marriage October 34, 18.-.5 to AlissVl-rvV A ;,,,,„ '^ Treasurer for four years. Mr. Baker was 
settlers of this county. They have six d llSlLil A M '"^^'''Vr'^ Joseph P. Minnie, one of the old 
Horace Edgar. • f "naien-Alinnie A., Mary E.. Hattie A., Pn^d A., Josephine A. and 

ber rSt,^^i\tr:^Z Slhr^Catcd IIT Port Hur '''•■ ^"J^rT^^ Y" '" '^-°"'" ^°-- 

carnage painter for six years; then enira^ed in .^^."on m^^^^ 

1869 he married Bridget Ann Ryan, of Iht place tIk v htV^f ',. 1 ',"? '^'"T-^' '?" ^^^ '">si"''«^ ^i"ce. In 

S. L. BALLKXTIVE of the tiiC of S I if'.ll.ir'^ have three children-Lizzie. Anna, AVillie. 
was born November .^ IS 5; his pa viUs came^o M c h'^fi^,?-' '^^'^'^^■'^'^^^■^^ « Jnativc of Calais, Me., and 
three years on a farm! and n 18.5'J " , "re 1 • store , \ w T ^'-''-'^^only twelve years of age; he spent 
year, came to Port Huron an,i cut Ted he sutre o W lit ^ -r'' '""''!''';'' "'^'"•~'^ '''^"'°^- Tbe following 
witli Charles P. Noyes. A. C,,.. who succlcde 1 n^^i f sr"^^^^^^^ '''"." '■''■"aincd with thislirm an3 

Mr. Balle.Uine and his brother David the fi „ 1 "„ "s' '"'V; ^^l^f""!"' latter Hrni sold out their business to 
until the .leatli of David, which occurred . I ul 13 l"f4 MvR,lV- ^^'"'■""".'■- lli^.V continued without change 
1881, when his nephew. Albert R 15a lent J .'.s jn,!,, I °V'"' '•""'"""''i "'c business until FebruaiT, 

& Co.. dealing larljely in drv^o.ls 1.k .^^.T'l^ admitted a partner, and the firm became S. I.. Ballentine 
and their sal.^ wiU liiSil^k^^^^he tcl^U t^n' tIIv"'^'"- "V^' ""'^" "=7^' " ^''''^' established tnd^ 
lead ng position in the business here, ' ml have uiiU ui nni?' " ':"r,'. ''"^^'^ V"^ ^VV*^ '«°" '-''ken th^ 
stockhc^.l,,. and a dire-tor in the Con mer ial Xat d B ..r ind'u' w '"' T'Y ^^' ^''"^^"""C i^ a 
of the Narrow Guage Railroad, and one of i s dire ci s .nVi; ' ' '.'i' ^^ •«'"".■. "^ "^e original incorporators 
ests of the city an, county. Mr Ball.MUine w ^n, ,^1 -^ '• "et'^ely nlentitied with the commen-ial inter- 
Farrand. daughter of B. C. F.- rrand of this cit'y T Ic ■ " "'"T'''"«''. ^r'*""^''.^:'' '■ ^''^'^- '° ^^^^^ t'^"-"line L. 
man, Catharine Forrest. Edward FarVand ^' " " ^'""' ^^'^''''ren-Emma McAllen, Carrie Whit- 

t^^f^l^^a'^ilMi^^Jli^l^^^ I-wis Co.. N. Y August 12, 1835. The 

school of Mr. D. B. Cran?, well rememl ei -d bv mai v nf , u .1 ° ' -l^'V"' T';::''"'-' '''s education at the high 
Amherst, Mass., Academy His early an bilimi • s" fn, Residents of Detroit, and at the then famous 

took his father to Milwaukee, whe^ ^■c i, \"l h. n 1^4'; i^'V;^^' l'""l '"' j!'^' vicissitudes of bu.siness 
then thriving village. But Mr. Bancroft ..P^^l^Z ^^^tu' ^^^^^J'^^ H^^^^^fZ^^ 



556 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

he had established himself as editor and proprietor of the Obsercer, at Port Huron, where he remained until 
1S4S. An opportunity then opening for him to enter upon the study of his chosen profession, he pursued it 
with assiduity- and success under Hon. W. F. Allen, then of Oswego. N. Y., and afterward Judge of the 
Court of Appeals of that State. Returning to Port Huron in 18-51. Mr. Bancroft at once entered upon a 
lucrative practice, with every promise of gaining rapid distinction in his profession. Years of toilsome study 
however told upon his eyesight, and culminated in chronic inflammation soon after he entered upon his prac- 
tice, recurring with every renewed attempt at business. In lS.5i, his oflice. library and all his papers were 
destroyed by Hre, and in 18-57, to avert total blindness. Mr. Bancroft abandoned the profession. Soon after- 
ward Mr. Bancroft established in Port Huron its first banking offlce. which was subsequently that of John 
Miller it Son, and is now merged in the First Xational Bank of that citj'; he was also engaged in the lumber 
business with very successful results. But if is the connection of ?Ir. Bancroft with the railroad enterprises 
of Michigan which entitles him to a prominent place in our category of her representative business men. We 
believe that few even of our ablest men would have faced the difficulties he encountered in pushing forward 
a great public project, and that there are fewer still who would not have failed where he succeeded. The 
story of the road may be briefly told, as a fine illustration of what one man can accomplish even under cir- 
cumstances the most adverse, and against influences the most powerful, in advancing a public enterprise 
and also as comprising some of the most interesting portions of the history of railroads in Michigan. 'What, 
now forms the eastern division of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad was part of a scheme of internal im- 
provement originated b}' the State and abandoned in the days of its early financial embarrassment. It was 
then undertaken by a company under a special charter, while a new organization -covering a part of the same 
line was formed, and failed, and passed under foreclosure. Meanwhile, the railroad interest of the State had 
grown to a vast power, including over two thousand miles of road. At that time the polic}' of the old roads 
was determined hostility to all new projects, while parties identified with some of the former dominated 
the political power of the State. The Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad was thus likely to pass under the 
control of interests inimical to Port Huron and Xorthern Michigan, when in 1865, Mr. Bancroft was induced 
to undertake negotiations in !Xew York, which resulted in relieving the project of all entanglements, and 
placing it under control of parties along the line. The scheme of municipal aid to railroad corporations was 
then new in Michigan, but it was popularly favored as a means of compelling large and avaricious land owners 
to contribute an equitable proportion toward needed improvements, and as the only availalile resource for se- 
curing the improvements themselves. Mr. Bancroft canvassed several counties and" found the people ready to 
undertake for themselves what they had so long waited in vain for others to do for them. Legislation was 
necessary, and was secured at the session of 1865;" but hostile interests clogged it with conditions not only in- 
jurious but inimical to the project. However, good use was made of it, ^nd Mr. Bancroft then determined 
to make the enterprise a through line to Chicago. With that view he entered into informal affiliations with 
the Peninsular Company; at the next session of The Legislature, a municipal aid bill was passed, but vetoed by 
the Governor. E.xisting corporate interests united with politicians to sustain the veto. Xotwithstanding, 
work was resumed in the spring upon the road which the veto was drafted to defeat, popular sentiment re- 
sulted at the next session, in a general law authorizing municipalities to aid railway enterprises. This gave a 
new impetus to the work, and Mr. Bancroft concluded contracts for rails and equipment covering the entire 
line from Port Huron to Chicago. Then came the decision of the Supreme Court declaring the aid law un- 
constitutional; this was followed by the failure of Eastern contractors of the company, and'flnally. its west- 
ern adjunct sought new affiliations, and was soon enveloped in clouds of embarrassment. .Still Mr. Bancroft 
literally single handed, pushed on his road and completed it to Flint City, a paying point. Subsequently the 
Port Huron ifc Lake Michigan, and the Peninsular were consolidated, "and only about fifty miles remained 
to be built to make a through line. The panic of 1874, next occurred to delay Mr. Bancroft's hopes, and 
thwart his plans. In 1876, however, he built the road between Flint and Lansing, completing the through 
line. The general business depression of the country, has, of course, had its effects upon this road, but it 
w-ill remain a lasting monument to Mr. Bancroft's enterprise and perseverance. Mr. Bancroft has held many 
positions of honor and trust, having been Secretary of the State Senate, Postmaster of Port Huron, Member 
of the House and Senate, as well as candidate for Secretary of State and for Congi-ess. He was elected the 
first Maj'or of Port Huron, and organized its city government; he was also for etght years Collector of the 
Port, and initiated the movement which resulted in constituting a new collection district. In politics. Mr. 
Bancroft has always been a Democrat of the conservative school, and has stood high in his party's counsels. 
He has been a member of its State and National committees, and three times a member of its National Con- 
ventions. He is a warm, unselfish friend, and a livelj- opponent. As a writer he wielded for years an influ- 
ential pen in The politics of the State, while as a speaker he ranks among the best. His campaigns usually 
kept his opponents quite busy, and are remembered by many of both parties. He has a delightful home at 
Port Huron, and one of the finest private libraries in the State; in comfortable circumstances and surrounded 
by a large circle of relatives and friends, Mr. Bancroft ought to enjov some of the fruits of a life of remark- 
able industry, enterprise and integrity. 

WILLIAM BARDEN. farmer. Section 19, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of this county, and was born in this 
town September 20, 1857; his parents, Joseph and Emma Barden, came to this town in 1847, bought this land 
and cleared it out, and made a farm of it; he was also engaged in lumbering, and lived here until his death, 
which occurred February 17. 1882; and his wife died three da3-s after, Februaiy 20, 1882. and their daughter, 
Minnie, died February 16, 1882, and Amanda died June 5, 1882, and their son Christopher died February 3, 
1882, and Joseph was killed with lightning August 9, 1863; and on February 4, 1874, their barn was burned 
and no insurance, loss, three horse teams, one pair of cattle, one fanning mill, one feed-cutter, thirty tons of 
hay. and oats, wheat, rye, barlev and other small articles to numerous to mention- this was a total loss of 
about §4.000. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 557 

IIIR.VM BARXETT, foundry and machine shop : is a native of Manchester, England, and was born 
February 15. 181"). lie cmisrrated' to America in 1843, and came to Detroit the same year, and from there 
went to Allegan, where he lived until IS}."* ; when he removed to Marshall. He came to Port Huron and 
encased in his present business, .T:inuary 8, 1S.53, and has carried on the business in his present location for 
the past thirtT j'ears. and is the pioneer iu the business here. He married Miss Ann Sharp, a native of En- 
gland. October 18. 1840. She died June 02. 18.")(1. He marrieil Mrs Christiana .1. Palmer, of Auburn, X. Y.. 
June l.j, 18.i2. They had one daughter, who died November "Jfi. 186-1. 

H. G. BARXU.VI. Cashier First Xational Bank: is a native of Xew York State; was born in Onon- 
daga County, October 4. 1S44. Ilis parents came to Michigan in 18.V2, and he grew up and received his educa- 
tion in this Stale. Came to Port Huron in 186-"), and entered the bank of .John Johnston «fe Co. In 1874, he 
became assistant cashier of the First Xational Bank, and in September, 1870, he was elected cashier, and 
since then, for the past six years, has held that position. 

E. W. BARRETT, of the firm of BaiTett iGoulding. wholesale and retail dealers in dry goods, notions, 
millinery and fancy goods; is a native of Xew York City : was born August 18. 1844. He grew up and 
attended school there, and afterward entered the dry goods house of A. T. Stewart A: Co. He came to Port 
Huron in 187."). and the firm of Barrett & Goulding established their present business in a small retail way 
with only one clerk; they now emi)lo3- fifteen, andoccupy a large store— three floors and basement — which is 
too small for the demands of their trade. They have a «)od wholesale trade; also have established branches 
of their business in Battle Creek, Miihigan City, and at Manistee. 

J. L. BARTHOLOJIEW. dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware; is a native of Onondaga County, 
X. Y., and was born April 24. 1819. He came to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1836; was one of the early set- 
tlers there. Remained a few years, then returned to Xew York: afterward went West to Wisconsin, and in 
1860. came to Hillsdale: livccl there si.K years, and in 1866 came to Port Huron and engaged in his present 
business, and has carried it on since then. In 1840, he married Jliss Ann Eliza Foster, of Onondaga County, 
X. Y. They have two children — Washington Irving, and Demarius, now Mrs. Gasler. 

DAYID BEARD, engaged in lumbering and farming. Is a son of John and Hannah Beard. His father 
was a native of Chenango County. X. Y.. and came here in 1831. being among the earliest settlers of St. Clair 
County. He was engaged in lumbering in company with his brother, the late James Beard. He died June 1. 
187'J. His mother is a native of Long Point. Canada, and is still living. David was born in this county, Jan- 
uary 10, 1839. He attended school here and in Detroit: then engaged in farming and lumbering, and since 
then has been connected with the business. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace at Clyde and Al- 
cona, and was also elected Town Treasurer there. He married Miss Marv E. Horton, a native of Port Huron, 
November 13. 1><67. They have three children — Charlie. Flora and Carlos. 

JAMES BEARD, deceased; was one of the oldest settlers and most honored citizens of St. Clair County. 
He was a native of Green. Chenango Co., X. Y.. and was horn May 22. 181.5. His childhood was spent at 
and near the place of his birth. October, 18-33, being then in his nineteenth year, he removed to Michigan 
with his brother David, and they located in St. Clair County. They landed at Port Huron in the morning, and 
as neither of the bo.vs had money enough to board them in town until they could get a chance to ride to their 
father's mill, they walked that distance. The}' went to work for §12 per month. David soon after returned 
to Xew York. In 1842. James and John Beard bought out their father in the saw mill and operated it together, 
one doing the sawing, the other rafting the lumber. They had to raft their lumber to Detroit then, as vessels 
were scarce and freights high. In 1845. Mr. Beard removed to Detroit and started a lumber yard near where 
the old water-works dock is. In 1?<46. he started a tire companj", and was made foreman, and he held the 
position of foreman of Enijine Xo. 7, as long as he livjd in D'lroit. In 1^53. he returned to Port 
Huron, and in 18.56 he and his brother .John bought the Whitman Mill, and ran it until 18-56, when the firm 
of J. & J. Beard was dissolved, and E. R. Haynes was taken in as partner. In 186:j. Mr. Beard, with John 
Johnston, F, H, Vanderburgh and E. R. Haynes, engaged in lumbering at Alcona, Mich. In 1872, Messrs. 
Vanderburgh and Johnston .sold out, and Haynes and Beard continued the business. Mr. Beard was one of 
the first stockholders in the Port Huron Savings Bank, the Tiinen Company, the Port Huron City Railway, 
and the Port Huron & Xorthwtstern Railw;iy. He was elected Alderman of the Second Ward at the first 
election of the city of Port Huron, and afterward served in the same capacity. In 1863. he was appointed 
Assistant United States Assessor, which office he held until the office was consolidated with that of Collector, 
excepting during one year of Johnson's administration. When the offices were con.solidated he was appointed 
Deputy Collector, and held the office until 1878. He was frequently offered the office of Collector for the dis- 
trict, but as often declined. Mr. Beard died April 29, 1882. Of his father's family, onl\- one survives — ilrs. 
Louis Brockwa\-. who has been a member of her brother's household during the present year. Mr. Beard 
leaves four children — Frank. Ida (now Mrs. W. C. Anderson i. Ella and Alexander. Mrs. A' Beard, who sur- 
vives her husband, was his third wife. In Mr. Beard's death. Port Huron loses a citizen whom every one 
respected and loved; generous to a fault, liberal in all public enterprises, genial in manners, kind and con- 
siderate under all circumstances. He was truly, one of nature's noblemen. His kind, charitable acts, his 
good deeds and noble qualities .are a lasting monument to all who knew him, 

CAPr. GEORGE BEDFORD, is a native of .JetTerson County, X. Y.. and was born May 12, 1838. 
He came with his parents to Port Huron in 1849, and began sailing during his boyhood, and has followed the 
lakes for the past thirty years, and for the past twentj" years has sailed as captain. He sailed the scow Lizzie, 
the .Spray, and was master of the propeller City of Port Huron, and built and sailed th ■ Kittle, and now has 
commanciof the schooner Jessie. In is.58, Capt. Bedfonl married Miss Elizabeth Hillier, a native of Canada, 
They have three children — Lewis, Captain on the Lakes: Horace, in office Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad: 
Kittie. in school. 

CAPT, LEWIS BEDFORD, is a son of, Capt, George W, and Elizabeth Hillier Bedford, and was 
born in Missouri, July 28. 18.59. His p,arents came to Port Huron in 1860. He began sailing when only thir- 



558 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

teen years of age. with his father, and has been in the marine service for the past ten years. Since July, 
1880, he has been part owner and has command of the schooner D. Provost. On December 1, 1882, he was 
appointed Deputy Collector of Customs. 

DANIEL ;M." BENNETT, homoeopathic physician, is a native of Ohio; was born July .5, 182.5. Parents- 
removed to New York during his infancy, and he was brought up in that State and Michigan. Studied medi- 
cine in New York ; graduated in 1856, and again in 1881 ; began practice in that State. Came to Michigan 
in 1863, and located at Saginaw ; practiced medicine there until 1869, when he came to Port Huron and since 
then has practiced his profession here. He holds the office of City Physician. In 18.54, he married Mi.ss 
Helen M. Sheldon, a native of Orleans County, N. Y. They have three sons — Daniel W., Albert D. and 
Lewis T. 

JAMES R. BENNETT, dealer in groceries aud provisions, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born 
in Port Huron, January 15, 1843. His parents, Edward R. and Mary Ann Bennett, were early settlers of Port 
Huron. He grew up and attended school here ; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner and worked at the 
business about twelve years. In 1876, he engaged in the grocery trade, aud since then has carried on the 
business here. Mr. Bennett was united in marriage December 23, 1880, to Miss Naomi Broome, a native of 
Canada. She died May 8, 1882, leaving one son, Clarence B. 

C. M. BENTLEY is a native of Canada, but born of American parents, Jan\iary 7, 1847. Came to this 
country with his brother when young ; on account of his brother going to the war, he was compelled to re- 
turn to Canada, where he learned the trade of harness-making. After reaching manhood, he came to Detroit, 
thence to Port Huron, where he worked at his trade for some years. In March, 1880, he was appointed Dep- 
uty Collector of customs, and since then has held that position. In 1868. he married Miss Louisa G. Stevens, 
a native of London, Canada. They have six children— Fred C, Clara E., Maud M., Walter H., Kate M. and 
Charles L. 

AUGUST BEREND, proprietor of planing mill, is a native of Germany and was born October 27. 1828. 
Emigrated to America in 18.56, and came to Michigan the same year; located at Detroit ; came to Port Huron 
in 1867, and engaged in his present business, and has carried it on for fifteen years, and has a good trade. He 
belongs to the order of I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias aud the German Society. In 1856, he married Matilda 
Hartz, of Germany. She died in 1868. They had seven children ; only one daughter, Theresa, survives. In 
1869, he married Charlotte Kistler, a native of Germany. They have four children — Otto, Mena, August, 
Lottie. 

H. J. BOCKIUS is a native of Canton. Ohio, and was born February 2, 1831. His ancestors landed in 
this country with William Penn; his grandfather on his father's side was "a soldier in Revolutionary war and 
was in the battle of Yorktown; after the war, he went to England and from there crossed over to France, 
where he held the position of drill-master in the army; while there his son, John C. Bockius, the father of the 
subject of this sketch, was born; his mother died when he was twelve years old. He went with his father 
through Bonaparte's campaigns; at the age of nineteen he returned to this country and landed in Philadel- 
phia, where he sought his uncles— his father's brothers; from that city he walked to Lancaster. Penn., to visit 
an uncle there, and from there walked to Canton, Ohio, where he hail another uncle, and reached that place 
in 1820. At the age of twenty he opened a boot and shoe shop, and began working at his trade; bj' industry 
and application to the interests of his business, and fair dealing, lie biiilt up a large established trade. He 
was systematic in everything, and was very successful in all of his business operations, and was actively iden- 
tified with the interests and material growth of the city and county; he was well known in Northeastern 
Ohio, and was noted for his liberality and readiness in aiding and assisting the worthy and deserving; he was 
successfully engaged in business in Canton for fifty-eight years and until" his death, which occurred in 1878. 
He left six children. Mr. H. J. Bockius, the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood in his native town and 
attended school there; entered his father's store, where he acquired the correct principles of commercial life, 
which have always governed him in the management of his business. Upon reaching manhood he came to 
Port Huron in 185^, when it was a small place; rented a store and engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and 
since then for the past thirty years he has lieen successfully engaged in the business here, except a few years 
he gave it up on account of ill-liealth. He was the pioneer in the boot and shoe trade in Port Huron, and 
there are only two merchants in trade here now that were here when he established his business in 1853. 
Mr. Bockius has always been actively identified with the interests of the Republican party. and is pronounced 
in his views. He is not an office seeker, and would never permit or allow his name to be used as a candidate 
for any office, though frequently solicited to do .so; yet he has given his time, influence and means for others, 
and has been frequeutly chosen as delegate to the county congressional conventions. Mr. Bockius was 
united in marriage November 24, 1857. to Miss Hyantlia M. "Walton, of the city of Milwaukee. They have 
one son — John W.. who is engaged in business wi^i his father. 

REV. C. BOFINGER, pastor of the GermauXnited Evangelical Church, is a native of Germany and 
was born November 11, 1829. He grew up and received his literary education, and also pursued his the'ol ogi- 
cal studies there. He came to the United States in the summer of 18.54, and was ordained in Chicago in Sep- 
tember of the same year. He preached near Chicago four years, and was afterward engaged in missionary 
work and preached in Indiana and Michigan. He "came to Port Huron in 1868. and labored here four years. 
In 1872, he went away aud remained five years, and returned in 1877. and since then for the past five years has 
been pastor of the church here, and has a large flourishing church. He has also been engaged in teaching for 
over thirty years. 

E. C. BOICE. dealer in fancy dry goods and notions, is a son of Wellington Boice, and was born in St. 
Clair County, July 28, 1853; he grew up and attended school there, then took commercial course in city of 
Detroit, and was afterward in the office of the Dailn Union of tliat city, for a year aud a half; came to 
Port Huron in 1874, and was clerk for N. P. Chandler, two years; then went with Bondv & Johnston and 
remained with this firm five years. He established his present business in March, 1882, and is building up a 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 559 

nice trade. Mr. Boiee was united in marrian'e November 15, 1S7S, to Mi.ss Carrie E. Werden, a native of St. 
Clair County, and daughter of William Werden, Esq., of the town of Kimball. 

CAPT. VICTOR BONNAII, i.-^ a native of Switzerland, and wa.s bnrn in 1S33. Hi.s parents emigrated to 
the United States in 1841, and lived in ButTalo, N. Y. He began sailing in 18.51, on the old sloop Savage, one 
of the oldest vessels on the lakes. The next A-ear he was on the Francis. In 18.")T. he was captain of the 
Oriental and afterward sailed the Charles Sumner, the C. B. Blair, the Concord, the Ella Mason, thj brig Rio 
Grande, and is now captain and owner of the Aunt Ruth. lie married Jliss Aster Shirker, August 1.5.'l8.')6. 
She is a native of Swan Creek, this county, and is a daughter of Stephen and ^Mina Bouie, who were among 
the earliest settlers of this State. Her mother and her sister. Mrs. Edward Compo. of Detroit, and a brother, 
were all captured by the Indians in the war of 1813. They narrowly escaped being killed, but were held 
prisoners over two years and then ransomed. Capt. and Jlrs. Bonuah have seven children — Victor, captain 
of the schooner Home; Andrew, mate of steamer Selina; George, mate with his father: William, steward on 
lake. They have three daughters — Lizzie, JIary and Lauretta. 

THOMAS BONDY, of \h(' firm of Bondy & Johnston, dealers in dry goods and clothing, is a native of 
Canada, and was born at Amherstburg, Out., November 17, 1843 ; was brought up and attended school there, 
and afterward went to Oberlin College, Ohio, where he took a commercial course : came to Port Huron in 
1867, and entered the store of J. W. & J. M. Sanborn, as clerk; remained with that firm two years; then 
engaged in business for himself, the tirm being Mears & Bondy. They remained together between two and 
three years. Mr. Bondy sold his interest and associated with E. R.' Sweetser. and they carried on the dry 
goods and clothing business for six years. In May. 1877, Howard, Bonder ifc Johnston engaged in the same 
business, and after eighteen months he and 5tr. Johnston bought Mr. Howard's interest, and since then the 
firm of Bondy i\: Johnston have successfully carried on the business, and have built up a large trade. In 
1870, Mr. Bondy was united in marriage to Jliss Marontate, daughter of A. Marontate, of this city. They 
have two clnldreu. Lena, a daughter, and Mark, a son. 

J. E. B()TSFORD. of the tirm of J. E. A: W. F. Botsford, owners and operators of Botsford's Elevator, 
is a son of J. S. Botsford, and was born in Port Huron, November 17, 1847. He grew up and attended school 
here, and has been engaged in business here since 1868. He and his brother engaged in the elevator and 
grain business in 1877. They built an elevator in 1880, which one year later was destroyed by fire ; they com- 
pleted their present elevator, January 1, 1883. Mr. Botsford married Miss Mary Bristol, of Chicago, October 
10, 1879. They have three children— John R., Annie and Edna. 

I. S. BOTSFORD. capitalist, retired, is a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., and was born, January 26. 
1814. His father, Elnalhan Botsford, was in that county during the war of l.'^13. His grandfather was 
killed at Danbury, JIass., during the Revolutionary war. Mr. Botsford grew up to early manhood in New 
York; then started West, and came from Buffalo to Detroit on the old steamer Robert Fulton, and reached 
Port Huron in November, l.'^36. The following spring he started a cooper-shop ; his business increased, and 
he built up a large trade. In bS.IO, he became interested in vessel property and engaged in steamboating, and 
also operated in real estate. Having been appointed Government Inspector of steamboats in 1871, he dis- 
posed of his steamboat property, and lield that otiice until 1878. He is one of the earliest settlers who have 
lived here continuously, and who has been actively identified with the interests and prosperity of the city 
and county. He was elected the first City Treasurer under the cit)- organization, and has several times been 
elected member of the City Council. Mr. Botsford was united in marriage March 13. 1843, to Jliss Annie E. 
Huxtable, a native of White Haven, England. They have three sons— Henry, Deputy Collector of Customs, 
ami John Edward and William F., engaged in elevator and grain business. 

W. F. BOTSFORD. of the firm of I. E. & W. F. Botsford, owners and proprietors of Botsford's ele- 
vator, is a son of I. S. Botsford. one of the earliest settlers of this county. He was born in Port Huron 
November 11. 1851. He grew up and attended school here. After reachingmanhood. he engaged in elev.ator 
and grain Inisiness with his brother. They built an elevator and cora|)leti-d it June 1, 1880. It was destroyed 
by fire, July 1. 1881. They rel)uilt, and completed their present elevator, January 1, 1883. It has a capacity 
of 125.000 bushels. Mr. Botsford was united in marriage May 6, 1876, to Miss Nancy A. Sanborn, d.iughter 
of the late James W. Sanborn, one of the oldest and most successful business men in "this section of the :5tate. 
Mr. and Mrs. Botsford have two children — Mabel and infant daughter. 

S. L. BOYCE. of the firm of S. L. Boyce & Sons, hardware dealers, was born October 13, 1831. 
After reaching manhood, he came to Jlichigan in 183."i, and came to Port Huron in November, 1844, 
and engaged in lumbering, and carried on the business snccessfnlly for over a quarter of a century, 
having the active management of it during that time. Tliere are very few men, even those engaged in lum- 
bering, who gave as many working hours to the interest of their business as Mr. Boyce. Aside friam runnini; 
his lumber camp during the day, giving it his personal supervision, he did all of his outside work, and brought 
his supplies, and attended to everything. Much of it he did at night ; sometimes having to carry supplies on 
foot for a long distance. He has walked, and carried on his back, through the woods with no road or path, 
for six miles, thirty pounds uf sugar and twenty-five pounds of pork, and in one hand a pail of butter, and 
in the other a pail of soft soap. This is onl_v one of the many instances connected with lumbering in that 
early day. Mr. Boyce drove the first lumber wagon from Port Huron through to Brockway. In 1870, he 
engaged in hardware trade at Port Huron, and since 1878 has given the business his active management and 
has a large trade. He has held the office of Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace at Brockway. He was 
elected Mayor of Port Huron in 1870, and again elected to the same ollice in 1876 ; has served as Alderman, 
and was one of the Commissioners for building the water-works. Jlr. Bovce was united in marriage to Miss 
Hannah Barrett, a native of England, October 8, 1848. They have four c'liildnm— William J., Samuel L., in 
business with their father ; and Charles E.. attending the universit}' ; Fred, a machinist. 

W. J. BOYCE, of the firm of S. L. Boyce & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in hardware and house 
furnishing goods, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born at Brockway. He attended school at Port 



560 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Huron, and then took a commercial course at Detroit, and afterward entered his father's store, and has been 
connected witli the business for the past twelve years ; and since 1877, he has been a member of the firm, and 
it is one of the leading mercantile houses in Port Huron. Mr._I5oyce married Miss Emma Plant, a native of 
this county and daughter of Michael Plant, Esq., October 39," 1874. They have two children — Florence A. 
and Charley F. 

MA.I 1^. S. BOYNTON' is a native of this county, and was born in Port Huron June 23, 1837. His 
father. Granville F. Boynton, was a native of New York State, and came here about the year 1837. He died 
in 1816. Ilis mother. Frances Reudt Boynton, who is still living, was a daughter of old Capt. Lewis Rendt, 
for a long time in the British Army, and one of the early pioneers of this county, well-known to the early set- 
tlers. Maj. Boynton, when a boy, attended the primitive district schools during the winter months. In 1852, 
went to Waukegan, 111., and passed through the high school in tliat city. He is practically a self-educated 
man. Before reaching his m.ajority, he engaged in mercantile business, the firm being Inslee & Boynton. 
In 1859, he went to Cincinnati, an(l married Sliss Annie Fidelei. of that citv. In 1862, he returned to this 
county and enlisted as a private in Company C, Eighth Michigan Cavalry. He was soon promoted to First 
Lieutenant of Company L. then to Captain, and for meritorious service in the capture of the rebel Gen. John 
Morgan in Ohio, and gallant conduct in the East Tennessee and Georgia campaigns, was commissioned Major 
of his regiment. After a service of three years, and the close of the war, he was mustered out, and returned 
to this county, making his home in Marine City. Soon after his return, he was appointed Deputy Assessor 
of Internal Revenue, and Postmaster of that village. In the fall of 1868, he was elected to the Lower House 
of the State Legislature. He held the office of Village Clerk in 1866. and that of President in 1867. The 
following year he was elected Supervisor of the township. In 1869, he returned to Port Huron and engaged 
in newspaper business until the summer of 1S71. He then engaged in real estate and insurance business for 
some years. In 1874, he was elected JMayor of Port Huron, and again re-elected in 1875 to the same office ; 
was Presideht of the Board of Education for two years, and member of the same bod)' for four years. He 
invented the Boynton Fire Escape and Hook and Ladder Truck, and the Boynton system of Wire Rope Trus- 
sing for Fire Ladders, which are used in some of the principal cities of tliis country and Canada. He now 
ha.s^tlie superintendence in this State of the business of Sheldon & Co., Book Publishing House, New York, 
and holds the position of Great Record Keeper of tlie Knights of the Maccabees, a flourishing beneficiary 
society. He has five children, viz. ; Charles L., Annie L., GeorgcJH., Frankie and Edith S. 

JAMES BRADLEY, Assistant Cashier First National Bank, is a native of Toronto, Canada, and was 
born February 24, 1853 ; he came to Port Huron during his earlj' boyhood, and attended school here. Upon 
reaching manhood, was book-keeper for Henry McJIoran ; in 1873 entered the liank — October 1, 1873 — and 
since then, for the past nine_years has been connected with it, and since 1877 has held the position of assist- 
ant cashier. Mr. Bradley vvas united in marriage October 14, 1875, to Miss Eleanor Atkins, of Port Huron ; 
they have one dau_^hter, Blanche. 

JAMES BRANDIMORE, raftsman, is a son of Peter and Mary Brandimore, who were among the oldest 
settlers of this section of the State. His father was born in Port Huron, out on Military street, in 1802. He 
lived here durmg his life, a period of seventy-eight years, and died November 18, 18Sl1, at that time the old- 
est person, native born, and the oldest settler of St. Clair County. His wife was born in Sarnia, and still sur- 
vives at the age of seventy-nine, and lives in Port Huron. They had twelve children, only four of whom 
survive — James, Rufus, Celia, now Mrs. Edward Hull, and Adaline, now Mrs. Clement Moore, Mt. Clemens. 
James, the oldest son, was born in Port Huron August 39, 1830 ; he grew up here, and followed sailing for 
ten years, then engaged in rafting logs and lumber, and for the past thirty years has followed that business, 
andis tlie oldest raftsman on the river. He married Miss Margaret Welcome, a native of Montreal, Canada, 
January 7, 1851 ; they have six children — James. George N., Frank D., Charles F., Celestia, now Mrs. John 
Ivers, Mary Margaret. 

RUFUS BRANDIMORE is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron July 6, 1833 ; his 
father, Peter Brandimore, was born here, and at the time of his death was the oldest settler ; his wife, Mary 
Causley Brandimore, is over eighty j'ears of age : is still living with her son. Rufus was raised here, and, 
during his boyhood, used his bow and ari'ows and canoe with the Indian boys, and ran errands for the ofHcers 
at the Fort. Since early manhood, has been connected with lumbering; entered the employ of Mr. Wells and 
was also in employ of Mr. Avery Nelson Roberts, and is now with Jlr. Howard. In September, 1863, he 
married Miss Charlotte McGuire, a native of Virginia ; her father, James McGuire, was killed in the Mexican 
war. They have four children — Willie, Irene, Fred and Allen A. 

GEORGE BROOKS, of the firm of Brooks & Joslyu, manufacturers and dealers in pine lumber, is a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, and was born in Townsend, Middlebury Co., July 30, 1828 ; he grew up in that State, 
and lived in New Hampshire eighteen years, then went to Boston, and was engaged in the wholesale flour 
business in that city for some years. He came with Jlr. Joslyn to Port Huron in 1869, and engaged in man- 
ufacturing fish barrels ; afterward they engaged in manufacturing pine lumber ; they cut from 3,000,000 to 
5,000.000 feet annually, and have a good trade. While living in New Hampshire, he was one of tlie Select- 
men of the town of Brooklyn for eight years. In 1848, Mr. Brooks married Miss Mary Wright, of Ashby, 
Mass. She died in 1874, leaving three children — Edward, Lilla and Mary. In 1875, he married Mrs. Sarah 
E. Morrison, of this city. They have one son, George W. 

WILLIAM H. BROWN, foreman cooper shop Michigan Mills, is a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and 
was born June 26, 1844 ; he attended school, and learned his trade there, and came to Port Huron in April, 
1878, and since then has held his present position of foreman cooper shop. He married Miss Lucy A. Castle, 
a native of Oneida County, N, Y., September 39, 1865. They have two children — Emma F. and Arthur E. 

CAPT. W. H. BROWN, Port Huron, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born on Harson's Island 
February 14, 1844 ; he began sailing when only ten years of age, on the Wolverine ; in 18.59, he was mate of 
the Belle City, and in 1867, sailed Captain of the William Barclay, and was master of the Forwarder for nine 






.*» 



%.. 






^ 




JUDGE ZEPHA|\'IAM W'EBSTEf^ BUl^CE. 



HISTORY OF ST. CI-AIH COI^NTY. 501 

years, and has also sailed Captain of the llcnrv V„„„.r ,|,„ ilv i , ,, . , 

uv,.i^';..;,.:ir ^S:VU^:^!^ i: ^.,;^'^:.;„;;^,«;ri;i';:/' ^;:^ ,;;- rr '^-^y •''■ -^^^ ■• "« -^.an saiim. wi^n 

han Fi-an,-is,.o ; for tlw ne.M four years sail i ■> on - 1 , ' , "'l''.' 'T "^ ""' '"•'^' f"'-.?"''^ f">ni E.Tro,,, to 
Cm, ,o London, and tin- followi^,. Vear "Vame^o iK^'uniH S,'',/ '■"; =","'. ^'•"■>?- ""'1 '" 1^« «en. ' om 

Blne^ In IS,, 1„. nK.rH,:;-^);:^']^^^^, ^ jrsfdclds'a'.vaW^'of 7"' ^^ ^ ^^f '■"■ -"' ''- >W.' Wh :''^;^ i 
"■^Ru';'' V\Vt-1^'','-"J,'' '^'^'""''•> (•l"irl,.s K. • "■'"" "^ Ayr..l„re. Scotland ; th.y have four children 

illt'.Ij li. liL't IvKIIXJE 




FnwviVliuTTMf.iT'ir ''"''''' "• •""•... .iji-3 nave tlire 

^r'^^^'^^^'^^^'^^c!^ V,., and was horn .h.ne .3. ,«oo „, 

fp^:\=;!;;rii"';-.i';-^^;:^£^ 

psid^^u.^i:ar;-^i:.^'^^-r-^ 

:;n^atr;y;;;;;f^^'^,^ji--- 

^??S;.li.!e I^^^*^' ^''•- ''"'- '""'•'•-■ ^I- I^M;r^n;:;^>;;;riS,! 'S? I^s eon^mssion on aecLillli ^ 




n.K wun n,s nrotl.er. .lud-e Bunee. At that t me Ge„ Cass w^ T V~''- , "J'''' ^""' '"' '■".^'"^'<^^>1 '' 
a frequent visitor at Ihe Bunco homestead Jo"?.'nh Bum 'IT ' l''""!"'"-'^'! '^-vcrnor of the State, an,l was 
being heiv live years, owini,^ to eominued sicknAV n h f -, ' ^l'""","' '^.v l'i"> Territori.d .ludo-e After 
dy to Jefferson County, X Y., an.l I aee '-aw'" '''o :\; ■'",''-';,■'"«■'?" '*"»™ ■"•^^m'-ved with his fa,, 
County and located in the town of Clvde and ~L h ,1 '' ' "'";";"> '•'^lO. he .vturned to St c'.ir 

and sine., then, ovr forty years, has tieen en ', ."^^^^^^^ f"."'""-- ^>nd also had a grjsfmi 

finely ocaled on St Clair Uiver. and is vah abl> ^o -rt ? ''^ ^•"'"'""- , '''"^' ^''"" ^^l"-''-e be ves is 

elected to he State Leulslature. and was a membe? , f ili,: ? 1 "' ?"'"" """■"" l^'"''^- Mr. Buncc was 
called sessions. In 1S-,S, 1,, ,,,,,^1,.,, m;,, . art h" Sv4st In.of Z','' r""°? " '^"'"-•"- ^""' ^''^" of It wo 

now livinj, in ,h,. State of .Mi.h l'- n He a ,■ mv'of''f".~''' "f- "'" """i" "^ ^'°'-' ""■•°". '« ".c oldest settler 
November It, 1787. \Vht.„ five years of a.^e he wc,i^ ,1 (,?."",*^^'^"''''. ^""1 was born in the city of Hartfoni 
moved to .yibany, N. Y. Fro,,i\herc h^.^t .1 " \Vc o,! T oiu'V.'' ""' ^'''''^ "'^■■•'' -^"'"^ A'a-V en re 
BuT.-do an,l from ther,. he ,-ame on a sail vessel to nVtroit Vt.d ,'; Tn":'"'^"' '!.'l' '''"'"' "' li'-t-l'-'ster and 
a short time, and in the fall of tli<. same year can eo Port I -Vn . "'i" ^'^V ^^"i ^''^ '«' '• »'«i "'as there 
am located three miles fronting on the river h,'?f ml wi-"' "n' "'^''''"^ ""' '"'"' "''<■'•'■ be now lives 
Port Huron now stands. Until two vears after he c,mr . ' ''.'■■"r,"-'^ "'" >^ bouse wh.re the citv of 

man near St. Clair, and none near..- than Fo r ( ••, i t o, n "'■: "'^^'f'"''"'- -^"""l' "f '"m was an old French 
l.ves. ar.d afterward built mills at Abbot sfon m I ".Z, t ,'!;"''■ - "'^ ^V'" %'^^ "''"-^ '''■■'' ^^here he now 

l^''""!;^-";;.-'-:.!-. Afternm,h,ghen.hc;i!::;^,^:;^ 




. . , ,.,,,, uiiMiiess over nttv years ITn 1...^. K,. i .,,"!-' '"•"""""aciurin'' liimher 

vem-s. Was,ntheLeffi,slat.ireaslo„^r,,s Mi^biV, w.s a T, r,. "" i''!' '=',"'' ''^' '''■•''' '"'■'U-fl over sl\ y li"'. 

nr^iervp^" 1'"^ Passed hisninetylifth inrthda " 1 itereT. v ffe"^^^ '"= '"■^' ■^""''^•'"S "K-mber o? tl t 
pr,>ser^ed. and as active mentally and pliysically. " '" '"-'">' .^^■"'■« younger who are as well 



36 



562 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

WILLIAM BURD, ship carpenter, is a native of Michigan, and was born in the city of Detroit Novem- 
ber 23, 1840. He had good educational advantages, and attended both the Boston and Bishop union schools, 
and speaks three languages. He learned the trade of ship carpenter, and served three years in Jones' ship- 
yard, and afterward clerked in store five years. He came to Port Huron in 1868, and since then has been en- 
gaged in ship l)uilding, and for the past seven j'ears with the Wolverine dry dock ; for two years was boss 
calker. Mr. Burd's first wife was Miss Victoria Grefford, a native of St. Clair. She died August 28, 1880. 
She left two children, Angeline aud Florence ; he married his present wife. Miss Viola Normandum, from 
South Dover, Ontario, Canada. They have one son, Joseph Edmond. 

HENRY BURTON, draughtsman for Phoeni.x Iron Works, is a native of the North of Ireland, and was 
born in 1844. His parents came to Michigan in 1853. He attended school and learned his trade in this State 
and New York City. He came to Port Huron in 1868, and since then has been engaged in his present busi- 
ness, and for the past three years has held the position of draughtsman for the Plioenix Iron Works. He is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has served as Master of his lodge four years, and is now Secretary. 
In 1870, he married Miss Jane Telfer, of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. 

CAPT. GEORGE W. BUZZARD, schooner Snowdrop, is a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and 
was born December 3, 1834. He began sailing when thirteen years of age, with his father, Capt. Philip Buz- 
zard, on the sloop Morning Star, four years. Then was with his father on the schooner Avenger and The 
Stranger. His fatlier afterward bought the schooner H. H. Day, and was master of her for three 
years, during which time suliject sailed with him. The H. ll. Day was then sold, and subject 
went to farming, and pursued that calling eight years and again engaged in sailing, as mate of 
the W. A. Chisholm for a year aud a half, then on the Mary Stockton for four years, and af- 
terward sailed on the Meisel, the Skinner, the steam barge W. B. Jenness, and the Adelaide Hor- 
ton. Then bought the St. Andrew, and sailed as Captain of her for three years, and sailed the Skinner one 
and a half years ; and since 1880 has been master and owner of the schooner Snowdrop. Capt. Buzzard was 
united in marriage December 3, 18.54, to Miss Per.sis L. Leonard, a native of Parma, N. Y. They have two 
children, one son, Irvin G., and one daughter, Edna, now^ Mrs. H. W. Lindsay, living in this city. 

CAPT. JOHN BUZZARD, now master of schooner AVilliam Young, is a native of York State ; was born 
January 23, 1833. in Cattaraugus County, began sailing in 1843, when only nine years old with his father, 
Capt. Phillip Buzzard, on board the schooner Morning Star, his father was drowned, together with a crew of 
seven men on Lake Huron, October 23, 1866. Capt. J. Buzzard began sailing as master of vessels when only 
seventeen years of age, and has been engaged as captain ever since. Below are vessels he has sailed : 
Schooners John Richards, Avenger, H. H.'Day, Stranger ; propellers. Odd Fellow, O. Q. Melzar, Emory 
Fletcher, Grand Turk, Helen Kent, New Haven, L. M. Mason, W. A. Chisholm ; barks. North Star, Mary- 
Stockton, Mont Eagle, Evergreen, E. M. Carrington, T. S. Skinner, A. B Norris, L. L. Lamb, F. G. Leigh- 
ton, and this year, schooner William Young. He was married to E. P. Arnold November 38, 18.54, and has 
three sons— E. J. Buzzard, sailed schooner William Young last year ; his second son, Henry Buzzard, sailed 
schooner L. L. Lamb ; Corey H. B., his third son, is a maclnnist and works in railroad shops here, and he is 
al.so a musician. 

JAMES W. CAMPBELL, farmer. Section 5, P. O. Port Huron, was born in Lower Canada July 13, 
1818. He came to Michigan in 1845, and settled in Port Huron. He bought the land where he now lives in 
1849, and since then, for the past thirty-three years, has resided here and engaged in farming, and owns a 
farm of eighty acres, and is the oldest settler on the plank road. He has held school offices. He married 
Miss Mary J. Schegal, a native of Canada, September 7, 1845. They have seven children — James, Archibald, 
John. William, Louise, Fred, Herbert. 

JOHN H. CAMPBELL. Port Huron & Chicago & Grand Trunk Junction, Section 17, P. O. Port Huron, 
is a native of this county, and was born in the town of Port Huron November 8, 18.53. His parents, James 
W. and Mary Jane Campbell, are old settlers of this town, and are living on Lapeer avenue. John grew up 
and attended school here, and after reaching manhood was in Fitzgerald & Barnet's machine shops, and 
afterward was on the Jlichigan Central Railroad for a lime, and then bought and run a portable saw mill, and 
also bought and run a steam thresher. He owns thirty-five acres of land. He married Miss Annie J. Mc- 
Cormick. November 3, 1881. She is a native of the city of Port Huron. 

JOHN W. CAMPFIELD, was born in Morris County, N, J, April 3, 1810. He was raised in that 
State, and served an apprenticeship in (he boot and shoe making in Newark, in that State; upon reaching 
manhood he decided to locate in Michigan, and arrived in Detroit July 5, 1833; went to Ann Arbor the same 
■car, and in 1833 located in Port Huron. At that time there were only a few frame buildings besides the 
ndian huts. He went to work at his trade, and has been connected with the boot and shoe business most of 
tlie time for the past fifty years. He is the oldest settler now living in Port Huron. He has been successful 
in business, though he has lost considerable money by going security for others. During the early historj'of 
the town, he was elected Town Trustee, School Director and Collector. A few years after coming here, in 
18.35, Mr. Campfield married Miss Mary Ann Robertson, a native of this Stale; she died in 18"i3. They had 
eight chililren. four of whom survive — William W., Marietle, Louise E. and Ella. In 1853, Mr. Campfield 
married Maria E. Johnson, of Schenectady, N. Y. They had one daughter, Eva, who died at the age of 
thirteen. 

W. W. CAMPFIELD, of the firm of W. W. Campfield & Co., is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born in Port Huron November 1, 1841. He grew up and attended school here. Upon the breaking-out of 
the rebellion, when only nineteen years of age, he enlisted in the First United States Artillery, and was in 
active service in the Army of the Potomac, when this department was in command of McClellan. He was in 
eleven engagements, and was promoted from private to Sergeant in the regular army, and was offered a com- 
mission but declined it; served three years after his return from the service. He entered the employ of Henry 
McMoran, and was with him until January, 1878, when he aud Mr. Jones succeeded him in their present bus- 



I 



IIISTOPiV OF ST. Cl.AUi COrXTY. 663 

ini'ss. Tlicy hu%'(' a large wholcsali' ti'aile in Hour and feed. They have the cxrlusivo sale of flour of Me- 
Moraii's mills; also have a large eoal Irailc. Mr. Cainpfield has been tuiee married. Ilis first wife was Miss 
Anna Vance, of this <-ouMl_v. She left one son. Fraidv. llis present wife was Miss Liiey Whitcoinli, a native 
of New Hani|)sliire. Thi'V have one daughter — Ida. 

WILLF.VM CVMPliKLL, physi<-ian and surgeon, is a native of Seotland, and was horn .lune HO. 1^4. 
Ilin father, William Campliell. was an otlieer in the IJritish .Army. ITo ended an active and honorahle service 
at the battle of Waterloo; was then retired and pensioned during life. Dr. Campbell grew up in Seotland. 
iinil receivi'd his meilical education there, and also studied for the ministry. lie came to Canada in 1812, and 
engaged in [ireaching. .Vft<'r laboring in mission work and I'stalilisbing several churches, he retireil from the 
worli upon the union of the t^o branches of the church, anil <ievoted his time to the practice of his jirofes- 
sion. lie came to Port Hiu'on in March. 1881. and since then has practiced his profession liere, and is also 
interested in church work, and preaches when called upon to do so. In 18")(), Dr. Campbell was united in 
marriage to .Miss Caroline Coojier, of Canada. They have three children —David W.. physician; Robert A., 
studving mcilicine, and Tbonnis W., attending school. 

llOX. lOZH.V C. C.\.HLET()X. Port Huron. A short distance northward from the city of St. Clair, 
where the river liaiik rises suddenly to a height of about thirty feet, is a region of rich, well cultivated farms, 
with large, comfortable houses ami capacious outbuildings, indicating thrift and plenty. For several miles 
this district was settled by emigrants, cliietly from New F.ngland, and it affords abundattt evidence of the 
industry and juilgmenl which i)ilgrims from the Eastern slopi's bear wherever they go. The high and shady 
hanks, the pellucid waters of the St. Clair flowing swiftly by. a |jieturesc|ue island at just a sutlicient distance 
to awaken interest in it, the bolder line of the Canadian shores and the rural comfort on every hand, forpi a 
picture of tranquil and enduring beauty. Thi' name "Yankee Street" was early given to all this i)ortion of 
the river road, and here have lived and dieil tmmy of the most honored pionei'fs of St. Clair County. 

Among these pioneers, none were better known than the Cai!I,i-;t()>'s, several families of whom came to 
St. Clair from New ll.impshire mori' than tifty years ago. They weri' of English descent, and one of them, 
Israel Carleton, was born at MandalT, N. II,, in 1788; marrying Mary Deming, of Cornish, in the same State, 
they came to Michigan in 18;il. and settled at St. Clair, where they passcul the rest of their. lives, and where 
tlieir youngest son. Ezra C., the sul)jcct of this sketch, was born September 0, 1838. The boyhood of Mr. 
Carleton was uneventful, beyond the nsiial routine of farm life and attendance at the district school; there 
was nothing to vary it. In 18.")li. feeling the importance of better educational advantages, he came to Port 
Huron; where he graduated at the high school in 18,")!t, ami immediately entiTcd, as a clerk, upon his chosen 
pursuit of mercantile life. In 1.8(i8. he went into the employ of Willi.am Stewart, om.' of the largest hard- 
ware dealers in .Michigan. The year 1807, saw him a partner in the business, and in the fall of 1881, Mr. 
Stewart, being suecee<led by his.son, Mr. Carleton became hea<l of the present firm of Carleton, Stewart & Co. 

Tliough clear and lirm in his political convictions, and always a decided Democrat, Mr. Carleton never 
was a politician. His advent into jiolitics dates from the sprin.g of 1881. The finances of the city had stink 
into a deplorable condition, and the Democrats nominated him as an earnest of reform. His efforts to fulfill 
public expectations were measurably successful, but he met the usual fate of honest reformers on the canvass 
for his reelection. The memoralilc forest fires which devastated the "Little Peninsula." lying between 
Lake Huron and the southern shm-es of Saginaw Bay. awakened the liveliest jiractical synipatliy among the 
citizens of Port Huron, and. as Mayor, Mr. Carleton promptly headed the movement for relief of the ten 
thousand .sufferers. The policy he adopted was justified by its results, and met the warm apjjfoval of those 
for whose benefit it was undertaken. It also developed traits of charact<'r which turned the attention of his 
friends to him as a fit candidate for Congress. At the election of 1882, he was unanimously nominated, and 
after h<ilding the proposed lionor under advisement for several days, finally accepted it in a maidy letter, 
notable for its probity and frankness. A spirited campaign resulted in his election by a large majority in a 
district which, at the preceding election, had given his opponent a decided majority. 

As a legislator, it is expected tlial his attention will be given princijially to all economic topics, ■which 
his long experience in mere.antile life and business abilities es])ecially fit him to treat. Progressive without 
radicalism, and the unflinching foe of centralization, jobbing and every form of monopoly, Mr, Carleton's 
reiireseiitatiou will reflect honor upon the district. Industri(uis, resolute and temperate, he brings to his im- 
portant duties the leading essentials of suei'css; vigorous in person, clear in mind, fortunate in his private, as 
in his public life, he has deserved, and will continue to merit such civic honors as his fellow citizens can be- 
stow. Jlr. Carleton was married, July 8, 1802, to Miss Ellen S, Smith, daughter of Aaron Smith. They have 
one dau.irhter — Jennie F.dith. 

M. F. CARLETON, attorney at law. wa.s born in Grafton County, N. PI., Jan. 27, 1831. His parents came 
West to Michigan the same year, and located in this county, in the Town of China. He was raised here, and 
received a common school education. He began teaching school when only sixteen years of age, and for 
nineteen years he taught every winti'r cxcejjt two. He iield the oflice of Drain Commissioner one term; was 
elected County Clerk in 1872, and held that ollice six years; was also eh'cted Township School Inspector, 
Town Clerk several terms, and Supervisor one term. He studied law while acting as Clerk, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1878, and since then has iiracticed his profession here. He was ap]iointed Deputy County 
Treasurer in Januarv, 1881, and since then has held that position. Mr. Carleton was married September 27, 
18,")2. to Miss .Mary tjathani, daughter of Thomas Latham, one of the oldest .settlers of tliis county. He came 
here in 1882. Jlr. and Mrs. Carleton have three children— Will H. and Lura. both now in Dakota, and 
Cora A. 

S.VMUEL B. CARLL is a native of Hancock County. Me., and was born March 14, 1811. His mother 
died when he was eight years olil. and lie went with l-,is father to New York Stale in 182.'), and four years 
later, in 1829, they came to Michigan and settled at Rochester, and lived tliere and at Rome four years, and 
learned the trade of blacksmith of his father. He came to Port Huron in March, 1834, and worked at his 



564 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

trade. The following year he went to St. Clair anil built a shop, and engaged in husiness for himself. While 
living there he married iliss Ann Whicher, a native of New Hampshire, March 27, 1837. Three years later, in 
1840, they came to Port Huron and he engaged in hlacksmithiug. and carried on the business here for twenty- 
five years, and then engaged in lumber business until IS.")!). His wife died the same year, leaving one daugh- 
ter, Mary Lucretia, wife of Jacob A. Vrooman, attorney at law, of St. Louis, Mo. When the war broke out, 
Mr. Carll enlisted in the Second Regiment Michigan Cavalry, and served two years in the regiment, and was 
then promoted and commissioned Second Lieutenant Company H, Seventh Regiment Michigan Cavalry. He 
was wounded and taken prisoner during Kilpatrick's raid, March 1, 1804, and was in Libby Prison three 
months. Served until the close of the war, and returned to Port Huron. He built a vessel, and afterward 
operated a shingle mill. Is not now engaged in active business, but owns a fartn a short distance out of town. 
He married Miss Josephine Brdwn, a native of Canada, March 5, 1867. They have two children— Ada May 
and Joy Butman. 

CAPT. PETER CARTRIGIIT is a native of St. Clair County, and was born at Algonac November 15, 
183.5. He began sailing in 18.53 on the old schooner " Leander." lie has been in the marine service for thirty 
years, and for the past twenty years has sailed Captain most of the time. In 1862, he was Captain of schooner 
"Elida," and has sailed the "Crevola," "Seminole," and schooner "David Todd," "St. Andrew" and the 
"Charlie Crawford," in 1857. He married Jliss Julia Merdrum, a native of this county. They have seven 
children— Julia, Mary, Sarah, Lovina, Peter, Mar}', Hattie. 

RICHARD CASLEll, contractor and builder, is a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., and was born in 
1834. His parents removed to Canada when he was very small, and he was brought up there and learned the 
trade of carpenter and joiner. He came to Port Huron in' Ma^ , 1852, and commenced working at his trade 
and continued until 1864. when he went in business for himself, and since then for the past eighteen years has 
been engaged in contracting and building, and is one of the oldest in the business here. Has held the office of 
Supervisor in 1845. Mr. Casler married Miss Nancy Hagerman, a native of Canada ; they have two children — 
Coursair C. and La Fayette. 

ANDREW C.\USLEY is a native of St. Clair County. His parents, Gabriel and Harriet Causley, were 
among the early settlers here ; he was raised here, and since boyhood has beeu engaged in lumbering and 
rafting. He and his partner are engaged in rafting on contract, and have most of that business here. He 
married Miss Eliza McDonald, a native of Canada, November 19, 186(5. They have three children — Mary, 
Andrew, William. 

PROF. N. CAWTHORNE, teacher of music and dealer in pianos and organs, is a native of England, and 
was born April 12, 1844. He received his literary education, and also pursued his musical studies there, and 
came to Canada in 1862. Two years later he went to Chicago, where he was engaged in teaching music until 
1871. Then came to Port Huron, and since then, for the past eleven years, has been engaged in teaching here, 
and also in dealing in pianos and organs, and during all this time has held the position of organist iu the Con- 
regational Church. Prof. Cawthorne married Miss Jane A. Sander.son. also a native of England, August 
So, 1868. They have six children— Catherine F., Willie W., Charles B.. Fred. W., Hastingci R(}ss, Robert S. 

A. E. CHAD WICK, attorney at law, is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and was born April 10, 1834. 
He received his education in that State, and began reading law. Came to Michigan in 1854, and studied law 
with John Devine, of Lexington, and was admitted to the bar iu 1855. Practiced law there until 1862, 
when he came to Port Huron, and since then, for the past twenty years, has successfully practiced his pro- 
fession here. He was elected Alderman, also School Inspector, but resigned both positions. He was promi- 
nently identified with the paving of Military street, the River Side Turnpike. He gave the work his personal 
supervision, and became responsible for it, and made an almost impassable road into one of the finest 
thoroughfares in this section of the State. In 1857, Mr. Chadwick was united in marriage to Miss Almira J. 
Raymond, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. They have one son, William R. 

" E. C. CHAMBERLIN, cashier and accountant of the P. H. & N. W. R. R., is a native of Dutchess County, 
N. Y., and was born March 33, 1.840. He grew up and attended school there, and came West in the fall of 
1867. After being here a short time, he returned to New York, and remained until 1870, when he came to Port 
Huron, and wasjconnected with the lumber business until January 1, 1879, when he was appointed to his 
present position. In 1861, Mr. Chamberlin married Miss Mary K. Thompson, of Dutchess County. N. Y. She 
died in 1875, leaving one daughter, Maggie T. In 1877, he married Miss Louise M. Gillingham, a native of 
New York State. 

HENRY CLINE, engineer Custom House, is a native of New Y'ork, and was born at Whitehall, Wash- 
ington County, in 1839. When thirteen years of age, went to Massachusetts, and in 1856 came to Port Huron, 
and was sailing on the lakes until the war broke out; then went in the United States Navy and served in the 
South Atlantic Squadron, under Admirals Dupont and Dahlgren. Was at the bombardment of Fort Sumter. 
After his return, went on the lakes for ten years. In 1877, was appointed to his present position. In 1864, 
he married Mi.ss Roxy Ann Adams, of Ogdensburg. N. Y. The}' have two children — Willard A. and Harry. 

WILLIAM M. CLIXE, attorney and counselor at law, was born in Canada, on the 31st day of July, 
1851; his ancestors on his father's side were from Pennsylvania, and his mother's from Scotland. His parents 
•moved to Michigan and settled in Sanilac County in 1859, where he attended school and became a teacher in 
the public schools of that and St. Clair Counties. He also attended the State Normal School and Agricult- 
ural College. lie commenced the study of law in October, 1874, and attended the Law Department of the 
Michigan University in the winter of 1874 and 1875. Was admitted to the bar in October, 1875; continued 
the study of law, and in 1877 located in Port Huron; since then has been engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession here, and since 1881) has been a member of the firm of Chadwick & Cline. He was married on the 
19th day of December, 1883, to Miss Laura Snively, of Philadelphia, Penn. 

S. D. CLARK, superintendent construction Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad, is a native of Chester- 
field. N. H., and was born January 38, 1830; grew up and learned his trade in that State. Came to Sarnia in 



i; 



IirSTOUY OF ST. CLAIU COUXTY. r)65 

IKIfi. :in(l w;is oil both sides of tlio river and built all tlic buildings on tlip Sarnia Branch; also had rliarire''of 
liuilding all the Ijuildin.ijs for the (!rand Trunk Railroad on both sides of tlie river; then returned to his native 
State and engaged in farming for ten j'eaiv. In 1871, he went to St. Jjouis. and had charge of creeling the 
buildings of the American Plate Glass Works for Capt. Ward, and afterward was engaged in the drug busi- 
ness for several years, and is now superintendent of eonslruclion for the Port Huron & Northwestern Rail- 
road Companj'. He held tlie office of Superintenilent of tlie Hoard of Public Works for three years. In IH.1.5, 
Mr. Clark married ^liss Sarah I'jincrson, a native of Hillslxiro County, \. H. Tliey have five clnldren — 
William E., Susie E., Fraid< P., .\iuy A., Laura M. They hav<' losi t\vo"ehil(b-en— Cliaiies .1., died August IS, 
1881; Clara A., died September 2'>, 1881. There are few ])arents called upon to mourn the loss of children of 
greater promise. The death of the former was caused by a railroad accident. Miss Clara A. Clark was a 
graduate of the Port Huron High School in the class of 1876, afterward engaged in teaching until her last 
illness. The news of her death was received with keen regret in all parts of the city, where she was a gen- 
eral favorite. Among her more intimate friends, it caused inexpressible grief. Her associates in .school life, 
the Lotus Club and the Literary Club, in l)olh of which she was a loved and honored mcnilier, met in special 
gatherings to express their genuine respect, love and sympathy. 

ASA R. COLE. United States Inspectcu- of Hoilcrs. is a native of Troy, >,'. V., and was born Decemlier 
12, 1843. He learned the trade of machinist, and at the age of twenty came to Micliigan; was engaged as an 
engineer on steam vessels and in charge of engine and machine .«hops until 187!, when he was appointed 
United States Inspector of Boilers of Steam Ves.sids for the District of Huron, Jlicli., which position he now 
holds. Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Colton, of Milan, Ohio, September 17, 1868. They 
have three chililreii — Mary R., Gili's F. and Lina r,ouise. 

.lOHN COLE is a native of London, Canada, and was born March 12, 182."). Upon reaching manhood, he 
(^ame to Michigan in 1817, and located in Port Huron, engaged in building, and continued in that business 
fourteen years, and during that lime built fourteen sawmills. In 1861, he engaged in lumbering. He cut 
and put in the first logs in Thunder Hay River, and built the first mill in Alpena, and also built the first steam 
mill at the mouth ot the Muskegon River. He has been engaged in lumbering over twenty years. He has 
cleared over two thousand acres of land, mostly in this county, and owns a large farm of six hundred acres, 
and has tlu^ largest barn building in this county, and also owns a grist mill. When he came liere he only had 
■"lb cents; his success in life is owing to his own cITorls. He has hi'ld the olliee of .lustiee of the Peace and 
Supervisor. In l.S')2. Mr. Cole married .Miss .Martha E. Mooncy, of Hirniingham, Oakland Co., Mich. They 
have six children— Francis .1., Norman 1)., Svlvia, Herbert I., Mason J., Mvra E. 

HON. OMAR I). ('ONCER, United Stales Senator, was born in 1N(I8 at Cooperstown, N. Y. He 
removed with his father. Rev. E. Conger, to Huron County, Ohio, in 182.1. He received the instruction given 
in the common schools; pursued his academic studies at Huron Institute. Milan. Ohio, and graduated from 
the Western Reserve College in 1K12. From 181.5 to 1S4S. he was engaged in the geological survey and min- 
eral explorations of the Lake Superior coppc r and iron regions. In 18-18, he removed to Port Huron. Mich., 
and engaged in the practice of law. In 18.")ll, Mr. Conger was elected .ludge of .SI. Clair County Court. He 
was elected Slate Senator for the biennial terms of 18."i.'"). 18.")7 and I8."i!), and during the last term wa^ made 
President jim tciitpun: of the Senate. In 18611, he was elected a memlicr of the Conslitiitional Convention of 
Michigan, and in 1861. was a Presidential Elector on the Republican ticket,. He represented his rtislrict in 
the Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty third, Forly-fourth and Forly-lifih Congresses. In the last eleclion he 
received fifteen tluiusand eight hundred and eighteen voles, against thirteen thousand one hundred and sev- 
enty seven, given the Democratic candidate. .Vnson E. Chadwick. In the winter of 1880, Ir. was elected to 
the United States Senate to succeed the late Senator Chandler. 

CAPT .VRTHUU CONKEV is a native of Michigan, and was born at Port Sanilac February ,'), 18.")1 ; he 
began sailing in 1^62, when only eleven years of age, as cabin boy on the steamer Dubuque, and next went 
with ('apt. I^'rank Downer on schooner Idaho. He sailed as mate four years, anil in 187li was Captain of the 
Island (Jueen, and sailed her three years, an<l then sailed the barge Scotia ; in 1877, bought an interest in the 
.1. H. Magruder, and since then, for the past five years, has sailed master of her, and is also owner, ('apt. 
Conkey married Miss Minnie Kronsie, of Buffalo, N. Y. They have three sons— Charles. Arthur, Fred An- 
thon}'. 

11. W. COOLEY, of the firm of Caslcr it Co., conlraelors and builders, is a native of Oneida Counlj', 
N. Y'., and was born June 5, 184(). He came to Port Huron in 1864, and in November of the .same year en- 
listed in Comjiany A, Nineteenth Regiment U. S. Infantry, and served three years, and was muslered out as 
First Sergeant of his company ; then returned to Port Huron anil learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, 
and worked at his trade for some years ; in 187.S, he a.ssociated with his present partner, and since then they 
carried on the business together, and have a large trade. He served six years in the Slate militia, and when 
discharged held commission of First Lieutenant. He also holds oflice of Alderman. Mr. Cooley married 
Miss Eva Morris, a native of this counlv, February 28, 1874. They have two children— Myrtle Jfay. Flovd 
Garfield. 

GAGE M. COOPER, owner and proprietor of Cooper Hotel, P. (). Port Huron, is a native of Broome 
County, N. Y., and was born in Binghani])ton March 21. 1817. When seventeen years of age he .started \Vest, 
and went by Susnuehanna River and .lunialla Canal and Portage Railroad over the mountains. Al Pilts- 
burgh, went on the first steamboat he ever saw to Wellsville. 0\\w. and from there he took his worldly goods 
on his back, and walked through the western reserve to Kalama/oo, and reached there in 18;!.") ; he helped dig 
the grubs out of the sireels of that city, and worked on the Territorial road ; in 1838. he began railroading 
on the I'ontiac Railroad, and afterward was on the Central Hailroad, and from there went to Cincinnati, and 
went on the Lexington A: Louisville Railroad, and was master mechanic of that line ; while there, he decor- 
ated Ihe car that carried the remains of Henry Clav to Lexington. He returned to this State, and was under 
foreman of the shops in Detroit, of the Detroit & >fanistee Railroad. During the war, he ran an engine on the 



566 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Great Western Railroiiil, and after that came to Fort Gratiot, and was locomotive foreman on the Grand 
Trunk Raihoad. He was actively engaged in railroading from 18:^8 until 1873, and with one exception is the 
oldest railroad engineer in the State. In 187.5, he huilt the Cooper Hotel, at Grand Trunk .lunction, and since 
then has kept thi.s house. In 1843, he was appointed Postmaster at Royal Oak, Jlich., and held that office 
three years, and held the office of Justice of the Peace two terms. Mr. Cooper has heen twice married ; his 
first wife was Miss Eliza Johnson, of Haddam, Conn. She died in 1800, and left three children — Thomas J., 
James F. and Ella. Mr. Cooper has files of the New York Tribune of 1843-43, and also has an original copy 
of the New England Weekly Journal, dated April 8. 1738, over one hundred and fifty-four years old. 

JOHN CORNWALL is a native of St. Clair County and was born March 10, 183G ; he began sailing in 
18G0, in the schooner Albatro.ss, and two years later sailed as Captain of the tug Dart, and since then has 
sailed Captain of the B. B. Jones, the Wilcox, the Grant, the Bob Anderson, the Frank Moffatt, the Castle, 
and the steam barge Tecumseh, and during the twenty years he has been in the marine service, has only 
sailed for three firms. Capt. Cornwall was united in marriage March 5, 1863, to Miss Eliza Yokom, a native 
of Canada; they have six children — Lettie, Lulu, Alta, Susie, Lalia, Ray. 

CAPT. THOJIAS COWAN, master steam barge Ira B. Chaffee, is a native of Canada, and was born at Port 
Rowan, Ontario, March 18, 1840; he began sailing on the scow Royal Oak when only sixteen years of age, 
and afterward sailed as mate for some years ; in 1870, was master of the barge Norwaj', and sailed her for 
seven j'cars, and the Susan Ward two seasons, and since 1880 has sailed as master of the steam barge Ira B. 
Chatt'ee. Capt. Cowan has been in the marine service twenty-five j'cars. He married Miss Eleanor Ellis, a 
native of Port Rowan, Canada, February 35. 1863 ; they have two children, Minnie M. and Perley. 

P. C. COY, of the firm of Charles A. Jex & Co., wholesale confectioners, is a native of Huron, Ohio, 
and was born May 10, 184.5. His parents came to St. Clair in 1849, and he lived here until 18-59, then went to 
Port Austin. Two years later, upon the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted in the naval service, and served 
under Admirals Foote and Porter. He was wounded while they were conve_ying the troops across the Missis- 
sippi River, on their retreat from tlie Red River expedition. He was in the service over three years, and was 
a non-conmiissioned officer. He had three brothers in the war, and all returned. After the war, he returned 
to this State, and came to Port Huron in 1874, and engaged in business. He associated with Charles A. Jex, 
and established their present business January 16. 1883, and are building up a good trade. In 1863, he married 
Miss Alma Jane Hayes, from East Saginaw. They have three children— John A., Olio J., Barton W. 

CAPT. JAMES COX, of the barge Susan Ward, is a son of Capt. James Cox and Emily Cox, who were 
among the early settlers of Port Huron; his father died November 17, 1864, and his mother died June 31, 1883. 
Capt. Cox was born in Port Huron September 33, 1849; he began sailing when only eleven years old, with his 
father, on the scow "Sea Foam." When only seventeen years of age he sailed as Captain of the " Uncle 
Sam," and since then has sailed the "Adain." the "Wyoming." the " Morgan, "Jhe "Vision," the steam, 
barge "Mary Mills" and the " City of Port Huron," sailed the "Alpena" five years, and for the past two 
years has saileil the barge "Susan Ward" for the Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co. Capt. Cox married Miss 
Josephine Palmer, a native of New York State, December 35, 1870; they have two children — Jennie and James, 
and have lost four children. 

GEORGE CRACKEL, of the firm of George Crackel & Co., painters and dealers in all kinds of painters' 
and artists' materials, is a native of Wabash County, III., and was born September 5, 1853. When ten years of 
age his parents removed to Canada, and he bes^au learning his trade in Chatham. In 1868, he went to Chicago 
and entered the employ of Heath & Milligan, the largest and best house in that line in the city. He came to 
Port Huron in 1873, and in 1875 engaged in his present business; the firm was Thorn & Crackel; they were in 
business together two years, when Mr. Crackel bought out his interest. In 1880, his present partner became 
associated with him; they have a large trade, and employ from twenty to forty men at different seasons of the 
year, as their trade demands; they have a large trade. Mr. Crackel married Miss Henriette Pace, of Niagara, 
June 3, 1876; they have three children— Walter E., George Godfrey, John G. 

ALEXANDER CRAWFORD, deceased, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, Octobers, 1833. His parents 
came to the United States and settled in Michigan in 1833. He grew up and received his education in this 
State. He came to Port Huron in 1844, to take charge of the schools. He taught in the first two schools 
erected here; first in the old building tliat stood on the present site of the high school edifice, and after that in 
the old Brown School. Mr. Crawford was united in marriage April 15, 1853, to Miss Mary Palmerlee, of 
Granville, N. Y. Her parents came West to Michigan, and settled in Macomb County in 1830. Mr. Craw- 
ford was engaged in teaching for fourteen years, and many of the active business men of this city are indebted 
to him for the results which his teaching and example as an instructor had in forming life habits and mold- 
ing their character. For over eight years he was an officer of the Government in the custom department, and 
he performed the <lelicate and arduous duties of his office with the same fidelity that characterized everything 
in which he was employed. He held that position until his death, which occurred July 39, 1869. He 
left four children, all daughters— Eva N., now Mrs. H. C. Knill, Hattie M., Frankie A., now Mrs. Frank 
Sharp and Anna E. 

M. C. CRONK, manufacturer of Dr. Cronk's Sarsaparilla Beer, is a native of Rensselaer County, N. Y., 
and was born December 35, 1^37; grew up in that State and studied medicine. In 1867, came to Detroit and 
since then has lived in this State. Came to Port Huron in 1877, and established his present business, and 
since then has lieen eng.aged in the manufacture of Dr. Cronk's Sarsaparilla Beer, and has built up a large 
trade which is constantly increasing. During the past season he has filled single orders for 1,000 bottles. He 
supplies the local trade, and ships large amounts of his goods. 

WILLIAM CURTIS, Captain of the "James Beard," is a native of Canada, and was born on the St. 
Lawrence River. February I, 1830; he grew up in Canada, and worked for Davenport on the ferry between 
here and Sarnia, and was afterward for ten years in the employ of Capt. Moffat. He came to Port' Huron in 
1857, and since then has resided here; for the past fifteen years has had command of vessels and tugs on the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 5(57 

river and lakes, Capt. Curtis was united in niarria,!{e June 11, 1854, to Miss Lucy A. Coy, a native of 
Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of Ansel B. Coy, one of the earliest Indian traders in St. Paul, Minn. ; they have 
one daughter, Mrs. Fred St.arkwealher. 

JAMES A. DART, mainifaelurer and jobber of tinware, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Macomb 
County, Marcli 1, 1839; he lived in that county until sixteen years of age; canu' to Port Huron in 18,j.5, and 
entered the employ of William Stewart; finished learning his trade, then worked journey work, and was with 
him as long as he continu<u:l in thi^ business, and since then with Sanborn. Carleton iV Co., and Carleton, 
Stewart & Co. He has lived here since 185), and during all that time, a period of twenty-eight years, in the 
employ of the house established by William Stewart, and since 185i) has been foreman of this department; 
during the present year he engaged in business for himself. In 1807, he married Miss Susan Bowman, a 
Dative of Canada; Ihey have six children — William. George, Charles, Arthur, .Jennie and Chester. 

.1. A. DAVIDSON, dealer in carpets, oil cloth and wall pa|)er, is a native of Scotland, and was born 
September 'JO, 1837. llis parents emigrated to this country when he was very young, and came to Michigan 
and settled in this county; upon reacliing earlj' luanhood he came to Port Huron in 1856, entered a store as 
clerk. In 1864, he engaged in the dry goods trade, anil carried on that business for eight years. He established 
his present business in 1872, and is the only exclusive dealer in cari)ets, oil cloth and wall paper in Port Huron, 
and lie has built up a large trade. Mr. Davidson was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Loomis, from 
Albion, Calhoun (^o.. Mich., September 39, 1864; they have one daughter, Eusibia N. 

TII()M.\.S D.VVIS. dealer in groceries, corner Division and Seventh streets, is a native of England, and 
was born Deceml)er 39, 1854, He came to Canada during his early childhood, and came to Port Huron in 
18G6. He entereil Mr. Hope's store as clerk, and remained with him eleven years. In 1877. he .started a little 
store, and since then has carried on the business here. In 1876. he married Miss Addie N. Carey, a native of 
New York. They have two children — Walter H. and Thomas A. 

GEORGE DENLER. of the Hrm of Denier Bros,, ice dealers, is a native of Switzerland, and was born 
January 3, 1847. His parents came to America in 1854. They lived in Cleveland three years and came to 
Michigan in 1857. Upon reaching manhood he engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1881, he and his 
brother engaged in the ice business. Hi' m;irried Miss Alice Slingerland, a native of St. Clair County, Octo- 
ber 16, 187t). They have two children — Helen M, and Laiu'a A. 

DAVID DENNIS, farmer. Section 17, P, O, Port Huron, is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., and was 
born December 15. 1844, He remained in his native State until eighteen years of age; then came to this 
State, to Van Buren County. In 1868, he came to this county, and since then has been engaged in fanning. 
He owns 130 acres in the town of Columbus; for the past seven years has had the management of this farm 
for John P, Sanborn. Mr. Dennis was miited in marriage July 9. 1869. to 3Iiss Mary Hunt, a native of this 
county. Her parents, Hiram and Mary Hunt, were among the early .settlers of this county. 

ALBERT DIXON,- of the tirm of Sauiulers & Co., wholesale grocers, is a native of England, and was 
born Decemlier 34, 1840. His parents came to the United States in 1849, and located in Illinois, He came to 
Port Huron July 31, 18-53, when only thirteen j-ears of age, and entered the employ of his uncle. Judge Saim- 
ders. his present partner, who established their present business in December. 1853. He remained with him 
until 1871, when he became a partner in the business, and since then has had the active numagement of their 
large i-stablished trade. This house is the oldest in mercantile and commercial trade in Port Huron, or this 
section of the State, .■ind is well-known throujjhout the State. Mr. Dixon was united in marriage April 3, 
1861, to Miss Sarah A, Wilson, a native of the North of Irehuid. They have three children— Fred j., Eva N., 
Harvey A. 

CHARLES K. DODGE attorney at law, is a native of Michigan, and was liorn in Jack.son County 
April 36, 1844. He received his education in this State, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1875. 
After being admitted he came to Port Huron and engaged in practice of law. and since then has practiced his 
profession here. He was elected City Attorney and held that oflice one term. 

CAl'T, FR.VNK N. DoW.XER' is a native of Jlichigan. and was born in the town of Washington. Ma- 
comb County. July 17, 1835. The following year his parents came here. From early boyhood his life has 
been spent on the water, his earliest recollrctions of it was sailing on a nhih on the river. When eleven years 
old, in 1847, he went on the Grace Amelia. Capt. John Dillion, and in 1853, when only seventeen years old, 
he was Captain of the Hawk, and next sailed the Esculapius and the Lady Jane. In 18.55. 1856 and 1857, he 
was master of the Eiiphemia, then thi? Henry Young, the Curlew, B. M. ('arrington, Lilly May and the 
Skinner, In 1873, he built the Dunford, and since then has sailed as master and part owner of her. Capt. 
Downer has been in the marine service for thirty -six years, and for more than thirty years h;us sailed as 
master, and has had a large practical experience. He has held the office of Tax Collector, Capt, Downer 
was united in marriage July 18. 1860. to Miss Britannia .lex. a native of London, Canada. They have had 
eight children, only two of whom survive — (')iarlie Jex and Flank Nelson. 

LIEUT. GEORGE DUFF, is a native of Scotland, and was born October 0. 1837, He came to the United 
States in 1853. and lived in Pittsburgh until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted August 16, 
1861, in the One Hundred and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, better known as The Old 
Thirteenth Regiment, Company D, Was mustered out of that reginunt September 23, 1864, and accepted 
an appointment in the Veteran Reserve Corps. September 34, 18(i,l, and was mustered out November 3i5. 18G6. 
He was appointed, July 38, IMIili. .Si-innd Lieuti-nant in tlic United States .service, and accepted the- appoint- 
ment November '34, 1866. and was iriiiisfcrred Aprils. l,S(i<,). to the Fir>t Regiment United States Infantry; 
was promoted to First Lieutenant February 13, 1873; retired from active service June 38. 1878. on account of 
woun<ls received in line of active duty. Lieut. Duff is prominentl)- identified with the Masonic fraternity — 
is High Priest of Ilurcm Chapter, No. 37. and is Eminent Commander of Port Huron Commandery, No. 7, 
Knights Templar. 



y 



568 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

THOMAS DUNFORl), of the firm of Duuford & Alverson, ship builders, is a uative of Enslaiid, and 
was born in 1834. Emigrated to America in 1849; learned his trade in Canada on the Wetland Canal, of Abbe 
Bros.; went to Chicago in 1850, when there was only one dry dock in that city; remained there twelve j'ears. 
Came to Port Huron in 1802, and established their present business; and since then for the past twenty years, 
have successfull}' carried on the business here. For the past five _years the firm has been Dunford & Alver- 
son. During the past three winters they have employed from one hundred and fifty to two hundred men. 
Mr. Dunford has held the office Oi Supervisor. He married Miss Sarah E. Pace, of Port Huron, August 27, 
1863. They have one son. Fred J. 

J. B. DUVAL, Agent Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, Section 18, at Port Huron .and Grand Trunk 
Junction, is a native of Canada, and was born March 29, 18.59. His parents came to this county during his 
early boyhood. He entered the employ of this line in 1873, and since then, for the past nine years, has been 
connected with it, and it is a remarkable fact that he has not lost one day during that time. In 1880. he wa.s 
appointed agent in charge of the bu.siness of the company, at this station, and since then has held that posi- 
tion. 

W. P. EDISON. Superintendent Port Huron Street Railroad, is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was 
born November 5, 1831. In 1837, his parents removed to Milan, Ohio, and he grew up there, and alter reach- 
ing manhood, he came to Michigan in 1854, and located in Port Huron. He has been actively identified with 
the Street Railroad Company .since its organization, and since its completion in 1866 has held the position of 
Superintendent, and had the active management of operating the road, and is the largest stockholder in the 
company. He has also been interested in vessel and steamboat property. Mr. Edison is the eldest brother of 
Thomas' A. Edison, the noted electrician, whose reputation has become world-wide. Mr. EdLson was united 
in marriage to Miss Ellen .J. Houlihan, of Oswego, N. Y.. September 26, 18.56. They have one daughter. Nel- 
lie M., now Mrs. W. A. Poyer, of Norwalk, Ohio. They lost one son, Charles P., who died in Paris, France, 
at the age of nineteen years. He had been studying with his uncle, Thomas A. Edison, for a numlier of 
years, and was a j'oung man of pronii.se. 

F. CHARLES EICHHORN, manufacturer of cigars, and dealer in cigars, tobacco and pipes, billiard hall, 
wines and liquors, is a native of Germany, and was born in Al.sbach, Hesse-Darmstadt, May 24, 1835. Upon 
reaching manhood, he emigrated to the United States in 18.56, coming to Port Huron in the same year, and 
began working at his trade. In 1864, he started his present business, and since then, for the past eighteen 
years, has successfully carried on the liusiness in his present location, and has a good trade. He is a member 
of the I. O. O. F.. K. of P., and the German Aid Society. He married Miss Mary Bachers, a native of Wies- 
baden, Germany, February 11, 1859. They have six children — Charles, Mary, Augusta, Emily, Louisa and 
Gustav. 

PHILIP EICHHORN, .Ik., Assistant Postmaster, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port 
Huron February 1, 1859. He attended school here, and completed his education in Detroit, at Goldsmith's 
College. In 1871, he entered the post office, and since then, forthe past eleven j'ears, has remained there, and 
during the present year was appointed to his present position as Assistant Postmaster. 

W. A. ELDRIDGE, of the firm of A. N. Moffat & Co., steamboat and vessel agents, is a native of St. 
Clair County, and was born in Port Huron Octol)er 15, 1847. His father. G. A. Eldridge, was an old soldier, 
and came here after the Florida war, and lived here until his death. W. A. grew up, and attended school 
here, and entered store as clerk. In 1868, he went away and lived in Chicago. New York and Toronto for ten 
years. In the spring of 1882, returned to Port Huron and became a partner in the firm of A. N. Moffat & Co. 
The firm of Wright & Eldridge, are also engaged in coal trade. Mr. Eldridge fnarried Miss Florence E. Bean, 
from Rock Island, III., October 15, 1873. They have one son, Wallace Gordon. 

CAPT. CHARLES R. ELY. deceased, was born in St. Lawrence, New York State, July 19, 1839. He 
commenced sailing for the Northern Transportation Co. in 1855. He was united in marriage January 9, 
1865, to Miss Mary Jlitchell. of Wolf Island, Ontario. For a time they lived in Ogdensl)urg, N. Y., and after- 
ward in Kingston, Canada West, from which place they removed to Port Huron in 1878. With the e.xception 
of three years, Capt. Ely sailed for the Northern Transportation Company from 18.55 until 1880. He was a 
very skillful sailor, and had a large experience in the marine service. After a lingering illness he died of 
paralysis, June 28, 1882. He was a kind husband and father, and his death was mourned by a large circle of 
friends. His wife and two sons. Eddie and Ilerhie. survive him, and reside in this city. 

CAPT. THOMAS A. ELLERY, P. O. Marysville. Section 32, is a native of Vermont, born May 20, 1837. 
Removed to Port Huron November, 1851. and remained a resident of that city until 1879, when he came to 
this place. In the spring of 18.52, he sailed on the schooner Eugene, with Cajit. John Sinclair, Sr.. and fin- 
ished the season in the Lady Jane, acting as master of her during the illness of the Captain. In 1853, Capt. 
Ellery sailed the scow Baltic, and during the following three j'ears sailed the schooner Trader, schooner Star, 
and other craft; owned and sailed schooner Emma about three seasons; was half-owner and master of the 
brig Preble; owner and master of schooner S. L. Noble and scow Hannah; sailed steam barge NeLson Mills 
in the fall of 1870. In 1871, was sailing master of schooner R. J. Gibbs in the Cleveland and^Iontreal trade. 
In 1872, was mate of steam barge Mary Mills, and since then has sailed propellers and barges for the Mills 
Transportation Company. Will sail the new steam barge now building and unnamed, for this company, dur- 
ing season of 1883. During thirty years of life on the water, Capt. Ellery has never lost a season, and has 
been master twenty-eight years of that time. He is also a practical ship carpenter, which trade he works at 
during the winter months. In 1857. Capt. Ellery was married to Mi.ss Amelia Hallinan. of Port Huron, by 
whom he has had seven children, one of whom, the oldest boy, was accidentally killed by the street cars. 
The living children are named Amelia, Estella, Herbert, Arthur and Grace. 

M. V. ELLIOTT, Inspector of Customs, is a native of Maine, and was born March 4, 1837 ; he grew up. 
and attended school there ; he came to Michigan in 1.857, and came to Port Huron the same year ; he entered 
the employ of Eddy, Avery & Co., and remained with this old and well established lumber company for nine- 



HISTORY OP ST. CLAIK COUNTY rgg 

emig,-u...rno this country in' KrlMMwrv HV- 'iK-''?; '" " "'"'^'' ?l ^^^'-'n^iny, and was f.orn J„„,. (1 mo,- , 

iiilliiliSiillii 

nna ( ngagi.,1 in tliat bus iicss until IST.s ..r, ti, 'T,- . "P""'<' 'i .ijronery and orockorv store at T'nri IlMr^, 
(Wal.T m winrs. li„u,,rs and tnh,.."'' ..„! :" l/^'' ,¥-..\^ • ^5. \\ . and H. W. 




■n^t mc^ -,-,•-;'">" /'"n's. luidoc- 
ust. 1S(,.5. Dunn.ii: tlu- time ho 



„n,, .V' ^V': ""^ '"""■'' '" marriase to Mi^s Elizn VL.''. ..'Y.' 'l'^' >' .'" *'.'^'' SOO'is. und has a leading 



g «,;,,,..„;i,, ,»,;':;;;;;; ;; k™. s;,rS tS "J'r';;:;;, "";' r" '"" •"■'>• '»• ■«■ ■■ "= » 

ndCh.rl,! B ' n, Tsvi'^i "'"■""•• Enuna J., „^nw >Irs Fran! J jfon ,,,''" t?'^ 'T" """SWers, Francis E. 

*,£; ;a iS ,;te,,S,,i ;rs^'.,";;"- ^"^s 



ty. Mr Farrand' li " 'f"" '' '""c,."""' ''^'^ '"■<■" i-i*^""'' 



670 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ford, in that State. Mrs. F. is prominent in literary circles in this section of the State, and with her origi- 
nated the idea of forming the Port Huron Ladies' Library Association, mentioned elsewhere. In pioneer 
matters, she has taken great interest, and was one of the Vice Presidents at the forraation of the State Pio- 
neer Society. Mr. Farrand has four daughters and one .son living : Laura Caroline, now Mrs. Silas L. Bal- 
lentine, President and Pounder of Somerville school; Mary Emma, Helen M., Fanny C. and Bethuel Clin- 
ton, Jr., all of whom are now residents of St. Clair and Port Huron. The name of Mr. Farrand has long 
been a synonym for honesty and uprightness in his profession, and he is well known throughout the State. 

FREDERICK FINSTER, M. D., homisopathic physician and surgeon, is a native of Germany, and was 
born in Bavaria April 3, IS'Jl. His parents emigrateil to this country, and came to Detroit when he was only 
six years old, in 1837. He grew up and received his education in this State. Studied medicine in Detroit in 
the office of Drs. John Ellis and S. B. Thayer ; attended his first course of lectures in the College of Medicine 
and .Surgery in the University of Michigan during the session of 18.53-.54. He took his next course of lectures 
in the Horaceopathic Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, during the session of 18.54-55, and graduated there- 
from in the spring of 18.")5. He then formed a copartnership with Dr. E. H. Drake, of Detroit, for two 
years, and was actively emplo_yed in his profession during that time in that city. He came to Port Huron in 
the spring of 18.")7, and since "then, for the past quarter of a centurj', has been successfully engaged in the 
practice of medicine, and has won an enviable reputation as an able, coa.scientions physician ; and. with one 
exception, is the oldest practitioner in the city. In 1859, Dr. Finster was united in marriage to Miss Lydia 
A. Kimball, a native of this county ; they have six children— Alice May, Sheldon Edward, Frederick Ellis, 
Nancy Edith, Arthur Ray and Chester. 

GEORGE FISH, of the firm of George Fish & Co.. dealers in groceries and provisions, is a native of 
England, and was born May 11, 1813. Upon reaching manhood, emigrated to the United States, in 1833, and 
reached Port Huron in the spring of the same j'ear, when there were oniy three houses in Port Huron. He 
was clerk in a, store for two years. Then bought a farm and engaged in farming for many years. In 1872, 
he came in town again, and engaged in the grocery trade. He owns several good farms, besides stores and 
buildings here in the city. When he came here he had nothing, and his success in life is owing to his own 
efforts.' In June, 1839, he married Miss Mary Rattray, a native of Scotland. They have five children— Will- 
iam, Mary Jane, Thomas, George and John. 

THOMAS FISH, of the firm of George Fish & Son, dealers in provisions, jfroceries and sporting goods, 
is a son of George Fish, one of the earliest settlers of Port Huron. Thomas was born in this county Novem- 
ber 16, !854. He grew up and attended school here. They established their present business in 1879, and 
have built up a large trade. He is connected with the State militia, being a mcmljer of the Port Huron Guards. 

E. FITZGERALD, proprietor Fitzgerald ship-yard, is a native of Ireland, and was born April 11, 1818, 
and emigrated to this country in 1835, and two years later came to Port Huron and arrived here in November, 
1837. After coming here, engaged in lumbering, and helped build the first saw-mill at Fort Gratiot ; after- 
ward went on the lakes, and was engaged in sailing until 1866, when he established a ship-yard, and engaged 
in ship building and repairing, and has carried on the business until the present time. Sir. Fitzgerald is one 
of the early settlers of Port Huron, and has lieen identified with the interests of the city, and has held the 
office of Mayor of the city. Supervisor. Alderman, Comptroller and other local offices. In 1841, Mr. Fitzger- 
ald was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lamb, a native of this State. They have nine children — Edmund 
L., William C, Sarah, James, Mary, Thomas, Fred, Stella, Augustus. 

JAMES H. FITZGERALD, proprietor dry dock and machine shop, is a native of Port Huron, and was 
born May 27, 1854. His parents were among the earliest settlers of this place ; he grew up and attended 
school here, and has always lived in the first ward of the city. He learned his trade of engineer here, and, 
when eighteen years of age, passed his examination and received his cei'tificate as engineer. He served as 
engineer on the lakes for five years, and in 1876 established his present business, and has carried it on since 
then. He manufactures all kinds of mill and marine machinery, and has a good trade. 

W. C. FLANAGAN, cooper, is a native of Canada, and was born December 27, 1816. After reaching 
manhood, he came to Michigan and settled in Port Huron in the fall of 1837, and was among the early set- 
tlers of this then small village. He soon after engaged in his present trade, and has carried on the business 
most of the time for the past forty-five years. He employs eight to ten men, and does a good business. There 
are very few here now that were here when he came. While living outside of the town, he held the office of 
Township Highway Commissioner, School Director, Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace. In 1843, Jlr. Flanagan 
married Abagail Chase, of Canada. She died June 10, 1851, and left three children, Alexander, Joseph C, 
Flora. In 1833, he married Lucinda Ruddock, of Port Huron ; they have four children — William, Henry, 
Howard and George. 

CHARLES FLUGAL was born in the city of New York February 9, 1799 ; when only fourteen years of 
age, on the 8th of March. 1813, he enlisted as drummer boy in the Thirteenth Regiment United States Infan- 
try, in the war of 1812 ; he remained in the service until the close of the war, and was discharged in June, 
1815, at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y.. and remained there until 1818. He enlisted again December^lO, 1818, for 
five years, in the Second Regiment United States Infantry. After serving his term of enlistment, he enlisted 
again for five years, and during this term he went up the St. Clair River, on the old steamer Superior, to Fort 
Howard, on Green Ba)', and remained there two j'ears ; then returned to Governor's Island, New York, where 
he received a furlough of sixty-one days, and went to Sackett's Harbor and remained there eleven months, 
when times were so hard that he could not get work, and on the 37th of April, 1829, he again enlisted for five 
years in his old regiment, the Second United States Infantry ; during that time removed to Fort Niagara, 
and one month later, upon the breaking-out of the Black Hawk war, the troops were ordered West, and his 
command came to St. Clair. It was during the cholera summer of 1832 ; they came to St. Clair and remained 
there several days; the men were dying of cholera; they went to Spring Wells and were there ten days, then 
went to Niles, Mich.; here the command embarked in a pirogue composed of two dug-outs made from two 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH, COUNTY. 571 

large logs lashed together, and afterward took a schooner and went to Chicago, where they joined Gen. 
Scott's command : on the 10th of .Vugust they started for Galena. 'jV/ Naperville and Dixon's Ferry; tliey 
went to Rock Island, and reinaine<l there and"at Davenport until Se|)leniber IT, when tlie treaty wiUi the In- 
dian chief was completed ; they then returneil to Chicago, and the eommanil was transferred to Fort Dear- 
liorn. On the 2d of October he, with ten others, started for Detroit on foot; they were all that were left of 
the command of eighty-four that started West; they returned to Fort Niagara, and he finished his fourth 
term of eiUislment, anil again re eidisted for three years, and a few months later was ordered to Fort(!ratiot, 
and reached here in IH:U, and serv<>d out his fifth t("rm of enlistment, and tweiily-tliree years of military S('rv- 
icc. and was discharged in 1837. He then started a bakery and grocery, and continued in thai business, on 
Military street, corner Water street, until IS.'il. After selling out. lu^ was clerk in store of Sweet/.er it San- 
born, anil was also with Peter and .lohn Sanborn. He has been a member of the Masonic order over forty 
years, and is now Tiler of Pine Grove Lodge and Port Huron Lodge, and also 'I'iler of the Chapter and Com 
mandery. July 'M. I8'2-', he married Miss Emily Allen. She was born in .letferson County. Is. Y., January 
31, 180.5; they have two children — Mary, now Mrs. Livingston, living in this county; and Samuel; he 
served four years in the Scvenlli Heizimenl ^lichigan Volunteer [nfantry. 

C.Vl'T. "D.WIICL FLOOD is a native of Canada, and was born .January 1, 18'2."). He began sailing in 
is.l.'i, on the scow Antelope. He helped to take the lirst millcngine up on Lake Huron shore in 1841!, and 
took the first load of liunber that was shijiiied out of Alpena some twenty- four years ago, and has been run- 
ning lor the same man ever since, Jlr. J. S. Minor, mill-owner. He saiUnl fot.r j-ears before the mast, then 
went as mate, sailing master of the Emeline and other vessels until 18.">.'), then sailed master of the schooner 
Meredian. He bought and saile<l several vessels, and in bSliO bought the schooner Seanuin. and has owned 
and sailed her for the i)ast twenty-two years — a longer lime than any captain from any port on the river has 
owned and sailed one vessel continuouslv. He came to Cottrellville. in this county, in 184(3. Capt. Flood 
married .Miss Eli/.a Jane Harrington, a liativi' of Xew York Slal<>. .March :), 18.')9. They have two children, 
Ellen, now Mrs. Clark, of Ohio ; Edith, now Mrs. George L. Tliomp>on. 

DANIEL FOLLANSBEE was horn in Grafton County, N. II., February 24, 1813. He learned the trade 
of carriage-making. I'pon reaching manhood, he came west to Michigan, and arrived in this county at St. 
Clair October 1, I8:!8. and began working at his trade. There being little demand for carriages at that early 
day. he went to work at the trade of millwright, and since then, for a period of about fifty years, he has 
worked at the trade. His first visit to Piirt Huron was October ti, I8;«. He came in a canoe. In l.SKi, he 
came to Port Hui-on to ri'side, and since then has resided here, and has lived in the county half a century, 
and is one of the old'/st settlirs now living here. At oni" time, he coulil call by name every man living in St. 
Clair County. \\r has held th<' otfiee of Countv Clerk, and served as Uiider Sl'ierilT fourteen years. Hemar- 
ried Miss Eliza .M. Davis, a native of (Jraflon C'ounty, N. H.. .May 23. 1837. They have had eight children, 
only two of whom survive, Susan, now Mrs. William H. .\ndrus."ainl Frank, both living in Port Huron. 

"FRANK L. FOLLANSBEE is a native of St. Clair Comity, and was born October 11, 184(!. When only 
fourteen years of age went in the grocery store of R. S. B;d<er ; aflcrw;ird entered the employ of Joseph 
Jacobi, and was connected with his clothing business for twelve years. In ls7ti, was elected City Clerk, and 
w^as re-elected finu- successive years. In 1881, was elected City Comptroller. He received the nominatioii for 
Sherill at the recent Democratic Convention. He married Miss Alice Colerick, of Almont, Lapeer Co., Jlich.. 
December 7. 1876. Thev have one son. Van Colerick. 

CAPT. WILLIAM Forbes is a native of Aberdeen. Scotland, and was born July 27, 1838. He came to 
the I'nited States in 18.")0; lived in Canada, at London and Sariua, a few years. Began sailing in 18til on the 
brig Ocean, under Capt. 'Thomas Neal, for two seasons ; then sailed on the (Jariliajdi and the .\nglo Saxon. 
He sailed as mate from IStili until 1871 ; in 1871. lie was master and half owner of the Fanny Neal, and sailed 
her until IS77 ; he then spent one season running ferry at Saginaw, and since then has sailed master of the 
Fanny Neal. In 1(^78. he built the freight and passenger steamer C A. Forbes. She runs on the west shore, 
and he is now her owner. He is now building at Bay City a large steam barge for the iron ore Irnde, to cost 
about 17.'), 000. He also owns a good farm in Canada. AVhen he began life, he had nothing ; and his .success 
is owing to his own efForts and gooil management. Ca])l. Forbes married Jliss (Jatliarine Kerr, of Sarnia, 
Canada" December Ifi. 1.8(18; they have four children — Alexander, Christie Ann, Catharine May and William; 
lost twd children in infancv. 

LOKEN B. F0HEST1'-;H. proprietor "Pony Mill," is a native of Canada, and was born in the county 
of Dundas July 23, 182(i. His parents removed to St. Lawrence County, N. V.. in 1831. He returned to 
Canada in 1838" and n'lnembers being within hearing of the battle of the Windmill. C!ame to this county in 
18l'.l and engaged in mill Imilding. and two years later engaged in milling, and since then for a period of thirty 
vears has been engaged in millinir and mill building, and is the oldest in the business in this city and county. 
Jlr. Forester married Miss Christina .Vtkins, a native of Lanarkshire. Scotland, October 20, 18.">3. They have 
four children— Jessie. Fannie. John C, (ieorge L. ; Itrsi one daughter. Minnie. 

E. T. FKEEM.VN. superintendiiit of Sanborn's Elevator, is a native of Ontario County, N. Y., and was 
born March 21, 1841. Ilis parents came to Michigan in 18-t;l When the war broke out. Mr. Freeman enlisted, 
on the first call for troops, in the Toi>ographical Engineers' Company. Capt. llowland, of the company, 
originated the system of signal lights and signal Hags, from which sprung the .system used by the army dur- 
ing the war. The company was in Missouri until Fremont was superseded, when the signal corps was <lis- 
batuled. Mr. Freeman went into the Twentieth Michigan Infantry, and participated in the battles of the 
Potomac until the end of the winter of l.'S(i2-(J3. when he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, 
under Gen. Grant, and look part in the siege of Vicksburg. In the winter of l>>()3-t)4, he entered the Thir- 
teenth New York Light Artillery, under a commission issued by (iov. Seymour, and served until the end of 
the .\tlanta Campaign. .Mr. Freeman was then appointed to the Ordnance Department, under Gen. Slocum, 
in Sherman's march to the sea. He aftirward returned to Tennessee with his command, and was on duty at 



572 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Tullahoma until the close of the war. He was wounded at Campbell Station, Tenu., and also before Atlanta. 
After the war, Mr. Freeman returned to Battle Creek, and was engaged in the grain trade there for eight 
years. He came to Port Huron in 1877, and since then has been engaged in the grain trade here. Mr. Freeman 
married Miss Jennie M. Powell, of Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., August 27, 18G3. They have three children — • 
Charles Turner, Eugene Leigh and Ethel Pearl. 

LIZZIE GAHAN, proprietor Exchange Hotel, corner Butler and Merchant streets, is a native of Ireland, 
and came to Port Huron in ISOit, and the following year look charge of the hotel ; and since then for the past 
twelve years she has successfully carried on the business in the same location. 

('APT. ROBERT E. GAIN, master steam barge Powers, is a native of London, Can., and was boru Feb- 
ruary 5, 1846; his parents came here when he was only three years of age, and he began sailing when only 
sixteen years of age, on the scow Reindeer, and afterward was on the schooner Somerset and the Hibbard, 
was mate on the propeller Ballantine and sailed master of the schooner H. W. Sage, of Bay City, and since 
1880 has sailed the steam barge Powers. Capt. Gain married Miss Harriet L. Bon, of Grand Haven, July 11, 
1877; they have three children — Clinton, Robert E., P^dna Clare. 

CAPT. GUMMING S. GEEL, Port Huron, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in the 
town of Port Huron December 6, 183(>. His father, James M. Geel, was a native of Detroit, and his mi>ther, 
Lydia Parraalee Geel, was a native of Rochester, N. Y. Capt. Geel began sailing on the schooner T. G. 
Scott during boyhood, and lias liecn in the marine service twenty-eight years. In 186.5, was Captain of the 
schooner Union ; in 1873, he went with the Anchor Line, and sailed master for that line seven years. Then 
he superintended the building of the steam barge Fred McBrier, and since she was completed he has sailed 
master of her. In 1863, he married Miss Lydia Ilitehings, of New Brunswick. They have five children — 
Harriet Blanche. Lulu E., Guy G., Howard, Herbert S. 

AVILLIAM GEORGE, Deputy Collector Customs, is a native of Pembrook, South Wales, and was born 
January 4, 1831. He learned the trade of ship carpenter, and afterward followed his trade for ten years in 
one of the largest ship yards in the city of London. He came to Port Huron in 1871, and was appointed to 
his present position July 1, 1882. 

JAMES A. GIBSON, ship carpenter and farmer, is a native of Lower Canada, and was born December 
25, 1830 ; was brought up and learned the trade of .ship carpenter. After reaching manhood, he came to this 
county. He has worked at his trade at Port Huron, Detroit and Buffalo, and for the past twelve years has 
worked in ship yard at Vicksbuvg most of the time. He owns his farm, and has lived there since 1864. In 
18.")9, he marrrcd Miss Agnes Duncan, a native of Canada ; they have seven children — Kate, Maggie, John, 
Mary, Wallace, George, Lilly. 

S. GOODMAN, merchant tailor and dealer in ready made clothing, is a native of Germany, and was born 
in Bavaria December 4. 183.5. He emigrated to America in 18.54, and the following year came to Michigan 
and located in the southern part of the State. In 1860, he came to Port Huron and established his present 
business, and is the oldest in the clothing trade here, having successfully carried on the business for twenty- 
two years. He has held the oflice of City Treasurer and "Alderman, and is now a member of the Board of 
Estimates. Mr. Goodman was united in marriage, July 13, 1863, to Miss Fannie I. Lamed, daughter of Mr. 
Asa Lariied, of this city ; they have two sons, Maurice and Leon. 

JAMES GOULDEN, Vice President of the First National Bank; born in county of Sligo, Ireland, in 1829; 
came to this country in 1853 and to Port Huron in 1857, where he engaged in business, and continued in 
active business until February, 1881, at which time he retired. He has held the office of Vice President of 
the First National Bank since 1869; also director in the Port Huron Gas Company, and has served two terms 
as member of the Board of Aldermen. Mr. Goulden was united in marriage, September 24, 1857, to Miss 
Martha Roberts, Thcn-nhill, Ontario. 

JA:MES W. (MOULDING, of the firm of Barrett & Goulding, wholesale and retail dealers in dry goods, 
notions, millinery, is a native of Watertown, N. V., and was born February 16, 1851. He grew up and 
attended school there, and afterward entered store as a clerk. He came to Port Huron, and with his present 
partner established their present business, in 1875. Since then, for the past seven years, their business has 
rapidly increased, and the}' have built up a large trade and have also established several branch stores which 
are in successful operation. Mr. Goulding was united in marriage, November 15, 1876, to Miss Libbie Steele, 
of Evans Mills, New York State. They have lost one daughter, Bessie. 

AUGUSTUS C. GRAY, Section .33, P. O. :Marysville, is a native of New York Slate, and was born in 
Chenango County April 7, 1831; upon reaching manhood he came to Michigan, and located in this county, in 
1853, and engaged in teaching and farming. In 1862, he entered the employ of the lumber firm of N. & B. 
Mills; and since then, for the past twentyyears, has been connected with the "tirm, and has charge of the office 
work of the business. Mr. Gray has been actively identified with the school interest, and for many years 
has served as School Inspector, School Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools. In 1856, Mr. Gray married 
Miss Lovina E. Brewer, a native of New York State. They have two sons, Guy and Ralph. 

CHARLES M. GREEN, ornamental painter, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Macomb County 
March 9, 1S54. He grew up in this State, and learned his trade in the city of Detroit, serving apprenticeship 
with the best workmen in that city. He came to Port Huron in 1879, and established his present business in 
1881, and is building up a very good trade in the best class of work. Mr. Green was united in marriage to 
Miss Maggie O'Brien, of Canton, Ohio, October 4, 1880. They have one daughter, Bessie. 

CAPT. GEORGE R. GREEN is a native of Canada, and was born April 30, 1835; he began sailing when 
eighteen years of age, on the propeller Vermont, and then on the Louisville; after two years, he sailed Captain 
of the schooner Preble, and afterward had command of the Athenian, and also the Genesee Chief, and for 
the past two years has sailed master of the D. P. Robbins. He has been in the marine service for the past 
thirty years. In 1856, Capt. Green married Miss Matilda Purdy, of Canada. They have three children — 
George, Susan, James. 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 573 






of Hroad an,I Huron str._-,.,s. In 18^? 1 c^n nVr L Vn\- '"I "1!^\'''^^ ol'l I'ome 



iiilPpiiSiiiiS 

bo land. SlK. di..d in SeptcMnl,..,-. 1882. a >or 11 ro,? n f 'f '''''^••""•"' •'"'"« ■'■■!, a nativ. of ]^.r ^1 re 

born X^vombi^: .8 s ^' J^e n^^.lvrirJ.SlV"''^"' " ," """^^" "^ Ph.tts.n.r^, Clinton Co XV ' , 
pursued his theological stud es ^ n, i :;,'VS;,:i;':V'il""" ^" ^''^''r" l-»ive,^Hy a, I amil^o,? \ '' >' ^."^ 
where he was ordained Oetober 8. 87 H, ace ." ., "'u'";'''^'- V'^ i^""^' pastorale wa.s at , 'k.on Mieh 



574 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

charge of the schools here, but resigned his position and raised a company in this county, which was mus- 
tered in the service as Company E, Tentli Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in command of Capt. 
Hartsuff. The following spring the regiment landed at Shiloli, just after the battle at that place. He was 
with Gen. Sherman during his campaign to Atlanta, and was in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, in 
which his command took an active part. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and made Inspector Gen- 
eral of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and afterward promoted to rank of Colonel and appointed to the posi- 
tion of Inspector General of the Army of Ohio, and remained in the service until the close of the war. Every 
male memlier of his father's family .served in the war. His father was in command of Fort Gratiot. His 
brother, the late Maj. Gen. George L. Hartsuff, a graduate of West Point, achieved great distinction in the 
service. Very few of our great Generals made so brilliant a militar}' record. Another brother. Dr. Albert 
Hartsuff, now in Europe, is Surgeon in the regular service. Dr. Duncan, of Saginaw, a brother-in-law, was 
Surgeon of a Michigan regiment during the war. At the close of the war, while still in the field. Gen. Hart- 
suff was appointed Postmaster at Port Huron, and after his return he assumed the active charge of its duties, 
and since then has held that position. He has been actively identified with the interests of the city and coun- 
ty. He was one of the incorporators of the narrow guage railroad, one of the original stockholders of the 
Port Huron Times, and has always been one of its Directors, and is now Vice President of the Commercial 
National Bank. Gen. Hartsuff was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Albenah Larned, daughter of Asa 
Larned, of this city. They have two daughters, Nora and Georgiana. 

JAMES H. HASLETT, merchant tailor, is a native of Washington County, Penn., and was born Novem- 
ber 1, 1825. His parents removed to Richland County, Ohio, in 1833, where he lived until eighteen years 
of age; then went to Columbus, remained there about two years and finished learning his trade; then came to 
Michigan and located at Port Huron. Arriving here October 10. 1845, he and Mr. A. J. Dewey, of Columbus, 
Ohio, opened a shop here, and since then, for the past thirty-seven years, Mr. Ilaslett has carried" on the business 
of merchant tailor in this place, and for twenty-nine years has occupied his present location. He is the old- 
est business man, with one exception, in Port Huron, and has carried on the business of merchant tailoring 
longer than any one in the State. 

JOHN HAYES, engaged in lumbering, is a native of Canada, and was born at Picton December 2, 1845. 
His parents came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County in 18.55. After attending school, he entered the 
employ of S. L. Boyce and remained with him about twelve years. Since then he has been engaged in lum- 
bering for himself. He has held the office of Supervisor. In 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- 
beth Birthwhite, a native of New York State. They have five children — William, Mary, Kittle, Lizzie and 
Frank. 

J. P. HAYNES, of the firm of J. J. Boyce & Co., bankers, is a native of Allegany County, N. Y., and 
was born February 23, 1833. His parents, James Haynes and Calista R. Haynes, came to this county in 1839, 
when he was only" seven years of age; he attended school here, then went to Detroit, and took a commercial 
course; he afterward engaged in lumbering in all of its branches, and carried on the business for fifteen 
years, and since then has been interested in dealing in pine, cedar and timber lands. In 1873, he associated 
with J. J. Boyce and established a bank, and since then the firm have been engaged in the banking business 
here. He has served as a member of the Board of City Aldermen. In 1860, Mr. Harnes was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Jane Youmr, of this city, daughter of James Young, an early settler. They have three children 
—Frank J., Fred F., William. 

CAPT. PRANK HEBNER. is a native of Canada, and was born at Mariposa May 30, 1843. He began 
sailing in 1864, and sailed on the Forester, the Alpena, Susan Ward, Marine City, the Benton, Galena, and 
was mate of the steamer Milton D. Ward seven years. He was master of the steamer Saginaw three seasons, 
and for the past two years has been master of the Citj' of Concord. Capt. Hebner married Miss Jennie 
McCracken. of Saginaw City, July 21, 1870. They have three children— E. Maud. Frank, Blanche. 

PETER HILL, lumber (iealer, is a native of Germany, and was born November 9, 1838; emigrated to 
America in 18.53, and came to Michigan and located at Port Huron in 1856; worked in saw mill eight years; 
then engaged in inspecting lumber, and continued in that business until 1880, when he opened a lumber yard, 
and engag^'d in his present business. He has had a large experience, and has been connected with the busi- 
ness here over a quarter of a cenlurj'. He has held the ofBee of collector, and served as a member of the Board 
of Education, and is now a member of the Board of Estimates. He married Miss Ernstina Ernest, a native of 
Saxon}', Germany, July 15, 1869. They have two children, Ernstina and Otto, and he has one daughter, 
Katie, by a former wife. 

BENJAMIN HILLIER, master car-builder P. H. & N. W. R. R., is a native of Canada, and was born in 
Toronto July 13, 1846. In 18,58, went to' Missouri, and lived there three years, and came to Port Huron in 
1861, and engaged in ship-building; built the scow H. Moore, and sailed her, and afterward engaged in ship- 
building again. In 1874, he began working in the shops of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, and 
remained there six years. In 1880, he accepted his present position of master car-builder of the Port Huron 
& Northwestern Narrow Guage Railroad. He married Miss Catharine Buzzard, a native of this State, Decem- 
ber 21, 1.870. They liave two children, Artluir and Jennie. 

JtJlIN H1LT(')N, Sheriff, is a native of Calais, ile., and was born July 3, 1840; after reaching early man- 
hood, he came to Micliigan and located at Port Huron, and engaged in lumliering; he was afterward elected 
Cliief of Police, and held that office two terms; and served one term as Under Sheriff. In 1878, he was 
Sheriff of St. Chdr County, and took charge of the office January 1, 1879; in the fall of 1880, he was re-elected 
to the same position. He is a careful, painstaking officer, and during his term of office has been successful 
in apprehending criminals where it required experience, sagacity and courage. In 1865, Mr. Hilton married 
Miss Charlotte Hogan, of this city. Tliey have one son, Frank, and one daugliter, Nellie. 

J. C. HOCK, proprietor Hock's Bakery, corner Butler and Fort street, is a native of Germany and was 
born November 30, 1830. He grew up, and learned his trade there; emigrated to the United States in 1860, 



HISTUUY OF ST. CLAIl! COT NT V. 575 

and cume to Port llui-dn the foUowinc; year and started a bakery, and since then for the past twenty years 
has carried on tlic l)usiMess here. In \XH. he married Miss Mary O'Neil, a native of Irehmd. Tliey ha've four 
children— Jolin, Klizal>etli, Kosa, Jolianna. 

JOHN HOFFMAN, contractor, was born in Germany November ','G. 1839. and emigrated to the United 
States in IN.Hi. and came to Port Hnron, and arrived here June 2i of the same year; he bejran working in saw 
mill, and continued at that business for eleven years, and was then elected Street Commissioner, and held that 
ofhc-e four years. He opened a store in Mt. Clemens, and was there eighteen months; for the past seven years 
has been engaged in (contracting. He also owns a farm near the city. He married Miss Mary Christina 
('lackiiiir. a native of Germany, April 33, 18G;i. They have five children — John H. clerk in post office, Tliena, 
Jacol). Libbie, Fred N. 

JOHN M. HOFP^MAX, dealer in real estate, is a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., and was born Septem- 
ber 24, 1S3S; upon reaching manhood, became to Port Huron in 1^4'.!; he worked by the month for four years, 
and saved f (i')0 ; then engaged in lumbering, and since then for the past thirty years has been connected 
with that business and farming, and is one of the oldest business men here. He lias also been engaged 
in dealing in real estate for many years. He owns a good farm just out of the city. In lis.")4, he was married 
to Misi .lulia A. Weslbrook. a n.-itive of this State. They have four chililren — Frank. Herbert. Julia, Fred. 

.lOllN P. HOFFM.VN. wines, licjuors. cigars and tobacco, is a native of (iermany an<l was liorn May 11, 
1SI?1( ; he emigrated to the United States in 18')3. and came to Port Huron in 18.")4. and worked in saw-mill and 
lumbering for ten years ; in ISIJT he engaged in his present business, and since then for the past liftecn years 
has carried it on ; in ISTfi. he built his brick store. He isamembcrof theorderof Knights of Pythias, and be- 
longs to the German Aid Society. He married Miss Margaret Deitz October l!!. 1807. She" is a native of 
I Iermany. 

CAPT. F. J. HOLLAND, master of the Concord, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born at Fort 
Gratiot ^larcli 1."). 1846. He is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Holland, who werj among the earliest settlers 
here. Capt. Holland began sailing on the schooner Seaman when only seventeen years of age ; in 18T0, he 
sailed Captain of the schooner Lizzie, and has sailed the Home, the Fanny Xeal, the steamboat Hattie 
Brovvn, tlic San Diego, and is now master of the Concord. Capt. Holland married Miss Emma J. Farr, a na- 
tive of Port Huron, December o. 1807 ; they have three children — Frank B.. Kobert T.. Charles A 

HENRY ('. HOPE is of Siotch descent, and is a native of Canada, and was born near Montreal March 
23, 1844. His parents came to this county in 18.").'), when he was only eleven years of age ; he grew up and 
attended school here; entered stor<' as clerk ; in I8C8, he engaged in business for himself; sold out in 1870 
and went to California ; returned the following year, and in S<])tiniber, 1871. he ( ngaged in the grocery and 
provision trade, and since then has been successfully identified \\ith the business here. 

JAJIES A. HOPE, dealer in groceries and provisions, is of Scotch descent, and is a native of Canada, 
and was born near Montreal March 23. 1844 ; his ])arents came to St. Clair County in 18.1."). He engaged in 
business here in 1871. and since then has carried on the business here. In 1881, he established a branch store 
on Huron avenue, and has a large estalilislied trade. » 

HENRY HO\VARD. son of John and Nancy Howard, is a native of the State of Michigan, and was 
born ill tlic city of Detroit. During early ehililhood. his parents came to Port Huron, and he grew up and 
received his education here. Upon reaching early manhood, he enlercd the ofliee of his f.-ilher, who was 
largelj' engaged in the lumber trade, and fir the past thirty years he has had the ••lefive and successful man- 
agement of the business, and has been prominently identitied with commercial interests of this city. Mr. 
Howard has been connected with the First National Bank since its organization, and has served as its Presi- 
dent most of the time. He was elected President of the .Narrow Gauge Railroad in 1880. and held that posi- 
tion two ye:irs. He was twice elected to the State Legislature, and represented this district in that body in 
1871 and IS73 ; during liis second term he refused to allow his name to lie used for Speakerof the House. Hi- 
served as ('li.airman of the Committee of Ways and Means, was .Vlderman of the ciiy for fourteen 3'ears, was 
elected a member of the Board of Estimates, and served as President of the board; in spring of 1882 was 
elected Mayorof the city, and is also President of the Board of Education. He is President of the Northern 
Transit Company of Sariiia. In 18."i."). Mr. Howard was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. Spaulding, 
a native of New York Slate ; tliev have two children— one son. John II.. and one dauirhlcr. E. Louie. 

CAPT. JAMES T. HOWARl") is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron :\Iarch 8, 1843 ; 
his parents. John and Nancy Hubbard Howard, now living here, are among the oldest and mo~t honored .set- 
tlers of the State now living. Capt. Howard grew up and attended school here ; upon reaching manhood, he 
was engaged in the grocery trade four years, and in the furniture business three years; since 1872, he has 
been engaged in the marine .service, and has sailed as master of the Stanley L. Noble, the Hattie Howard, 
the L. L. i,anib. the Frank C. Leighton. and the frigate W. K. Castle. Capi. Howard married Jliss Juliette 
Petlee. April 7, ISfi."). She is a native of Port Huron, and daughlerof Simon Peltee, who was also born here, 
Capt. and Mrs. Il.iward have si\ children — Belle. ^Valtcr S.. Nellie J.. Mary Libbie. Herbert and Florence R. 

JOHN H(»\V.\HD. retired, is a native of Fayette County, Pcnn., and was liorn March 3, 17!l!t ; at a very 
early age, his parents came to Ohio and settled at Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., and he grew up in that county. 
After reaching manhood, he came to Michigan Territory, in 1821 ; he came in a small schooner to Detroit ; at 
that time Walk in the-AVater was the onlv steamer on all the lakes. Mr. Howard located in Detroit and en- 

§aged in the grocery trade; after being there a few years, he was united in marriage. June 2, 182.^. to Miss 
lancy Hubbard, a daughter of Jonathan Hubbard, of Hartford. Conn., who was of English descent. He 
came to Detroit in 1811, when his daughter, .Mrs. Howard, was only six years of age. Siie was in Detroit 
during the war of 1812. and has a distinct recollection of many of its honors and atrocities. She remembers 
Gens. Proctor and Hull— the headquarters of Hull were near where they lived. Mrs. Howard remembers 
when a party of Indians came to their house to massacre the familj', but through the courage and presence 
of ndudof her older sister, who spoke French, they escaped. She has witnessed the war dance of the Indians 



5.76 HISTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

over the sculps they had taken from the Americans. She used to currj' things to hospital for the sick and 
wounded soldiers. Her mother used to save all the money she could to buy white prisoners from the Indians 
to save their lives. 5Irs. Howard is. perhaps, the oldest resident of the State uow livini;. In 1834, on ac- 
count of the breaking-out of the cholera, Mr. and Mrs. Howard left Detroit and came up Black River, where 
he bad a small mill four miles al)ove Port Huron, and remained there until 1839, when they Uioved here, into 
what was then a very small village. He opened a hotel in what is now known as the Thompson House. 
Some five years later, he and Mr. Cumming Sanborn l)uilt a saw-mill where the depot now stands. After a 
few years, Mr. Howard and his son built a mill, and they continued in the lumber business for twenty-sis 
years, until four years ago, when Mr. Howard retired, after an active business life of sixty years — an honored 
citizen, and one of the oldest residents of the State. 

C. B. HUBBARD, dental surgeon, is a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y.. and was born November 20, 
1830. He attended school there; came to Michigan in 1841), and completed his education in this State. After 
reaching manhood he engaged in saw milling, and was for twenty years connected with that business. He 
came to Port Huron in 1853, and since then has resided here. He then studied dentistry, and has practiced 
his profession here for the past twelve years. He served five years as member of the School Board. He was 
united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Fuller, from Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 19, 1858. Dr. Hub 
bard is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the order of Maccabees, and is a charter member of Huron Tent, the 
first Tent organized in the State. 

I. T. HUBBARD, farmer. Section 31, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., and 
was born June 13, 1837. His parents moved to Ohio when he was twelve years of age, and lived there until 
1841, when they removed to Wisconsin, where he remained until 184T, when he came to St. Clair County, and 
for some years worked at his trade of ship carpenter. He then bought land and engaged in farming, and 
since then has done both. He has lived on this farm since IStil. He has held the office of Highway Commis- 
sioner and School Commissioner, and has held school offices for many years, and also Justice of the Peace. In 
1853, lie married Miss Mary Vickery, a native of this State. She died in 1873, leaving eight children, seven 
girls and one boy. He married Mrs. Ada Peters March 4, 1877. She is a native of East Canada. 

J. B. HULL, Paymaster P. H. & N. W. Railroad, is a native of New York State, and was born in Rens- 
selaer Cormty March 26, 1826. Upon reaching manhood, he came West to Michigan in 1847 and located at 
Coldwater. He remained there three years; then went to California in 1850 and returned in 1853, and the 
following year came to Port Huron. He was agent of a steamboat eompanj' one year and then engaged in 
the hardware trade. He carried on that business over twetity-two years. In 1879. he was appointed Pay- 
master of the P. H. & N. W. Railroad, and since then has occupied that position. He held the office of .City 
Treasurer two years and City Comptroller one year, and served as member of the Board of Education. In 1848, 
Mr. Hull married Miss Emily M. Curtis, a native of New York State. They have two children — Fred B., in 
Auditor's office of the Lake "Shore Railroad at Toledo, and S. Jay, conductor on P. II. & N. W. Railroad. 

HENRY HUNER, dealer in fresh and salt meats, is a native of German}', and was born June 17, 1835. 
H(! emigrated to the United States in 18.54, and (^ime to Port Huron the following year. He was in the em- 
ploy of Mr. Avery for seven years, and afterward cleared up and improved a farm, which he still owns. He 
established his present business in 1871, and since then, for the past eleven years, has successfullj' carried on 
the business here. He was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen four terms, and resigned before his 
last term of office expired. In 1853. In- married Miss Mary Ann Brennegan, of this county. They have four 
children— George H., Ida, Eftie and Ilattie. 

MARTIN FlUNER, of the firm of Iluner & Wilson, dealers in fresh and salt meats, is a native of Ger- 
many, and was born September 5, 1839. He emigrated to the United States in 1858, and came to Port Huron 
the same year. In 1863, he associated with O. A. Wilson, and established their present business on Military 
street. They bought the lot and erected the building they now occupy in 1871. They are the oldest firm in 
the business here, and have a large established trade. Mr. Huner was elected City Treasurer, and held that 
office two years, and was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen. In 1866. he married Anna Umlauf. 
She died March 2(5, 1875, leaving three children — George, Anna and James. He married Miss Louise P. Unger, 
a native of Port Huron, February 23, 1876. They have two children, Julia and Osnald. 

P. A. HURD, att(U-ney at law, is a native of Vermont, and was born November 21, 1831. He grew up 
and received his education in Canada, studied law with Hon. Adam Crooks, of Toronto, and was admitted to 
the bar in 1857. He engaged in the practice of law there, and practiced his profession in Canada over twenty- 
two years. He came to Port Huron in 1879, a'nd since then has practiced his profession here. He is also in- 
terested in the oil business in and near Petrolia, Canada. In 1852, Mr. Hurd married Miss Priscilla Herndon, 
a native of Canada. They have three children -Ralph, Josephine and Luther H. 

P. F. HUSIIIN, engineer Sanborn's elevator, was born in Wales March 14, 1846. His parents came to 
Canada in 1853, and he entered the employ of the railroad company in 1858, and was engaged in railroading 
in different capacities for eighteen years. He was both engineer and conductor on the Grand Trunk Railroad. 
He came to Port Huron in 1875, and had charge at night of the shojis of the Port Huron & Lake Michigan 
Railroad. In 1877, he came to Sanborn's elevator and set up the engine, and since then has held the position 
of engineer. In 1867. he married Miss Elizabeth Strange, of Berlin, Ontario, Canada. They have four chil- 
dren—Maggie. Fannie, Frank and Robert. 

THOMAS J. HUTCHINSON, of the firm of Hutchinson & Armstrong, house and sign painting, grain- 
ing and decorating, is a native of Canada, and was born in Toronto December 14, 1850. His parents came to 
Port Huron in 18.59. He went to the army during the war, when only fourteen years old, as musician, and 
served three years. After the war he went to Canada and began learning his trade. In 1872, he went to Chi- 
cago and worked at his trade. Was employed on the custom house and afterward had charge of painting on 
the marine hospital there. He came to Port Huron in 1878, and engaged in business for himself, and .las 
built up a good trade. He is connected with the State militia and holds commission of First Lieutenant in 




-^ 



^„'*' 







HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COINTY. on 

Company F, Third Regiment Michigan State Troops. In 1873, lie married Miss Anna Nye, of Forestville, 
Mich Thej' have one daugliter — Edna Mabel. 

CAPT. "W. II. lIUTCinXSOX U a native of Canada, and was bom at Presque Isle, Lake Ontario, Novem- 
ber M, 1844. lie began sailing when only twelve _vears of age, on the Isabella, with his father: she was 
rebuilt and called the Caspian, and he was with her several seasons, and afterward for some years sailed mate 
of schooners and tugs. In 187*). he sailed Captain of the Kate Williams, and since then has ha^I command of 
the lugs Gladiator and the Bali/.e. The Captain was united in marriage December 20, 1870, to Miss Helen 
Fick. of the city of Port Huron. 

II. E. HYDE, freight and passenger auditor of the Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad, Is a native of 
Michigan, and was born in the city of Detroit July Vi. 1860. He attended sehool there, and afterward entered 
the office of the Michigan Central Railroad, and was afterward with the Chicago & Iowa Railroad. In 1880, 
he wa~ appointed auditor of the freight and passenger department of the Port Huron & Northwestern Rail- 
road, and since then has held that position. 

CAPT. BVRON K. I.N'.MAN is a native of Michigan, and was born in Macomb County May 3, 18.50. He 
came here with parents in 1S")T; he began sailing when onl3- thirteen J'ears of age, on propeller Belle: he 
sailed several years before the mast and several years mate, and in 18<)9 he and his partner built a srow, 
Hannah Moore, and he .sailed her two years and sold her. In 1871. went wheelsman on tug Brockway: and 
after five months w-ent mate on same tug: was mate two years on tug Clematis; in 1X74, was male of tug 
Sweepstakes, part of the season: then sailed Captain of tug Zouave; and the nest two years sailed Captain of 
the tu^s Stranger and Satellite: was master of the large tug Champion, one year, and' the .Sweepstakes two 
year~. In 1882, he sailed master of the steam barge Hiawatha, the largest craft sailed bj' any Captain from 
this port. Capt. iLman was married .lune 24. l'<70, to Miss Amelia Dempster, of Whitby, Ontario, Canada. 
They have two children — Grace A. and Walton B, • 

JEROME B. INM.\N, custom house, is a native of Monroe County, N. Y., and was bom August .5. 1x26. 
His parents came to Michigan in l^'Z. and .settled in Macomb County, and were among the earliest settlers 
there. He was brought up and learned trade of a blacksmith there. When the war broke out, he enlisted 
in Company K, Second Michigan Cavalr3'. commanded by Lieut. Gen. Phil. Sheridan: he served over four 
years, and participated in many tiirhls and shirmishes. After his return, in 18*;!i, he was appointed in the 
custom hoase. and since then has held that position, -Mr. Inman married Miss Cordelia C. Smith, a native of 
Monroe County, N. Y., .luly 24, ix.'il. She came to this Stale in early childhood, in year 18;i2. They have 
three children — Byron, Captain steamer Hiawatha, of the Buffalo ii Duluth line: Ursula V., at home; Hiram 
G., sailing on lakes. 

EDWARD J. INSLEE, dealer in wool, is a native of New York State, and was bom in Seneca County 
June 24. 18*1. His parents came to Ann Arbor. Mich., in 18^39. and he lived in that count}- and Livinirston 
County until 18.5i): then went to Detroit, and two years later came to Port Huron: for eight years was clerk 
in the Thompson House. In IXfiO, engaged in general mercantile business; after a few years, engaged in buv- 
ing and selling on the market; has bought wool over twenty years, and is the oldest dealer here, and does the 
largest business. He luis held the office of Street Commissioner. Mr. Inslee married Miss Lodemia Walker, a 
native of Canada, September 18. 18-56. They have three children— Edwin W., Wilber D., Edith M. Lost two 
— Anna M. and Dwight S. 

GAGE INSLEE. deputy collector of customs, in charge of office at Fort Gratiot, is a native of New York 
State, and was born in (Jntario County August 8, 1818. He came West with his parents, to Michigan, in Wio. 
when it was a Territory. .Vfter reaching manhood he engaged in milling, until 18.50. when he came to Port 
Huron, and engaged in mercantile business until 18'>i). The following year, he wa-~ appointed Deputy United 
States Marshal, and also served as Deputy Provost .Marshal. In ixf>2, was appointed Inspector of Customs, 
and held that office twelve years, and since then has held the position of Deputy Collector of Customs, in 
charge of the office at Fort Gratiot. Mr. Inslee has lived in this State forty-eight years. In 1841. he married 
Miss Elsie Ann Montairue, of Cayuga County, N. Y. They have two children — one daughter. Eunice Ann, 
now Mrs. A. B. McCollom, of this city, and one son, Charles Gage Inslee. living in Montreal. 

J. JACOBI. dealer in ready-made clothing, is a native of Germany, and was Viorn December 7. 1822. 
After reaching early manhood, he emigrated to the United States in 184'); came to Detroit and lived there six 
years and in 18.55 came to Port Huron and engaged in the grocery trade until 18.59; then went to Le.tingion 
and carried on the same haziness there until 1864, when he returned to Port Huron and established his present 
business; and since then for the past eighteen years has successfully carried on the business here. lie has 
served as member of the Board of Estimates. Mr. Jacobi married iliss Fannie Bendit, of Bavaria, Germanv. 
April 18. 18.52; held position of Mayor of the city of Port Huron in 1880. They have one son— Alexander. 
They have lost two— Hannah and Harry. 

WILLIAM .lENKINSON. manufacturer and dealer in pine lumber, is a native of the North of Ireland, 
and was born in b8:{4. Upon reaching manhood. emi<rrated to the United States in 18.53. and four years later 
came to Port Huron and engaged in buying white oak staves, and continued in that business for twenty years. 
In 1874. he engaged in manufacturing pine lumber. He owns seven thousand acres of pine land, and cuts 
from five to ten million feet annually; ships his lumber to Chicago, Buffalo. Rochester and other Eastern 
points. He controls steamers and barges for frei;rhting his lumber from the mills: he is a director and the 
largest stockholder in the First National Bank, and is largelv interested in real estate and city property. In 
18.56. Mr. Jenkinson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza M. Stettler, a native of Canada. They have one 
daughter — Jennie. 

W. L. JENKS, attorney at law, is a native of St. Clair County, and was bom in the city of St. Clair 
December 27, 18.56. After attending school there, entered the university at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 
the literary department in 1878; then studied law in Port Huron and was admitted to the bar October 1, 1879. 
and since then has practiced his profe-^sion here. Mr. Jenks was united in nrarriage August 10. 18¥1, to Miss 
Margaret Willson, of Logan County, Ohio. 37 



678 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

DAVID HOWELL JEROME, ex-Governor of Michigan, residence Saginaw, was born- at Detroit, Mich., 
November 17, 1839. His parents emigrated to Michigan from Truman.sburg, Tompliins Co., N. Y., in 18i8, 
locating at Detroit. Ilis father died March 80, 1831, leaving nine children. He had been twice married, and 
four of the children living at the time of his death were grown up sons, the offspring of his tirst union. Of 
the tive children by his second marriage, David H. was the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his 
widow moved back to New York, and settled in Onondaga County, near Syracuse, where they remained until 
the fall of 1834, the four sons by the tiist wife continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall of 1834, 
Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, locating on a farm in St. Clair Country. Here the Governor formed 
those habits of industry and sterling integrity that have been so characteristic of the man in the active duties 
of life. He was sent to the district school, and in the acquisition of the fundamental branches of learning he 
displayed a precocity and an application which won for him the admiration of his teachers, and always placed 
him at the head of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on the farm, and was always ready with a 
cheerful heart and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The heavy labor of the farm was carried on 
by his two older brothers, Timothy and George, and when thirteen years of age David received his mother's 
permission to attend school at the"St. Clair Academy. While attending there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, 
now deceased, doing chores for his board, and the following winter performed the same service for James 
Ogden, also deceased. The next summer, Mrs. Jerome moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpo.se of 
continuing her son in school. While attending said academy, one of his associate students was ex-Senator 
Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He completed 
his education in the fall of his sixteenth year, and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy in haul- 
ing logs in the pine woods. The next summer he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac' In 1847, 
M!H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair County, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David H. Jerome was 
appointed Deputy to each, remaining as such during 1848-49, and receiving much praise from his employers 
and the people in general for ihe ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He spent his summer vaca- 
tion in clerical work on board the lake vessels. 

In 1819-,5'), he abandoned office work, and for the proper development of, his physical system spent several 
months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850, his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer 
" Chautauqua," and " Young Dave " became her master. A portion of the season the boat was engaged in 
the passenger and freight traific between Port Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was used as a tow 
boat. At that time, there was a serious obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair Flats," between 
Lakes Huron and Erie, over which vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Jerome con- 
ceived the idea of towing vessels from one lake to the other, and put his plan into operation. Through the 
influence of practical men — among them the subject of this sketch — Congress, under a Republican adminis- 
tration, removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 00,000 or 80,000 
bushels of grain. 

During the season, the two brothers had succeeded in making a neat little sum of money by the summer's 
work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract to raise the " Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in Lake St. 
Clair. David H. came out free from debt, but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the snring of 1851, 
he was clerk and acting master of the steamers " Franklin Moore " and "Rub.y," plying between Detroit and 
Port Huron and Goderich. The following year was clerk of the propeller "Princeton," running between 
Detroit and Buffalo. 

In Januaiy, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary suc- 
cess in selling goods in a new place of his selection, among the mountains near Marysville. He remained 
there during the summer, and located the Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded millions to its 
owners, and is still a paying investment. He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, but when the 
water supply began to fail with the dry season, .sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 18.53, and in De- 
cember sailed from San Francisco for New York, arriving at his home in .St. Clair County about a year after 
his departure. During his absence his brother " Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 1854 Mr. Jerome joined 
him in his lumber operation in the valley, spending considerable time in the northern part of the State locat- 
ing and purchasing pine lands. In 1855, the brothers bought Blackmer & Eaton's hardware and general sup- 
ply stores at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was 
extensively engaged in lumbering operations. 

Mr. Jerome's ancestors were always opposed to slavery in every form, and he imbibed the love of liberty 
and independence. Soon after locating at Saginaw, he was nominated for Alderman against Stewart B. Will- 
iams, a rising young man, of strong Democratic principles. The ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Je- 
rome was elected by a handsome majority. When the Republican part}' was born at Jackson, Mich., David 
II. Jerome was. though not a delegate to the convention, one of its charter members. In 1862, he was com- 
missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the six regiments apportioned to the State of Micliigan. Mr. 
Jerome immediately went to work and held meetings at various point-s. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed 
by this advocate of the Union aw.akened a feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of manj' brave men, and 
in a short .space of time the Twenty-third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed in the tield, and 
subsequently gained for itself a brilliant record. 

In the fall of 18(52, Mr. Jerome was nominated by the Republican party for State Senator from the Twenty- 
sixth District, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his opponent. The contest was very exciting, and re- 
sulted in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was twice renominated by acclamation and elected both 
times by increased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay City, and Dr Cheseman, of Gratiot County. 
On taking his seat in tiie Senate, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac- 
tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war. He held the same position during his three terms of 
Bervice, and introduced the bill creating the Soldier's Home at Harper's Hospital, Detroit. He was opposed to 
the bill authorizing municipal aid to railroad corporations, and sustained Gov. Crapo in his veto. He was ac- 



IIIS'rOllY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 579 

tivi'ly intcrcsteci in' preserving s\v;imp lands for use in loc-al improvements, and was cliairman of llie foniniit- 
tee on salt, wliieh commission sneeeeded in passing the bill creating the Salt Association of Michigan. 

He was selected b_v (iov. Crapo as a military aid, and in 18(55 was a|i])ointed a member of the State Mili- 
tary Board, and served as its President for eiglit eonsecutivi^ years. In 1873. he was appointed by Gov. Bag- 
ley a member of the convention to prejiare a new State Constitution, and was C'hainn:in of the Committee on 
Flnanci'. Although having ]ireviousl\- lint little experience in such m.illi-rs, and noii<- of the diplomatic skill 
which had characteri/.cd the other members of the coinmission in theii various ollicial duties for several years, 
yet he brought into view gi'eat forci' of character and an ludindted amount of coniraon sense and earnest- 
ness, and was rcco,gni/,eil as one of the leading mendjers of that liodv. 

In IST-"), Mr. Jerome was appointed a meml)er of the Board of Indian Commissioners. In l.s7fi. lie was 
chairman of a commission to visit Chief .loscjih. tlu' Nez I'erce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement of 
all existing ditiiculties. Tln' commission went to Portland. Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Id.-iho. a dis- 
tance of lii)0 miles up the Columliia River. From his many interviews with the Indians, Mr. Jerome became 
satisfied tliat tlic true iioliej' was to enact such measures as would residt in the Indians selecting land in sev- 
eralty <m their various re-^ervalioiis for their own use, and have the remainder sold for llieir bi'netil, thus 
openin.g up the country for settlenu'nt by the whites. This wouUi soon civili/.e the red man. and al>o nuike 
him .self-supporting. 

At the Republican State Convention convcncil at Jackson, in August. 1880. Mr. Jerome was placed in the 
Held fin' nomination, and on the .")th day of the month received the highest liouor the convention could con- 
fer on any luie. His opponent was Frederick .M. lloUowaj'. of Hillsdale County, who was suppoi-ted by the 
Democratic and (ireenliack parties. The State was thorougblj' canvassed by both parties, and when the "polls 
were closed on tlie evening of election day. it was found tiiat Havid H. Jerome had been selected by the 
voters of the Wolverine State to occupy the hi,ghest seat within their gift. 

The following tritmte to e.\-Gov. Jerome, by an intimate aci|uaintance. is well worthy of record: "Mr. 
Jerome is a man of ,great force of character, careful and delil>erate in tlie formatimi of his opinions, but 
steadfast in them when formed, and i)ersevering in carrving tlnnii out in practice. He is kind and .genial in 
his social nature, and well calculated to exercise a powerfnl and genial irilluence over the popular mind. He 
is every day the same courteous and cultivatcil gentleman. He is ever keenly alive to every .scheme ainung 
at the moral, intclleelmil and material advancement of his fellows, and ever ready with labor and money to 
CO operate. He deserves and enjoys the distinction of bein.g a i)leasant, social gentleman, a model business 
man, and a iiublic'-spirited and exemplary citizen, who displays in his pnblic cap.icity all th(' virtues that 
adorn and beautify Ids daily life." 

CH.VKLES A. JEX. grocer and wholesale confectioner, is a native of Handlton, Ontario. Can., and was 
born November 10. 184-. When onh' thirteen years of age, he went on the lakes on the old schooiu'r Pilot, 
and for twenty one years was engaged in sailing on the lakes, and during nine years was master. The last 
vessel he had command of was the J. II. Rutter. at that lime the largest on the lakes. In 187(i, he built a 
store and engaged in tlu' grocery and provision trade, and since then has carried on the business. In Janu- 
ary, 188'.i, engaged in the wholcsah^ confectioneiy business with P. C. Coy. Mr. Jex has also successfully 
been engaged in the wrecking business for the past three years. He was united in marriage January li, I87.i, 
to Miss Sarah B;irron, of St. Clair, this countv: they have three children — William .Vrtiiur. Iiia N\-tlie and 
Charles Albert. 

CAPT. H. N. JE.X. master of the Victoria, is a native of St. Clair Cininty. and was born in Port Huron, 
June 18, 18")1 ; he began sailing on the schooner Idaho when only thirteen years of age; when twenty years 
old. he .sailed Captain of the schooner Hanson, and has also sailed the Troy, the Curlew, and .several oihers. 
and has owned several of them. He is now master of the Victoria. He has also been snccessfully cniraged 
in the wrecking business for the past four years. Capt. Jex was united in marriage October 1, 187'!), lo Miss 
Koseiia RobI), of the city of Port Huron, a native of London, Can. 

WILLIAM JOHXSToN. of the linn of Bondy & Johnston, dry gooils and clothing, is a native of Can- 
ada, and was born in 18.-1 ; durin.;;' his early manhood he went iSonfh. and spent about eighteen years in the 
State of Alabama, a part of the time in the city of Mobile. In 18:10. he came lo Port Huron, and" since tlien 
has been engaged in the business of merchant tailor ; in May. 1877, he associated with Mr. Bondy. and has 
had charge of this department of the Imsiness of Bondy & .lohnston for the past five years, In" 18(!8. Mr. 
.lohnstoii was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shcliherd ; she is a native of England. 

DENNIS JO.NES, of the linn of W. W. Campfield tt Co., is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born at Fort Gratiot. November 39. 1810 ; his parents. John R, and Mary Donovan Jones, were amon--' the 
earliest settlers of this county ; he grew up and attended school here ; after reaching manho<id, worked in a 
sawmill, and was afterwardin the grocery trade. In January, 1878. he associated with Mr. Camplield. and 
eng.igcd in their present business, and they have a large trade. Jlr. Jones is a member of the present Board 
of City Aldermen. He married Miss Mary Murphy, a native of Canada, October 4, 18(i'2 ; they have seven 
children— John. Monicy, Clara. Oliver. Kate. Louise and Jlary. 

S. A. JONES is a native of Berkshire County. Mass., anil w.is born December (i, 1817. His father. 
Elisha Jones, emigrated lo Oliio in IS-'."). The family came up the Erie Canal <luriiig the mouth of June ; oii 
the way met Gen. LaFayelte on a boat, and Mr. Jones remembered distinctly the appearance of the distin- 
guislied man. Arrived at BulTalo the night before the Thayers (father and Iwo sons) were hung for murder 
dering a man by the name of Love. Tlx'y came to Grand River. Ohio, near Painesville. In 18*1. when only 
thirteen years old, Mr. Jones began to take care of himself, and in I8:i-,' bc.gan learning the trade of saddler 
and harne-is-making. and workeil'at it for five years ; then came lo .Michigan, and arrived in Si. Clair County, 
June 24, 1837, and hicated at Newport, now Marine City. Soon after occurred the patriot war, wliich marie 
exciting times for the early settlers. He cn.saged iii the wood business. He has a recorii of the name of 
every steamer, and the date "it passed up and down, for five years, between BulTalo and Chicago. In IMH. he 



580 HISTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

came to Port Huron to superintend the buildina; of the steamboat America, and after that eni;aged in tlie 
"Trocerv trade, and carried ou that l)usiness for some years, and was for many j'ears connected with tlie him- 
ber trade ; also interested in vessel trade. lie was an officer in the custom service three years, and has been 
connected with the street railroad company for the past four years. While living in Newport, Jlr. Jones 
married Miss Abigail Alexander, a native of New York State, .Tuly 11, 1844 ; the}- have six children living — 
Anna, Amelia, E. Seldeu. Theodore .T., May M.. Edmund II. and Frank A. 

W. W. JONES, of the firm of Allardt "Gernt Ar Co.. agents and dealers in real estate, is a native of Can- 
ada, and was born at Park Hill. Ontario, Decemlier o, isg.j. He grew up and received his education there, 
and came to Port Huron iu 1877, and since then has been engaged in his present business. He has the active 
management of the real estate business of the firm of Allardt Gernt it Co. They deal mostly in lands in 
Sanilac and Huron Counties, and Tennessee. Mr. Jones is also interested in saw-mill and lumbering, with 
his brother, at Jlichmondville. 

OTIS .JOSLYN. of the firm of Brooks, Joslyn & Co., manufacturers and dealers in lumber, is a native of 
New Hampshire, and was born in Sharon August .5, ISS.'i. He grew up and attended school there. He then 
went to Boston and was engaged in busuiess there eight years. He came to Port Huron in l.'-'H!), and engaged 
in the manufacture of fish barrels and packages, and afterward established their present business, manufactur- 
ing and dealing in lumber. They cut from four to five million feet annually and have a good established 
trade. Mr. Joslyn has held the oflice of Supervisor and served as member of the City Council. In 1864. 
he married Miss Sarah J. Libby, a native of Maine. They have four children — Ada B., Otis W., Clarence 
and Lees. 

WILLIAM H. JOWETT. farmer and fruit raiser, Section 29, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of England, 
and was born January 37. lHi6. His parents came to Canada when he was only eight years of age. In 1814. 
he came to this State, and lived in Sanilac County about ten 3'ears. He then returned to Canada and lived 
there twelve years, and in 1S66 came to this coimtv. and since then has resided here and engaged iu farming 
and raising small fruits. He holds the otHce of Justice of the Peace and has served on the School Board. In 
1853. he married Miss Caroline James, a native of England. They have six children — William A., Thomas 
R., Jennie A., John J., Duncan H. and Carrie M. 

JOHN M. KANE, attorney at law. is a son of Thomas Kane, one of the early settlers of this State, and 
was born in St. Clair County July 24, 18.w. He received his education in this county and afterward engaged 
in teaching. He studied law and graduated from the law department of the State University in 1883. He 
was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1881. and since then has held that office. 

BENJAMIN J KARRER. now City Treasurer of Port Huron, was born in Switzerland, Canton Bern, ■ 
August 16. 1843, and came to the United States in 1847. He was a butcher by profession. In 18()1, he enlisted 
in First Michigan Cavalry as a private. November 8, 1863, he was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the 
Ninth Michigan Cavalry." He resigned his commission January 17, 1864, on account of disability, at Knox- 
ville. Tenn. He then returned to Di'troit and engaged in cattle lireaking. In 1.S66. he came to Port Huron, 
there again butchering. He built a driving park in the township of Port Huron, and was Commissioner of 
Port Huron Township in 187.5. In l.sTS, he went back to the city of Port Huron and engaged in the hotel 
business up to date. In 1873, he was Alderman in this city, and at our recent election he was elected City 
Treasurer of Port Huron. In 1873, he married Miss Louise Saety, of this city. They have four children — 
Frances, Louisa, Katie and Benjamin. 

.JOHN C. KAUMEIER, Jr., architect and superintendent of buildings, is a native of Monroe County, 
Mich., and was born June 19, l.sr),5. He grew up and learned his trade in this State. He came to Port Huron 
in 1874, and since then has been engaged as architect and superintendent of buildings. He married 3liss 
Minnie Bowman, a native of Canada, .Janu.ar}' 12, 1880. She died in June, 1S83. The}' lost one son — Willie. 

J. D KEISTNEY, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was boru August 25, 1843. 
His parents removed to Oberlin, Ohio, during his early childhood, and came to Michigan in 1848. He grew 
up and attended school in this State. Upon the bi-eaking-out of the war, he enlisted in August, 1861, in the 
First Michigan Cavalrj', and served four years and eight montlis. After the war he returned to this State, 
and in 1875 was appointed Deputy Collector, and since then has held that position. In 1869, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Woolhouse. of Lapeer, Mich. They have two children — Fred and Guy. 

CHRIS KERN, proprietor of Union Brewery, is a native of Wurteml>erg, Germany, and was born No- 
vemljer 7, 1848. He emigrated to this country in l.'<07, and came'to Port Huron in 1870, and engaged in the 
brewing business in 1879. He built his new brewery in 1882. It has a ''apacity of from two to four thousand 
barrels. In 1879, he married Miss Mary Mesley, a native, of Wurtemberg, Germany. They have two chil- 
dren—Otto and Tillie. 

HENRY KESSEL, dealer in groceries and provisions, corner of Eighth and White streets. He was born 
in Germany August 3. 1839. He emigrated to the United States in 1854, and came to Port Huron in 1858. 
He worked for James Beard and W. L. Bancroft for man}- years. In 1873. he engaged in the grocery and 
provision trade, and since then, for the past eleven years, has successfully carried on tlie business here. He 
owns the corner he occupies; and also owns several other houses and lots. He is a member of the Board of 
Estimates, and also holds church offices. He married Mi.ss Annie Haws, from Buffalo, N. Y., May 23,1865. 
She was born March 35. 1843, and died January 31. 1878, and left six children— Henry, born January 37, 1866; 
Minnie, born December 10, 1867; Edward, born June 3, 1869; Adam, born May 13, 1870; Lena, born August 
4, 1873, and died December 34, 1881; Charlie, born June 3. 1875; Josejib, l)orn January 30. 1.S78. He married 
Mary Sheck, a native of Germany, October 28, 1878. They have two children — Laura, born August 3, 1879; 
Louise, born November 25, 1880. 

JOHN KEYES, dealer in fresh and salted meats, corner Lapeer avenue and Twelfth street, is a son of 
J. Keyes, and was born in Port Huron April 1, 1863. He grew up here. In 1878, he began learning his 
business of Henry Marx, and remained with him four years. During the present year, he engaged in business 
for himsplf, and is building up a nice trade. 



HISTORY OF .ST. CLAII! COUNTY. 581 

.TARED KIBBEE. ilcntal surgeon, is a native of Oraniie County, Vt., and was born Xovcniber 14. 1820 ; 
received his education in that Slate and came to Micliigan in IS-W and located at Mount Clemens, where he 
had three brothers. He studietl medicine and graduated at the Cleveland Medical College and engaged in 
practice of medicine at .Mount Clemens. In 1.^54. went to Detroit, and the following year came to Port 
Huron and engaged in the practice of dentistry. He began to practice dentistry here in 1847, and is the 
oldest in the profession in active practice in this section of the Stale, except Dr. Farnsworlh. of Detroit. Dr. 
Kilibee has held the otlicc of Mayor of the city, and has also served as President of the .School Board, Comp- 
troller, .lustiec of Ihc Peace and .Mdermaii. He was united in marriage March 'S.i. lS,"i'2. to Miss Fannie E. 
i;illingham, from I'hilaih'Iphia. They have four children — Ada F.. now .Mrs. Wright; I.uey E., Henry (.'lin- 
t(in and Fannie Ij. 

.lOllX S. KI.MBAM.. horn at Balh. N. H.. Dcceml)er T, ISOIJ; en^'■aged in farming and rafting on Con- 
neclicul Kiver until ISi'J; came to Michig;in, slaying .at or near I'ort Huron until fall of 1834, when he cut 
tirst road from Bartlelt Mills, on Pine Kiver, to site of farm, where he spenl latter part of his life; commenced 
lumbering and clearing land. This ^eeiion of territory was tirst ineludi'd in township of Clyde, afterward 
divideil, and township of Ivimliall formed, named after suliject of this sketch. He held various town ollices 
for many years, and was once a candidate for ('ounty ShcrilT. .Married Sarah .lane Coddington. of Arnnula, 
Maeoml> Oounty, Michigan, October !•'■>, 1845; had three children— tjuy, Ella E., now Mrs. George Fish, and 
Sarah .laiie, now Mrs. George Hudson, all living. His wife died .March II, 18,51. He then married Chirrissa 
M. Chase, who survives hiiu, February 1."), I8.-)'-, by whom they had .\nna E., whodied August 14, 18.V). aged 
one year and nineteen days: Clara, now Mrs. Charles B. Waterloo; .lohn S., Jr.; Susie, now Mrs. Albert Stev- 
ison. and Frank; engaged in lumbering ami farming after came to .Michigan. He died (October 2('k 1880, a,ged 
seventy-three years, ten nmnths and eighteen days, after a two days illness from the elTccts of an accident 
caused by walking after dark into an outside I'litrance to a cellar, at a f,arm near Romeo, Mich. 

Gl A KIjn?.VLL. dealer in tlonr. feed and seeds, is a son of John S. Kimball, one of the early settlers of 
St. Clair County, and for whom the township of Kimball was named. Guy is a nativ(> of this county, and 
was horn Novendxr 14, 184(). He urew up and attended school here, and afterward took a commercial course 
at Eastman's National College at f'oughkeepsie, N. V., then engageil in fanning, teaching school wiulers and 
lumbering. In 1874, engaged in the milling business in Port Huron, .-iiid carried on the business here and at 
Pontiac for some vears ; then established his ]iresent business. Has held the olVK-e of .\lderman, jind is now 
a member of the "Board of Education. .Mr. Kimball married Miss Florence Williams, daughter of Jlyron 
Williams, of Marysville. .lune ."). 1872. They have four <-hildren— Addie. Myron, .John and Guy. 

R. .1. KINt;, foreman Botsford's elevator, is a native of Painesville. Ohio, and was born .lanuary 12, 
184.3. His parents came to this State the same year and settled in Monroe County. He grew up in this Slate; 
was a photographer at St. Clair for a number of years, coming to Port Huron in 187!). and since then has 
held his [ireseiit position. He is a member of the Order of Knights of Pythias. He married Miss Emma 
Bristol, a nativi' nf Cliicago. ( >ctober ;i. 18liti. They have two children —Edgar K. and Lottie Louise. 

Sl.MON KING, farmer. Section :il, P. t). MaiysvilU', is a native of Jfonroe ('ounty, N. Y.. and was born 
in the citv' of Bochestcr February Hi. 1809. After reaching manhood, he was united in marriage, March 18, 
18;i.3, to Atiss Cynthia Lewis, a native of Otsego County. They came West, to this State, in 18:i(i. and settled 
on Belle River, near Almont. They removed to Oakland County, and two years later, went back to New '^'ork 
State, and lived there until 18.")4, when they returned to this State, and lived in the town of I^apeer until 18(il. 
when Ihey came to St. Clair, and since then has lived in this county ; owns a .irood farm of seventy acres, 
lie has held school offices. Mr. and Mrs. King have live children -Kinma, now Jlrs. Norton ; Ezra, in Vicks- 
burg ; Henry, in Marlette ; Clarence A., at home, and carries on the farm ; Graham, at home. 

CIHCSTER KIXNEV. dealer in ready-made clothing, hats and caps and gents' furnishing goods, is a 
native of St. Clair Countv, and was born December 1."i, 1S48. He grew u]) and attended school here, .\fter 
reaching manhood, engaged in business. He established his present business Oetolier. 18S2. In l!s7l, Mr. 
Kinney married Miss .Tennic Montross. a native of this county. 

H. .1. Kl'IIN. manufacturiT of harnesses, wholesale and retail, and dealer in harness, saddles, trunks, 
satchels, whips, robes, horse elothing. etc.. is a native of Michigan, and was born in the city of Detroit May 
a, 18G0 ; came with parents to Port lluron and grew up and learned his trade here. He engaged in business 
for himself durinsi the present year, and has a good trade. 

ASA L.VRNEI). Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Ontario County, X. Y., and was born 
August 2."), 1808 ; grew up to manhood in th,al State ; in 18:51, came to Geauga County, Ohio, and cleared up a 
farm ; remained there until November. 18.'">2, when he came to Michi.ijan and located at Port Huron ; engaged 
in the hotiO business ; opened the Larned House, then ihepromineni hot<'l here. He continued in the hotel 
business over twenty-six years, and always kept a temperance house, and still owns the jiropcrly. He hidd 
the office of .lustice of the Peace over twenty live years, and Coroner for same length of time. ".Mr. Larned 
was united in marriage to Miss Ann M. Mallory. a native of Sharon. Conn., in l8;il. They have two daugh- 
ters — Alvena S., now Mrs. Gen. William HartsnlT. of this citj", Francis I., now Mrs. S. Goodman, of this 
place. 

JOHN L.VWLER. livery and boarding stable, is a native of Canada, and was burn ,Iune 1.1.84.'^. His 
parents came to Alichitran in 18.");i. He learned the lilacksmith's trade; after working at it, he en.ijaged in 
l)Utchering. In 1X7.'). he engaged in the livery business on Huron avenue, and continued until October. 1N78. 
when he was burned out. He started again, and since then has carried on the business and has a good trade. 
In 1872. he marrii-d .Mi^s Eliza Phillips, of Philadelphia. Pi nn. They have two children— Lela and Marv. 

C.'VPT. NELSON LITTLE. Se<tion 21, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born on the 
St. Clair River .\pril (i. 183:}. He began sailing when twelve years of age on the schooner Comet. When 
eighteen years old he was mate of the Smc^ad and the Tom Coiwin for two years, and in iXt'i sailed Captain 
of the Tom Corwin. and since then has sailed master of the Scott, Storm, iJarclay, Forwarder, the tuir Kate 



582 IILSTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Moffalt. the Kato Riehmoud. He has been in the marine service tliirty-five 3'cars. and is one of the oldest 
Captains sailing from tills port, and has lived here on the river twenty-nine years. He owns a farm of forty 
acres where lie lives, and forty acres near home. In 185-i. he married JEiss Salomi F. Stone, a native of Ver- 
million, Erie County, Ohio. They have one son, John, living in Port Huron. 

THinr.VS yi. LOJI-VSNEY, merchant tailor, is a native of Ireland, and was born June 23, 1853. He 
came to Detroit diiring his boyhood, and learned his trade here. He remained in that city until March. 1882, 
when h" came to Port Huron and engaged in business here, and is l)uilding up a nice trade. He married Miss 
Ella Fisher, a native of St. Clair County. January 27. 1880. They have two children— Ella and :Martin. 

WILLIAM LOVE, of the firm ot Love & Schofleld. boiler manufacturers, is a native of Ireland, and was 
born September 7, 1837. He came to the United States in 1851. and served his time in the cit^' of Xew York, 
and worked at his trade there. Came to Port Huron in 1873. and was foreman of shop here two years, and in 
1870 established his present business. The following year he admitted his present partner, and thej^ have 
built up a good trade in marine and shore worlv. Jlr. Love has represented the First Ward in the City Coun- 
cil, and now holds the ofBce of Supervisor from the Fifth Ward. He married Miss Minnie Gay, a native of 
Canada, in 1874. They have five children — Willie. George. John, Roliert and AHiert. 

D .Mc'.\RRO>f. manager of Western Union Telegraph Ollice, is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born in Port Huron March 4, 18o(i. He allended seliool here and in Detroit, and when .seventeen years of 
age entered the telegraph office here in 1873, and since then for the past ten years has been connected with 
it. In September, 1880, he was appointed manager of the oltice and business at Port Huron, and since then 
has held that position. 

CAPT. DUNCAN MrCAIG, master of propeller Henry Howard, is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born in Marysville May 13, 1848. Upon reaching manhood he liegan sailing on the Forester; the following 
year he went on the propeller Sanilac as watch, and sailed on her for ten years as wheelman, second mate, 
mate, and afterward Captain of the Sanilac for three years; he sailed the Ogeman one year, and the past 
year has been master of the propeller Henry Howard. Capt. McCaig marriedMiss Emma Moore, a native of 
this county, Februaiy 22, 1879. They have one son, Milton ilcCaig, born December 18, 18S0. and one daughter, 
Mabel McCaig, liorn January 24, 1883. 

A. B. McCOLLO>[. of the firm of McCollom & Sweetzer, druggists, is a native of Canada, and was born 
July 28, 1844. Upon reaching early manhood, he came to Port Huron in 1863, and entered the drug store of 
Dr. Parker. In August, 1804, he enlisted in the new Third Michigan Infantry and served until the close of 
the war. and was connected with hospital service. After his return, entered the drug house of Henry C. Hill, 
of Detroit; the following year returned here and was with Dr. Parker for six moTiths; then engaged with 
William Wastell and was connected with the management of his business for seven years. He established his 
present business in May, 18715. and has built up a large trade He is a member of the City Council. Mr. 
McCollom was united in marriage to Miss Eunice A. Inslee. a native of Ann Arbor. Mich., December 20. 1865. 
They have four children— Blanche E., Gage A.. Sylvester W.. Charles F. 

JOHN McCORMICK, haniess-mak'r. is a native of Ireland, and was born May 3, 1847; came to this 
countiy in 1863, and came to Port Huron the same year; served apprenticeship in harness-malving; in 1867, 
engaged in business with his employer, the firm being S. & J. McCormick. In 1869. he engaged in business 
on his own account, and has built up a large trade. He manufactures largely, and emplo3-s from twenty-five 
to thirty hands, doing the largest business of the kind in the State. His wholesale trade extends throughout 
the State and in New York, Illinois, Wisconsin and as far west as Kansas City, and has built it all up by his 
own energy and application to the interests of his business; he had only one dollar when he began to learn 
his trade; this success is owing to his own efforts. He has held office of "Alderman three years In 1809, Mr. 
McCormick married Miss Ursula V. Inman, of Port Huron. They have three cbildreii— Elmer, Byron J., 
Arthur. 

S.VMUEL McCORMICK, manufacturer and dealer in harness, is a native of Ireland, and was born in Coimty 
Longford October 20, 1839, emigrated to America in 1849 and came to Port Huron the same year, and learned 
the trade of harness-making. Three years later, he bought out his employer and engaged in bu.siuess for himself. 
He has carried on the business here for the past thirty years, except a few years when suffering from ill-health, 
and is tlie oldest in the business here. In 18.55. he "married Charlotte E. "Westbrook. daughter of John West- 
brook. She died in 1801, leaving two children— Annie and .John. In 1863. he married Nancy J. Kimball, 
from .\lgonac, this State. They had one son— Chester, who died. 

D.VVID McDonald, eng'lneer Michigan Mills, is a native of S(;otlaud, and was born in 1834. His 
parents came to the United .States in 183.5. and he grew up in Canada, in Montreal and Dundas, where he 
learned his trade, and lived in the latter place twelve years. In 1861, went to the oil region and was there 
five years; from 1860 until 1873, was chief engineer of "the car ferry boat between Windsor and Detroit; he 
came to Michigan in 1876, and since 1.880 has licen engineer of the Michigan Mills. He married iliss Annie 
H. White, a native of Scotland, December 7, 1864. "They hiive five cMldren — Margaret A., William D.. 
Alexander R.. Isabella II., Evyleen G. 

ALEXANDER McDONxVLD, engineer of Grand Trunk ferry boat Saginaw, is a native of Canada, and 
was born in Montreal February 26, "l845. He was raised in Dundas. and learned trade of luachinist. In 
1869, he went on the lakes and since then has held the position of engineer on steam vessels, and for the past 
eight years has been engineer on the Saginaw. In 1872, he marriX'd Miss Maggie JIcBean, of Lancaster, 
Canada. They have five children — Annie B., Duncan A.. Charles W., Donald G., Norman P. 

EDWARD McGOWEN is a native of Ireland, and was liorn in County Donegal April 10, 1818. His 
parents emigrated to the United States in 1826. and caiue to Buffalo. He began sailing in 1835, when only 
seventeen years of age. or; the schooner Haver, from Buffalo to Chicago. He saw, during that year, the first 
brick building erected in Chicago. He ran the schooner Texas three years, and on The J. J. Willis and 
Atlas; was mate of the Ontonagon three years; sailed Captain of the schooner Baltimore, and also sailed the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 583 

Pontiac, the Buckeye, tlie Vinreniies, the Big Iliibbanl, proiieller (;ily of jradison, l)ar((ue Jfary Stoektoii, 
the H. P. Briilge. schooner Harvest Queen, steam barge Mary Howard, the Fesscnden and the F. C. Leighton. 
Tie saik'd for one firm in Sandusky twenty-four years, and has been in llie marine service forty-three years. 
ili^ bus lived in Port Huron sini'e ISMi, and in 1847 Capt. McGowon married Miss iMary Kromblcy, a native of 
this county. They have six sons and seven daughters— Edward J., Edgar I)., Hugh, Fred, Hurry, Garibaldi, 
Marielte, Annie, Julia. Jlary, Kate, .VHce, Minnie. 

1)K. >I. B. MiGKEClOK. dental surgeon, is a son of John McGregor, an early settler and prominent man- 
ufacturer of the city of Detroit, and was born in that city April ;i(), l8.w. He attended school there, and in 
1874, entered the State University at Ann Arlior, where he remained three years and graduated in 1877 in the 
first class of graduates in dental surgery. The following j'ear, he came to Port Huron and since then, has 
successfully practiced his profession here. Dr. McGregor is secretary of the Michigan Dental Association 
and is also President of the i\Iichigan University Alumni Association. 

JOHN D. MelXTOSH, dealer in groceries" corner Pine Grove avenvie and Stone street, is a native of 
Canada and was born September L', 18:i8. He came to this county in 18.")(l. and went to lumbering in winter 
and sriiling summers. He was foreman forJolin Copeland in lumber business fourteen years. In 1877. he 
engaged in the grocery trade at the liridge and was there three years. Then was City Marshal one year, and 
in 1880 started business in his present lo(-ation. lie owns his store and several houses and lots adjoining. 
In 18()t), he married Miss Theresa Wilt, a native of France. She died in 18(iS). and left two children— Mary 
Theresa and Rose M. In 18T0, he married Louise Cameron, a native of Canada. They have three children — 
Flora, Georgianaand Charlie. 

DUXt^AN .McKK.N'ZIE. horseshoer and blacksmitli. is a native of Scotland, and was born October 28, 
1844. He attended school and learned bis trade there, then went to Englaml and joined the expedition of 
royal engineers who went al>road fur the purpose of making explorations in Jerusalem and throughout the 
Holy Land under Col. Warren. He held the position of C'ori)oral on the staff. He speaks the Arabic lan- 
guage, and acted as interpreter. He was connected with tlie expedition three years and four months. He 
came to tlie United States in 1870 ; lived in Chicago a short time, then went to Detroit. In September, 1871, 
he came to Port Huron, and established his present business. He is a superior mechanic, and has built up a 
large trade. As evidence of his workmanship, he was awarded the first prize for horseshoeing at the State 
Fair of Michigan, held at Sa;;inaw in 187-"). Mr. McK<'n/,ie mari'ied Miss Charlotte Cam<'ron, native of Scot- 
land. August 27, 1872. Thi'y have five children— AVilliam A.. Nellie J.. Charles 1)., Kosa C. and Tillie 
Blanche. 

I). C. McNUTT. dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in the 
town of Clyde, December 2(), 18.")1. He attended school in this county. In 187(), he entered the clothing 
store of S. "Goodman, and remained there over five years; then engaged in his present business. He was 
united in marriage January 2i), 187!), to Miss Maria L. Hitchings. a native of the township of Port Huron ; 
they have one d.auuhter, I.ei.i Iri'ne. 

"GIOORGE U. JIiPHF.PiSOX, Captain of the ferry boat Beckwith, is a native of Canada, and was born 
near London, March 2:i, I8()il ; he came here in 1873, and soon after began sailing on the tug Mocking Bird, 
and then was on the Heckwith three years after she was rebuilt, and on the Baird for several seasons; during 
the present year was on the Conger for a short time after she was cotnpleted, and was then appointed to his 
present position as Captain of the Beckwith. 

CAPT. lUKHI McTAVISlI is a native of Scotland, and was born in Argvleshire, December 2, 1812 ; 
when sixteen years of age, he went to sea. Came to th(' United States in ls:{7. and was in the McKenzie war. 
and held a commission of Lieutenant in Her Majesty's navy, and was stationed at JIalden. and was there 
when the little armed .sehocmer Ann came to take that place, and slu; was captured. Capt. McTavish en- 
gaged in Sidling before the mast, as mate, and sailed as Ca])tain for eleven years; also, as pilot up the (ieorgian 
Bay. He was in the marine service thirty-nine years In 1847, Cajit. McTavish married Jliss Alaggie Morri- 
son, a native of Xew Brunswick; they liavc two sons — Alexander and Hugh Allan; and one daughter. Maggie; 
one son, Donald, while mate of the Equinox, was lost on Lake Michigan. 

WILLIAM A. iMALl.OHV. farmer. Section G, P. O. Port Huron, isa nativcof theStateof C(muecticut, and 
■was born in Sharon. Litclitield (bounty, March 2li, 1812; after reaching manhood, became to Ohio in 1830; the 
following year came to Michigan; liut returned to Ohio, and lived thereuntil 18,")0 ; then went to Illinois, 
and lived tli(M-e and in Wisconsin until lS"it!. when he came to Port Hunm and lived tliere about liftcen years, 
and then bought tlie land where he now lives, and engaged in farming. He has been twice elected Justice of 
the Peace. In 183!). he married Miss Sarah Larned. a native of Xew York State ; they liave four children — 
Lamed, living in Cleveland ; Genie, now Mrs. Van Crane; Idell, at home ; Frank, living in Detroit. 

CAPT. A. E. .MANUEL. P. O. Port Huron, is a native of this county, and was born in Port Huron Octo- 
ber 8, 1847. His parents. F. D. Jlanuel and Harriet Huling Jlanuel. were among t he early settlers of this 
county. Hi^ began sailing when fourteen years of .age on the schooner Somerset ; afterward went as mate of 
the Clipper Vision. In ixi'>3. sailed Captain of the Lucy Kins, of B;iy City, and since then has owned and 
sailed the Henry Young, O. T. Wilcox, Idaho, H. S. Hyde. He has been in the marine service over twenty 
years. In 1877." he married Miss Annie JIuehler. a native of the State of Ohio. His father. F. D. Manuel, 
was born in Canada in 1817, and came to this county in 1833 ; he married Miss Hiirriel Huling. a n.-itive of 
this county, in 1S(4. H(. held the office of Deputy Sheriff some years, and died February 28, l.'^78; left six 
children — Eliaphant. Stephen. Maria, Florence. Fred, George; all married except one. Mrs. Manuel owns a 
farm of thirtv acres. 

lli:X|{Y"C. MAXSFIKLD, Register of Deeds, is a son of David Mansfield, one of the early settlers, and 
■was born January 13. 1842. He grew up and received his education here. In I860, went to Illinois ; upon the 
breaking-out of the rebellion, lie enlisted in the Eleventh Hegiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went out 
in the three months' service. He served four years and ;i half, and was in many severe battles; after the 



584 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

war he returned here. He held the office of Town Treasurer ten _vears ; was Town Clerk two years ; was 
Justice of the Peace seven years ; and held the office of Postmaster at Memphis ten years ; was Village 
Treasurer six years, and Assessor of School District five years. He was elected Register of Deeds in 1878, 
and re-elected to the same office in 1880. ]Mr. jMansfield was united in marriage to Miss Hettie Granger, of 
Memphis, May 5, 1869 ; they have one son, Lewis G., born .June 24, 18T1. 

E. G. MANUEL lives on Section 21, township of Port Huron, was born at Long Point. Can., February 
l.S, 1821. At five years of age he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and remained in Northern Ohio until August, 
1842. at which time he went to Northern Indiana and commenced business in Valparaiso, in 1843, and was 
married at La Porte, March 4, 1847, to Mi.ss Sarah Alsop, a native of England; remained in Northern Indiana 
until December, 1858, but his health having become impaired, hoping for good results, he came to Michigan, 
and settled on a farm near Jlount Clemens. Macomli Count}', where he stayed two years, and in May, 1861, 
moved to this county, and settled on the St. Clair River, and since then has resided here without engaging 
in any particular business. Commenced life poor, and if he has met with success, it is the result of tlie com- 
bined efforts of himself and wife. Although something of a worker in his party, has never become an 
office-holder to any extent; has, however, held the office of Highway Commissioner several times, also Town 
Clerk, Justice of the Peace, etc., and has served as School Director in School District No. 3, for seventeen con- 
secutive years; owns 170 acres of land adjoining the city limits of Port Huron. They have but one child, Fred W. 

R. MARENGO, foreman in charge of painting shops of Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, is a native of 
Canada East, and was born at Eberville, September 6, 1839. His father was a fine ornamental and miniature 
painter, and he learned his trade of him ; was brought up in the business from early boyhood. He was in 
the shops of the Grand Trunk Railroad at Montreal for fifteen years. His brother was foreman of the paint- 
ing department, and he was assistant foreman with him for many years. He came here in April, 1880, and since 
then has held his present position as foreman in charge of the painting department, and also is the designer 
of all their fine work in this department. In 1861. he married Miss Thaise Normandin. a native of Eberville, 
Canada East. They have six sons and two daughter.s — Raphael. Alexander, Rodolph, Henry, Eusebe, Emile, 
Emeline and Evelina. Lost one daughter. 

ANTWINE MARONTATE. was born in Canada, Decemlier 19, 182.5 ; in 1843, when eighteen years of age, 
came to Port Huron, and went in the lumber woods ; after working for a fewda3'sby the month, took a job to 
cut logs by the thousand feet, twenty cents per thousand, and board himself; cut logs all winter and helped 
take the drive down to Port Huron, and then went to work in a saw-mill for J. it J. Beard, on Black River, now 
called Ruby ; worked for tliis firm a number of years, both in their mill and in their lumber yard in Detroit ; 
after which he worked by the month and by the job for ]\Ii'. Hibbard five years ; then Mr. Hibbard placed 
him in his store, where he remained until Mr. II. sold out to P. A J. P. Sanborn, and was with them until 
they sold out to William Sanborn tt Co. Mr. JIarontate managed the business for that firm, who sold out to 
Sanborn & Howard ; they were succeeded by William Sanborn. A. Marontate and J. Wasatel, the firm being 
William Sanborn & Co. They continued in business until the breaking out of the war, when they sold out. 
Mr. Marontate was in the Custom House three years, then engaged with W. B. and J. Hibbard in the lumber 
business, and remained with them for eleven years ; he then took charge of the street railway as Superin- 
tendent, and had charge of the ticket office, and held that position until 1879, and since then has been 
associated with Mr. Howard in the hunber business. He has held the office of City Treasurer six years ; was 
Alderman one year, and Clerk of the Board of Education twenty years. He was ma'ried to Jliss Almira Lapine 
from Lower Canada, Ma_v 27, 1847. They have three daughters — IMary, now Mrs. Bondy. Agnes J., now ^Irs. 
Marontate. of Windsor, "Can., and Hattie. Thev have lost two sons, Anthony and Willie A., and lost one 
daughter, Matilda jM. 

HENRY MARX, Sk.. is a native of Germany, and was born JIarch 3, 1825. He emigrated to America 
in 1854, and lived in Buffalo, N. Y., for three years, and came to Port Huron in 1857, and began laboring. 
He was in the employ of John Johnson for six years, and has been in the employ of John P. Sanborn since 
1871 ; when he came here, he did not have iJ5, and by his industry and economy, has accumulated a nice 
property. He married Miss Elizabeth Kessel, a native of Germany. They have three children — Mena, who 
is married and living here ; Henry, clerk in store ; Adam, clerk in store. 

HENRY F. MARX, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Germany, and was born April 28, 
1856. He came to the United States in 1867, and came to Port Huron the same jear ; Iiegan work in a butcher 
shop. In 1876, lie engaged in business for himself, and has carried it on since then, and has built up a good 
trade. He has also opened a shop in the Sixth Ward. He is Secretary of the German Aid Societj', and Mar- 
shal of St. Stephen Society. He married Mi.ss Victoria Gram, a native of Canada, Septembers, 1878; they 
have one daughter, llattie. 

MATHIA8 MATZEN, foreman Jlichigan Mills, is a native of Germany, and was born June 21. 1838. 
He grew up and learned his trade there, and emigrated to the United States in 1869, and came to this State 
the same j'ear. He came to Port Huron in 1877, and since then has been in the employ of the Jlichigan 
Mills ; was assistant foreman three years, and since then, has held his present position of foreman. He mar- 
ried Miss Maria Peterson, a native of Germany, February 15, 1871. They had four children — Maria, Chris- 
tian, Charles and Sophia. 

JOHN .MEIER, dealer in wines and liquors, was born in Switzerland, May 20, 1844, and emigrated to the 
United States in 1871. and came to Port Huron the same year, and afterward began butchering business in 
1876. He engaged in hotel business, and kept the City Hotel until 1879, then bought the hotel property, 
corner Butler and Fort streets, and run the business until the present year, when he rented the hotel. He 
belongs to the Order of Knights of Pythias In 1875, he married Miss Louise Dendlar, a native of Switzer- 
land. They have four children — John, Flora, Frances and Willie. 

CHRISTIAN G. MEISEL, the senior partner in the dry goods house of C. G. Melsel & Brother, altliough 
not one of the old residents, so-called, deserves a place in our record, from the indomitable energy and per- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIli COUNTY. ' 585 

severiince which liave put him amooi; thn foremost mi'ii of the ilay. iiotwitlistaiulinj; tlic iiiaiiv difficulties 
and hindriini-es tli;it cDustaiitly beset his jiath chiriiiiX tlie years when htiys need and ri'ceive lielp and en- 
(■nuraj;einenl. lie was horn in (iermany. .Inly --. 1S41, where, aeeorilini;- to (iernian rul<'. he altended seliool 
as soon as old eninish. rei'eivnii;-, liet'ore emii;raliiii;' to this country at th(^ a.^e of ten with his parents. th(' 
rudiment.s of a good education. The family settled in Hampton, now Hay City, and younir Meisel so rapidly 
ac(iuired the Enslish lanj;uage as in the next year, when only eleven, to he intrusted with the charge of 
the post otlice ami to attend the store where Ihe ollice was kejit. He left that place to come with his parents 
to I'ort Huron at the age of thirteen, where he attended school some and busied himself in such ways as he 
could to help himself, until at seventeen he went to work in a .general store, and liiied the business so well 
tliat he resolved to make it his lite work. He worked hard and saved his wages, until he had sulticient funds 
to enable hnn to take a nvercanlilc course of bookkeeping at Bryant & Stratton's College. Detroit, where 
he received his diploma, then returned home and resumed his place, keeping books for the store, and also a 
set for a st(!amboat and forwarding ami commission business. At the age of Ivventy-onc. he rented a snug 
little store on Water street, put in a choice stock of dry goods, and has continued the business ever since with 
some changes. In the cinu'se of time, Mr. .lames A. Davidson, and afterward Mr. .Tames B. Karrand. became 
associ.'iteil with him in a largi'r store on Milit.-iry street. 'Plie tinn dissolved, and .Messrs. Davidson & Farrand 
afterward turned their allention to other liranehes of business, but Mr Mi-isel returned to Water street and 
commenced again with his younger brother, uncU'r their present lirm name, and were so successful as to soon 
require more room. When the Time/i block was built two stores were arranged for their especial purpose, 
which they still occupy. These two voung men found what men rarely do find, a busiricss to which they 
were thoroughly adapted. They know what is wanted and what will be suitable to the majority of their 
patrons, ami are therefore eminently successful in satisfying. They are also unwearied in their efforts to 
[irociire what is called for, willing to take any pains and trouble to accommodate, ami there is uo limit to 
their ])atience and pains i;d<ing. Tliey are true ( 'liristians; just and fiir in all their dealings. gencrf)us to a 
fault almost, public spirited, always ready to contril)Ule to the welfare of the city anil country, and open- 
hearted in all charitable work. .Vetive ami energetic in their church work, Mr. C. (I. ^Icisel "has for some 
years assisted in maintaining a Sunday school three miles out of town, going every Sunday in sjiiie of fatigue, 
iiad weather or any other obstacle, until ill health imperatively demanded that he should give up all extra 
exertion. In .Ma.v. IHOT. Mr. Meisel married Miss Cordelia E. Chadwick. of Pliiladel])hia. They have had 
three cbildri'n, two girls and one boy, the oldest, a girl, being the only one now living. Their "home? is on 
the b.-ink of the St. Clair, a little below the cit.y, a most charining situation, iilTering tlii' |)eace and tpiiet in 
all respects that are so much neeiled by one in such an active everyday life as that of .Mr. Meisel. 

GOTTLKIB C. MEISKL. youngc'r brother of C. G. Mei.sel. and the junifu- partner in the same Ikju.sc, 
was also born in (iermany. May 22. IStll, and was only two years old when the family emigrated to this 
country. He attended school from the age of five years until eleven in Port Huron, then went to Detroit for 
a year, perfecting himself as far as ])ossible, in both German and Englisli. .\t that time his brother com- 
menced busincas for himself, and young Meisel entered the store as clerk, being then twelve years old, and 
continued as clerk with his brother until twenty-one. when lie became a partner. Since then, the two 
brothers have worked indefatig.ably together, and what is said of one may almost exactly be said of the other, 
as regards characteristics. In all liusiness and iiublic alfairs, they work together. They .seem bound in nianv 
resiiects liy stronger ties than n.-uallj- unite even brothers, and perfei-l harmony seems to prevail in all their 
walks in life. Mr. G. C. Meisel married in .May. 18T:j. Miss Anna H. McMorran, and two sons have been born 
to them. They have a cozy little home on Sixth street, near the store. 

('APT. F. I. M FRYMAN, manager of submarine wrecking business of S. A. Murphy it Co.. and Cana- 
dian Wrecking Co.. is a native of Brunswick. Me., and was born November 8, 1811. When fifte<'n y<'ars of 
age. he began sailiuL;', and followed the sea for five years, then commenced submarine diving. He had charge 
of the Coast Wrecking Comjiany, of Xew York, and had the entire maiia.u'ement of their business on the 
lakes for nine years ; tlien cn.iraged in business for himself. He associated with H. .McMorran and E. B. Har- 
rington anil bought the inland deiiartment of the Coast Wrecking Company, and carried on the business for 
two vears. They then sold out to S. A. Murphy, of Detroit, and since tlien Capt. Jleiyman has had cdiarge 
of all the business of S. A. Murphy A: Company, and the Canadian Wrecking Company". He b.as had a large 
and successful experience in submarine work. Capt Merynian came to Port Huron in ISfiit. anil the follow- 
ing yciir was united in marriage to Miss Emma Corbishly. of this cit}'. She died in .Inly, 1!<79. February 5, 
INSi he was married to .Miss .Mina Wheeler, of Port Huron. Capt. Meryman will carry on the wrecking 
business alone this season. 18S;{. 

HON. .lOHN MILLEH. son of .John and Anna (Riest) Miller, was born on the 1st of February, 181.^. at 
Sugar Loaf in Upper Canada. His parents were of German descent, and were natives of Pennsylvania; 
they spoke English and German equally well. They removed to Buffalo. N. Y.. and then to Can,ada. where 
their son .John was born. When he was quite young, they removed to Rochester, Oakland County, Mich. 
Mrs. .Miller was a Mennoiiite. of which sect her brother, .Joiin Hiest. now residing in Buffalo, was a missionary 
and leader. She died in February, ISlW. |[|.|. luisband died some vears liefore. The school |irivih'ges of 
.John .Miller were very limited, ending when he was thirteen years old. He was well endowed intellectually, 
and had a reflective, a.s well as an inquiring mind. He spent his leisure hours in reading, thus making up for 
his lack of educational advantages. He became well informed in matters in-rtaining to business and politics : 
and as a business man. had more than ordinary ability. At the age of thirteen, he went to St. Clair County, 
and worked with his oldest brother, .lacob Miller, in the lumber business ; .soon after, he w-as employed by the 
Black Uiver Steam-mill Company, as clerk in the business pertaining to their mill, in Port Huron. He re- 
mained many year<, tilling the several positions of Clerk, (Jeneral Manager and Su])erintenilent : after which 
he undertook a business of his own of the same character. In all his culerpri.ses he was more than ordinarily 
successful, accumulating property easily and rapidly. His investments were made with excellent judgment. 



586 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COIXTY. 

and his plans were executed with energy and ability. His general information and good judgment so rec- 
ommended him to the people, that he was chosen to represent them in the Legislature, and was three times 
elected ilayor of the city. October '.Ji*. lS4o. Mr. Miller was married to Miss Flora Hull, of iliddlesex County. 
Conn. She had been educated at Bissells Academy, then a flourishing school on the Western Reserve, in 
Ohio. Though of retiring and unobtrusive manners, she possessed much energy and ambition. Mr. Miller 
did not fail to recognize and acknowledge her influence. He is remembered to have said, that whatever of 
success he has attained was due to his wife. They had two children — a son and a daughter. The oldest, 
Clara Miller, died in 1S63. at the age of seventeen years. The son. John EJgar, succeeded his father, as 
cashier and manager of the First National Bank. Within the last year, however, realizing that his health 
required for a time, freedom from the absorbing care and confinement, he retired from the business. Mrs. 
Miller now occupies the family mansion which her husband erected a few jears before his death, in the 
fall of 1873. Mr. Miller was a constant attendant, a Trustee, and a generous supporter of the Congregational 
Church, but was very liberal in his religious views. In politics, he was a Democrat, but was quite conserv- 
ative. He was not extreme m any of his opinions. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was a 
Knight Templar. 3Ir. Miller umst be reganied as having had a successful life, wliich, when his opportunities 
are considered, affords a worthy example to future generations. 

J. E. MILLER is a native of St. Clair County, and w.as born in Port Huron September 11, lSi7. His 
father. John MiOer. w;is one of the earliest settlers of this county, coming here about the year 1S31 : his 
mother came here in iSM) : he received his education in this State. "Upon reaching manhood, he took the po- 
sition of cashier in his father's hank, and afterward became a partner in the business. In September, 1871, 
upon the organization of the First National Bank, he became Assistant Cashier : upon the death of his father 
in 1873. he succeeded him as cashier in the bank, and held that position until 1876. when he resigned. He 
was elected City Treasurer, and held that office two years. Mr. Miller was united in marriage August 15, 
1868. to Miss Sarah Barnes, a native of Jefferson Countv. X. Y. Thev have three children — John B., Clara, 
Frank E. 

STEPHEN MILLER, contractor and mover of buildings, is a native of St. Catharine's. Canada, and was 
born October i, 18'3i ; he went to New York during his boyhood, and came to Port Huron in 1S54. and went 
to lumbering, and afterward carpenter and joiner: since 1805. he has been engaged in moving buildings, and 
does the principal part of that business here, and has had a large experience. His father had an experience 
of thirty years in the same business. Mr. Miller married Miss Mary White, of St. Catharine's. Canada, June 
21, 18-5"2 : they have three children — William. Marietta and Stephen. 

H. R. MILLS, physician and surgeon, was bom in Saline. Washtenaw County, Mich.. July 11. 1837: he 
attended school there, and entered the State University at Ann Arbor, where he completed liis education ; 
then commenced the study of medicine, but in IStii. before graduating, entered the army in the Twentieth 
Regiment Michigjtn Infantry. Remained until the close of the war. He graduated in 1866 at the State Uni- 
versity, and received his degree, then w,is in the regular service for three years : he was appointed Post Sur- 
geon at Mackinaw, and held that position for some years. He came to Port Huron in 1871. and since that, 
has successfully practiced his profession here. He has served as Pension Surgeon and ^Marine Siu-geon and 
is now Supervising Inspector of Emigrant Inspection Service. In 1865. Dr. Mills was married to Miss Alida 
B. Rigffs. of Detroit. They have two sons — Thomas Heiu-y and Albert Beekman. 

NELSON MILLS. Man-sville. of the firm of N. it B. Mills, Section 3-2, manufacturers of pine and other 
lumber, is a native of >ova Scotia and was born January 15. 1823. When three years of age his parents 
moved into Upper Canada in the township of Mosa: there he lived tintU manhood. Then he came into Mich- 
igan and located in this county at Newport (now Marine City) and became a citizen. Here he worked at 
ship-building. Then he and Myron Williams bought a tract of timber and sawmill on the Fort Gratiot turn- 
pike in ISiO. and engaged in lumbering. Their mill burned the next winter, and they rebuilt the mill and 
had it running in six weeks. They run the business there twelve years. In 1853. they formed a partnership 
with N. Reeves. ofDetroit, and bought a tract of pine land in Sanilac County, and the Brooks and St. Clair 
mill at Algonac. N . Mills took charge of the Williams and Mills" property, and 31 Williams that of the Reeves, 
Williams & Mills'. In 1S54. they bought the Yickery mill at Yicksburg and transferred their business to 
that place and built another mill. Soon after this the Vickery mill burned. The business was carried on in 
this way for three years, when Reeves failed: Williams & Mills took his interest and paid the debts. They 
carried on the business until 1862. Then N. Mills bought the Williams interest, and took B. Mills in as part- 
ner and moved the mUl from the turnpike to where the Yickery mill had been burned. They bought a tract 
of pine in Ogemaw Coimty. They run the logs down the Rifle River, where they raft them and bring them 
to Yicksburg mow Marysville), where they operate two mills and a shingle and planing mill. They cut from 
eight to ten million feet of lumber yearly, and have the largest retaiT trade on the river, ilr. Mills is the 
largest stockholder in the Jlills Transportation Company, which consists of the large steam barge Nelson 
Mills and four tow barges. They have also two other steam barges which are employed in freighting lumber 
to Cleveland, where the firm have a lumber yard for the sale of fheir lumber. They also carry on mercantile 
business. The interests of this firm comprise the business interests of Marysville. Mr. ilills has been ac- 
tively identified with the interests of the town and county, and has held the office of Supervisor of the town 
of St. Clair. Justice of the Peace and School Inspector : and has held the office of Postmaster most of the 
litne since he came here. He owns a large farm about two miles from Marysville. In 1863. Mr. Mills was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Williariis, a native of this county, and daughter of Myron Williams. >Ir. 
and Mrs. MiUs have sis children" three sons and three daughters-^John, Myron, Maggie, Hannah, Emeline 
and David. 

JOHN MINER, farmer. Section 31. P. O Port Huron, is a native of Canada and was bom at Masco, below 
Montreal. .luly 11. 1825 : he came to this State in 1849 : lived at Lexington nvo years: then came to St. Clair and 
lived there seven years, and in 1858 bought this farm and since then for the past twenty-four years has been 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 587 

entrasefl in farmins. He owns a ?ood farm of one hunfired acres. In 18-50, he married Mi^s Loui.-e Horstler 
of "Lower Canada." She died in lS-^7 and left two children— Fred and Jo.5t-jphine. He married Mis.* Elizabeth 
Minnie, of Belle River. August L IS-JS. She is a daughter of LamVjert 5linnie and Ursula St. Barnard. She 
was born in this counly. Mr. and Mrs. Miner have seven children— Loube. Jlinnie. Peter. John W., Corne- 
lius G.. ''lareiiee B. and Laura A. 

I/)UIS X. MINXIE. City Clerk, is a son of Joseph C. and Adelaide Minnie, who were among the earli- 
est settlers of Port Huron. 'He was bom in this city October 4. 1S4.3. Grew >■'. ■■-■' r,.r-,.--;-,\ his education 
here. When fourteen years of aze, entered dr>- goods store, and remained th< r rs. Then went 

South and during the liist two years of the war served in the ordinance depart: •-. Tenn. Then 

returned here an"d entered dry goods trade again. On account of his ill hea! Uiat up and entered 

the emplov of the Great WesteVnon Ferrv, .Sarinaw, and remained there for > :_ In .ipril. 18*1. was 

elected City Clerk, and in April, )><S2. was re c'lec-ted, again in April. l><*-i. to suiu .:;; _ He has alsfj held the 
office of Collector of the Second Ward. Mr. Minnie was united in marriage to .Mi-s Helen M. Jones, a native 
of Ann Arbor. May 2;^, 1871. Thev have four children— Claude L.. ■' ■ ': '" rd J. and Louis T. 

JOSEPH P. .MINNIE, deceased, was a native of Michigan, mh . - Clair County, Algonac, 

April Jl, 1 SOT. He was brought up in this countv, and I'-arnVd the :. at tailor. After reaching 

manhood he was united in marriage. Mav lu. 1832, to Miss Adaline LelJuke, a native of the city of Detroit. 
They came to Port Huron in 18fH. and were amons the earliest st-ttler* here. They built a h^'i:- Ti'-^sr the 
bridge, and it is still standing on Water street. Mr. Minnie was for many years engaged in ' 
ing. " He was elected Justiee'of the Peace and repeatedly re-elected, and held that ofBce f 
He ama.ssed a large properly by his own foresight and good mana£remf-nl. H: = 
Seven children survive him, three daughters — Mary Ann. now Mrs. Baker: M 

Josephine, now Mrs. Po^t. And four sons — .Joseph, Napoleon, Edward and .V -.... ... 

sides in the home place on Militarv street, and is one of the oldest settlers now living here. 

CAPT. FRED MINOR. .Sectfon -31. P. O. Marysville. is a native of New T^rk =-xTo. and was bom in 
Clinton County July :*7, 1836. He came to this c-ounty during Itoyhood a: on the lakes in 

18.51 on the schooner Jjcander. He sailed before the mast, and as mat'- nn-' ihen has sailed 

as master, and has had command of the William Kelly, Otter, barge ~ 
Arizona. Annie Young. S. D. Caldwell. Holland and others. He owns 

well improved, and has lived on it since 1872. In 1872, he married Mi- -^ . ...^ j. .,.■.. 

Elaine. Thev have three children — Arthur. Edith and Frank R. 

WILLIAM T. .MITCHELL, attorney at law. Judge Mitchell is a native of New York «•:;* ind wa= b-.m 
in Genesee Counly Maj- 27. 1817. He was brought up and received his education in- 
law, and was admitted to the bar in October. 1839. his first certificate of admiss!--'?! bcin. 
Hon. William Mitchell. Presiding Judge. After being admitted he came W>- ■ -■ 
Lapeer, and was admitted to practice at Pontiac, in the Circuit and .S'ate Cou: 
eery and the Supreme Courts: after two years, he returned to Ne-r ^' -' 
there one year, then came to Romeo. Macomb County, where he pr 
the office of Pro-secuting Attorney, and was Master in Chancery. I;.- . _ 

and engaged in practice of law. "In IfHS—iO. he w:is Master in" Chancery, in i-s>i. wa- eie'ted to the ~ 
Legislature, and was afterward Circuit Court Commissioner In 1869. he was ele<^ted -I'lri-'j" r,f 'h" <" 
Court, but resigned the position in January, 1873. He is the oldest member of the bar 
this section of the State. Judge Mitchell married Miss Adeline A. Peck, of Attica. N. "i 
She died August 22. I8.J1. leaving one daughter — Emily C. wife of Fred .J. Dowland. la' 
County. Judge Mitchell was united in marriage January 18, 18.54. to Miss Fannie F. H' 

have "four children— Frances Ella. Rosa F.. AVilliam H. and Emily M. Frances is ;; j 

Rice, of Buffalo, and Rosa is married to Lieut. John J. Crittenden. United States Army, now at Fon Leaven- 
worth. 

GEORGE MITTS, wagon manufacturer, is a native of Canada, and was bom ^ U. 18'28. Grew 

up and learned his trade there. Came to Port Huron in 18.56. and eriL'^ieed in wo -trade. He es- 

tabli.ihed his present business in IS*)*), and has cairied it or ' " = and 

is the oldest in the bu-iness here. He makes all kinds of He 

has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many v.. - ■"''-<■ 

orders. In 18i-5<l. he married Miss Jane Glass, of Canada: >■ 
Albert. Emma and Irving. In 1862. he married Miss Electa Ci. 
— Alma and Georsrie. 

A. N. MOFFAT. of the firm of A N M^ffa' & Co.. is a son of Cant -Tamos MoflTar and was >>ora in 
Bpri Huron Augusts. 1849. He ati> - ' re. and completed ' ^. ■• jj^ 

then engaged in the ticket business. _- Canada money. i the 

present business of the firm. From a -i, _ • • ; ■ =• •>....• 

have a large established merchant and marine ■ 

pany. and Wards Lake Superior Line. Mr. M ~ - 

and luss. He was one of the oraranizers and is a director in the Commercial Bank. Hr wa^ uijii<.-i i:. 
riage October 31. 1872. to Miss Euda Starkweather, of Charlotte. Mich. They have six children— A r .. 
Florence, Lester. Anna. Euda and Sarah. 

CAPT. JAMES MOFFAT, owner of steamboats, tugs and ferry boats, is a native of Scotland, and was 
born May 4. 18-^4. His parents came to C - ^ •.._:..- - ■ '• '.yhood. n- ■ •■' ' ' • -- .^-- r, -..; 

from Saraia, when it was a wilderness wi ^. He w 

and staves for a year or two. thenwasem;^. . _ ferry, wi, 

row boat for passengers, and a small scow to transport horses before the horse ferry was in use. After that 



588 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

was in tlie employ of >[r. Davenport for six years. About the year 18.51, Capt. Moffat started a ferr}- of 
his own. consisting of a slviff and sail boat, and afterward started a horse boat and run that several years. He 
then built a little boat called the Union. About the year 18.59. he. with one or two others, built the ferry boat 
Sarina, well known to every one here. Several years later, enn'aged in the tug business, and built the Kate 
MolTat, and afterward huilt tlie Brockway and the Frank Moilat and the Mocking Bird. Later, he bought 
and re-built the Grace Dormer. In 18T7. he and Mr. Runnels liought the Beckwith, and during the present year 
they built the Omar D. Conger, one of tlie finest boats on the river. For forty years past Capt. Mott'al has 
been connected wiih the ferrj'. and for most of the time has had control of the business, andhasbeeu actively 
identified with the steamboat, tug and vessel property. When he began he had nothing, and his success in 
life is owing to his own industry and energ}'. He is a member of the Board of Aldermen, the only Republi- 
can Alderman ever elected in the First Ward. In 1848. Capt. Moffat married Elizabeth Gray, a native of 
Canada. She died in 1865, leaving four children — Alonzo N.. John. Frank, now Mrs. Stewart, and Katie, now 
Mrs. McVenn. In 1866. Capt. Moffat married Mrs. Frances M. Smiley, of Syracuse, N. Y. They have two 
sons — Fred S. and James. 

REV. T. W. MUNTEITH, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church, is a native of Michigan, and was 
born in Allegan County December 3, 1843. He received his preparatory education at Kalamazoo College. 
In 1866, he entered Monmouth College, and pursued his literary studies there and in Michigan State University, 
and gTaduated at Monmouth. June. 186!», and at the seminary in Newburg, N. Y., in 1873. After preaching 
in Ohio a short time, he accepted a call to his present pastorate, and was installed July 8, 1873. Mr. Jlon- 
teith was united in marriage to Miss S. J. Turner, of Crown Point, Ind., June 24, 1875. Thev have three 
children— Carrie V.. William T. and David T. 

DAVID MOORE, farmer. Section 31. P. O. Port Huron, is a native of New York State, and was born in 
St. Lawrence County October 5, 1836. He lived in that State until reaching manhood, then came West to 
this State in 1846, and settled in this county, in the town of St. Clair, and worked in lumber w'oods, on farm, 
and afterward bought limber land, cleared it and made farm, and afterward cleared another farm and has 
been engaged in lumbering and farming. He only had $150 when he began, and he now owns two good 
farms, of 120 acres each, and fifty acres in town of Kimball, all the result of his own industry and good man- 
agement. He has held school and road offices. He married Miss Sophia Raymond, of the" city of Detroit. 
They have three children— Louise, now Mrs. John Gracy; Eber W., on farm town St. Clair; Elvira, now Mrs. 
Joseph Jackson. 

WILLIAM J. MULFORD. of the firm of Mulford & Son, manufacturers and dealers in furniture, is a 
son^^of AVilliam R. Mulford and was born in Elizabeth, N. J , Decembers, 1845. His parents came here in 
1847, and he grew up and attended school here. Before reaching manhood he enlisted during the war and 
served in Company il and Company K, Third Regiment Michigan Infantry. After his return'from the serv- 
ice he became a partner in his father's store in 1867, and since then has been actively connected with it- He 
has held the jiosition of chief engineer of the Fire Department, and also a member of the Board of Estimates. 
He had command of tlie Military Company two years, and is now superintendent of cemetery. In 1867. he 
married Miss Margaret Sleeper, a native of New York State. They have five children— Martha, Mable, Kate, 
Margaret. Helen. 

W. R. MULFORD, dealer in furniture, is a native of New Jersey, and was born at Springfield, Essex 
County, March 20. 1823. He grew up to manhood in that State, and served apprenticeship in furniture busi- 
ness, at Elizabethtown, in that State. In 1846. he came West to Michigan, and was si.x weeks on the way. and 
in May arrived in Port Huron, which at that time was a very small village. Soon after locating here, hcestab- 
lished his present business on the lot now occupied b}- Mr. Saunders, and since then, for over thirty-si.x years, 
he has been engaged in business here, and is the oldc'st furniture dealer in this section of the State. In' 1844, 
Mr. Mulford married Miss Martha Smith, a native of New Jersey. She died in 1847, leaving one .son, William 
J. In 1870, Mr. Mulford was united in marriage to Miss Emilj' Stephens, daughter of H."L. Stephens. Esq. 
She died December 34, 1881. Mr. Mulford's father, Jacob Mulford, now eightV-nine years of age, is living 
with him. He is a native of New Jersey. 

CAPT. ARCHIBALD MUIR, is a native of Scotland, and was born March 16, 1833. His parents came 
to the United States when he was only two years of age, and settled in Canada East, and west of Montreal, 
near the boundary line. His early life was spent on a farm. When fifteen }-ears of age he began sailing on 
the schooner Hannah Counter; three years later, when only eighteen years of age, he sailed Captain of the 
brig St. Louis, of Buffalo, and continued sailing as master until 1867. In the fall of 1861, he went across the 
Atlantic; upon his return, when thirty days out from Scotland with a load of pig iron, his vessel was dis- 
masted 300 miles from the coast of Newfoundland. The vessel was carried back to the Irish coast, and dur- 
ing the winter repairs were made, and the following spring sailed upon his return, and arrived in Quebec. Jlay 
5, 1863. Between the years 1863 and 1867, before coming to Port Huron, he was Superintendent of theMariiig 
Oil Company of Canada. In 1867, he came to Port Huron, and engaged in ship-building. The first vessel 
he built was the Groton. He liuilt the Brown, James Couch, Fanny'Neal. and the propellers Vanderbilt and 
Montana. He organized the Port Huron Dry Dock Companj', and built the wharfs and the dry dock, and car- 
ried on an extensive business for about ten years, and built sixteen vessels and propellers. He was afterward 
Superintendent of the Marine Oil Company of Canada. For the past few years has sailed master of vessels. 
Capt. Muir married Miss Elizabeth A. Gregory, a native of Niagara District, township of Louth. Canada, 
March 23, 1860. They have seven children— William, Fred, Johnson G , James A., Florence E.. Jessie A., 
Aggie M. and Archibald A. 

GEORGE K. NAIRN, Deputy Collector, is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and was born June 22, 1836. 
His parents came to Canada in 1841, and he was brought up and received his education there, and came to 
Michigan in 1859. Upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted June 10, 1861, in the Third Michigan 
Infantry, and served five years, and held commission of First Lieutenant when mustered out July 9, 1866. 



HISTORY OF .ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 589 

After his return the followina: your, Wiis apiiointed Deputy Collector, nnd since then has held that position in 
the custom service. Mr. Nairn was united in marriage. June 33, LSTO, to Miss JIarj' K. Miller, of Port Huron. 
She died February 33, 1.S.S0, leaving one daughter, Ethel Clare. 

L. S. NOBLE, of the firm of Nolih- & Welton. tire. life and marine insurance agents, is a native of Onon- 
daga County, N. Y. He came to Jliehigan in 1.'^;!7, and was at Ann Arbor and Battle Creek. He then re- 
turned to ( )"hio and New York. He came to Port Huron June 37. 1.S47. In is.'jii. he engaged in the whip business 
in Detroit for two years. He then engaged in llie grocery business at Port Huron until If^.oii. He engaged in 
the insurance business in 18.54. Has had the agency of the Phcenix Insurance Company of Hartford since 
1.S6U. The first risk he wrote for this company was for Hull & (Jsborne, Ma3' 4, l.'^liO. He had two certifi- 
cates from tlie company, testifying to liis long and favorable service in representing its interests iiere. He 
has been aetivelv interested in the lire deijartment since it was first organized. Mr. Noble married Miss Mary 
A. Fowler, of Westfield. Mass., May 34 1844. Tiiey liave had tlirec children— M. Augusta, now Mrs. Au.s"- 
tin; Louise ^I., married JIaj. E. S. Petit; and Alonzo Frank, livimr here. 

M. NOUTHUP. physician and surgeon, is a native of Schuyl(.'r County. N. Y., and was liorn January 39. 
1830. He received liis education in that State, studied medicine and .graduated at the Geneva MediealCol- 
lege in 1859. He afterward practiced medicine in Steuben County and also in Canada. During the war he 
entered the army as Acting Assistant Surgeon. After the close of the war he located at Lexington, this State, 
and practiced medicine there about seven years. In the fall of 1871, he came to Port Huron, and since then 
has practiced Ins profession liere. He has served as President of the Board of Ilealtli for si.x years, and as 
Alderman of the Fifth Ward, and is chairman of tlie building committee for the new hospital. "Dr. Nortluip 
married Miss Annie A. llerson in 1864, from Florence, Ontario, Canada. Thev have two children — Lizzie 
H. and Charles S. 

JOHN G. (S'NEILL. INIayor of the city of Port Huron, was elected in April. 18,S:i, liy a liaudsome ma.i'or- 
ity upon the Democratic ticket, against the eomliined strenirth of three vi.i^orons political" organizations. The 
campaign was exceedingly spirited, and the city having gone heavily Republican one year ago, made Mr. 
O'Neill's triumph a vciy fiatteriiig indorsement. He is thirty-four years old, a native of Toronto, Canada, 
where he was educated in Saint Alichael's College, and where he is now well known on account of former 
residence, as well as the great prominence he has attained as the senior partner in the mercantile establish- 
ment of O'Neill Brothers ct Co., organized in 187(5, and now doing the largest general trade of any house in 
Eastern Michigan outside of Detroit. Mr. O'Neill was one of the organizers of the Commercial Bank of 
Port Huron, and has always occupied a commanding position on its Board of Trustees. He is also general 
m.inager and principal owner of the Up River Ice Company, one of the largest industries of the citj^, besides 
which he is actively engaged in operations in pine lands, farming lands and city real estate. IIc' is ca/led 
" John " amongst the people, and altliough lumiarried has always been too busy to pay much attention to the 
young ladies. He manages all the hirge Imsiness enterprises in wliicli he is engageil with the most perfect 
skill, and being a 3'oung man of irreproachable habits and cliaracter, all his investments havi' lieen crowned 
with singular success. He has served in the City Council and upon some local boards, which renders him 
perfectly familiar with his duties as Chief Kxecutive of the pushing and enterprising city of Port Huron. We 
look upon Mr. O'Neill's future as verv promising indeed. 

PETER J. O'NEILL is a native of Dublin, where he lived from his liirtli, in 1811, until 1833, and where 
he received an exceptionally good education for young men in tliat ill-fated counlrv. At the age of twenty- 
two lie renuived to >Iontrcal, wliere he engaged in the mercantile business until tln' reliellinn under William 
Lyii M(dvinzie in l.s3(i-37. This was the last attempt of the Canadas to dissolve British eonnection, during 
which Mr. O'Neill was engaged in important contracts supplying the troops while the war lasted. The opera- 
tions of that little rebellion brought him into Western Canada, and lie settled in Toronto in the wholesale dry 
.goods trade, remaining there until 1861, during which time he embarked heavily in manuracturing, and was 
one of the Directors in theToronto Savings Bank and theToronto JIutual Insurance Company. Mr. O'Neill's 
business connections extended largel.v into the United States. He made fre(|uent trips to New York, where, 
ill 1845, he married Miss Clara Corrigan. the daughter of Mr. P. Corrigaii, of that city, and niece of Sir Domine 
Corrigan, of Dulilin, one of the most renowned doctors of the British Emjiire. JIrs, O'Neill is also a relative 
of James O'Connell, an honored name in the city of New York, Since 1861, Mr. O'Neill has lived in P(n't 
Huron, where he has laid the foundation of the large firm known as O'Neill Brothers it Co., the most exteii 
sive business establishment in general trade in St. Clair County. This firm is also operating largely in timber 
lands and city property. He has frequently visited Europe on business, keeping tully aln-east with public 
men and measures in fingland and Ireland, having made an extended tour of those countries and Continental 
Europe in 1878. He has never taken inueh interest in American imblic atfairs, always shrinking fnmi public 
olliee. and only for a single tenncinisenting to serve in the City Council. Mr O'Neill's life has been most active. 
He is yet in the business world, as pushing, enterprising and energetic as most men at the age of forty, lie 
now loves business for its own sake and because he is a complete master of its details. He has six dauL;li- 
ters and two sons living, amongst whom are John G. O'Neill, the present .Mayor of the city of Port Huron. 

DAVID LOUIS OSBORNE, of the firm of F. A. AVeyers & (!o.. deahM-s in groceries and provisions, is a 
native of Salem, JIass., and was born December 8, 1813. After reaching manhood, came to Detroit in ^K'■W 
and was one of the early settlers of that city, and for many years was engaged in the liaking busin<'ss and 
also in the nursery business there. He built the greenhouses at the corner of 34tb and Fort streets, and was 
engaged in the lumber trade for some years previous 1oc<iiniiig here, and still has a i)laiiing mill on Michiiran 
avenue. He came here in 18N0, and since then has been engaged in his present business, and the firm of F" A. 
■Weyers it Co. have a large and leading trade. In 1S37. he married iMary G. Robie. of Salem, Mass. She 
dieii in 1.''.50, leaving thn^e son.s — John H.. Charles F. and Lewis. Li 1853, he married Miss Peace P. Buxlon. 
of New Hampshire. They have two children — Frank W. and Mabel. 



590 HISTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

DR. SAMUEL D. PACE, United States Consul, Sarnia, is a native of Canada, and was Ijorn in the 
Province of Ontario April 29, 1835; his fatlier was a native of Sevf Jersey, and liis mother was descended 
from a New England family. He received his literary education in Canada and in the State of Wisconsin. 
In early boyhood he determined to Ije a physician; after completing his medical studies, he came to Port 
Huron in 1800, and successfull}- engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1869, Dr. Pace was appointed 
by President Grant United States Consul to Port Sarnia, and since then has occupied that position. Dr. 
Pace was united in marriage April 19, 1855, to Miss Lizzie Freeman, a native of England. They have three 
daughters — Mattie, the eldest, is the wife of the Consular Agent at London; Cora, now Mrs. Frank Malloiy, 
of Detroit; Clara, now Jlrs. George L. Bracket, of the city of Detroit. 

DR. G. J. PARKER, physician and druggist, is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and was born April 
23, 1823; he received his education in that State and in Detroit, and studied medicine and graduated at the 
Cleveland medical college. In the fall of 1849, came to Michigan and engaged in practice of medicine at Lex- 
ington, Sanilac County. In May, 1801, came to Port Huron and continued in the practice of his profession 
for ten j'ears; then retired from active practice, and has since given his attention to the demands of his busi- 
ness. In 1855, Dr, Parker was united in marriage to Miss Celestia G. Simons, a native of Vermont. They 
have one daughter — Birdie Grace. 

CAPT. K. W. PARSONS is a native of Berkshire County, Mass., and was born February 8, 1830. His 
parents came West to this State in 1833, and settled at Monroe and remained there until 1841 , when they came 
o Wayne County and located at Gibralter, an<l he lived there until eighteen years old and then began sailing 
''on the steamer John Ilollister in 1848; and since then for over one-third 'of a century has been engaged in 
the marine service most of the time; has sailed master of vessels, but for the past nine years has held the posi- 
tion of clerk of the steamer Jliltou D. Ward. He is also interested in steamboat and forwarding business, 
and is senior member of the firm of E. W. Parsons & Son. of this city. In 18T3, he came to Port Huron and 
since then has resided here. He owns a good farm in Wayne County. Capt. Parsons was married December ■ 
31, 1852, to Miss Lucy N. Pruyn, a native of Canada, but came to this State in early childhood. They have 
three children — Frank W., engaged in wholesale and retail commi.ssion; George P., member of the firm of E. 
W. Parsons & Son, of this citj'; Fred C, also engaged in business in this citj'. 

F. C. PARSONS, proprietor Troy Laundry, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Waj-ne County, at 
Gibralter, July 17, 1858. He came here during boyhood; after reaching manhood, established his present bus- 
iness in 1880. He employs from eight to fifteen persons in his laundry, and does the leading business here. 

FRANK W. PARSONS, forwarding and commission agent, is a native of Wayne County, Jlich. , and 
■was born September 7, 18.54. He attended school there and completed his education in Detroit. In 1870, he 
engaged as clerk on the river and continued in that position four years. In 1874, came to Port Huron and 
entered the office of Henry McMoran. as bookkeeper, and remained with him until 1877; then engaged in the 
forwarding business and established steamboat agency. He was agent for the Anchor Line, the Lake Supe- 
rior Transit Company, the Union Steamboat Companj', the Western Transportation Company, the Star Line, 
Detroit, Cleveland & St. Clair River Line, Port Huron & Algonac River Line, the Mackinac Transportation 
Company and the Saginaw- Transportation Compan)-. He has done a large leading steamboat forwarding 
business. He is a member of the Board of Aldermen, and has been elected twice to .that office, and has served 
as Chairman of the Democratic Committee of St. Clair. 

GEORGE P. PARSONS, of the firm of Parsons & Son, steamboat agents and forwarders, is a native of 
this State, and was born in the town of Giliralter, Wayne County, May 0, 18.57. His parents came to Port 
Huron in 1871, and he grew up and attended school here, and after reaching manhood, engaged in his present 
business, and now has the active management of the business here. 

R. S. PATTERSON, jeweler, dealer in pianos, organs, books and stationery, is a native of Montgomery 
County, N. Y., and was born April 8, 1838. His jjarents came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County in 
1848. He entered the store of M. Walker in Port Huron, and was with him for fifteen years; then bought 
out Mr. Walker and engaged in business on his own account, and has a large established trade in jewelry, 
pianos, organs, sewing machines, books and stationery, and is the oldest house in that business in Port Huron. 
In 18G6, j\ir. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Evelina E. King, a native of this State. They have 
five children— Sarah Eugenia, Jesse D., Mary, Ida and Edith. 

JOSHUA PENNEBAKER, contractor and builder, is a native of Canada, and was born March 18, 1842. 
He grew up there and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Came to Port Huron in 1870 and engaged 
in building, and since then has carried on the business here. In 1864, he married Miss Jessie McDonald, a 
native of Scotland. They have six children — Francis, Robert, Lizzie, Charlie, Cecelia, Leo. 

EDWARD PERCIVAL, manufacturer of brooms and dealer in brushes, wooden ware, is a native of 
England, and was born August 12, 1836. Emigrated to this country in 1856, and came to Port Huron in 18.58. 
Began working at his trade, painting. Afterward was clerk for Mr. Saunders. In 1863, engaged in butcher- 
ing for three years, and was in the grocery trade three j'cars. In 1875, he began manufacturing brooms with 
only one man. Now employs twenty hands, and his sales will reach $50,000 this year. Also deals in brushes 
and wooden ware. His early opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited. When he reached 
here he only had eleven shillings. His success is owing to his own efforts. Hisfirst wife was Frances Williams, of 
Kent, England. She died in 1867, leaving two children — John T. and Edward F. His present wife was Win- 
ifred Dougherty, of Dublin, Ireland. They have three children — Frances A., Fred A. and Winifred. 

S. T. PERCY, agent of the American and Canada Express Companies, is a native of Ontario, Canada, 
and was born February 15, 1844. On attaining his majority, he engaged with Freeman P. White, the then 
Warden of the county of Ontario, who was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, and also did a 
large flouring l)usiness. He bought wool and grain, and sold cloth for him, taking charge of the whole bus- 
iness when Mr. White was away from home. On Mr. White's retiring from business, Mr. Percy, with his 
brother, bought a mill and some fine land in the nortb part of the county, and went into the lumber business. 



iiistoi;y of st. claim couxty. 591 

After one season, disposed of his interest to liis In'other. and eni;ai;ed with the ('anadian Express Company, as 
messenger. After I'uniiinj;' about ei.i^lileen niontlis. he en.i;a.a;ed m drui;' business at K.xeter. Ontario, lortwo 
years, then sold out and retunn-d to the express eoMi|ian}' again. He came to Port Huron on Sei)teml)er 36. 
'lS7(>. and was ajipointed their anient the Feliruaiy followin,i>'. and sini'e llien Inis Indd tliat position. He is 
agent of the Araeriean Express Cinnpany, tlie Camidian Express Company, and the Port Huron it N'orth- 
western Express Company. July .5. 1870, he married Miss Sophia Rrowuing. of Yorlv County, (Jntario, Canada. 
They have four children — Clara, Lizzie, Louie and Charlie. 

FRANK P. PIIENIX. fresh and salted meats, i.s a native of the city of Detroit, and was born January 
23, 1837. His parents came to this county during his early childhood. He was engaged in farming for some 
years, and also in buying stock. Smce 1872, he has lieen engaged in business witli his brothers at Fort Gra- 
tiot and Port Huron, lie held the office of Treasurer at Fort Gratiot for tliree years. He married Miss Eliz- 
abeth Calherman, of SandusU\'. Ky., November ItJ, 18(5(i, They have one'daughter, ( >live. He has two children 
by a fornier wife — Duett andBeitlni. 

LIONEL PHENIX, of tlie tii-ni of L. A: N. Phenix, dealers in agricultur.d implements, organs ami iiianos, 
is a native of St. Clair County, and was born December 6, 1849. When only sixteen years of age. he engaged 
in business with his father, and since then h,as been actively engaged in business. Their present business was 
established in 187ii. and tliey have built up a large trade, their sales amounting to ^ilOO.tKH) yearly. In 1878, 
they built a large brick block containing five stores, on Butler street. In 1867. Mr. Phenix niarried Jliss 
Helen Graves, a native of this county. They have three children — Elsie. Asa. Flora. 

NAPOLEON PHENIX, of the lirni of L. & N. Phenix. dealers in agricultural implements, pianos and 
organs, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born January 24. 1851. He grew up and attended school in 
this count}'. When seventeen years of age, he engaged in grocery business with his brothers at Smith Creek, 
In 1871. came to Port Huron and went info tlie livery business for two years, then engaged in buttdiering and 
grocery trade, and afterward <'ngaged in their present business, and they have built up a large trade. In"l878, 
he and his brother Lionel built Phenix Block, containing tive stores. In 1873, Mr. Plienix nuirried Miss Jen- 
nie Purdy, a native of Canada. They have one son, DeLos. 

P. H. PHILLIPS, attorney at law. is a native of the city of New York, and was born Octol)er 11. ISoa. 
His parents came to Port Huron during his early childhood, and received his education in this State. He 
studied law in the office of Atkin.son & Stevenson, and was admitted to the bar in 1878, and since then has 
successfull}- practiced his profession here. Mr. Phillips was united in marriage, June 14, 18,82, to Miss Kate 
B. Atkins, of this city. 

GEORGE POOLE, corner Willow and Bard streets, is a son of William and ilary Poole, and is a native 
of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron in 1858. He grew up to manhood liere. When sixteen years 
of age he went to work in a saw mill, and since then, for the past eight years, has worked at that business, and 
runs lathe milLin Wells' mill. He has just completed nice house on his lots, corner Willow and Bard streets, 
and owns other property. 

J. W. PORTER. Cashier Commercial Bank, is a native of Michigan, and was born in St. (lair County 
March 6, 1817. He received his education in this State. After reaching manhood, was appointed to a posi- 
tion in the post office by Gen. Ilartsull, and remained there six years, fu 1877. he established a savings' bank 
at Mt. Clemens, and was succcssfidly identitled witli the bankinn' business. He was there for six years, when 
he resigned and cann.- to Port Huron. I'lion the orgainzation of tlie Commercial Bank. February I. 1882. he 
was elected cashier, and has the active management of the b.ank. In 1875, Jlr. Porter was united in marriage 
to Miss Alice E. Skinner, daughter of T. S. Skinner, Esq.. of this place. They have one daughter— RhoSa 
E. They have lost one daughter. Addie. and an infant son. 

ELBUIDGE S. POST.' book-keeper, is a native of Summit County. Ohio, and was born July ->(». 1843. 
He grew up and attended school in his native place until the lireaking-init of the war. when he enlisted in 
the Forty-tirst Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in that regiment and also in theTwenty-tirsl Oliio, 
and the Fourth .Michigan V^iluntccr Infantry ; remained in the .service three years. His father and tliree 
brothers were all in 'he army, tlnnigli none of them wa.s subject to draft, and all returned. Mr. Post came to 
Port Huron in 1870; entered a hanlware store as clerk; in 1873, he engaged in cigar trade, and carried on the 
business hve years, and since then has been engaged as book-keeper and accountant. He heli)e<l organize 
Companj' F. Third Regiment of the Michigan State Militia, gradually rising from lu'ivate to Captain, and 
commanded the company two years. He was united in marriage February 21. 1871, to Miss Josephine .\. Min- 
nie, daiiahtcr of J. P. Minnie, luie of the earliest settlers of this county. Tliev have one daughter — Jlinnie A. 
STEPHEN T. PHOBETT. manufacturer of lime, is a native o'f Fngland. and was liorn Septiunber 6, 
1830 ; came to Detroit when only five years of age. Came to Port Huron in 184S. and engaged in mercantile 
business; continued in business for ten 3'ears. Then engaged in contracting and luiilding. and carried on that 
business for many years. For the past four years has been engaged in nianufacturing lime and brick, and 
li;is a large estalilishcd trade. He has been in the City Council for the past seven years, and is the oldest 
member of the Board of Aldermen. He has served twice as President of the Council, and now holds that 
position ; has been urged to become candidate for Mayor, but has refused. Mr. Probett married Miss Amelia 
S. Pettee. of Port Huron, October 21. 18.5(1; they have three sons— Charles IL 1)., William C, Herbert ; and 
four daughters— Minnie L.. Ida. Carrie. Edith. 

PFTER W. REED, eclectic physician and surgeon, was born in Hastings County, Province of Ontario, 
Canada, Seiitemlier 21, 1827 ; his early advantages for obtaining an education were limited, but he made the 
most of them. He bought a medical book at auction and became interested in it, and determined to study 
medicine ; in doing .so he had many obstacles to overcome. AVenl to Indiana and settled near Terre Haute, 
when he formed a medical copartnership and continued two years, and then returned to Canada. He pre- 
jiared and circulated a petition to Parliament for tlie passage of a bill recognizing the eclectic practi(-e, and 
the bill became ;i law, and an Eclectic Board was established at Toronto which granted licenses to practition- 



592 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ers of that school. In the sprinsof 1801, he came to Port Huron, and since then has practiced his profession 
here. In 186.5. Dr. Reed obtained the degree of the Eclectic Medical Collcse of Ohio. He was instrumental 
in the passage of an act by the Legislature of Micliigan. under which tlie .State Eclectic Medical and Surgi- 
cal Association was organized, and was elected President of the association for two years. 

AXDREW RICHARDSON", of tlie lirm of Rudge & Richardson, is a native of England, and was born 
January !), 1847 ; he grew up and learned bis trade there ; came to Canada in 1869, and lived there ten years. 
He came to Port Huron in the spring of 1883. and engaged in business with his present partner. He married 
Miss Emily West, a native of England. .Tulv 1. 1874. They have iiad three children, none of whom survive. 

DANIEL ROBERTS, farmer. Section" 31. P. O. Mar3^sville. is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., and 
was born June 33, 1811. Upon reaching manhood, came West to Michigan in 1833 ; he came from Buffalo to 
Detroit on the steamer Daniel Webster ; he came to Port Huron, and reached here November 1. 1834. He 
stayed with the Greenfield family, and he and Mr. Greenfield built a tanner}'. After three years, he went to 
Macomb Count}', and lived there eight years ; then returned here and was in the tannery at St. Clair sixteen 
years; then bought this farm, and since then has been engaged in farming ; owns 100 acres of land. In 1837, 
he married Miss Matilda Byron, of Port Huron. Thej' have one daughter — Frances, now Jlrs. King. 

NAPOLEON ROBERTS, wood dealer, is a .son of Nelson and Rose Roberts, who came to Port Huron 
in 1853. He is a native of Oswego, N. Y., and was born April 20, 1844. He grew up and attended school 
here, and then engaged in lumbering with his father. Since 1873, he has been engaged in the wood business, 
an 1 has a large trade. He holds the office of Supervisor of the Third Ward. He was united in marriage to 
Miss Ellen Tracy, of Sandusky, Ohio. February 13, 1873. They have three children— Mary E., Nora and 
Rose. 

D. ROBESON, ship chandler and dealer in vessel supplies, is a native of England, and was born Novem- 
ber 17, 1835. He was brought up in the city of Quebec and learned his business of his father, who was a 
ship chandler. Mr. Robeson came to Pi)rt Huron in 1868. and established his present business. His house 
is the only one of the kind here, and he has a large trade in sail-making and the general outfit of vessels. In 
1875, he was elected a member of the Board of Education, and since then has held that position. Mr. Robe- 
son married Miss Eliza C. Gregory, from St. Catharines. Canada. They have five children — Henry J., Will- 
iam B.. David M., Laura and Ethel. 

PROF. HENRY J. ROBESON, Superintendent of Schools, Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was 
born in the city of Quebec April 30, 1853. He attended school in Upper Canada, and prepared to enter 
McGill's College. Montreal. In 1868. he came with his parents to Port Huron, and for three years was with 
his father learning the business of sail-making. In 1871, he entered the Slate University al Ann Arbor, tak- 
ing a four years' course, and graduated in 1875. After graduating, he was engaged as Principal of the High 
School, and the following year was employed as Superintendent of the schools, and since then, for the past 
seven years, has held that position. Prof. Robeson was united in marriage. Jtine 37. 1877, to Miss Agnes G. 
Moore, of Ann Arbor, this State. Jlr. Robeson has liut recently produced a popular work, entitled "Dia- 
grams and Salient Points of Parliamentary Rules." The first edition was e.xhausted within a fortnight after 
its appearance. Tlie book is characterized bj' the press and by the best authorities in the land as "a very 
concise, useful, convenient and valuable work." The charts decide instantaneously an}' question, according 
to both'Cushing and Robert. Mr. Robeson is also the inventor of a series of ei.ght graded and scientifically 
arranged primiu-y number charts, which begin with counting and conclude with fractions. These have been 
acknowledged by competent judges to be possessed of decided merit. Mr. Robeson has now in press a large 
volume, entitled "The Science. History and Philosophy of Value and Money." His large and extensive 
private library will enable him to do unprejudiced justice to this important and much neglected subject. 

DELL ROBINSON. Captain of the ferry-boat'Grace Dormer, is a native of Livingston County. N. Y.. 
and was born July 29, 1848. His parents came here in 1859, and three years later he began sailin.g, and since 
then, for the past twenty years, has been on the lakes. He was on the "Sarnia " eight years, and sailed the 
W. D. Morton several years, and for the past six years has been Captain of the "Grace Dormer." In 1873, 
Capt. Robinson married Miss Ella Bra.gg. of Buffalo, N. Y. Thev have one son — Frank. 

REV. A. HASTINCiS ROSS, pastor of the First Congregational Church, is a native of Worcester Coun- 
ty. Mass.. and was born in the town of Winchendon April 28. 1831. His early life was spent on a farm. He 
attended the common schools there and entered the academy. He afterward went to Oberlin. Ohio, where he 
entered Oberlin College, and graduated in 1857. After graduating, he entered the Tlieological Seminary at 
Andover, Mass., where he pursued his theological studies for three years. His first pastorate was at Boyles- 
ton, Mass., where he remained five years. He then accepted a call and was pastor of the Congregational 
Church of Springfield, Ohio, for .seven years, and was afterward pastor of a church in Columbus, Ohio, for 
two years. He then accepted a call from the Congregational Church at Port Huron, the largest church in 
the city, and he came here June 1, 1876. Mr. Ross has been lecturer on church polity in the Oberlin Theo- 
logical Seminary since 1871, and has recently been elected " Sonthworth lecturer on Congregationalism" at 
"Andover Theological Seminary" for three years. Mr. Ross was united in marriage, October 15, 1861, to Miss 
Mary M. Gilman, of Churchvilie, Genesee Co., N. Y. She is a graduate of Oberlin College. 

JOHN RUDGE, of the firm of Rudge & Richardson, foundry, is a native of England, and was born Sep- 
tember 2t, 1S42. He grew up and learned his trade there, and came to America in 1869. He came to Detroit 
and lived there until 1873. when he came to Port Huron, and two years later engaged in the foundry business 
for himself. Thev manufactvu'e iron store fronts, agricultural implement work, and all kinds of iron and 
brass castings. Mr. Rudge married Miss Alice Hickiu, a native of England, June 9, 1865. They have three 
children— Annie. Amelia and John Herbert. 

D. N. RUNNELS, steamboat and ferry owner, is a native of Somerset County, Mc, and v.'as born Decem- 
ber 18, 1835. Upon reaching manhood he came West in 1856 and located in St. Clair County, and engaged in 
lumbering, and was connected with the lumber business for twenty-three years. In 1875. he engaged in the 





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'J'li(i_v Imve had six iliildrcii— only Iwo sons survive — Alfred II. and Edward F.. liolli cnj^aLCcd in Ijusiness wi 
their father. 

IIOX. .lAJlES W. SAXHOI5N. inereliant, was born at Fahnouth. near Portland, Me., in Aiiril, ISKi. 1 
was till' son of a pliysieian, the llurd of a family of eleven children. In early yonlh. he jjave evidence 
i;reat ener;;y of eh.araeter and keen power?i of observation, lie chose, for his first venture, a seafarinn' lit 
and made frequent \oyai;cs to the West Indies, he also crossed the Atlanticocean repeatedly. He abandon 
the sea after reaehinn- the a.:;e of twenty one, and went to Fort Huron in is:!.'), in comjianv with Abner C^obur 
since (Jovernor of Maine, Charles .Merrill, late of Detroit, and Joseph L. Kelsey. Toi^ether Ihey loeati 
25,000 acres of land in St. Clair and Sanilac eoimties; and Mr. Sanborn, then but twenty-two years of"a;;e. w 
left in charge of the i)urchases. The following year, 183(5, he established himself at Meiamora, Lapeer Count 
In is:!s, and again in ISKi, hit was elected to the Legislature from Lajieer district. His thorough knowled 
of the State lands made him ;ui efficient Kei)resentative. As a legislator he evinced the same habits of indi 
try and faithfulness which so cmini'iitly characterized him in private life. In 1S4T, he was engaged in thed 
goods and lumber business at I'orl Huron, with his brother in law, Alvah Sweotser; the death of the latti 
in ISIM, caused a dissolution of the tirm, Mr. Sanborn had a large luaibi-r interest on the Saginaw, the .\Iu 
kegon and its tributaries, the Au Sable. Thunder liay Kiver, I'ine Kiver, in the I'ppcr Peninsula, and on tl 
(,'heboygan. His business career was a successful one for himself and those associated with him. Hesiil 
his lumber possessions, he owned considerable real estate and persomil property in Port ILiron and Fo 
(Gratiot. In business matters he had a quick perception and was far-seeing, always combining prom]>tne 
with caution. While keeping pace with the times in legitinnile enterprises, he never allowed sound judgmei 
to be overruled by speculative excitement. .Just in his dealings with all. he expected and exacted the sail 
from others; strong in his likes and dislikes, he never failed in proving the sincerity of his feelings to tlio 
whom he once recognized as friends, lie numbered among his intimate associates many young men who we 
indebted to him for friendly coun.sel, as well as for substantial aid in their business imdertakings. Karno 
in polities as in other matters, and originally a Whig, Mr. Sanborn stood amongthe foremost organizers of tl 
Uepubliean party. He represented his district as a delegate to that convention whose proceedings "under tl 
oaks at .lackson" have been accorded a page not oidy in the annals of State, but also of national historv. In IS,') 
he was elected to the House of Kepresentatives, after a spirited contest, his opponent l]eiMg the Hon. W. ' 
Mitchell. In IS.~)S, he was chosen Conmnssioner of the State Land ( Xlice During his term he exposed tl 
.McKinney defalcation and streiuiinisly opposed .-ill elforts to cover up the fraud under the i>lea of party polio 
Being an active worker in political c;iin])aigns, no man in his region was more liberal with his money fc 
proper political purposes. Mr. Sanborn married three times, ami at his death, which occurred April |:i, iy7< 
left a wife and three children. Althoui;h not a memljcr of any religious denomination, he was for many yea: 
actively connected with the Congregational Church. lie was greatly attached to his family and hon'ie" an 
those who knew him most intimately knew best the kindness of his nature and tlic depth of his alTectioi 
Ills intluince. as alTicling the growth and in'0sperit3- of the section of the State in which he lived and lalioret 
will contiruie to be I'l'll for vears to come, 

JOIIX P. SANIioHX, "Collector of Customs, was born in Belgrade, Me,, July 12, 183;!. His father wii 
Benjamin Sanl)orn, M. D., a graduate of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me. His mother's maiden name w; 
Kmily J. Pitts. Mr. Sanliorn's early education was only such as was afforded by the conunon schools i 
New England. Like so man_v other of the substantial men of the country, he was educated chietly in prai 
tical liusiness. Upon leavingschool. he entered a general store as clerk and apprentice, acquiring thei-ein th 
systematic habits which have distinguished his later life. He came to Michigan and settled at Port Huro 
in 18-17, and subsequently engaged extensively in mercantile and hunbering operations. Mr. Sanborn wi: 
Deputy Collector of Customs at Port Huron from isty to ISOO. In March, ISOT. he was appointed to the Co 
lectorship, which ollice he still holds. In his administration Mr. Sanborn has proved himself one of the firs 
officers of his grade in the revenue service. Politically, he has always been a Republican. He married, ()ct( 
ber IT. IS,-,.-,. >ns> Mary A. Wastell, daughter of Kev. W. P. Wastell, of Clinton, Mich. 

PETER SANBOllN, retired, is a native of Falmouth, Me., and was born ^March 13. 1SI12. He grew u 
to manhoiid in that State, and lived in Portland. He came to .Michigan previous to the year 1835, to looi 
after his interests in pine lands; he remained here four years; then returned East and spent six years: the: 
returned to Port Huron and engaged in general mercantile business, also in the lumber trade. lie v,-a 
actively engaged in business for many years. He has since retired from business, and although over eight 
3'ears of age, is as active and well ()reserved as many who are much younger, 

P. B. SANBOKX, proprietor of Sanborn's elevator, is a native of Falmouth, 'Sic, and was born Jlarch 1^ 
1838. .'Mr. Sanborn came to Detroit in ls.-,2, and iu lSti2 located in Port Huron. During the war he cnlistn 
and served in the First Regiment of Henlan's sharpshooters, and was connnissioned First Lieuteiumt. Com 
pany Iv. After serving nine months, protracted illness compelled him to resign his commission. Sub.se 
quently Mr. Sanborn engaged in the hardware business, and for thirteen years was a member of the firms o 

38 



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594 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

William Stewart & Co. aud Sauborn. Carleton & Co., and in 1881 he engaged in the grain and elevator busi- 
ness. Sanborn's Port Huron Elevator is one of the most complete, for its capacity, in the State. It has every 
improvement for handling gi-ain by river aud the three lines of railroad which terminate at Port Huron. 
The river frontage is 300 feet. Mr. Sanborn was one of the corporators of and is a stockholder in the Port 
Huron & Northwestern Railroad Company, and lias been for many years actively identified with the connuer- 
cial interests of Port Huron. Mr. Sanborn was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Willeger, of this city, Sep- 
tember 13, lS(i4. They have two children— son and daughter, named Alvah and Clare. 

WILLIAM SAXE, farmer, Section 18. P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Lowex Canada, and was born 
March 18, 1835. Upon reaching manhood, came to this State and lived in Sanilac County about seven years; 
then came to Port Huron and worked in Wells' saw-mill, and also worked four seasons for Bachelor in his 
mill, and for the past two seasons has been foreman in Brooks & Joslyn's Mill. He owns a farm of eighty- 
six acres, and has lived here since 1876. In October, IHM. he married Miss Mary Bowes, a native of Canada ; 
they have six children— William C. Elizabeth, John G.. Hattio, Allen. Ellen. 

CHARLES SCHEFFLER, of the firm of Schcffler Bros., fresh and salted meats, is a native of St. Clair 
County, aud was born in Port Huron March 16, 1864. He grew up. attended school and learned his bu.siness 
here, and engaged in business for himself in 1878 ; has carried on the business since then, and has built up a 
good trade ; is a member of the Order of Maccabees. In 1880, he married Miss Minnie Cook, a native of 
Strathroy, Canada. 

PETER SCHWEITZER, lumberman. Section 5, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Germany, and wa.s 
born in Lorraine August 6, 1.834 ; upon reaching manhood, he emigrated to America in 18.54, and lived in Buf- 
falo six years, and then came to Port Huron, and .since then, for the past twenty-two years, has been connect- 
ed with the lumber business here ; he has held the otlice of City Alderman. He owns a good farm with ex- 
cellent improvements near the city. He married Miss Mary Zimmer, a native of Germany, April 8, 1858 ; 
they have two sons — Peter and John. 

ALBERT SCHOFIELD, of the firm of Love & Schofield, boiler manufacturers, is a native of Lanca- 
shire, England, and was born February 27, 1853 ; his parents came to Canada in 18.54, and came to Detroit in 
1861. He came to Port Huron and learned his trade, and engaged in their present business in 1876, and since 
then have carried on the business here, manufacturing marine and store work. In May, 1873, Mr. Schofleld 
married Miss Lida Cook, a native of Toronto, Can.; they have two children — Libbie and Addie. 

OTIS SCOTT, capitalist, is a native of Maine and was born at Calais April 30. 1827 ; when sixteen years 
of age began sailing, and followed the sea for nine years. In 1852. came West to Michigan, and settled in 
Port Huron, and engaged in lumbering, and successfully carried on the business for about a quarter of a cent- 
ury ; for the past few years he has been engaged in speculation, and interested in farming; he is not an of- 
fice seeker, and has refused to allow his name to be used for any public position. In 1861, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Annie Hawkins, of London, Ontario, Canada; they have four sons — Fred G., William A., 
Otis A., Alonzo J. 

G. R. SHATTO. general merchant, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Medina County August 15, 
18.50 ; his parents came to Michigan during Ids early childhood ; he attended scliool in this State ; he came to- 
Port Huron in 1877, and establi.slied his present businc-^s, dealing in dry goods, carpets, clothing, boots and 
shoes, groceries, etc., giving employment to about twenty people. Transacts a large business ; his sales for 
the year 1882 were nearly fl.50,000. Mr. Shatto was united in marriage, August 15, 1876, to Miss Clara R. 
Whitney, of Flint, Mich. They have lost one son — Walter O. 

H. SHOEBOTHjVjM. physician and surgeon, is a native of Canaila. and was born September 4, 1831. He 
grew up and received his education there, then studied medicine and graduated in Jlontreal, at McGill's Uni- 
versity, in 1857. The following year located in Sarnia, and was engaged in the practice of medicine there 
twelve years. In 1870, came to Port Huron, and since then has sucee.ssfully practiced his profession here. 
He has held the office of City Physician, and served as County Physician wliile living in Canada. In 1863, 
Dr. Shoebotham married jMiss Susan Stevenson, a native of Canada. They have two children — Thomas B. 
and Harry. Mrs. Shoebotham died October 16. 1,882, aged forty-one rears one month and one day. 

CAPT. ALEXANDER R. SINCLAIR, master propeller Oscoda, is a son of Capt. John and Agnes Sin- 
clair, and was born in Canada June 17, 1844. He began sailing during his early boyhood. The first money 
he earned in sailing was on the sloop Emma, and he held the position of Captain before he was twenty years 
of age. He has sailed as master of the propellers Porter, Chamberlin, Prairie State, Evergreen City; also 
schooners Cortland and Jolin S. Miner, and is now master of the propeller Oscoda. He has had a large prac- 
tical experience in the marine service for a 3'ouug man. Capt. Sinclair was united in marriage January 11, 
1871, to Miss Ellen McCoig, a native of Canada. They have two children — Charlie A. and Eva E. 

CAPT. L. SINCLAIR, is a native of the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland, and was born November 4, 1834. 
He came to the United States in 1847. He began sailing in 1857, on the scow Canada. In 1870, he was Cap- 
tain of the scow Lizzie, and sailed her three years, and sailed the Fannie Neal tw-o years, and also sailed the 
Dreadnaught, and since then has sailed as mate and master. In 1862, he married Miss Henrietta O'Marow, a 
native of Ireland. They have had five children — Agnes and Daniel, deceased, and John, Laura E. and George 
B., living. 

CAPT. .lOHN SINCLAIR, Se., is a native of the Shetland Islands, North of Scotland, and was born 
May 29, 1803 ; he began sailing during his early boyhood, and sailed along the coast and to the West Indies. 
He came to this country in 1840, and beiran sailing on the lakes from Buffalo to Cleveland, Detroit and Chi- 
cago. He continued sailing over twenty-five years. In 1867, he was appointed light-house keeper at Fort 
Gratiot, and held that position eleven years and a half. Capt. Sinclair was united in marriage October 5, 
1826. His wife was a native of the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. and died December 4, 1880, leaving 
seven sons — Thomas, living at Port Creston ; John, light-house keeper at Thunder Bay Island ; Lawrence, 
living here and sailing on the lakes; James, living in Florida ; Daniel N., Captain on Lake Michigan ; Alex- 



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IHSTOHY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 505 

ander R., iiuistcr of propeller; Cyrus H.. liviiii; in Cliicay-o, sailing on lakes; and one daughler. Elizabeth, 
marrie'l. now Mrs. Blaue ; tliey lost one son, Peter. He was sailing on the lakes and was lost overboard from 
schooner Laz Cbamller au<l drowned. October 0. 18TG. 

ANDREW SMITH, of the firm of George Crackel & Co., painters and dealers in all kinds of painters' 
and artists' materials, is a native of Scotland, and was born Angnst 10, ls.")l. His parents came to Canada in 
1853, and he grew up and learned his trade, carpenter and joiner, of his father. He came to Port Huron in 
1867, and began working al his trade, and afterward engaged in coiitrar'iiig and building, and did a large 
business. He I mi It the Huron House and many other buildings here. In isso. he associated with .Mr. Crackel, 
and they carry i.n the largest business in their line in this section of the State. .Mr. Smith married Miss Mary 
Quiun. from .Vioiitreal. Canada, November 11. 1S7() ; they have two children— ^laynard D. and Herbert W. 

E. Ct. SPALDIXG, Cashier United States Customs, also member of the insurance agcncj' of E. G. 
Spalding it Co., is a native of Mac-omb County, Mich,, and was born at .Mt. Clemens December 3S. 1843. At 
the age of seven years, he removed to Port Huron, where he has since resided for thirty-two years. After 
attending school there for several years, he spent two years at school at Albion. Mich., and one year in New 
York State. In the second year of the war. he enlisted at the age of eighteen, as private in the Twenty-sec- 
ond Regiment Michigan Viduiiteer Infantry, and. after passing;' through the successive grades, was promoted 
to Lieutenant in .January, 18(i:), and served in all the campaigns of the Army of the Cumberland. At the bat- 
tle of Chickamauga, September -(•. 1><03, lie was taken prisoner while in command of his company, and was 
held for seventeen months until March 1, 18().5. from the effects of which contincmcnt he has never recovered. 
After the war, in the f.ill of 18l).5, he was appointed Inspector of Customs. In April. 1807, he was promoted 
Cashier of United States Customs, and since then, for the past tifteen years, has held that position. He was 
married Jlay 12. 1875. to ^liss Leonora D, Buell. of Le.xiugt(m, this State ; the}' have one daughter — Nina Es- 
telle. .Mr. Spalding is also engaged in the insurance business. The insurance agency of E. G. Spalding & 
Co. was established in 1857 by 1. H. While, and has been continue<l with the same companies, with the addi- 
tion of others, for a quarter of a century. This agency represents the largest companies in this eoimtry and 
Europe, and transacts the leading business here. Following are the names of the principal companies with 
which this agency is connected, with amount of assets: Home, of New York, Fire. ^6,!)i)5. ■")()!( ; Insurance 
Compauv of North America. Peiui.. Fire. 18.818,805 ; Hartford, of Connecticut, Fire. $4,072,575 ; .Etna, 
of Hartford. Fire. ■'S8.902,-.'72 ; New York Underwriters, Fire, $5, 030, 202 ; Liverpool, London and (ilobe. Fire, 
.§31,062,104; North British and Mercantile, Fire, !?!), 2(1 1..5(>!) ; German .Vmeriean, New York. Fire. s;3.452.572 ; 
Pennsvlvania, Peim.. Fire. !?2.227.0I5 ; Niagara. N. Y.. Fire. §1.735.2.50; Phcenix Assurance. London, Fire. s;5,. 
364.. 504 ; Amazon, Cincinnati. Fire. !?.5507732 : Mutu;il. New York. Life, |94,7(r2,<)57 ; Travelers, H.-irtford, 
Life and .\ccident, -10,114,51)2 ; Marini' Companies, Marine, §4,M3,0.55. These companies represent an a.'>'"'rc- 
gate capital of Sl02,il40,3]3. 

JEDEDI.VH SP.VLDING was born in Can.ada .May 10, 1826: his iiarcnts were from Yerniont : they 
moved to New York the same year. In his twelfth j'car, the family embarked at Buffalo for Michigan on 
the new and then consiilered fast-sailing steamer Constellation. They arrived al the mouth of Detroit River 
the third day. and at Port Huron the morning of the lifth day (17lh of May), .-mdarc classed among llie early 
settlers here. Under the instructions of Ins father. ;in iudusirious and skillful stone cutter, ina.son ;uid liuilil- 
er, he became an expert at the same business, and at the age of seventeen went into business for himself. In 
thirty years' experience as contractor and builder, he buiirnot only the larger portion of public, private and 
business buildings in his own city, but spent eighteen vears of the thirty in other portions of Michigan .and 
other states, operating as far north as .Marquette, L. S.. and west to Onndia. Neb. lie has also been engaged 
in the m;inufaeturing of lime for many years : burnt lime forty years ago on tlic same }-ard he now occupies, 
where the Monitor Lime Kiln now stands. He has also had five years' experience in linnbering. manufacturing 
lumber, and delivering on the rail of vessels, also twelve years' expi-ricncc in the ownershij) and shore man- 
agement of ves.sel property. He never sought ofHce. but when oltice sought and elected him. he discharged 
the duties faithfully and satisfactorily, and. like others engaged in industrial imrsuits. he paid but little at- 
tention to politics imtil within the past few years, in which he has taken an active part in the Greenback 
movement, and is well known as the .Vdjutant of the Greenback forces in the Seventh Congressional District. 
Mr. Spalding was married March 10. 18411. to Sallie Ann. daughter of .Jeremiah Harrington, a pioneer of the 
Daniel Boone stamp, who was inie of the tirst while men to come among the hostile Indians of this section 
sixty-live years ago. Mrs. Jeremiah Harrington is now eighty-eight years of age, ami lives with her daughter 
and son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Spalding, and is yet hale and hearty. Six children have been intrusted lo the 
parental care of Mr. ami Mrs. Spalding, imder whose care :ind guidance they grew up to vigorous woman- 
hood and manhood : Ijyman A. Spalding, inventor of Spahling's system of ventilation (adopted and lo be 
used in the Chicago Board of Trade buikling). now a resident of that city ; Angelina, now Mrs. E. R. Wheel- 
er, of Port Hmon ; .lennie. now Mrs. Dr. Freund. of Lake Superior; Annie, wife of George Rent, a civil en- 
gineer of Boston, JIa.ss.; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Palmer, Jr.. civil an<l cojijier mining engineer, operating 
in the Upper Peninsula, L. S. : and Jcddie J., an expert perspective draughlsm;in, now engaged in the office 
of E. E. Mvers, a leailing architect of Detroit. Mich. 

FRED" E. STAKKWE \.THKR. of the linn of F. E. Starkweather & Co., dealers in hardware and house 
furnishing goods, is a native of .Michigan, and was born in the town of Charlotte, Eaton County, February 3, 
1859. He attended school there and tinished his education at Olivet College. In 1875, he'came to Port 
Huron, and was in the office of .V. N. Jloffat two years. In 1877, he went to Chicago, and w.as there two 
years in a wholesale hardware house. He then returned to Port Huron, and enleredthe hardware store of 
Samuel Boyce. and remained there between three and four years — until the present year — when he established 
his present business on the corner of Huron avenue and Butler street. Mr. Starkweather was married March 
25, 1880, to Miss Miimie E. Ciu-lis, a native of this city. They have one daughter — Edith M.iy. 

D. J. STEPHENSON, manager of the Huron House, is a native of Canada, and was borii July 10. 1859. 
During his early boyhood he came to Detroit, and entered the ^Michigan Exchange Hotel in 1871, and was 



596 HISTORY or ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

connected with that house nine years, and for eighteen mouths was engaged in the cigar Imsiness. lu June, 
1883, when tlie Huron House was opened, after being refitted and refurnished, he aecepted the position of 
manager, and under liis management the house has beeome one of the heading hotels of the State. Mr. Ste- 
phenson was united in marriage July 38, 1881, to Miss Evelj'u V. Mason, of the city of Detroit. They have 
one daughter — Zada M. 

ELLIOTT G. STEVEi^SON, attorney at law, is a native of Canada, and was born in the county of Mid- 
dlesex May 18, 18.50. He received his literary education there; came to Port Huron in 1869, and entered the 
law ofHce of Atkinson Brothers, where he studied his profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. After 
his admission, he was associated with Atkinson Brothers until the fall of 1876, when O'Brien J. Atkinson re- 
tired from thi firm on account of ill health, and Mr. Stevenson was associated with William F. Atkinson 
until May, 1877. They then dissolved, and Mr. Stevenson again formed a copartnership with O'Brien J. 
Atkinson', and since then they have been associated together in the practice of law. and this tirm is one of 
the most prominent in the profession in this section of the State. In 1878, Mr. Stevenson was elected Prose- 
cuting Attorney, overcoming a large opposition majority, and hold that offlc3 two years. He now holds the 
office of City Attorney. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Mitts, of Port Huron, December 29, 1879. 
They have two children — George Elliott and Rae. 

HAR.MON L. STEVENS, is a native of New York State, and was born in Genesee County. He came to 
Michigan in 1843, and settled at Romeo, where he engaged in the general mercantile business with Mr. 
Mallory, the firm being Stevens & Mallory, and afterward II. L. Stevens. Three years later he came to Port 
Huron, and arrived here November 30, 1846. and engaged in the grocery and provision trade. He carried on 
the business about fifteen years. In April, 1849. he was elected Justice of the Peace, and since then, for a 
period of one-third of a century, he has held that office. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors con- 
tinuously for about twent}' years, and also a member of the School Board for many years. There are few 
citizens of Port Huron who have been more activel_v identified with its interests in an official way than Mr. 
Stevens. He is emphatically a self-made man, and after he was ten j'ears of age. never had but 35 cents but 
what he earned himself. His mother died during his infancy, and his father broke up when he was only 
eleven years of age. He learned a trade and received $25 the first year, |30 the second year aiul $35 the 
third year. His success in life is the result of his own efforts. Mr. Stevens married Miss Jfaria L. Mitchell, 
of Genesee County, N. Y., Ma_y 4. 1841. They have one son, Herman W., now Judge of the Circuit Court, 
and two daughters". Mary E. d'ied December 23. 1881; Rose M. died September 9, 18.54. 

HERMAN W. STB'VENS, Judge of the Circuit Court, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Romeo, 
Macomb County, November 4. 1844. His parents came to Port Huron in 1840, and he grew up and attended 
school here, and then entered the State University at Ann Arbor, and graduated in the class of 1866. He 
studied law and graduated from the law department of the State University in 1868. He engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession here and continued until April, 1881, when he was elected .Judge of the Circuit for six 
years. He held the office of City Attornev, and for four years served as Circuit Court Commissioner. Judge 
Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Bishop, a native of Flint, Mich. They have four children — 
Mary, Rose, Leroy, Walter. 

CAPT. HUGH STE'VENSON, is a native of London. Canada, and was born September 33, 1853. He 
began sailing when only fourteen years of age on the schooner Moselle, and since then, for the past sixteen 
years, has been in the marine service, and has sailed Captain of the Kate Moffatt, and now has command of 
the Sweepstakes. Capt. Stevenson married Miss Mary B. McArron, of this city, November 4, 1879. They 
h.ave one daughter, Julia Adelia. 

ALEXANDERSTEWART, of the Wolverine Dry Dock, isanativeof Greenock. Scotland, and was born Sep- 
tember 31. 1837. His parents came to the United States in 1846. He learned his trade in Ogdensburg. N. Y., 
and came here in 1857, and was foreman Grand Trunk Ferry. In 1860, they established their present busi- 
ness, and built the ferry boat Larina, and since then has carried on the business here, and have built at their 
dock thirty-seven propellers, vessels, tugs and ferry boats, and have done a leading business in ship-building 
hen;. Mr! Stewart was united in marriage, November 21, 1863, to Miss Lucy Pajme. a native of Scotland. 
They have two children, one son. James, one daughter, Mary. 

CHARLES F. STEWART, of the Wolverine Dry DoiMc, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born 
in Port Huron July 15, 18,54. He is a .son of the late William Stewart, one of the e.arly settlers, and a promi- 
nent business man. He grew up and attended school here, and spent two years in school in Detroit, taking 
a commercial course. He entered his father's hardware store, and remained there seven years. Since 1880; 
has been connected with the Wolverine Dry Dock, engaged in ship-building. He was united in marriage, 
November 2, 1875, to Miss Frank M. Moffat, a native of this city, and daughter of Capt. James MotTat. They 
liave two children— William James and Cecil Fay. 

WILLIAM STEWART, deceased, was born in Ernestowu. County of Frontenac, Canada, April 30, 1837. 
He received a common school education, and learned the trjuie of tinsmith, in Kingston. After completing 
his trade he came to Port Huron, arriving here in 1847 with a $3.50 gold piece and an indomitable will as his 
sole capital, and commenced business. He entered into partnershi|i with David McCall; this only lasted one 
year. He afterward fcmned a partnership with John Miller, which only lasted one year. In 1863, he built 
the store now occupied by Carleton, Stewart & Co., whicli was then the finest and largest hardware store in 
Michigan, into which he removed his stock. January 1. 1807, he associated with himself as partners, Peter B. 
Sanborn .and Ezra C. Carleton, and for ten years the firm was known as William Stewart & Co. He then re- 
tired from active participation in business, but remained a special partner in the firm of Sanborn, Carleton & 
Co. During his active business life he was an efficient member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. He was 
known as an active, aggressive, successf\d business man. He was a generous-hearted man, who never 
turned the poor or hungry away from his door, and seldom refused to contribute of his wealth to any char 
table object. He was emphatically a self-made man, and possessed a wonderful sagacity in business mat- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU. COUNTY. 597 

tcrs. At the time of his (icatli lie was hni^i'lv interested in t lie I'orl lluidn H.-iilr(.:ui Cnmpaiiy, nnd also ;i 
memberof the Wolverine Dry l)oel< ("'oiniiaiiv. Slartinj; as a yoiiiij; Mian with limilecl capital, lie soon Iniill 
up a profitable and sueeessl'urtrade. and thiongh all tlio vieissitudes of business life since that time has passed 
unsciithed. always paying dollar for dollar without borrowini; or extension. During the panic of ln.")7, which 
ruined thousands of business nun tlirouginuU the country, he was able to meet every obligation promptly 
at maturity. Having such an enviable record, he was well and favorably known throughout this section 
of the St.a'tc. In public enterprises he was alway.s at the front, advocating all expenditures necessary to 
build np and improve the citv. The onlv public oflice that he accepted was a member of the Board of 
Estimates. Mi-. Stewart was united in niiirriage August 'Jri. 18");?. 1,0 Miss Mary .1. Follensbee, only living 
child of .loseph F. ;ind Lucv D. Follensbee. who came to St. Clair County in l^:!!. and were among the 
early settlers here. Mr. Stew-art's death occurred February 3, 1881. His wife and three children survive him 
—(Charles F.. AVilliam E.. Mrs. (Jeo. H. Crane, :\It. Clemens. 

WILLIAM E. STEWART, of the tirm of Carleton, Stewart & Co., hardware ilealcr.s, is a son of the late 
William Stewart, Esi|., an old settler, and founder of the present business house of Carleton, Stewart (V Co. 
He is a native of St. Clair County, and was liorii in Fort Huron February T, 1859. He attended school here, 
completing his education at Racine. Wis., and then entered his father's store. He became a jiarlner in the 
business and member of the lirm of Carleton, Stewart it (•(). September 13, 1881, Mr. Stewart was united in 
marriage .lanuarv 'Jtl, 188'i, to Miss Annie JI. (iolda. of tlirs eitv. 

CAI'T. W. W. STEWART, master of the \V. W. Stewart," is a native of St. Clair County, and was born 
on "Harsen's Island," Clav Township, .luly ','1), 1847. He is a son of John II. and Maria Harsen Stewart. 
Francis Harsen, the grandfather of ('apt. Stewart, was the interpreter for the French and Indians during the 
war, and Ilarsen's Island was given liim and has always had his name. Capt. Stewart began sailing when 
sixteen years of age, on the schooner Kmma. He sailed on the barque Board of Trade, the H. C. Winslow, 
the Citv of the Straits, the R. C. Crawford, and sailed mate of the Swcejistakes. He then sailed as Captain 
of the Kate Molfatt three years and the John M.-irtin. Was with Ihe (iraiid Trunk Ferry Line, and for two 
years was with the ferrv line of Kunncls A; Molfatt, and since then has sailed as master and is |)arl owner of 
the barge W. W. Stewart. Ileliasla'cn in the marine service over twenty years. Capt. Stewart married 
Miss Kittie Cliouls Seiitcmber Ki. 1873. She is a native of the city of Detroit. 

C. B. STOCICWIOLL, phvsician and surgeon, is a native of tlic State of Pennsylvania, and was born in 
the town of Friendsville ^^ay' .j, [8'A. His jiarents came to Fort Huron the same year. His father. Dr. C. M. 
Stockwell. has for many years been one of the leading physicians in lliis section of the State. The boyhood 
of Dr. Stockwell was speiit in Port Huron. .Vfter attending school here he entered ulivet College, and grad- 
uated in I87H. For two years he taii.nht in the schools here.' He then entered the Harvard Jledical School, 
taking a thri'c years' eoiirsc. and graduated in 1878. He afterward took a post graduate course, and since 
tlien has been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine here. He was chosen Sei-rctary of Ihe St, 
Clair, Sanilac and Lapeer County Medical Societies. Dr. Stockwell has given much attention to the study 
and cultivation of music, and for the past three years has been musical director of the Fort Huron Jlusical 
Society, 

C. M. STOCKWELL. M. D.. born in Colesville, Broome Co.. \. V., June 20. 18i3. Educated at Oxford 
Academy, following which he taught at dilTcrent times in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Studied medicine in 
Binghainton. N. Y.', graduating from Berkshire .Medical CoUe.ge. Pittsliehl, Mass., in IS.'iO. After practicing 
one year in Pennsylvania-, removed to Port Iluron, itich.. in i.'^.")l, where he has since resided. At that early 
day. he fmind his chosen profession one entailing considerable hardship and exposure, as he was freiiuently 
required to ride forlv and even sixty miles. Dr. Stockwell is now the oldest iirac-titioner in the county, and 
still actively engaged. He is well identitied with the profession of the State, has twice liecii the President of 
the State Medical Soi-iety, several times the executive of the Xortheastern Medical and Seienlitic Association, 
and likewise a Regent of the Stale Fniversity for some years 18li4 to |87l. With Ihe outbreak of the civil 
war he was voluntarily tendered a eommission by Cov. Blair, and succeeded to the Surgeoncy of the 
Twcnty-.seventh Infantry; sulisei|ueiilly was Acting Assistant Surgeon at Fort Gratiot, and is now United 
Slates "Pension Sur!reon,"a position !i<' has tilled for twenty years. He was married at Bainbrid.go. X. Y.. Oc- 
tober 21, 184."), to Miss Clarissa C. Stoekwell. a native of t'hat vill.age, the union being crowned by live chil- 
dren, of wliom the following are living : G. A., Charlie B., both physicians, and the latter associated with 
his father; Clara Y. and .Martha I-;. 

CHARLES E. STl'ABT. proprietor of Si uarl House, is a native of Scotland, and -\vas born August 20, 
1833. He came to Canada in IS."):!, and lived there until I8(ir>, when he came to Mi(-hig;in. He came to Port 
Iluron in 1873, and since tlicii, for the past nine years, lias been engaged in the hotel business, and since 187!) 
has been in his present location. He owns this "hotel, and also owns a farm in Sanilac County. In is.")il. he 
married Mi.ss Margaret Cheeseman, of St. Catharines, Canada. They have eight children— AVilliani A., Tlioni 
as J.. Cordelia A.. ElUn J., Charles E., Collin IL. Edith R. and Maud M. 

ELI SW.VRTOUT. Assistant Engineer of City Water Works, is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born April 22. 1>I38. in the villagi- of Algonac. Ai'ti-r reaching manhood he began sailing, and for twenty-two 
years was Chief Engineer on the great Xorthwesleni laki-s and rivers. In 1880, he was appointcil Assistant 
"Engineer of the City Water Works, and since then has held tlial position. He Is one of the oldest nalive- 
born citizens of St. 'Clair County now livinLT here. He was united in marria.ire December 18, ISfiT, to Miss 
Katie A. Traphairan. of Oaklan'il Connlv, Mich., who was born August 31, 1847. They have two sons— Edgar 
J., born June 2li,' 18(i9, and William ('., "liorn Xovember 18. 1878. 

N. B. SWEET, (-arpenter and builder, is a native of Canada, and was born June 12. 1847. lie grew up 
and learned his trade there, and came to Port Huron in ISfiO. and began working at Ihe furniture trade. Ho 
afterward engaged in the business, and carried it on for .some years. He then enga.^ed in building. In 1871, 
he married Miss Eliza Holt, a native of Canada. They have three children— Irwin E., Lillie B. and 
Myrtle B. 



598 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

CHARLES F. TAYLOR, dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware, is a native of New Yorlc State, and 
was born in Erie County September 17. ISU). He was Iirouglit up and received liis education in tliat State. 
He tlien entered a store in tLie city of Bultalo. and was connected witli the hardware business tliere for eight 
years. He came to Port Huron in 188t) and establislied his present bu.siness, and is building up a large and 
successful trade. Mr. Taylor married Miss Carrie Lapey, from Niagara Falls, N. Y. They have one daugh- 
ter — Winnifred. ^ 

GEORGE TEBO, Captain of the steamer Saginaw, is a native of Port Huron, and was born in 1845 ; 
when si.xteen years of age, he began sailing on tlie lakes. One year after, he enlisted. March 11, ISdi, in the 
First Regiment Michigan Sharpshooters, under Col, DeLand, and served three years ; after his return from 
the service, he went on the lakes, and since tlien has been in the marine service. He was master of the pro- 
peller Neptime three years, and master of propeller Elmira one season ; then bought an interest in a feny- 
boat and ran it between one and two years, when it burned ; he is now sailing the second year as master of 
the Saginaw. Capt. Tebo married Miss Adele Faille, of this city, September 20. 180(> ; they have two chil- 
dren — Albert A. and Freddie G. 

E. THOMPSON, retired, is a native of Seneca County. N. Y., and was born March 4. 1818 ; when seven- 
teen years of age. he went to Ballston Springs, and learned the trade of tanner and currier. In March, 1836, 
he came West to Detroit for the purpose of looking for land for himself, Thomas Alcott, Cashier of Albany 
Bank, Gov. Marcy, of New York, and others ; two years later he came to St. Clair County, in 1838, and en- 
gaged in the tanning business at Wadhams. In the spring of 1843, his tannery was iiurned, and a few 
months later he came to Port Huron, and l)oughl tiftv acres of land, finely located on St. Clair River, where 
he now lives, then away out of town, l)ut now within the city limits, and started a taunerj^ and successfully 
carried on the tanning business until 1S70, when his l)usiness was again destroyed b}' fire. Pie afterward en- 
gaged in the fm'niture business, and established a good trade. His son William succeeded to the business 
during the present year. He has been prominently identified with the Congregational Church since its organ- 
ization. In 1841, he was united in marriage to ^Irs. .lane M. Greenfield, formerly Miss Jane Bett\'S. a native 
of Saratoga County, N. Y. She came to Port Huron in 1834, and located on the same place where they now 
live, and has lived there forty-nine years. They have six children, five sous and one daughter— Charles, 
living in Alpena ; William, engaged in furniture liusiness here; Montgomery, Chicago ; George Iloyt ; Ella, 
now 3Irs. W. E. Rodders, of Alpena. Mrs. Tliompson has one daughter, Frances Greenfield, now Mrs. A. C. 
Sloan, of this city; Horace CTreenfield, living in Lee Countv, 111. 

WILLIA:M Thompson, furniture dealer, is a native of St. Clair County, Mich., and was born in Port 
Huron Sei)tember 5, 1845, and grew up and received his education here. During the war. he enlisted and 
served in the Third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantrj-. After his return from the service, he went to 
Northern Illinois and located at Dixon, and afterward at Warren : was also engaged in lumljer, grain and 
stock business in Iowa. In March, 1883, he engaged in his present business, which was established by his 
father in 1875. . He carries a large stock of furniture, and has the leading trade. Mr. Thompson was united 
in marriage January 1, 1874, to Miss Evelyn Piatt, daughter of Judge Piatt, of Warren, Jo Daviess Co., 111., 
an old settler and an honored citizen of that countv ; Mr. and ^Irs. Thompson have two children — Nathan 
Piatt and Edith Evelyn. 

J. AY. THOMSON, Agent of the Lake Superior Trau.sit Company, was born in Scotland April 6, 1817. 
He emigrated to this country in 1841. He came here in the spring of 18.52, and was purser and clerk of the 
steamer Ruby. At tliat time, there was no means of communication with the outer world, only liy the steamers 
Ruby and Pearl, except by stage. In 1854 and 1855, these boats were replaced b3' two large boats, the For- 
rester and the Forest Queen. Mr. Thomson was connected with the boats until 18.38. Was appointed agent of 
the Ward Line, and held that position until 186SI, and then went to Detroit, and was appointed agent there of 
the Lake Superior Steamboat Company. He returned to Port Huron and took the agency here of the Lake 
Superior Transit Company, and is also agent for the Union Steamboat Companj', the Western Transportation 
Company, and llie S.aginaw Transportation Company, and transacts a large business. Mr. Thompson held 
the oltice of Deputy Collector of Customs here during President Lincoln's administration, and a part of 
Johnson's, and is now a memlier of the Board of Education. 

HARRY TRAVER, of the firm of E. G. Spalding & Co., insurance agents, is a native of Rochester. N. 
Y., and was born December 24. 1845. His parents came West to Michigan in 1847, and he grew up and re- 
ceived his education in this State. During the war, he enlisted as private in Company G. Third Regiment 
Michigan Infantry ; promoted to Second and First Lieutenant, acting as Adjutant when regiment came home. 
After the close of the war, he came to Port Huron, and was ajipointed by Col. Atkinson to a position in the 
Custom House, and remained there eleven years, when he resigned and associated with E. G. Spalding in in- 
surance. He has the active management of the business, and their agency includes all of the oldest and best 
fire, marine and life companies. Mr. Traver was united in marriage December 14, 1868, to Miss Marie Louise 
('rellin. of Port Huron ; they have had two children, neither of whom survive. 

PETER S. TRESE. of the firm of Trese \' Smith, dealers in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Cana- 
da ; was liorn October 30, 1852 ; during his boyhood, he worked on a farm, and during the winters worked at 
lumbering; be came to Port Huron in 1,S79, and was in his brother's market, where he learned his business; 
he receiilly engaged in business witli his present partner, and they are having a good trade. 

PIIILO TRUESDELL, proprietor of the Port Huron Marble Works, is a native of Indiana, and was born 
May 27. 1853. In early bo.vhood removed to Canada, and grew up there and in New York State. He came 
to -Mieliigan. and was connected with the hardware and agricultural implement business for eight years at 
Howell, Ijivingston Co. He came to Port Huron in 1877, and learned his present business, and in L880 en- 
gaged in liusiness for himself. He deals in all kinds of marble and granite and slate and marble mantels and 
grates, and cut building stone ; emplo3's ten men, and lias built up a good trade in this section of the State. 
Mr. Truesdell was united in marriage July 17. 1873, to Miss Helen M. Axtell, from Howell, Livingston Co., 
Mich. They have two children— Nina A. and Walter R. 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. CJ.AIK COUNTY. o99 

GEORGE E. TWISS. Deputy Colloctor of Customs, is :i nativi- of Ireland, ami wa.s born in 1S:!7. His 
parents came to Port Hiinni in ISIS, anil he j;rew up and att<'nded selmol here. In ISTO. he was api)ointed 
Deputy Colleetor Customs, and since then for the past twelve years has held that position. lu De(^ember, 
186;i, he was united in marriasje to Miss Kittio M. Taylor, from Mount Clemens, Oakland County, Mich. 

JOHN W. TWIS.'^, auctioneer and dealer in clothin.s;, notions, fancy i^oods and jewchy, is a native of 
Ireland, and was born in 1S40. His parents came to the United States in 1845, and came lo Port Huron in 
1848. His father engao'cd in business here and continued in trade until his death, winch occurred in August 
of tlie present year. John \V. entered his father's store during boyhood, and has been engaged in business 
for the past twenty years. He is an auctioneer, and buys stocks of goods, and sells at auction, and has a 

food trade. In 1870, he married Miss Adelaide King, a native of Indand. They have si.\ children — Ijilly, 
Idward, Willie, May. .Vddie, Pearl. 

OSWALD UNt.iER. manufacturer and dealer in guns, pistols and lishing tackle, was born in Saxony, 
Germany, April 23, 1830; grew up and learned his trade there; emigrated to America May Ki, 18.')4, and came 
to Michigan. Keached Port Huron July 5, lS,"i(.); began working at his trade, and since then for the past 
twenty-si.\ years has carried on the business here. He married Miss .Mary Wolfe, from Prussia, June 29, 18.56, 
in Milwaukee. They have six children — Louise, J\dia, Anna. Herman, Olio and Mai'y; have lost three chil- 
dren — Adolf, Henry and Oscar. He l)idongs to the Order of Knights of Pythias and Ihe (ierman Aid Society. 

REV. F.VTHER E. \'AN L.VUWK, pastor, is a native of Belgium, and was born in Ihe city of (Jhent. 
October 13, 183(i. His early education in Latin was received at the college of St. P.arbe, Ghent, iinder direc- 
tion of the Jesuit Fathers. In 18.58, h.aving decided to enter the ministry in the United States, he entered the 
American oolle.ge of Louvain, devoted himself to the sludy of tlie English langua.uc, and pursued his phil- 
osophical and tlieological studies in the famous University of Louvain; was ordaini'd jiriesl liy His Eminence 
Cardinal Sterks. of Malines, Helgiuni. July 2(i, ISIJ-'. ;ind the same _year received his diploma as Haccalaureus 
in theolo.gy from the liand of Monseigneur de Ram, then Rector Magnilicus of the University. In September 
of the same year, he stiirled for .\merica and arrived in Detroit Noveinl)er 22, lSt;2, and was first assigned to 
the cathedral in that city; after (uie ye;ir, commenced a new mission in Lenawee County, where he resided 
in Clinton, and organized three other missions there, and built and comjileted churches there. He came to 
Port Huron March 13, bSliT, and since then has had charge of his present pastorate. 

MRS. WILLI.Vil II. V.\RNEY. whose maiden name was j\Iiss Mary E. Hoffman, is a native of Sara- 
toga County, N. V. Her father, Thomas J. Hoffman, was a native of Dutchess County. N. V., and her 
mother. Fannie J. Ilotfman, w;is a native of Saratoga County, the same State. They were brought up there 
and married in Saratoga Couiih'. Mr. llolVman engaged in lumbering at the foot of the .Adirondacks; estab- 
lished saw mills and operated tlii'in, and carried on an extensive luisiness for many years. He l)ecame linan- 
cially embarrassed and was obliged to suspeniL after his failure he removed to western part of the Slate; 
while living there, the death of his wife occurred at Port Byron. She was a devoted wife and mother, a 
devout Christian woman, beloved l).v all who knew her. IMrs. Varney received her education in New York 
State, at Syracuse. She came to Port Huron with her brother, Wesley L.. in 1855; her elder brother, John 
M., havin.g preceded them here several years previous. She came to ('iiga.ge in teaching, and was connected 
with the schools Iumi- four years and a half; then went East to accept a position in the .Vdams School, in the 
city of Boston, and held that position two years and a half; and was then united in marriage Januarv 1, 1862, 
to William II. Varney. a native of Woffboro, N. H. He went lo Boston during his early boyhood; 
received his education there and studied naval architecture, taking a four years course, after completing his 
profession. He was ajipointed .\ssistant Naval .Vrchitect. in the Government servici^ in 186!), and was after- 
ward promoted to the position of Naval .Vrchitect, and now holds that position at the Norfolk Navy S'ard, 
Va. ; while in the So\ith. at Peiisacohi. he was superintendent of the naval reserved timber lands. Mr. Varney 
has published a standard work on naval ship-buildin.g. Mr. and Mrs. N'arney have one son — William W., now 
entering;- colle.ge. 

GEORGE P. VOORHEIS, attorney at law, is a native of Oakland County, Mich, and was born Au- 
gust 20, 1848. He received his education in this Slate, and graduated in classical course at the State Univer- 
sity in 1872. Studied law and graduated in the law department in 1874. After completing his law studies, 
went to Lansing and was Clerk for Hon. Isaac Marston, .Vttorney General of the Slate, and now on Ihe Su- 
preme' bench. He was Clerk of Ihe Judiciary Committee, Legislature in 1873, and during Ihe e.xtra session of 
1874. Mr. V^oorhcis came lo Port Huron Ihe following year, and was associaled with .\. E. Chadwick in the 
practice of law until October, 1877. In November, 1S77, he associated with Frank \Vliip|)le, and they were 
together until April, 1881, and since then .Mr. Voorheis has been alone in the practice of his profession. He 
received his nomination for Prosecuting Attorney of the county at the recent Repulilican convention, Mr. 
Voorheis was imited in marria.se May 14, 1874, to Mi.ss Anna Burton Boyce, of Yjisilanti, Mich. They 
graduated to>jrelher at the Union School at that city, in 1868. Thev have four children — Ethel A., George B.. 
Priscilla Ray and Paul D. 

J. R. W.VDSW'OK TH. Superintendent Port Huron i.V: Northwestern Narrow (iauge Railroad, is a native 
of Westmoreland County. Penn.. and was born February 13. 1843. When only sixteen years of age, he entered 
the emplo}- of the Pennsylvania Railroad; when the war broke out he enlisted and served nine months in the 
One Hundred and Si.xty-ei.irhlh Pennsylvania Re.giment Volunteer Infantry .and afterward re-enlisli'd for three 
years and served in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteer Infantry, and served until thebaltleof the 
Wilderness, where he was wounded; upon his return from tlie service, he resumed his position with tho rail- 
road again, and reimiined with that company fourteen years; then resigned and took < harge of the freight 
business of narrow gauge railroad in Pennsylvania, and occupied thai position five years, ;ind on July 1, 1S80, 
was appointed Superintendent of the Port Hinon i Northwestern Railroad, and since then has held that posi- 
tion. While living in Pennsylv:inia he held town oflices. and was a member of the School Board for man}' 
years. Mr. Wadsworth was united in marriage to Miss JIary J. Fowler, a native of Penn.sylvania. .Septe m- 



600 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ber 13. 186(). The}' have six children — three sons — Harry W., Hall McL. and Frank O. ,and three daughters — 
Nellie Grace, Blanche May. Nettie. 

ELI K. WHEELER, of the firm of Henry Howjird ifc Co., manufacturers and dealers in lumber, is a 
native of the State of Maine, and was born April 37, 18i5. He attended school in that State, and lived there 
until 1864; then went to the State of Pennsylvania, and the following _vear, in April, came to Port Huron; 
entered the employ of his uncle, L. B. AVheeler. inspecting timber, and remained with him nine years; then 
engaged in the same business on his own account. In 1877, he removed to Bay City, and for four years was 
extensively engaged at East Tawas in Shipping lumber. In .lanuar}' of the present year, he returned to 
Port Huron and liccame a member of the firm of Henry Howard £ Co., manufacturers of lumber. Mr. 
Wheeler has had a large practical experience in inspecting timber. There are few men in the business better 
known in the SaginawA'alley and to the lumber trade in Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland and Buffalo. He is fre- 
quentl}' called upon to arliitrate differences and is recognized as authority in all matters pertaining to the 
inspection of logs and timber. Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Angle Spalding, a native 
of Port Huron. Her parents are among the oldest settlers now living here, Mr, and Mrs. Wheeler have 
three sons — Clement C., Edwin B.. Rolla. 

M. WALKER, hydraulic engineer, is a native of Canada, and was born July 5, 1835. His parents were 
natives of Vermont. " They came here during his boyhood. He entered a machine shop to learn the machin- 
ist's trade, and afterward engaged in building steam engines and setting up machinery in saw mills and 
bridge building. In 18.57, he engaged in the jewelry trade, and carried on the leading business here for over 
twent}' vears, and during this time was engaged in building machinery. He has given tlie study of hydraul- 
ics a great deal of time and attention. In 1873, he built the water works for the city of Port Huron, and for 
the past six years has served as member of the Board of Water Commissioners, and had charge of the Vol- 
unteer Fire Department for ten years. Three years ago, he invented Walker's System of Water AVorks, and 
for the past three years has built and put them in fourteen towns and villages. In 1859, he married Miss 
Mary E. lunes, a native of Wayne Count}', Mich. They have two children — one son, Herbert A., now liv- 
ing in Denver, Colo., and one daughter. Alma D., at home. 

JOSEPH WALKER, Superintendent of Port Huron Gas Works, is a native of Ireland, and was born 
February 4, 1841. He emigrated to this country in 18")6, and went to Missouri, and learned his business in 
St. Louis, He has had a large experience in manufacturing and managing gas works. He was Superintend- 
ent of gas works at Slireveport, La., three years. He came to Port Huron in 1873, and since then, for the 
past ten years, has had charge of tho works here. He has served as member of the Board of Health, and has 
been a member of the Board of Water Commissioners for the past six years. Mr. Walker married Miss^Mary 
Wright, of Minneapolis, Jlinn. 

L. W. WALLACE, dealer in clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods, is a native of Scotland, 
and was born Januar.y 13, 1843. After reaching manhood, he came to the United States in 1864, and two 
years later came to Port Huron and engaged in his present business. He has built up a good trade, dealing 
in clothing, hats and caps, and gents' furnishing goods. He was united in nuirriage to Jliss Christine Bunt- 
in", of Niagara. September 5, 1873. They have one daughter — Grace Bimting Wallace. 

" AVILLIAil WANLESS. foreman of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad Shops, is a native of Canada, 
and was born in Montreal September 38, I.SS."). He learned his trade there. After reaching manhood, he 
went to Chicago in 1857, and worked in the car shops of the Chicago & Galena Railroad two years. He then 
went South to Memphis, and worked in the shops of the Jlemphis & Charlestown Railroad until the war 
broke out; then came North. In 1863, he came to Port Huron, and since 1876 has been in the car shops of 
the Chicago ct Grand Trunk Railroad, and for the past three years has held his present position of foreman. 
He has served as raemlier of the City Council, and was elected Ward Collector. In 1867, he married Miss 
Eliza Gain, of London, Ontario, Canada. They have two children — George and Susie. 

C. A. SVARD, President of the Commercial Bank, is a native of Battle Creek, Mich., and was born Octo- 
ber 11, 1849. He attended school there and then entered Racine College, where he completed his education. 
After reaching manhood, he engaged in the grain trade at Battle Creek. He came to Port Huron in 1877, 
and btiilt the Grand Trunk elevator, and was engaged in the grain and elevator business until October, 1881. 
Upon the organization of the Commercial Bank he was elected President, and since then has held that posi- 
tion. Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Belle Hinman. of Battle Creek, Mich., October 15, 1875. 
They have one daughter — Anabel. 

OWEX WARD, farmer. Section 30, P. O. Mar3'sville, is a native of Ireland, and was born August 1, 1827, 
and emigrated to the United States in 1854, and came to this county the same year and worked in the saw- 
mill. W'as in the employ of Judge Bunce seven years. In 1862, he bought land and made a farm, and since 
then has been engaged in farming. He owns a good farm of sixty acres. In 1853, he married Aliss Ann 
Masterson, a native of Ireland ; they have four children — John Francis, Catharine, Mary, Peter. Mr. Ward 
has given his children good educational advantages. His daughters are both- engaged in teaching, and his 
youngest son is now attending school, and all of them are given to studying. 

WILLIAM WASTELL, druggist, is a native of England, and was" born in the city of London May 21, 
1830 ; his father, Rev. William P. Wastell, is a Congregational minister. William came to Port Huron in 
1854, and for one year was in the employ of W. H. B. Dowling. He afterward associated with Dr. C. M. 
Stockwell, and engaged in the drug business, and afterward bought the interest of Dr. Stockwell, and since 
then has successfully carried on the business in his present location. It is the first exclusive drug business 
established in Port Huron. Mr. Wastell was one of the incorporators of the street railroad, and is the only 
one now living. He has never been an office seeker, btit has been actively identified with the interests of the 
city. Mr. Wastell was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Gillett, of this city, and a native of Vermont ; they 
have two sons— John G. and Frederick William. 



I 



niSTOin' OF ST. CLAIl! corx'PY. Ml 

JOSHUA L. \V"ELL>[AN. carpcnlcr ;ui(l joiiuT, is a native of OaUlaml County. Mich., and wa.s horn Maj- 
28, 1826 ; lie j^rew up there and in Canada, and learned his trade over there, (.^anie to Port Huron in 18<iy, 
and since then has been euga.ncd in huililini;. His father and grandfather were both early .settlers in this 
State. While living in Canada, he h<dd the otiice of Deputy Sherilf. and HailllT of the Division Courts, and 
was commissioned IJeuteuant of the ndlitia. In 184'.l, he married Miss Martha Tuck, a native of Kngland ; 
they have four children — Clara. Kli/a .lane, Marv and J<'annie. 

FREDKKICK LTDFOAV WELI.S was born'in Stamford, Dutchess Co., N. Y., March 2-1, 1833. He was 
the only sou of .lolin a[id Jane Wells, and came with liis parents and two sisters to Port Huron when he was 
five years old, and it has l)een his home ever since. . Being of a somewhat delicate constitution, he was n(tver 
kept closeh' confined in schools or business while growing. Good tutors were employed, however, and he re- 
ceived more than a conunon school education. He had a taste for higher malhematics and the Languages, 
and no pains or expense were spared to give him and his sisters that which could be obtained without .sending 
them away from home. As he grew ohl enough, he assisted in his father's store, and at nineteen h.ad charge 
of the books in Fish's store. When twenty-one. his father built a mill, .and took him into business with him, 
and that has been Mr. Wells' legitimate occu]).ition since, although he has always been more or h^ss interest- 
ed in vessel matters, carrying that business on entirely on his own rcsiionsibility. ISy his indomitable ener- 
gy, rare business i|uali(icalions. and, above all, liy his pure integrity, lu' early commanded the entire respect 
and conlidence of tli(! comniunity, and won a reputation which neither time nor adverse circumstances have 
detracted from, one wlut. In iiolilies, he has alway.s been a stanch and active Republican, and, for many 
years, in spite of dislike for in)toriety, he was fairly forced to the front, and has tilled a good many ofliciiil 
positions. In 185.") and again in 18.")7. he was elected to the office of Village Recorder. In bSoO and the two 
following years, he held the oIKce of City Clerk. He was Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. In I8()2 
and in lS(i3 was chosen Mayor of llie city — a ver_v trying and ditllcult position to till, as it was dui-ing the 
heat of the war, and the lime when it was necessary to draft soldiers. He also held the offic(; of .\lderman 
for throe terms of two ^years each— .so that he was city officer for thirteen years. In 1M70, 'Mr. Wells was 
elected to represent the Second District of St. Clair County in the State Legislature. In 18T2 and .igain in 
1874, he was elected Slate Senator, which offices he tilled with marked ability, and to the entire satisfaction 
of his coiistitm'nts. He was a member of th(^ Standing Committees of the Senate — Lumber Interests, Asvlum 
for Deaf and Dumli and Blind, and State Capitol and Public Buildings, being chairman of the first-named 
during his lirst term in the Senate. In his secoml, he was Chairman of the Committee on Railroads, and of 
the Asylum for Deaf. Dumli aiul Blind, and a member of other important committees. I le performed his 
duties there as cdsewhere. cand'ully. judiciously ami faithfully, without fear or favor. Mr. Wells has also, 
since old enough, taken great interest in Freemasonry, having there, also, held manv important offices, and 
taken all the degrees to the S. P. R. S., thirty second degree of the A. Si A. Scottish Rite. He was Wor- 
shipfid Master of Port Hiu'on Loiige, Xo. .")8, for five years. High Priest of Huron Chapter Royal Arch Masons 
for two years, and Eminent Commander of the P(n-t Hiu-(ni Commandcry of Knights Templar eight 3'ears. 
Positively declining to hold the positicm any longer, and receiving upon his retirement a most superb Emi- 
nent Conuuander's jewel. ".Vs a token of the respect and affection of his brother Sir Knights, and a pledge 
of their aliprcciatioii of his fair and faithful discharge of the duties api>crtaining to the office he h.-id held so 
long, and from whicli they were sorry to lose him.'' In 1877, he was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs 
of this district, which office lie still holds. In 1S78, he and a few- of the enterprising townsmen conceived 
and proceeded to carry forward the .scheme of buililing a narrow gauge railro.id up into the district lying be- 
tween Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay, or wh.it is called "the tlmmliof the mitten," the ultimate result of 
which .scheme is the operating of that road from Port Huron to Sand Beach, and another from Port Huron to 
East Saginaw across tlie turn of the thumb, and still another branch in construction from a little below Sand 
Beach to Port Austin, the extreme end of the thumb, and yet another short road from INuM Huron soutliwc^st 
to Alniont, the Saginaw Division and the Sand Beach Division with the Port Austin Branch known .as the 
Port Huron A- Xortliwestern, and the Almont road as the Port Huron & Southwestern, all since consolidated 
into one company, the Port Huron & Northwestern Railway Company, with 218 miles of track. Mr. Wells 
was made at the organi/.alion of these enterprises Secretary and Trea"surer. which offices he still holds. In 
addition to all his other business, he has much real estate to look after for his mother and liims<'lf. Mr. 
Wells has always been a ]>ulillc spirited "liian, ready to do his full share to promote any enterprise which shall 
beuelit the town, and the nain<' of Wells is connected with every step in advance that has been made since 
Mr. John Wells arrived in the place. Mr. Wells has been sinc"e his youth an active and faithful member of 
Grace Episcopal Church, tilling the office of Warden several vears. aiidniany years Secretary. He is here, as 
elsewhere, liberal and thoughtful. On September 20. 18,59, Mr. Wells marrie'd Miss Hattie I. Hyde. a young 
lady whose social (|Ualities and fine educational attainments and accomplishments eminentl_v i|ualified for the 
position she was called upon to fill — that of wife to one who was so often in prominent places. lie built soon 
after his m.arriage a fine residence near his father's, which he and his wife still occupy. No children came to 
bless their home, but they have liecn kind anil helpful to many, and have one adopted daughter, a niece of 
Mrs. W'ells. Their home, with its ample grounds well kept, is one of the most attractive in ihe city, and its 
reputation for cheerfulness and hospitality is not excelled anvwhere 

JOHN WELLS was born in New Milford, Conn., June U), 17!»!l. He was the .son of Phillip and Eliza- 
beth Tomlinson Wells, and the youiigesl of nine children. When John was twelve y<^ars old, the family 
moved to Litchfield, Conn. The "father was a clothier, and snfflcienlly successful to enable him to bring up 
his familv in all comfort, and to give his children such education as the .sclio(ds of Ihe village afforded. In 
Litchfield, John altenclcd a school taught by the Rev. Truman jMarsh, rector of St. Michael's parish; when 
still quite a lad John retiirn<(l to New Milford and entered the store of Capt. Eli Todd, with whom he 
remaine<l until he was twenty-one. He then went to Augusta, Ga., in company with Hosea Webster and liLs 
wife, Mr. Wells traveling on horseback and Mr. Webster in his carriage, the twogeutlemen exelianging seals 



602 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

occa.sionally for a rest. Southern life and ways did not suit 3Ir. Wells, however, and after a year he returned 
North and located in New York City, conducting the dry goods business on his own account. After a few 
years he moved from there to New Paltz, then to Stamford. Dutchess County. While in the latter place, 
February, 1830, he married Jane Vanderburgh, of Beekman. same county. She was the eldest daughter of a 
wealthy' fanner, and had received all the advantages of a good education and refined society in New York 
City aiid Litchfield, which was then the center of learning. Mrs. Wells still has the notes she was required to 
take of the sermons she listened to of the Rev. L_\Tnan Beecher, who was then in his prime. In 1837, Mr. 
Wells and a friend came West prospecting. Port Huron and Chicago, at that time, gave about equal promise 
of becoming important cities. The natural advantages of Port Huron being a little the best, apparently, and 
that, with the fact that it was not quite so far from the old home, induced him to decide in favor of Port 
Hiu^on, to which place he removed in .September, 18-38. and where he continued to reside until his death, Sep- 
tember 2-5. 1867. Meantime, adverse influences threw Port Huron off the track of prosperity, and Chicago far 
more than realized all the brightest anticipations, and became a large and important city. 3Ir. Wells carried 
on the dry goods business until he was appointed Custom House Officer. He then gave up the store and sub- 
sequently built a mill and started in the lumber business, principally on account of his son. whom he wished 
to a.ssociate with himself in business, and whose health required a more active, out-door life, and this life 
seemed to suit himstlf as well. He was very greatly interested in the active lumbering operations of the pine 
woods and went up to his camp often, going even oftener than his son, dmlng the years that they cut their 
own logs. He caused the opening of roads through dense forests, for his logging purposes, that have since 
become public highways with broad, thrifty fields and cozy homes on either side, and a railroad intersecting 
them at many points, though this last improvement he did not live to see. His lumbering enterprise was 
very successful, as his mercantile life had been prosperous, so that ease and plenty surrounded his family, and 
a competency was left for his widow and only surviving child, the only son he ever had. Of his character, 
much might'be written: it was strong and positive, 3'et so well poised as to rarely come into conflict with any 
one; he believed in living and letting live: he interfered in no one's business, and brooked no interference in 
his own; he was always cheerful, never bringing his business perplexities or misfortimes into his home: his 
presence always gave additional brightness to the cheerful fireside, and his chiMren ever welcomed him with 
delight: he was also a great reader and passed most of his evenings by a bright wood fire, which he loved so 
well as to light it often in summer even, and with his stand drawn up in the chimney comer, and a light and 
a good book, he rarely failed to pass a part of everj- evening in the year. He was also very fond of a good 
story, and possessed a fund of them from which he drew often, and he told a good story inimitably; he was 
friendly and genial in his manner, charitable and generous to the needy. In physique he was of middle 
height with fair skin, blue eyes and dark hair; in his youth a handsome man, and always a man of fine pres- 
ence. In politics, he was a Whig From the organization of the Republican party, took a decided position in 
its favor. He never cared for office nor ever oc-cupied any but that of Village Trustee, and for quite a num- 
ber of years attended to the duties of Postmaster, and afterward was Custom House Officer for awhile. We 
feel that the pioneer ladies had about as hard a time as the men. and certainly Mrs. Wells deserves more than 
a passing mention. Born and reared in a luxurious home, and surrounded by the most generous and devoted 
affection, a favorite among a large circle of relatives and friends, it was no light thing for her to leave all this 
and go into the then far West, to put up with the privations and loneliness, the homesickness and longings 
that are inevitable to such characters; but she Came with her "husband and three little children, hardly daring 
to hope ever to return, for the journey occupied eleven days. Going to Fonda by rail, then by canal to Buf- 
falo, then up the great lake and rivers, and finding at last" only a liule hamlet with a few scattered houses. 
There were some pleasant people, however, and she determineti to make the best of circumstances and help 
all she could to improve affairs generally. They rented a house on what is now Military street, near the 
bridge, for the first year, while Mr. Wells bought land up Black River and built what has ever since been the 
home. It was the first house built in that direction, and was directly upon an Indian trail which the natives 
were loath to give up. and many an encounter had both Mr. and Mrs. Wells with them, though generally they 
were disposed to be friendly, unless interfered with. The nearness of Fort Gratiot was a great lielp in society 
matters and many warm friends did the family make among the officers and their families, and they, with the 
few cultivated families in the village created ii very pleasant society. , After a few years the railroad was com- 
pleted through to New York, and Mrs. Wells returned many times during the life of her parents, to the dear 
old home; but. having become identified with the growth of Port Huron, helping in its religious and social 
and intellectual progress, she became so strongly attached to it as to never have any desire to permanently 
return East. They never had but three children — the youngest. Caroline, a bright, lovable girl of eight years, 
died December 19, 1846. This was such an affliction as nearly to unsettle Mrs? Wells' reason for a time, but 
she recovered and went bravely on. In 18-57, May 21, the eldest child, Mary, married Lieut. W. A. Slaughter, 
and went, soon after, with him to Washington Territory, where he was ordered to defend the frontier from 
the Indians. Three years later, he was killed b}' an Indian while returning from a detour through the coun- 
try near Fort Steilacoom. Mrs. Slaughter then returned to her father's, where .she lived five years. She 
died January 3, 1862. Mrs. Wells still occupies the old home alone, her son having married and built a home 
for himself, just across the street, previous to the death of his father. 

B. H. WELTON, of the firm of Noble & Welton, fire, life and marine insurance agents, is a native of 
Geauga County, Ohio, and was born October 1, 184<i: grew up and received his education in that State: came 
to Port Huron in 1863, and engaged in grocery tr&de. "The firm was t". C. Welton & Co.. then White & Wel- 
ton; this firm was succeeded by Bostwick & \Velton. He was afterward engaged for some years in railroad 
ticket business. He associated" with L. S. Noble and engaged in insurance business, and the firm of Noble & 
Welton have the leading insurance business here. 

F. A. WEYERS, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of Germany, and was born October 2, 1830; 
emigrated to America in 1852; and the following year came to Port Huron; he established his present busi- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUN'TY. 603 

ness in 1854. and ha.« carried it on for the past twenty eight jears — a srreatcr length of time than any one else 
in the ?ame business except ilr. Saunders. Mr. Weyers carries a large stock of goods and has a larce estab- 
lished trade, and for some years has done the leading business here. He married Miss Emily Stoddard, of 
Xew York State. July 2-'. fS.>5. They have seven children — Anna M.. Juliette. Eleanor, Edith. Josephine. 
Franklin. Alice; have lost three children, two sons and one daughter. 

L. B. WHEELER, lumber and real estate dealer, is a native of Hancock County, Me., and was bom in 
the town of (Trcinfield. October -3. 1S19. He grew up and attended school there, and came to Michigan in 
October. lS-"i3. and located in Port Huron and engaged in lumbering, and since then for a period of about 
thirtv vears has been connected with that business a^d real estate interests. 

Edgar white. Postmaster, was born in Oneida County. X. Y.. October 3. 1S20, when only sixteen 
ye;u-s of age, in July. 1836, he came to Port Huron to look after lands which had been purchased by his father 
the year previous, on the south side of the river. He remained here only a short time, then returned East. 
He visited the West several times during the next ten years; in 1846. went to Ann Arbor, and three years later, 
in 1>49. came here to reside permanently, giving his attention to the improving of his father's property, and 
improved some 6lX' or SlK> acres of laud, andsince then has been identilied with the real estate business here. In 
18-5S. he was elected second Mayor of Port Huron: in 1S,j9. was elected Supervisor of the Second Ward, and 
for the last twenty years has represented that ward in the Board of Supervisors. He was President of the 
Port Huron & Lake Michigan RaUroad from l*iV>-71. and after its consolidation with the Peninsula Railroad, 
he was President of the Chicago «.t Lake Huron Railroad, until it went into the control of the Chicago vV Grand 
Trunk Railroad. In the spring of 1882, he was appointed to his present position— that of City (' " r: 

;n March, 1^83. he was appointed Postmaster at Port Huron. In IS-ii'. Mr. White married Miss A 
■f Ann Arbor. She died in 18(>il. leaving three children: in 1871. Mr. AVhite married ilrs. Gcv.-, .'■.,,,v:i. 
formerly Miss Jane Jones, of Ann Arbor. They h.ave one son — Frank J. 

JAEMS H. WHITE is a native of Xew York State, and was born in Whitesboro, Oneida County. April 
■J8. 1822. Having received an academic education, he was engaged in business in Utica from 1842 until 1844. 
when he removed to Ann Arbor, where he carried on mercantile business two years. In 1847, he returned to 
Xew York and located at Yonkers. remaining there two years. In 1849. he came to this county, and since 
then has been a resident of Port Huron, where his business ha.s been farming, real estate dealing, insurance 
and banking. In 18-54. he was elected Sheriff of St. Clair County, and re-elected in 1856 : served as Alder- 
man of the city four years : in 1867. he was appointed Special Deputy Collector of Customs for the District 
of Huron, and resigned in the fall of 1876: in 1878. he was elected one of the Board of Estimates of the 
city. Mr. White was a metnber of the House in 1S79. and was re-dlected in 1881. Mr. White has been act- 
ive'ly identified with the interests of the city and county and its material progress and growth for one-third 
of a centurv. 

FRED "WHITE, business manager of the estate of James W. Sanborn & Co.. is a native of the Stale of 
Maine, and came to Port Huron in 18-53. and for three years was book-keeper for Avery : after a short time. 
he engaged in lumber business. He entered the employ of James W. Sanborn January 1. 1865. and remained 
with him as book-keeper until his death, and since then has had the active management of the business of 
the estate. 

J- M. WHITE, artistic photographer, is a native of Genesee County. X. Y.. and was born May 24, 1837 : 
he grew up and learned his business in that State ; worked in Fredonia and Buffalo : opened a' saUery at 
Randolph, and put in the tirst skylight ever used in that section of the State. He came to Port^Iuron in 
1S69 and established his present business, giving special attention to line work in crayon, water colors and 
India ink : also does a great deal of viewing along the river and lakes. In 1864. Mr. White married Miss 
Marv ^\'heeler. of Randolph. X. Y.: they have two children— Clara and Xellie. 

Frank Whipple, attorney at laW. is a native of Grafton, Windham Co., Vt., and was born March 
7. 18:{s. When eisrht years of age. his parents moved to Saratoga Springs. X. Y., where he received his edu- 
cation. He came West to Michigan in 1S56. Upon the breaking-out of the rebellion he enlisted August 21. 
1861. in Company C. Berdan's First Regiment United States Sharpshooters, and served with the regiment un- 
til February. IStS^ : was tlien transferred to the First Regiment Michiffau Sharpshooters, and was commis- 
sioned Second Lieutenant, and promoted to First Lieutenant Company H. and servt-d until the expiration of 
his term of service; was wounded at the battle of Sjxittsylvania. After the war. came to Port Huron in 1866. 
studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1871. Two years later, he engaged in the practice of law, and 
since then has successfully practiced his profession here. He has held the office of Supervisor of the Sixth 
Ward and Alderman of the Second Ward. Mr. AVTiipple was united in marriage to >Iiss Abbie J. Riddle, of 
Beloit. Wis.. October 27. 1869 : they have four children — Benjimiin R.. Frank B.. Abigail and Mary. 

JOSEPH D. WHITNEY, owner and proprietor Pacilic House, corner Mt. Huron avenue and Butler 
street, is a native of the State of Maine, and was born at Lisbon Falls March 16. 1817. He came to St. Clair 
County and settled at Port Huron April 2.3. 1S54. After coming here, he put ntachinerv in a shingle mill, and 
engaged in lumbering for several years. In 1858, he built a hotel on corner opposite "Pacilic House, and run 
that lioiise four years; in 1862. bought the Huron House, and remained proprietor of that house until l87iX 
when he retired from business for some ^-ears. In 18St\ he bought the hotel property corner Huron avenue 
and Butler street, and enlarged it, and since then has been proprietor of the Pacitic House. Mr. Whitney 
has had a large practical experience a^ a landlord, and gives every part of his house his personal supervision. 
In January. 1859. he married Mrs. Margaret Masterson, a native of Monroe. Mich.: they have three children. 
Charles J.. Fred .\, and Jessie. Mr. Whitnev has one daughter by a former wife. 

F. M. WILCOX, cooper, is a native of >lichigan, and w;is liorn in Richmond, Macomb Count\-, May 22. 
1855. He learned his trade in Port Huron, and on the 1st of May the present year engageil in business for 
himself, and is building up a nice trade, and makes all kinds of work. He married Sliss Dora R. Leonard 
August 1, 1881 ; she is "a native of Canada. 



604 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

DAVID G. WILLIAMS, proprietor flour aud grist-mill, is a native of Michigan, and was born in St. Clair 
Count}' November 8. 1850, and grew up here ; engaged in lumbering and sading on the lakes. He engaged in 
the milling bu.siness in 1877, grinding flour and feed, and also has carding machinery for carding wool, the 
only one in Port Huron. He intends increasing this branch of his Ijusiness. He is also engaged in the wood 
business, and saws his wood by machinery. In 187.S, he married Jliss Catharine Richardson, of Brockwq^ 
Center ; they have three cliildren — Poll}-, Sallie and Myron. 

MORTIMER WILLSON, physician and surgeon, is a native of Canada, and was born August 3, 1847. He 
received his education in this State at Ypsilanti and Ann Arl)or, then studied medicine at Ann Arbor and De- 
troit, and graduated in 1874 at the Detroit Jledical College. After graduating, engaged in practice at South 
Bay City. He came to Port Huron in 1881, and associated with Dr. Mills in the practice of his profession. 
In 1880, Dr. Willson was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie C. Chase, of Carthage, Mo. ; they have one 
daughter. 

L. D. WILSON, attorney at law, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, and was born in Massillon Septem- 
ber^lje, 1852. He received his education in that State, and spent two years in Western Reserve College and 
two years at Alliance College and entered Jlount Union College, and graduated in 1873. After graduating, 
he accepted the position of Principal and Superintendent of Schools at Lexington, Sanilac County, and re- 
mained there three years. He studied law and graduated at the Columbia Law School in 1877. He came to 
Port Huron the same year, aud was associated with Judge Mitchell in the practice of law until 1880. Mr. 
Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Emarette Waterb'iiry, of Lexington, Sanilac Co., Mich., November 14, 
1873. They have one son — John D, 

OSCAR A. WILSON, of the Arm of Huner & Wilson, dealers in fresh and salted meats, is a native of 
Oswego County, N. Y., and war born October 10, 1834. lie grew up and attended school there and came to 
Port Hiu'on in 18.53. He worked at the harness trade three years, and was clerk in a grocery store three 
years. In 1863, he associated with Martin Huner and established their present business, and smce then, 
for the past twenty years, they have successfully carried on the business here, and are the oldest and leading 
house in their line of business here. He has held the office of Collector, and w.as a member of the Board of 
the Board of Estimates two years. In 1857, Jlr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Fidelia Hogan, a 
native of Port Huron They have one daughter — Florence. 

FRANK WOLFSTYN, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of Belgium, and was born October 
39, 1848. He grew up and received his education there. He came to the United States with Rev. Father Van 
Lauwe, his uncle, in 1873, and came to'Port Huron the same year. In 1880, he established his present busi- 
ness and has a good trade. He also sells articles of Catholic devotion for church purposes. He holds the 
position of leader of the choir of the Catholic Church here. He was united in marriage to Miss Katie Glea- 
son in this city October 13, 1879. They have one .son— Edward W. 

ABEL M. WOOD, carpenter and builder. Section 21, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was 
born in Norfolk County March 28, 1837. He grew up and learned his trade there. He came to Michigan in 
1860, and lived in Lapeer four years. He carne here in 1864, and since then, for the past eighteen years, has 
been engaged in building here.' He married Miss Nancy Hilliker, of Oxford County, Canada, May 9, 1846. 
They have one daughter — Emma. 

A. II. WRIGHT, manufacturer of carriages and buggies, is a native of Orange County, N. Y., and was 
liorn April 7, 1831. He grew up and learned his trade there.' He came to Port Huron in July, 1864, aud es- 
tablished his present business, and for the past eighteen years has been successfully engaged in manufactur- 
ing carriages and buggies, and has a large established trade. He is the oldest in the business here who ex- 
clusively manufactures light work. He is Ward Collector, and has held that office for the past three years. 
Has been Treasurer of the Baptist Church for the past eighteen years. Mr. Wright was united in marriage 
to Harriet B. Hammond, from Dover Plains, N. Y., June 17, 1858. They have two children — Harry How- 
ard and Bertha Hammond. 

P. M. WRIGHT, of the firm of A. N. Moffat & Co., steamboat and vessel agents, is a native of England, 
and was born May 6, 1831. His parents came to Michigan during his infancy, and located on the St. Clair 
River. Upon reaching iu.anhood, he engaged in the milling business in Canada, and came to Port Huron in 
1864 and entered the bank of John Miller and kept books there for about five years, and afterward with the 
First Nation.al Bank two years. In 1877, he came with A. N. Moffat & Co., and in 1879 was admitted mem- 
ber of the firm. He is also a member of the firm of Wright & Eldridge, dealers in coal. He has held the 
office of City Treasurer and a member of the School Board. In 1854, he married Miss Clara St. Clair Mon- 
son, a native of St. Clair. She died May 21, 1882, leaving three children— Mary E., John M. and William 

CAPT. L. W. YOUNG is a native of Michigan, and was born on Mackinac Island May 5, 1847. He be- 
gan sailing as cabin boy on the brig Black Hawk when only tw^elve years of age, and sailed as Captain of the 
Kentucky when only nineteen years old. He sailed the schooner Evaline Bates, and was Captain of the Ios- 
co five years. He also sailed the Kentucky and the tug Mary, and since 1877 has been master of the steam 
barge Burlington. He has been in the marine service over twenty-thi'ee years. Capt. Young married Miss 
Lena Flemings, a native of Sanilac County, May 11, 1872. They have three children— Lizzie, Kittie and 
Lulu. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 605 



FORT (^KATIOT TOWNSHIP AND VILLAOE. 



The country is one of beauty. Tbe Creator fashioned it in His smiling moments. As it 
came from His hands, before man luid furrowed it with the plow, and scratoliod it with the har- 
row, and divided it off with fences, and dotted it with barns and houses, it was one of nature's 
most perfect landscapes. There is just as much scenery left in it as is consistent with a high 
degree of usefulness; if there wei"e more scenery some of the land must l)e waste; if there were 
less, tameness would begin to ujar the perfeetness of the scene. There are oak openings and 
timber, water and stone, hill and vale, bluff and ravine; and none of them in excess. But what 
makes the township of Fort Gratiot y There was nothing, or at least not much, in the vicin- 
ity, or in the surrounding country, to determine the fact that there should grow up one of the 
handsomest and most vigorous railroad villages in the Northwest. Du Luth established a mil- 
itary post there; later a mission was established, and in aftt>r years a United States fort was 
built there. Its settlement by American pioneers was an accident, or a series of accidents. 
It was that of those early settlers who tirst looked upon this beautiful spot, and said to them- 
selves. This is good; I will plant myself and my family here, and help to make a town, and 
grow up with the country. A large number were men of strongly-marked characteristics. They 
were clear-headed, liberal, brave and persistent men; and this was the secri^t of the early suc- 
cess of the village. Such mi>n were not going to stick themselves down here, or anywhere, and 
grow up like so many transplanted Eastern basswoods; it was not in their nature to do any- 
thing of the kind. They had to ct)Htond with the older American settlements on the Black and 
Pine Rivers — no easy task. In later years, the Cirand Trunk Railroad Company selected the 
southeast corner of the township as the head of their railroad system in the United States. In 
1850, the beginnings of the true progress of the township were made. The financial crisis of 
IS73-78 retarded, if it did not effectually check, advancement; but in 1879 retiu-ning prosper- 
ity I)egan to show its existence throughout the count}', and nowhere were its signs more man- 
ifesl than in this township. The old settlors, together with those who came during the last 
few years, cooperated heartily in the work of improvement, so that, at the close of 1882. the 
town takes a most important place among the civil divisions of the county. 

In the geological descriptions of Port Hm-on Township, Fort Gratiot is described. 

The bluffs are well stocked with timber of various kinds, oak of several species being in 
the preponderance. Poi)lar, birch and hickory are found in small quantities. The valleys all 
furnish more or less wild grass; wiiile on many small streams are excellent water- powers. Soft 
woods of many kinds grow on the bottom-lands of the creeks and rivers. The banks of the 
smaller streams put forth rank growths of alder and willow bushes. The town is productive 
of all the cereals, grasses and v(>getablos common to the latitude; wheat, oats, corn, barley and 
rye. which return a good yiehl. On the lakn shore north of Hurouia Beach, large cro[)s of the 
finest potatoes were raised. 

From the above descrijition it will be noticed that the district is peouli;irly adapted to.and 
possesses all the requisites for a fine stock-growing, grazing and dairying district. The 
number of small streams, with their adjoining marshy lands, and many springs oozing from the 
bases of the bluff's, form excellent facilities for butter and cheese making; while the bluffs, with 
their heavy timber, are a natural shelter for cattle from the winter winds and storms. On the 
same farm may be seen the spring of pure watei', the valley for cultivation, the hills for oraz- 
ing and the timber for shelter. In later years, farmers are turning their attention more to 
stock, and their results justify their investments. 

ORGANIC. 
Fort Gratiot Township was crganized in IStU), with Henry Stephens. Supervisor. The 
name is derived from the post, erected under Capt. Gratiot in 1814, to which the title was 



606 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

given in honor of that engineer officer. The jjopnlation of the township, including the village, 
waa 1.902 in ISSO. Since that time, the summer retreats of Hm-ouia Beach and Kos were 
established, the village attained an important commercial position, so that it is not too much 
to state that the population of town and village in June. 1SS2, approached 3,000. The area 
of the township is 13,067 acres; the equalized valuation, $366,140, and the number of 
children of school age, 668. 

Supervisors— Henry Stephens, 1866; S. P. Mason, 1867; Stephen' Moore, 1868-69; J. 
McMartin, 1870-73; T. Lymburner, 1874-76; J. A. McMartin, 18/7; Townsend Lymburner, 
1878-82. 

Justices of the Peace — Joseph Davis, 1874; Thomas Sutherland, 1874; Julius Granger, 
1875; James Quail, 1S76; James Hall, 1877; Daniel Mooney, 1877; Joseph Davis, 1878; R. 
E. French, 1879; Daniel Mooney, 1880; Julius Granger, 1881; Joseph Porter, 1882. 

In April, 1882, the Citizens' ticket was elected, as follows: 

Supervisor — Townsend Lymbui-ner, 311. 

Clerk — James Sutherland, 158. 

Treasurer — James S. Button, 180. 

Justice of the Peace — Joseph Porter, 179. 

Highway Commissioner — Daniel Mooney, 164. 

School Inspector (Two years) — Edward Hollis, 304. 

School Inspector — (One year) George W. Howe, 300. 

Drain Commissioner — Thomas S. Skinner. 

Constables— James Eichardson, 183; Jay Shaw, 290; Christian May, 309; Duncan 

McKellar, 309. 

UNITED ST.^TES LAND BUYERS. 

The original land buyers in this township, from 1825 to 1836, were Jeremiah Harrington, 
Hartford Tingley, De Garmo Jones, Lucius Beach, Gilbert Elliott, Samuel Wilson, William 
Lamb, Fortune C. White, John Desnoyers, A. Coburn, S. N. Dexter, A. B. Eaton, C. Masteh, 
James L. Kelsey, Charles Butler, D. D. Dualsy, J. J. Andrews, Edward Bingham, James 
Scott, Charles G. Glover, John Howard, Simeon Cummings, Alexander F. Ashley, Eben 
Batchellei', James W. Sanborn, J. M. Wade, Phineas Davis, David Oakes, Isaac R. Stone, 
John Kennelly, John Brooks, Orus Field, A. W. Campbell, F. H. Stevens, Samuel C. Webster, 
and John Brookes. A portion of Sections 34 and 35 was reserved. 

FORT GRATIOT VILLAGE. 

The region now known as Fort Gratiot is historic ground. Nearly two centuries have 
elapsed since the first white man set foot upon its soil. It is necessarj in this work to divide 
the record into two periods. We shall speak of the early history as an epoch ending in 1836, 
and of the recent history as dating from that year. Assistant Surgeon Taylor, of the United 
States Army, writing in 1871, deals very minutely with the history of the post 
He states: "The location of the Recollet Mission in this vicinity is uncertain. 
According to Bell's History of Canada, it was an important one, and known as 
St. Marie. As the Jesuits had one also of the same name located among the 
Hui'ons at the head of the Georgian Bay, it would seem that some confusion 
has arisen in relation to these missions, both as to their importance and position. Judge 
Campbell is of the opinion that the Recollet Mission was located at the present site of Sarnia, 
and nearly opposite this post. Furthermore, it is known that the Hurons had a large village 
near the present site of Detroit, called Teuchsagrondie, and that the intercourse between this 
village and the main tribe on the Georgian Bay was by the water channels. Intermediate, there 
were several other villages along the lake shore and St. Clair River, all of which had been 
visited by the Coureurs des Bois long before La Salle and Hennepin made their famous voyage 
through the Straits. " 

There were several practicable routes for the traders to reach this section. The original 
and most noted one was by the Ottawa River, Lake Nii^issing and Georgian Bay, which, 
though long and very hazardous, was the principal channel of intercourse between the Huron 



hlSTOUY OF ST. CI. A IK COl'XTY. 607 

countiy and the heiul([u;u'tors of the trading interests on the Lower St. Lawrence. Its chief 
advantages consisted in its immunity from predatory excursions of the tribes on the side of 
Lake Ontario. The second was hy the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario to the Trent River, 
thence up that stream to Lake Simcoe and the Oeorgian liay. This was the usual rout(> of 
the Iro((U()is in tlieir forays against the Hm'ons. and was one of the best. The third was from 
the present site of Toronto and thence to Lake Sinacoe. The fourth was by the head of Lake 
Ontario, tlie Grand Kiver to Lake Erie and Thames Kivers and Lake St. Clair. This became 
a very important line of traflic, except during the time of open hostilities with the Iroquois. 
It was the safest and easiest route to reach the great Saginon or Saginaw fur producing 
region. The tifth was by the Niagara River, but probably seldom resorted to for the trans- 
portation of valuable goo(ls. because of the proximity of the hostile tribes in what is called 
^V'estorn New York. 

Parkman states that the earliest recorded visitation of this region by the Blench was in 
lOfiU, when the SLil[)itiau priests. Dallier and (xalinac, in connection with La Salle, made an 
effort for a systematic exploring expedition of the lake country. They selected the west(>rn 
extremity of Lake Ontario as their starting point. La Salle, however, becoming dissatisfied 
with the purposes, delays and trammels of the priests, severed his connection with them and 
proceeded in the direction of the Ohio River, while the priests proceeded by the Grand 
River route and thence along the north shore of Lake Erie, passed this point the spring 
following, and thence to Mackinac and the Sault Ste. Mario, and finally returning to Montreal 
by way of the Huron Missions at the head of the Georgian Bay. The earliest maj) made of 
this region is said to have been made by Galinac, partly from his own observations and partly 
from sketches made by Joliett three years before, that is on his return from Mackinac in 1()(')(). 
La Salle traversed this route the following year on his private account and alone. IJy this he 
obtained sufficient data to warrant him in making a formal voyage of discover}' in the name of 
the provincial authorities, and at the same time improve his financial condition by engaging in 
the lucrative fur trade. It was not, however, until ten years thereafter, that he succeeded in 
organi:«ing his expedition, and started in the Griffin,* accompanied by the priest Hennepin, to 
make the famous voyage round the lakes. Instead, therefore, of daoing the discovery of this 
section from the time of this voyage of La Salle, it should be fi'om Joliette's return from 
Mackinac in 1(M)(J. if not as far back as Champlain's excursion to the Georgian Bay in l(il2. 
All the circumstances attendant upon tlu^ organization of this expedition of La Salle, the orders 
ho gave to some of his jiaity the year before to proceed to certain points indicated, particularly 
the islands at the mouth of Green Bay, hardly admit of question that in this matter he acted 
from previous knowledge of the country derived in part from his own observations, those of 
Joliette and the adventurers preceding him; and that this expedition was for the pm'pose of 
taking formal possession of the great lake country, in the name of the King of France under 
nominal governmental authority, and at the same time to gratify his personal ambition, and 
improve his fortunes, sadly re(liic(>d from his previous unthrifty investment. 

Leaving his anchorage in the Niagara River, he traversed Lake Erie, and on the 23d of 
August, IOC)'.', being Sainte Claire's day, he cmtered the b(>autiful expanse of water to which, in 
honor of tbat personage, he gave her appellation, and the day following he passed this point 
into Lake Huron, thence round the lakes to the lUini country. The history of that voyage 
is too well known to require further attention here, save to remark that in La Salle's account 
of it, as well as in Hennepin's narrativi-, there was a manifest want of proper acknowledgment 
of the previous explorations of Joliette and the Coureur des Bois. 

HF.^TORY OF THE Pu.ST. 
In a military and commercial point of view, the geograpical importance of this post was 
very early appreciated. Seven years after La Salle's expedition. M'Du Lhiit, then command- 
ing at Jlackinac, was instructed by the Governor General, Count Frontenac, to establish a 
fort on the Detroit, a term applied to both the connecting rivers between Lakes Huron au<l 
Erie, and garrison the same with fifty men. The English had been, and were still making 
strenuous efforts to connect their interests on Hudson Bay with those in New York, and there- 

* Tliu GrifliD wild so niiiued from the figure of i* griOli) ou ber prow. 



608 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

by circumvent their rival's schemes for territorial acquisition west of the lakes, and with that 
the control of its valuable commerce, looking to the alternate extinguishments of the French 
intiuenoe along the St. Lawrence and its tributaries. It will be seen, therefore, that it was a 
death struggle for supremacy over a vast region, and that every political, militaiy, religious 
and commercial appliance was brought into requisition in aid of the respective parties. To 
this end the early occupation of this post by the French had a double purpose — one to thwart 
the English schemes, and the other, say the instructions, " to protect our savages who may go 
to the chase and serve them as an asylum against their enemies. In obedience thereto, Du Lhat 
proceeded to the entrance of the Strait fmm Lake Huron, say the accounts, where he erected 
a fortified trading post which he named Fort St. Joseph. There is some reason to believe that 
in this selection he was not only actuated by geographical and strategical considerations, but 
his private interests were likewise considered. 

Frontenac's instructions allowed and, in fact, encouraged traiSc with the nations as a 
means of reconciliation of tribal differences and animosities, as well as keeping them botind to 
the French interests, while allowing at the same time liberal perquisites to the officials in 
charge; and it is probable that Du Lhut's way had been opened and in some degree already 
prepared by the traders or Coureurs des Bois in accordance with this historical policy, so that 
he had only to take formal military possession, and extend and improve what already had been 
commenced, in order to accomplish his purpose. That post was located on the present site of 
Fort Gratiot. This and Fort St. Joseph on the western shore, at the mouth of the river of 
that name, are the oldest forts in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. and antedate the establish- 
ment of i't. Pontchartrain at Detroit by La Motte Cadillac, fifteen years. The time of its 
occupation for purely military jiurposes, according to La Honton, was only two j'ears, and he 
states he was jiresent at its abandonment and destruction; but De Nonville, Governor General 
of Canada after Frontenac, says "it was maintained eight years, and exercised a powerful influ- 
ence against the English." It is possible that the officer had reference alike to its occupation 
as a trading post anterior to the military establishment, and its formal occupation under 
authority of the government, when the statements of both gentlemen would be correct. 

The year following Du Lhut's arrival war was determined upon by the French against 
the Iroquois along Lake Ontario, and this officer, together with Durantage at Mackinac, and 
Tonti, at Fort St. Louis, a post supposed to be located somewhere on the Detroit River, were 
directed to organize the forces at their command and join the main expedition concentrating 
at Ft. Niagara, with the view of invading "Western New York. Five hundred Indians and 200 
French Canadians were there collected, organized and equipped, and taken to their desti- 
nation. 

Nimecanee, or Lightning, a son of old Kioscanee, served under Sinclair, on garrison duty, 
in the old fort at the mouth of Pine River. Judge Bunce states that when he came to the 
county, this Indian was one hundred and five years old, five and a half feet high, energetic 
and capable of attending to his corn-field, four miles south of Black River, as well as to the 
chase. Every New Year's Day, he was accustomed to sail down the river in his large birchen 
canoe, on the bow of which he would fling the American colors to the breeze. On such an oc- 
casion, he would don his gold-laced coat, beaded moccasins and leggins, and all the orna- 
ments in his possession. Nimecanee reached the age of one hundred and twelve years. It is 
related that Kioscanee was chief of the Otchipwes in their wars against the Wyandots and Six 
Nations. In his expedition from Lake Superior to Lake Erie, his tieet was so extensive as to 
cover the St. Clair River from Fort St. Joseph, or Gratiot, to Walpole Island. On his return 
from the lower lakes, he camped at Fort Gratiot, and afterward made the district his home. 
Nicholas Plane, Sockscotowa, is a grandson of Nimecanee, and chief of the Sarnia Indians. 

Shignebeek, a brother of Nimecanee, was one hundred and nine years old at the time of 
his death. Mrs. Ogotig, a sister of the chief, lived to the age of one hundred and seven; old 
mother Rodd is said to have been one hundred and fourteen years old at the jieriod of her 
death; Oasha, the third son of the chief Kioscanee, reached a very old age. The Kioscanee, 
or Rapid Tribe, must be considered the first actual settlers of St. Clair County. Previous to 
their coming, the Indian settlement was on the east bank of the river, about a mile northeast 
of the present village of Point Edward. 



HISTOUY OF ST. CLMR COUNTY. 609 

While this was beiiif^ arranged, Dongan, Governor of New York, sent an expedition to 
captiu'e Mackinac, under command of Maj. Orange. It consisted of about forty men, all of 
whom were captured by Du Lhut's and Diirantage's forces on Lake Huron. They were 
piloted, says DeNonville, by a renegade Coureur des Bois, and the route taken for the purpose 
of avoiding this post was by way of the west end of Lake Ei'ie to Saginaw Bay. Other.s say 
they were aided by the Fox tribe of Indians then occupying the region round about Grand 
Traverse Bay and the shore opposite. 

The failure of the French expedition against the Iroquois left all the posts along the 
lower lakes greatly exposed, while the channels of suj^ply were entirely interrupted. As a 
consequence. Forts Frontenac and Niagara wore hastily abandoned, and this ])ost left as the 
only barrier against the English and Iroiiuois; but being doomed too exposed and insufficient 
for that ])urpose, it was also abandoned and the stockade burnt under the supervision of La 
Hontan. and the forces and supplies transferred to Mackinac, which, from its accassibility by 
way of the Ottawa route, was to bo the object of the concentrated energies of the French. But 
although compelled to relinquish the control of this region for the time being, Frontenac, who 
had been recalled to the Govoror Generalship, determined to reinstate the French authority 
as soon as practicable, and recover what had been so indiscretely lost by his predecessor. Accord- 
ingly, La Motte Cadillac, then commanding at Mackinac, was permitted to visit France 
secretly to avoid the intrigues of the Jesuits, with a view of obtaining a direct commission 
from the crown granting authority for the establishment of another military ]>ost along the 
Straits for the double ])urpose of securing and contirming the French title to the territory, 
and collecting as many of the northern tribes around the same as might become practicable in 
settlements or colonies, the whole under the sole control of the immediate military commander, hop- 
ing thereby to raise up a bulwark of sufficient strength to be its own protection, as well as security 
for all their interests northward, yet being independent of the religious orders which were 
continually interfering, not only with the general administration at Quebec, l)ut with every 
military commander in the provinces. 

Cadillac being successful in obtaining the object of his visit to the King, returned and 
fixed the location of his post at the foot of Lake St. Clair, on the present site of Detroit. 
By his sagacious management, ho induced many of the isolated bands of Hurous, Chipi)ewas, 
Sax and Foxes, as well as the Miamis — between some of whom there had been bitter feuds 
for many years — tribes scattered as they were, from Mackinac to the south shore of Lake Erie 
— to gather about him. After he had succeeded in establishing Ft, Pontchartrain, this section 
Was abandoned as a ])vincipal settlement, both by French and Indians, save in a single 
exception, that during the Pontiac war it was the termination of and for a short time occupied 
by a hostile ox|HKlition starting from Mackinac in aid of the siog(» of Detroit by that chief. 

It was occupied, however, as a military station after the Pontiac troubles had been quieted 
in 17()8, when the English began to look to the permanent settlement of the lake country. 
Two years thereafter, a British officer by the name of Patrick Sinclair built a large military and 
trading post a few miles below this point, and where is now located the village of St. Clair. 
This was a regular fortification, consisting of earthworks, mounting artillery with a stockade, 
rally- post, etc., in the most complete order; and he occuj)ied it for about seventeen years, 
acquiring meanwhile from the natives a title to about four thousand acres of land bordering 
on the river. He was the first permanent English settlor, and the only one along this river, 
until 1782. When Maj. Kodgers took formal ])ossession of the countiy in behalf of the 
British crown, in ITfiO, both the river and the lake had the a])pollation of Sinclair rather than 
the original on(> given by La Sallo. In ]78'2, nineteen others joined him, and thereafter the 
chain of settlements boeanu^ continuous from Lake Huron to Detroit and Lake Erie. 

In 1807, soon after (Jen. Hull became Governor of the territory, this post, and the border 
along the River St. Clair, were occupied by the forces under his command, consisting of militia, 
chietly under one Capt. Eoe. The headquarters of the command were located in a small block- 
house just Itelow the present site of Marine City, and the troops were scattered along the river 
bank from Lake Huron to Lake St. Clair. This company of about forty men. with arms and 
equipments, wore cajjtured liy a British force sent from Canada soon after the declaration of 

39 



610 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

war in 1812, and during the earlier demonstrations against Detroit. But immediately after 
tLe defeat of the British in the battle of Thames in the year following, measui-es were taken 
again for a more effective defense of this section. Accordingly, jNIaj. Forsyth, of the regular 
army, supported by a detachment of the Second Infantry, commanded by Capt. Cobb and a 
force of Militia Rangers, as they were called, under Capt. Joe Roe, with Capt. Gratiot as an 
engineer officer, left Detroit May 11, 1814, for the purpose of establishing a defensive work at 
the foot of Lake Huron. They were transported in twelve batteaus and a small sloop carrying 
one field isiece, and reached their destination the 13th. On their arrival, they found the old 
French post occupied by a Canadian Frenchman with a small house, and about two acres in 
cultivation. This Maj. Forsyth took possession of, and commenced the erection of a stockade 
and earthworks for artillery the next day, and at the same time sent Roe's rangers across the 
river to scour the country to ascertain if there were any hostile forces in the vicinity. These 
troops remained until some time in 1817 or 1818, when they were relieved by a detachment of 
the Fourth Infantry, transferred from Maine, under the command of Capt. Fowle. At its 
establishment it took the name of Capt. Grratiot, the engineer officer in command, and the cost 
of construction was $305.25. 

With the reduction of the army in 1822, this post was abandoned by the military and the 
buildings tui-ned over to two missionaries by the names of Hart and Hudson, of the Presby- 
terian denomination, who opened a school for the education of Indians and what few whites 
were in the vicinity. This continued for about one year, when the school was broken up and 
one of the missionaries went to Mackinac for a like purpose. The works at this time were in 
80 dilapidated a condition that Gen. Cass, then Governor of the Territory, called the attention 
of the Legislature to the subject, as well as to Ihe bad condition of the fort at Detroit. 

From the time the post was vacated by the missionaries until 1828, I find no I'ecord, but in 
that year troops were sent to occupy it, and the yeai' following it was rebuilt, the grounds 
enlarged and inclosed in a stockade, the earthworks leveled down to its present condition, and 
the buidings arranged according to the present plan, with the exception of the hospital, which 
was much nearer the river. In 1847, the troops were withdrawn and ordered to Mexico, but 
it was again regarrisoned at the close of that war, and remained so until the opening of the 
rebellion, when the troops were ordered off. At the close of the war, a detachment of the 
Seventeenth Infantry was stationed here and it has remained in military possession since; 
after the Seventeenth Infantry, by the Forty-third Infantry, and then by two companies of 
the First Infantry, who garrisoned the j)ost in 1871. 

Understanding that the early history of this post was incomplete, and much relating to it 
very imperfectly understood, and believing that as time advances the early settlement and 
military occupation along the northern borders of the L^nited States will possess an increasing 
interest, I have taken considerable pains to investigate this subject, and herewith somewhat 
imperfectly present the results. Its geographical position was of great importance to the 
Frenchduring their occupation of Canada, and in many of the contests between the authorities 
on either side of these northern waters. It also promoted the more peaceful relations of the 
natives among themselves, and with the whites it exerted an important influence." 

Le Sueur, a noted voyageur, was at the mouth of the St. Clair for the first time, in 1683, 
making his way up the Fox River and down the Wisconsin to the Mississippi, thence to the 
Sioux country, where, at different periods, he sjient seven years. 

In 1684, Nicholas Perrot, who had assisted St. Lusson in 1671, it will be remembered, 
again made his aj)pearance at the place. Perrot is a most notable figure in the early history 
of the Northwest. He employed a considerable number of men, and carried his operations as 
far as Lake Pepin. He was the trusted agent of the Government, and was invested with more 
extensive authority than ordinary traders. He was commissioned to manage the interests of 
conunerce from Green Bay westward, and was employed as Indian agent for many years. He 
procured a peace among the Sioux, Chippewas and Foxes, and so far put to sleep the animosity 
of the latter toward the French, that while he was their agent they remained friendly. " I was 
sent hither," he wi'ites, "charged with the commission to have chief cormnand there, and in 
the most distant countries on the side of the west." 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 611 

In 1080, Daniel Greysolon Dn Lluit, bettor known as Du Lutb, arrived at the post and 
assumed military command under tlio superintendency of the commandant at Mackinaw. While 
making jiroparations to go to war against the Iroquois, he was a.ssisted by Pcrrot in colle(;ting In- 
dian allies. The last- mentioned voyageur was then trading among th(( Foxes in the Northwest. 
On the Stli of iVIay. ICkS'.I, he (Perrot), then commanding a ]>ost among the Siou.K. was com- 
missioned by the Governor of Canada to manage the interests of commerce among the Indian 
tribes of Green Bay, and he proceeded to make more certain the taking jiossession of the whole 
country in the name of the French King. In other words, he supplemented the woi-k of St. 
Lusson done in 1071. 

During the same year, the Baron Le Houtan visited the locality and was entertained in a 
distinguished manner by the Sacs, Pottawatomies and Menomonees. as well as by the Otchip. 
wes and Frenchiiicn. 

In the autumn of 107S, La Salle, upon the St. Lawrence, in order to forward Ir.s design 
of erecting a fort upon tho Hiver Illinois, sent fifteen men up the lakes to trad(> for liiu), with 
orders to go hence to that rivt>r and make preparations for his coming next year. Some of 
these men went on as far as Green Bay. where they collected a large store of furs; and here, 
on one of tho islands at its mouth, La Salle, in tho " Griffin," the tii'st sailing craft that ever 
floated on the upj)er lakes, found them in the month of September, 1079. La Salle resolved to 
send back his vessel from this point, laden with these furs and others collected on tho way. 
She fired a })arting shot, and on the ISth of September set sail for Niagara, with orders to re- 
turn to Mackinac as soon as she had discharged her cargo. But the "Grillin" was never heard 
of from that time. She was engulfed in the wild waves, probably, of Lake Michifan soon 
after leaving the island. La Salle, with fourteen men in foin- canoes, proceeded to the country 
of the Illinois. The fur traders, who, it will be remeuibered, prec(>ded the Jesuit missionaries to 
this region, maintained their relations here with more or less regularity for a great many 
years. 

Following the visit to Green Bay of the fur traders under La Salle, in 1078, and of that 
famous explorer the year after, was that of Louis Hennepin, in lOSO. He and his jwrty, as 
a detail from La Salle's expedition to the Illinois, reached the mouth of th(> St. Clair in that 
year, on his way from the t'pper Mississippi down the great lakes, passing down this river to 
the older posts on fhe St. LawTence. 

WAR OF 181-.'. 

In ISll, a few men forming a company known as the St. Clair Militia, assembled at Ft. 
Gratiot, subsequently at St. Clair; but when required to be j)resont on review at Mt. Clemens 
that year, they could not bo present, giving as a reason the want of timely notice. 

In May, 1812, a company of artillerists campe<l at St. Clair, and toward the close of that 
month took u|i quarters on the site of the old Fort St. Joseph. This company is refened to in 
tho following paper: 

Tiidops r.vMrnD .\t st. clair in isii^. 

Muster roll of a company of artillerists, under the conamand of Lieut. Porter Hanks, in 
the regiment commanded by Col. Henry Burbeck, from tho 3 1st day of May, when last mus- 
tered, to the 30th of June, ISl'i, at ^lichilimackinac. Territory of Michigan. Many, if not all, 
of these men were present at the affair of July 17, 1812: 



612 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, 



Porter Hanks 

Archibakl Danagh 

Sylvester Day 

John Penny 

Joseph Vaiilencourt.. . 

John Gordon 

Noel Boudrie 

Maurice Martin 

Nathan Steward 

Hough Kelley 

Redniond Magrath. . . . 

Alexander Parks 

Joseph Taeier 

John B. Vaiilencourt. 
Henry Vaiilencourt. . . 
William Maxwell . . . . 
Bartliolomcw Noble . . 

John Kane 

John O'Dounell 

Osboin Smith 

John Whelpley 

Joseph Benoine 

Peter Bourdonne 

Robert H Boyd 

Mathias Bromley 

Peter Brown 

Edward Burleson 

Nathan Burr 

Jedediah Cannon .... 

John Davis 

Pierre De Bourdeaux . 

Jacob Farmer 

James Farrell 

Edward Fitzgerald. . . . 

Francis Foote 

Jolin Garlough 

Abel Gifford 

John Gifford 

John Gerry 

William Harvey 

Henry Hannion 

Seth Holmes 

Richard Joel 

Joseph Le Reveisore . 

Benjamin Lukcr 

Michael McGill 

Tiiomas Murphej' 

Thomas Mullen. 

Jonathan Nutt 

Ichabod O' Bryan 

Pascal Peters 

John Phillips 

John Pound 

John B. Perrault 

William Redman 

Antlionv Ral)l)illard . . 
Paulite'St. Nicliols.. . 

Noah Scott 

John B. Sylvester. . . . 

John Sinnic 

Francis Vaiilencourt . 

Simeon Windcll 

James AVondbeck 

John Wliite 

Benjamin VVeldou . . . , 
Anthony Sampitie. . . 



Reduced June 16. 



First Lieutenant, 

First Lieutenant, 

Second Mate ... .1 

Sergeant ! 

Sergeant ' 

Sergeant j 

Corporal 

Corporal 

Corporal | 

Corporal 

Musician j 

Musician 

Musician I 

Musician I 

Musician 1 A boy learning music. 

Artificer I Re-enlisted. 

Artilicer 

Artificer 

Artificer 

Artificer '• 

Artificer ' 

Private ' 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

' Private 

! Private 

Private 

' Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

• Private 

' Private 

Private 

Private 

' Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private . . . . 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 

Private 1 Surrendered himself from desertion at Detroit January 16. 1812. 



Unfit for service. 

Re -enlisted. 

Transferred to Capt. Rood's Company. 



Unfit for service. 



Re-enlisted. 



Sick. 

Unfit for service. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COITNTY. 613 

The fato of this commaiul is related in tho following lettor. Tho acconiit hoing fi-om a 

British source: 

Mackinaw, 18tli July, 1H12. 

Dear Sir: I ;im liajipy to have it. in my power to annotincL' to \(iu thai Mackinac capitulated to us on 
the 17th inst. at 11 o'clock A. M., ('a]il. Roberts al om- hcail. with a [lart ot the Tenth British Volunteer J$at- 
talion. Mr. Crawford had command of the Canadians, which consisled of ahout 2(10 men; Mr. Dickenson. 113 
Sioux. Forlavians. and Wineliaj,'oes; anil myself about "'SO men. Attawas and Chippewas. part of Attawas of 
L'harb-Croche had not arrived. It was a fortunate eircuiustanee. the fort capilidaled without tiring a single 
giui, for had they done so. I lirmly believe that not a sold of them would have been saved. 

My son, Charles Longdate, Augustiii Nolin and Maehello Jiadotte, Jr., have rendered me great service 
in keeping the Indians in order, and in executing from time to time sucli commands a.s were delivered by the 
commanding ollieer. I never saw so deternuncd a set of people as the Chippewas and Attawas. 

Since the ca|iitulation they have not drank a single drop of lii|U(]r, nor even killed a fowl belonging to 
any person (a thing never known lieforc) for they generally destroy eveiything they meet with. 

[ am, dear sir. your most obedient servant. 
The Hon. Col. W. Ci.aus, etc. Fort George. John Askin, Jii., Storekeeper's Department. 

THE FDKT IN \^-?,-l. 

Owing to the rebellion jf Black Hawk and his allies, the General Oovernment was forced 
into j)rompt action. Nine military com|>anies were detailed for service in the West, under 
command of Gen. Scott. This force arrived at Detroit Jtily 1, 18:^2, where two of the troops 
were taken sick and deceased within a few hours. The Asiatic cholera was introduced into the 
upper lake region. The comm;ind hastened away from Detroit as from a j)lagtio sjwt. .Irriv- 
ing at Ft Gratiot, Gen. Scott gan-isoned that post with '2S0 troops and a number of West 
Point students. Of the remainder who |)roceetled to Chicago, thirty died on the passage, and 
their bodies were cast into the lakes. The number stationed at Ft. Gratiot died one after an- 
other at that post, or while tlying from the ravages of the cholera. Almost all the students 
fell before this terrible pestilence. 

The garrison at Ft. (inttiot was re-enforced in -fuly, IS')!, by tho arrival of Company C, 
of the Fourth Infantry, from Detroit, which city was abandoned as a riiilitary station for the 
pres(>Lt. Two companies of the Fourth Begiment of Infantry were stationed at Ft. CJratiofc 
with the following otBcers in command: Major, G. J. llains; Brevet Major, B. Alvord; First 
Lieutenant, T. J. Montgomery; Second Lieutenant, J. M. Henry; Second Lietitenant, W. A. 
Slaughter, and Surgeon, C. S. Tripler. Maj. Rains arrived from Green Bay, Lieut. Henry 
and Siu'geou Tri])ler came with the company from Detroit. 

The Cleveland Herald of April, 1851), makes the following kindly notice of the widow of 
one of the most gallant and noble-hearted officers ever connecte<l with the army of our cotmtry: 
"ill's. M. arrived home some days since, and is now in the active diFcharge of her trust. Of 
course she is the most popular commandant the ancient stockade has ever had. Lieut. Mont- 
gomery, of the United States Army, not long since lost his life in tlie service in Ori^gon. His 
deatjh left his widow, form rly Miss Northroj), of Akron, and one child, in comparative penuiy, 
as is generally the case with those who devote their lives to their eotmtry's service. She re- 
turned, and Gen. Jessu]), with the kindness of heart and chivalry which characterises a brave 
soldier, immediately gave to her the trust of Ft. Gratiot, now unoccupied by a garrison; a duty 
which she can fulfill, and the pay of which is v(>ry fair." 

We find the following anecdote of the rebel chieftain in the Port Huron Time.t of the 29th 
of A])ril, 1870: The Savannah lirenien are said to have been greatly elated when Kol)ert E. 
Lee sent them a note the other dtiy accepting honortiry membership. Well, j)erhaps it was an 
honor. Time works changes, and perhaps Robert E. Lee is an honorable man now. But 
years ago, when he was stationed at Ft. Gratiot, he tried to sneak out of paying a bill he owed 
to Mr. Charles Fhigal, then the jn-oprietor of a bakery in this city, and still a respected I'esidonfc 
hero. But Roliert couldn't outwit Mr. F., and that gentleman ransacked the gan-ison and 
pulled the chivalrous son of the Soutli from Ijehind a door where he had tried to hide, shook 
him slightly, and notitied him that unless the bill was paid within ime hour a constable would 
wait on him. Chivalrous Robert lost no time in following Mr. Flugal to the city and meekly 
settled the bill. 

The body of Corporal Frederickson, belonging to one of the Comi)ani&s stationed at Ft. 



614 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

Gratiot, was found in the St. Clair River near Sombra, C. W.. nearly opposite Newport, June 

7, 1S66. It will be recollected that on the night of the r2th of May. he, in company with 
Georo-e Bishop, a private in one of the companies stationed at the Fort, was out in a boat on 
the river, fishing, and that Bishop returned to shore without him, reporting that he had fallen 
overboard and was di'owned. A Coroner's inquest was held at Ft. Gratiot on June S, when the 
following verdict was given: " Corporal Frederickson came to his death on the evening of the 
12tli of May, 1S66, by the hands of one George Bishop, a private of Company E, Second 
Battalion. Seventeenth Regiment, United States Infantry." Bishop was tried for mur- 
der before the I'nited States Court at Detroit, and received his sentence of death from Judge 
Wilkinson. The terms of the sentence provided for his hanging on October 7. 1866. 

MI LITARY RESKRVATIOX. 

.\n act of the Legislature, approved May 9. 1846, ceded to the United States a tract of 
G12 acres round Fort Gratiot, between Black River and the St. Clair, for militaiy purposes, on 
condition that the State hold a conciu-rent jurisdiction with the United States in civil and crim- 
inal matters. Under authority of an act, apj^roved January 27. 1853, the State of Michigan 
ceded to the United States a tract of laud at the mouth of Pine River, for light-house purposes. 
Another tract was ceded on the St. Clair Flats, by Legislative act. approved February 5, 
1853. 

The sale of lots in the Military Reservation commenced on December 14, 1870. The 
total number of lots sold was 98 — fourteen blocks. The amount realized was $17,843, the av- 
erage price per lot being §181.25. The sales were as follows: 

Thomas W. Ward, lot 1. block 1, SlOO: lot 1, block 2. §115; lot 1, block 3, $130; lot 1, 
block 4. §150; lot 6, block 5. §153: lot 6. block 6, 8143; lot 9, block 4, §115. 

John M. Gillett, lot 2, block 1. §150: lot 2, block 2, §170. 

A. X. Moftat. lot 2, block 5, §517; lot 2, block 6, 8280 

George Fish, lot 2, block 7. §205: lot 2, block 8. 8215; lot 10. block 7, §103; lot 10, block 

8. §147. 

Frank P. Gcldie. lot 2, block 3. §249; lot 2, block 4. §360. 

William Jenkinson, Richmond, lot 1, block 1, §352; lot 1, block 2, §313; lot 3, block 1. 
§410: lot 4, block 7, 8161; lot 5, block 7, 8100. 

George E. Brockway, lot 3, block 2, 8225. James Goulden, lot 3, block 3, 8360; lot 3, 
block 4. 8510: lot '3. block 5, 8405. 

Wiliiam MaiT, lot 4. block 1. 8176. 

Charles Dane, lot 12, block 7, 8416: lot 4, block 2. §128. 

Burnet Butler, lot 4, block 3, 8125. 

C. Paille, lot 4. block 4, 8126. 

Charles Baer, lot 4, block 5, 8120: lot 4. block 6, §116. 

Thomas K. Whitman, lot 4, block 8, §272. 

Edmund Atkinson, lot 5. block 1. 8110. 

F. L. Burke, lot 5. block 2. 882: lot 5, block 3. §96. 

D. McKeller. lot 5, block 6, 893. 
John Keveney. lot 5, block 8, §151. 

D. B. Harrington, lot 6. block 1, §140; lot 11. block 9, $280; lot 9, block 7, §123; lot 10, 
block 3. S9U: lot 10, block 4. 8102. 

Robert Walsh, lot 6, block 2, §137; lot 13. block 6, 8305. 

Otis Joslyn, lot 6, block 3. §140; lot 6, block — , $160. 

H. B. O'Neill, lot 6. block 7, 8137: lot 7, block—, §86; lot 8, block 4, §70: lot 13, block 
7, 8206: lot 13. block 8, §236; lot 6. block 8. §166: lot 7. block 2, §101: lot 7, block 3, §162. 

John Walsh, lot 7, block 5. 8106; lot 7. block 6, §110. 

Thomas Burke, lot 7, block 5, §93. 

Skinner & Ames, lot 8, block 5. §95; lot 8. block 6, §107. 

Thomas A\alsh, lot 9, block 1, §1-59. 

William D. Wright, lot 9, block 2, §125; lot 9, block 3, $119. 



I 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIE COUXTY. 615 

S. S. Ward, lot S. block —, SS2: lot 9, block 6, §115: lot o. block 4. $132: lot 5, block 5, 
S132: lot S, block 1, §102: lot 8, block_2. §89. 

Marv Crawford, lot 9, block 5, §12 1. 

John Braithwait, lot 9. block 8. $170. 

John Yer^in. lot 10. block 1. Si 20. 

Chai-les Steinborn. lot 10. block 2, §98. 

John Delonga. lot 10. block 5. §112: lot 11. block 5. §155. 

S. Goodman, lot 10. block 6. §52. 

William Le Blanc, lot 11. block 3. §220. 

John Miller, lot 37. block -4. §103: lot 14. block 3. §150. 

John Asman. lot 11. block 6. §237: lot 11. block 7. §151; lot 11. block 8. §176. 

William Hartsuff. lot 12. block 1. §240: lot 12. block 2. §233: lot 12. block 3. §200; lot 
12. block 4- §254: lot 13. block 3. §211: lot 13. block 4. §355. 

^. Hem-v Howai-d. lot 12. blosk 5. §200: lot 12. block 6. §210; lot 12. block 8. §360; lot 12, 
block 9. §520. 

James Goulden. lot 13. block 15, §119: lot 13. block 2. §150. 

Charles Saaburg. lot 13. block 5. §380: lot 14 block 2. §175. 

James M. Twiss. lot 14, block 1, §110. 

The sales took place on the grounds, Mr. John W. Twiss. auctioneer. Maj. Poe was pres- 
ent during the sale. The total number of lots offered was 24'l, of which 98 were sold. 

Two hundred and forty lots, or sixty acres, on the Military Reservation, were sold Decem- 
ber 16. 1870, at an average price of §172.87 per lot. The largest sum paid for a single lot was 
§520 for lot 9. block 12. by Howard & Co. Mrs. Clara J. O'Xeil bought seventeen lots, the 
greatest number purchased by a single bidder: Fish. Harrington and Moses bought twelve 
lots: James Goulden, nine: S. S. Ward. W. D. Wright and William Hartsuff. eight lots 
each, and T. W. Ward, seven lots. 

The sale of the remaining portion of the Fort Gratiot Military Resei-vation. August 30, 
1881, included all the old cemetery ground? in the city, being about forty acres in all, and 
seventeen acres lying north of the cemetery grounds. The proceeds o! the sale of the cemetery 
grounds will go to the city, and of the other to the Government. The cost of removing bodies 
from the cemetery will be paid fi'om the proceeds of the sale. 

The old garrison buildings at Fort Gratiot were torn down in May. 1882. Only three now 
remain of all that fronted on the handsome little square that overlooked the Grand Trunk 
depot. The hill itself will soon be cut down to the dead level of the present depot grounds. 
and the place it stood on covered by railroad b-acks. The white walls of the old -fashioned build- 
ings, that gleamed a welcome to incoming ships for two generations, that stood there when all 
around them was an unbroken wilderness, have passed away forever. It seems, to old resi- 
dent*, like losing sight of a dear old friend, whose face has been many years familiar through 
storm and sunshine. 

The old fort I It has sheltered, in its time, many a gallant soldier, and been the home of 
men whose names became eminent in the nation's history. Dear old memories claster around 
it. Within its walls many a hopeful career began, and brave young hearts swelled with the 
first glory of martial life. 

But the time came when its day of usefulness was over. In recent years it has served as 
a pleasant station for soldiers weary of the exposure and danger of life on the Western frontier. 
Now it gives way to the railroad in the march of improvement. It will not be many weeks 
before even the verv ijround it stood on will have yielded to the advance of the steam shovel, 
and been e;irried away to fill in the depot grounds on the south side of the river. So that por- 
tion of the city will become, more than ever, historic ground. 

On May 22, 1882, a skeleton was found lying on the floor of one of the remaining hoa s 
of the old fort. It was then necessary to find the man who unearthed the skeleton, and in a 
few minutes he was found. He stated that it was buried beneath the floor of the kitchen at- 
tached to the house which was occitpied by the surgeons and their assistants. The skeleton was 
covered by only twelve or fifteen inches of earth, and appeared to be lying on some bark. The 



616 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

head was against the stone wall, and tied up in canvas, on which were blood stains. An iron 
spike, six inches long, with hair sticking to it, was also found near the head. The skull was 
in a ofood state of jireservation, and the two rows of teeth were very fine and perfect. A num- 
ber of small black beads and two bone knife handles were lying near the neck. All the bones 
were found, except the legs. The hair of the head was a rusty brown color. The man who 
found the skeleton thinks it is that of a squaw. 

Throughout the State, many localities formerly occupied by forts, cantonments, block- 
houses, magazines and navy yards, the potatoe fields, farms, commons, where the cattle graze, 
and graveyards were, are now compactly built over with buildings occupied by an enterpris- 
ing population, whose busy hum has so changed the scene of former times that the ancient 
habitant and those born and reared in the land are scarcely able to recognize it. Never were 
the following historic lines more appropriate than in the case of Fort Gratiot: 

"On lawn and slope — the red man's late abode — 
The steam horse rushes on an iron road. 
The steeple rises and vast granaries groan 
With products of wide realms by commerce made our own; 
Ponds where the sportsman hunted duck and plover, 
Now with parterres and parks are covered over. 
Green lanes through which the habitant alone 
Drove his chariot, to spacious streets have grown, 
Paved with cobbles, which perple.xed the shore 
Of this blue ' strait ' — by trade not docked of yore; 
Straits whose clear depths no pirogue's keel could reach. 
Now sullenly give back the screw tug's awful screech. 
Fresh from the ' back coucessioij ' — what surprise 
Illumes .lean Crapeau's lionest. wond'ring eyes. 
To see the terrace where the rampart frowned. 
With lofty pile of brick and mrirlar crowned. 
Ala.s ! what greater change upbraid the modern place 
Containing now a less contented race, 
Tlie simple virtues of the olden time 
Exchanged for coin — the more almighty dime." 

GR.ATIOT LIGHT. 

Fort Gratiot Light- House is numbered 48, and located in 4(P 22" north latitude, and lon- 
gitude 82^ 24' 44" west of Greenwich. It is in the Eleventh Inspection District, which com- 
prises all the lake coast above Detroit, of which Com. A. Mm-ray is Inspector, headquarters at 
Detroit. It was built in 1825, and refitted in 1862. It is 82 feet high from the surface of the 
lake, and supplied with an F. V. F. light; a fixed white light, varied with flashes at iuLervals 
of two minutes; and has what is known as the third order of lens. An interesting record of 
progress is connected with the forty-seven j-ears of its history. 

The btiilding containing the fog whistle stands 100 feet north of the light-house. It is of 
wood, 18x30 feet in size, sided up on the outside and ceiled within, with a shingle roof, cement 
floor and painted without, including the roof. Inside, the north part is fitted for storing the 
ftiel, mostly hard coal, wood being used only for kindling. 

In the center of the rest of the bttilding stands the tipright flue boiler, which generates 
the all-potent steam. It is six feet high, including the base, which latter is 3x4 feet in size. 
30 inches high, and contains the fire box, besides, forming the bed on which the engine rests. 
The back of the base is in circular form, corresponding to the main portion of the boiler above, 
which is 30 inches in diameter, and contains 88 flues 1| inches in diameter. The engine rests 
on the base immediately over the fire, has a horizontal motion and is of two-horse power, hav- 
ing a three-inch cylinder, ten inches long and six-inch stroke. The balance wheel is intended 
to run at a speed of 120 revolutions per minute, or two to a second; and by means of an end- 
less screw tm-ns a wheel with 120 cogs, each representing one revolution, or half a second. 
On this wheel is a cam, which opens a valve and operates the whistle eight seconds out of 
every minute. It requires 90 to 95 pounds of steam to run it on time. 

The whistle is just above the roof, and is six inches in diameter. Larger ones were tried, 
but required more steam than the boiler could furnish. The boiler and machinery were made 



HLSTOllY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. tjl7 

and put up by the Detroit Locomotive Works, iinder the direction of Gen. Poe, United StiitoH 
Engineer, and being the lirst of the kind upon the lakes, may be considered a most successful 
experiment. The eccentric George McDougal was among the first if not the first keeper of 
this light-house. He was a well-educated man, singular in many respects, decidedly a Britisher 
in sympathies and ideas, yet a man who won the regard of the United States authorities at 
Detroit in Territorial days. 

The cholera which was prevalent in 1822 and 1842, created some excitement among 
the inhabitants of the town, yet no panic followed, as would be the case in thickly settled 
communities. But in those days, men, and women, too, for that matter, were calloused 
to fear, and insensible to circumstances that would to-day be regarded as critical. The type of 
men and women who flourished in the early history of the West were radically different from 
those who came after, in many instances; more of bone and muscle, and less of superfluous 
matter, than possess types of succeeding generations; more of genuine gold and less of gilt; 
more common sense and less of sugar candy. As communities are built up and their influence 
is extended, they become wealthier, and thereby educate an efleminacy, which is expressed in 
the deterioration of the energies, capacities and endurance of those who are directly benefited 
by these pecuniary accretions. 

ESTABLISHMENT OF FT. GRATIOT VIl.LAGIi. 

In 1880, the first steps were taken toward the establishment of a village government in 
the settlement of Ft. Gratiot. In 1881, the question was presented to the Supervisors' Board 
in the form of a petition, of which the following is a copy: "The undersigned legal voters re- 
siding within the territory hereinafter named, respectfully ask its incorporation into a village 
to be called ' Ft. Gratiot", represent to said Board as follows: 

''First — We have caused an accurate census of the resident population of such territory to 
be made, the taking of which was intrusted to Julius Granger, and who commenced the same 
on the 21st day of December, A. D. ISSO. and completed the taking thereof on the -Ust day of 
December, A. D. 1880, all within ten weeks of the time of presenting this application, and the 
number of inhabitants residing in this territory is l.:^00. 

"Second — The census taken aforesaid represents the name of the head of every family resid- 
ing within such territory on the day tho same was completed and during the taking thereof 
(none having removed while it was in progress), and it also represents the number of persons 
belonging to each family. And tho same with its proper aflidavit verifying it. written and 
sworn to by the person taking the same, hereto attached and marked Exhibit ' A ' and made a 
part of this petition. 

"Third — Your petitioners have caused notice of this application to be given and published 
pursuant to law, and wo .submit herewith a copy of such notice and proof of the ])ublication 
thereof as recjuired by statute. 

"Fourth — The territory which y(nir petitioners desire to have incorporated into the village 
of Ft. Gratiot as aforesaid is not now included in any incorporated village, and it contains a resi- 
dent population of more than three hundred persons to every square mile included within its 
boundaries. 

"Fifth — These pi>titioners therefore ask yoiu' honorable body to incorporate as a village 
under the name aforesaid tho following territory situated in the township of Ft. Gratiot, in the 
county of St. Clair, and State of Michigan, viz. : Boundeil on tho west by Pine Grove avenue, 
as extended aorthwe.sterly from the north boundary of the city of Port Huron, being a continu- 
ation of the avenue of the same name in the said city; on the soiith by the north lino of the 
city of Port Huron; on the east by the center of tho Kiver St. Clair and Lake Hm-on; on tho 
north by the north line of Lots 18, 25, 27, 80, 81 and 41 in the subdivision of the McNeil tract 
so called, being parts of Section 34 and 35, in Township 7 north, of Range 17 east, in said 
township of Ft. Gratiot. And your petitioners will ever pray, etc. 

"K. E. French, George S. Merritt, David Shannon. \V. G. Staw, O'Brien J. Atkinson, ^^': 11- 
iam Fowler. Adolphus Phoenix, .rose])h Winegar, Columl)us Phetmix. Thomas Southerland, T. 
P. Phoenix, L. E. Tarraer, S. W. Merritt, James McDoniel, AValter F. Busby, J. Hazlewood.W. 



618 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

J. Stewai't, R. A. Hammoud. Thomas Dow, Thomas Basendale, John Dent, Thomas Watson, T. 
French. John B. Ross and W. L. Rettie." 

The action taken by the board in his matter is given in the official report as follows: 
"Moved by E. White, supported by R. Shiitt, that it be referred to the Committee on Divis- 
ion and Erection of Townships. The Committee on Division and Erection of Townships made 
a report in writing. Moved by G. W. Carleton, supported by Townsend Lymburner, that the 
report of committee be submitted and sjwead upon the journal. Unanimously carried. 
To THE Honorable the Board or Supervisors of the County of St. Clair: 

"Your Committee on Erection of Townships, to which was referred the petition and pa- 
pers in reference to the village of Ft. Gratiot, respectfully report: The petition appears to be 
in conformity to Chapter 12U of Compiled Laws, pages 11,12. The proposed territory contains 
over thirteen hundred people within less than one mile square, and is not included within any 
village and city. We find that the petitioners, more than fifteen in number, all reside within 
the proposed territory. We tind the census attached to the petition to have been taken accu- 
rately properly verified. We also tind that due notice has been given of the application as re- 
quired by law that proof thereof accompanies such petition. We further report that we have 
heard all parties interested in the matter who asked to be heard, and we would recommend the 
adoption of proper resolution incorj^orating such village, of which respectfully submit Freder- 
ick Lindo, Frank Ufford, Martin Stapleton. " 

A resolution offered by Townsend Lymburner was read by E. G. Stevenson, when John 
McGill moved, supported by Edgar White, that the resolution be received, adopted and spread 
upon the journal. 

The village was established under authority given in the following resolution: 

"Whereas, It appears from the report of the committee of this board and from an exami- 
nation of the papers connected with the application for the incorporation of the village of Ft. 
Gratiot, that all the requirements of law have been complied with, and it appearing to this 
board that the territory described in said petition and also hereinafter named, containing a 
population of 1,300 j^eople. 

''Therefore Resolwd, by the Board of Supervisors of the county of St. Clair, and it is 
hereby ordered and declared by said Board, that the following territory to wit (described in the 
petition), be and the samd is hereby incorporated and the same shall be an incorporated village 
under the name of the village of Ft. Gratiot, and it is further resolved and declared that 
Thomas Southerland, Julius Granger and Walter T. Busby, all electors and residents of such 
territory, are hereby appointed Inspectors of Election, to hold the first election in said village, 
and such election shall be held on the first Tuesday of March, A. D. 1881, at Eddison's Hall, 
in said township of Ft. Gratiot and within the village of Ft. Gratiot aforesaid." 

The new village held its first charter election March 15, I88i. The regular ticket nomi- 
nated at the citizens' meeting and subsequently slightly changed by consent, was elected, with the 
exceptions of Francis P. Phoenix (ReiJublican), in place of Richard Fades (Republican), for 
Treasurer, and J. A. McMartin (Democrnt), for Clerk, instead of W. T. Busby (Republican). 
Phoenix's majority over Fades was eighty, and McMartin's over Busby, sixty-eight. 

The following are the names of the officei's elected: 

President— 0"B. J. Atkinson, Democrat. 

Trustees for two years — Thomas Sutherland, Republican; Edward Hollis, Democrat; P. 
M. Ed'ison. Democrat. 

Trustees for one year — John Waterworth, Democrat; Hiram Morse, Republican; S. W. 
Merritt, RejHiblieau. 

Treasurer — F. P. Phoenix. Republican. 

Clerk — Julius McMartin, Democrat. 

Assessor — Julius Granger, Democrat. 

Street Commissioner — B. B. Dewey, Republican. 

Constable— John Clark, Republican. 



HISTORY OF ,ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 619 

THE TWO KLECTRICIANS AND INVENTOr..S. 
In a history of Fort Gratiot, the reader will very naturally look for the personal history 
of the two Edisons; one of whom lives to electrify the world, while the other died in an effort 
to wake up sleejjy Eirrope. The biography of the Thomas A. Edison was i)re]>ared by George 
H. Bliss; that of the younger Edison is taken from a sketch of his life published immediately 
after his death. 

THOMAS A. EDISON. 

The personal history of this celebrated electrician is one full of instruction to all readers, 
and of special interest to the people of St. Clair County, among whom he lived. The sketch is 
taken from his biograjihy by George H. Bliss. "His ancestry," says Mr. Bliss, "can be traced 
back '200 years, when they were extensive millers in Holland. In 1730, members of the family 
emigrated to this country. Thomas Edison was a prominent bank oifioial on Manhattan Island 
during the Revolution, and his name appears ou the Continental money. The race is long- 
lived. Edison's great-grandfather lived to be one hundred and two and his grandfather one 
hundred and three years old. His father. Samuel Edison, is now living, aged seventy-four, and 
in j)erfeet health. He stands six feet two inches, and in 1868 outjumj^ed 250 men belonging 
to a regiment stationed at Ft. Gratiot, Mich. He learned the tailor's trade, Imt subsequently 
entered commercial life, and engaged consecutively in the grain, commission, lumber, nursery 
and land business. He has always been in easy circumstances. Edison's mother, Mary Elliot 
Edison, was born in Massachusetts. She was finely educated, and for several years taught in 
a Canadian high school. She was an industrioiis, capable, literary and ambitious woman. 
She died in 18(32 at sixty seven years of age. Thomas Alva Edison was born February 11, 
1847, at Milan, Erie Co. , Ohio. This was then a thriving town of several thousand inhabit- 
ants. Located at the head of Milan Canal, four miles from Lake Erie, it was the center of the 
ship-lniilding, wheat-shipping and stave-making interests of that region. Exhaustion of the 
surrounding timber and the construction of the Lake Shore Railroad some distance south of 
the town, brought about decay, which compelled Edison's parents to remove to Port Huron 
when he was seven years old, which has since been their home. Edison never went to school 
over two mouths in his life. His mother tauofht him siiellini'-, readincr, writing and arithmetic. 
She was a fine reader and often read aloud to the family. Edison acquired his love of reading 
from her, which was encouraged by his father, who paid him for each book mastered. At ten 
years old, he had read " The Penny Encyclopedia," Hume's Histor}^ of England, History of the 
Reformation, Gibbon's Rome, Searl's History of the World, several works on chemistry, and 
other similar works. He read them all with the utmost fidelity, never skipping a word or 
a formula, although mathematics were and are especially repulsive to him. It is this habit of 
concentration which has led him to the accomplishment of many astonishing result.s. As a boy. 
he was always occupied, and amuseil himself making jdank roads, digging caves and trying 
experiments, his mind being full of subjects. He was uneasy to get into busine.ss, and at 
twelve years of age his father secured him a place as train boy on the Grand Trunk Railroad. 
When the road was com])leted between Detroit and Port Huron, he acquired an excitisive news 
dealer's right, having as high as four assistants. During the four years he ran the road, his 
earnings averaged §1 a day, which was given to his mother. In commencing to visit Detroit, 
he joined the library, and started to read it through. He began on the bottom shelf and read 
every book for fifteen feet, when the jol) was given up as ho])el("ss, and thereafter congenial 
selections were made. He was an occasional reader of fiction and )K)etry. Victor Hugo is his 
favorite author. The Los Miserable?, he read a dozen times, and has reviewed it as often 
since. The Toilers of the S(>a ho considers a grand book. His memory is so retentive 
that he can quote extensive extracts from many sourt^es, and can usually refer direct to the 
book and page of his scientiiie library for any fact or information needed for experiment or 
research. His mind is craimued with an immense^ mass of information, it being difiicult to 
mention a subject about which he knows nothing. He has a partial knowledge of the French, 
German, Italian and Spanish languages. Attached to the mixed train upon which he sold 
papers was a freight car having a room partitioned ofT for smoking purposes. As th(> car was 
without springs or ventilation, no one would ride in it. Edison obtained Tresenius' Quality 



620 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIE COUNTY. 

of Analysis.' bought some chemicals on the installment plan, induced the hands at the railroad 
shop to "make him some retort stands in exchange for papers, and turned the smoking room in- 
to a laboratory. The Detroit Free Press, then owned by Wilbur F. Storey, came out in a new 
di-ess. Edison pui-chased 3U0 pounds of old type, and for sis month published a weekly paper 
on the train called the Grand Trunk Herald. The price was 3 cents and the subscription list 
ran up to several hundred. It was printed on one side only, by hand, and was devoted to rail- 
road gossip, changes, accidents and information. George Stephenson, the English engineer, 
who built the tubular bridge at Montreal, when passing over the road found Edison at work, 
and ordered an extra edition for himself. The paper was afterward noticed by the London 
Times. One day the water in Edison's phosphorous bottle evaporated, it fell on the floor and 
ignited the car. The conductor with difficulty extinguished the fii-e. threw the materials out 
of the car and gave Edison a tkrashing. so that his newspaper and laboratory came to a sud- 
den end. He continued his ex]ieriments in the cellar at home, and carried his printer's mate- 
rial with him for several years. 

While rimning into Detroit, he became acquainted with the telegraph operators, and in 
hanging about the office the idea suggested itself to telegraph the newspaper headings to the 
stations in advance of the train. The effect was to spread the information of the battles then 
taking place and greatly increase his sales. The success taught him the value of the telegraph, 
and he determined to learn the business. He purchased a work on the electric telegraph, and, 
in conjunction with James Ward, one of his assistants, they constructed a telegi'aph line be- 
tween their residences in Port Huron. They used common stovepipe wire insulated with bot- 
tles placed on nails driven into trees and crossed under an exposed road by means of a piece of 
abandoned cable, captui'ed fi-nm the Detroit River. The lirst magnets used were made of wii'e 
wound with rags for insulation, and a piece of spring brass was used for a key. They were 
somewhat mixed as to the relative value of dynamic and static electricity for telegraph pur- 
poses, and the tirst attempt to generate a current was by means of a couple of cats rubbed 
vigorously at each end at an appointed time. This effort proved a failm'e, although they suc- 
ceeded in getting rid of the cats with lightning-like rapidity. Soon after this experiment, 
some old telegraph instruments and battery materials were purchased, and a successful short 
line was inaugurated. This was quite an achievement in those days, although now there are 
hundreds of such short lines throughout the country. 

About two months afterward, as the railroad train was switching some cars on to the side 
track at Mt Clemens station, the agent's little boy. two years old, crept upon the tract in front 
of the approaching' cars. Edison, seeing the danger, sprang to the gi'ound, seized the child 
and bravely saved his life. J. A. McKenzie was the agent and operator, and in gratitude for 
the act, volunteered to assist Edison to learn telegraphy. Thereafter, on reaching the end of his 
route. Edison would go back by fi-eight train to Mt. Clemens, and worked nights to perfect 
himself in operating. 

In live months he was sufficiently advanced to secure employment in the telegraph office at 
Port Hm-on. The office was in a jewelry store, and Edison had an opportunity to indulge 
his mechanical inclinations. He worked night and day to improve himself, but resigned in 
six months because compensation promised for extra work was withheld. His regular salary 
was §2-1 per month. 

He next went to Stratford, Canada, as night operator. The operators were required to re- 
port, 'six' every half hour to the Circuit Manager. Edison indulged his ingenuity to a bad 
ptirpose by making a wheel with Morse characters cut in the circiunference in such a way that 
when turned it would write the ticure six and sign his office-call. This the watchman turned 
for him while Edison slept. 

His stay at this point was brief. One night the dispatcher sent an order to hold a train. 
Edison rejjeated back the me.ssage before showing it to the conductor. When he ran out for 
the pm-pose, the train had pulled off from the side track and was gone. When the dispatcher 
was notified the opposing train was beyond reach. Fortunately the two trains met on a 
sti-aight track and no accident occurred. The railroad superintendent sent for Edison and so 
fi'ightened him with threats of imprisonment, that, without getting his wardrobe, he started 



HISTORT OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 621 

for home and was gi-eatly delighted to reach his native land. He spent a few weeks at Port 
Hnron in study, but operators were in demand and he obtained a situation at Adrian, Mich. 
Here he bad a small shop and a few tools, where his spare time was used in repairino- instru- 
ments and making such exjieriments as he had the means to accomplish. It was then a peculiar- 
ity of the Morse telegi-aph system that only one message at a time could be sent on one wire. 
It is also a characterstic of young operators, that each considers himself the most important 
personage on the line, and that his business must go tirst. Being at safe distance, operators 
fling the most violeni abase at each other with impunity, and meanwhile messages wait. Edison 
proved no e.?;ception to the rule, and on one occasion, when he had some message from the Su- 
perintendent insisted on taking the line from all comers. The Superintendent of telegraph 
lived in the same town and had an instrument in his house. Hearing the tussel on the wire, 
he rushed to his office, pounced upon Edison and discharged him for violation of the rules. 

His next situation was in night service at Ft. Wayne, and in two months he had improved 
so miich as to secure a situation in Indianapolis. Here he invented his first successful auto- 
matic repeater, which is an an-angement for transferring the writing from one telegraph line to 
another without the medium of a sending or receiving operator. It was au important achieve- 
ment for so young and inexperienced an operator. 

The ambition of all operators is to be able to take 'press reports.' Edison practiced 
nights incessantly to accomplish this end. He was finally given a trial, but findin<T himself 
making too many breaks or iuteiTOgations. he rigged two more recording registers, one to re- 
ceive and one to repeat the embossed writing at slower speed so it could be copied. When 
this was done, he told the sending operator to 'rush him,' which gave him a brief reputation, for 
the 'copy' was so slow in reaching the press it caused complaint, and he was suspended from 
the work. 

At the end of six months, he was transferred to CJincinnati. Here he worked a day wire, 
but continued to practice nights and 'sTibbed' for the night men whenever he could get the priv- 
ilege. 

He had been in Cincinnati three months when a delegation of Cleveland operators came 
down to organize a branch of the Telegraphers' Union, which resulted in the great strike a 
few years since. They stmck the office in the evening, and the whole force, with one excep- 
tion, went off on a gigantic spree. Edison came round as usual to practice, and findincr the 
office so nearly deserted took the press report to the best of his ability, and worked throucrh 
the night, clearing up business. The following day he was rewarded by an increase of salary, 
from S66 to §105 per month, and was given the Louisville wire, ime of the most desirable in 
the office. Bob Martin, one of the fastest senders in the country, worked the Louisville end. 
and from the experience here acquired, Edison dates his ability as a first-class operator. 

Edison's utter negligence of di-ess and appearance, his willingness to work at all hours 
night or day, his insatiable thirst for reading, and his enthusiastic attempts to solve what ap- 
peared to his companions impossibilities, earned for him the name of 'luny" or crazy man, 
which clung to him a number of years. He retained, however, the personal good will of his 
associates. 

In 1864, he went to Memphis and obtained a moi*e remunerative salary. His associates 
were dissolute and imposed upon his good nature to such an extent that the work he did was 
enormous. Abstemious himself almost to stoicism, he freely loaned his money to his compan- 
ions or expended it in the purchase of books or apparatus. He made and put into operation 
his automatic repeater, so that Louisville and New Orleans could work direct. The idea of du- 
plex transmission had taken possession of him, and he was perpetually advocating and experi- 
menting to accomplish it. These efforts were looked upon with disfavor by the manage- 
ment, and in the changes resulting upon the transfer of the lines from the Government to the 
telegraph company he was dismissed. 

Being without money, and having transportation to Decatm* only, he walked to Xashville, 
where Billy Foley, an o])erator in the same predicament, was found, and they traveled together 
to Louisville Edison had only a linen suit, and on ariving at Louisville he found the weather 
extremely chilly. He hunted up a friend who loaned him money for his immediate need. 



622 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Foley's reputation was too bad to obtain a situation himself, but he recommended Edison, who 
obtained work. For this service Edison supported Foley till he could get a job. 

Edison describes the Louisville office at this time as the dirtiest and most free and easy in 
the business. The common disposition of tobacco-quids was to hurl them at the ceiling, where 
they stuck by the hundred. Rats in great numbers kept the operator in company at night. 
The discipline was lax in all things, except the quality and promptness of work. Edison was 
required to take reports on a line worked on the blind side of a repeater, where he had no 
chance to break. This requires skill, and he attained to a rare perfection by the most careful 
study of names, markets and general information. The line was old and in a poor condition, 
being subject to many interruptions and changes. To assist in his work, Edison was in the 
habit of arranging three sets of instruments, each with a different adjustment, so that whether 
the circuit was strong or weak, or no matter how rapid the change, he was able to receive the 
signals acciu-ately. He remained in Louisville for nearly two years, and then got the South 
American fever. In connection with Messrs. Keen and Warren, two of his associates, he saved 
money for the trip, and they started, intending to go via New Orleans. On arriving at the lat- 
ter place, the vessel upon which they were to ship had fortunately sailed. Edison fell in with 
a Spaniard who had traveled around the world. He told him of all the countries visited the 
United States was the best, having the most desirable government, institutions, climate and 
people. This wholesome advice shook Edison's determination in connection with his disappoint- 
ment at delay, and he resolved to go home. He went to Port Huron via the Gulf and Atlantic 
States. After remaining a few weeks, he again got woi'k at Louisville, and returned there. 
He now began to save his earnings more than ever, and invested them in additions to his library, 
apparatus, printing office and shop. He started to publish a work on electricity with his own 
office, but the task proved too much for his facilities. He went into a most elaborate series of 
experiments, as was his custom when investigating any subject, to determine the most rapid and 
best-adapted style of penmanship for an operator's use. He finally fixed upon a slightly back- 
hand, witli regular round characters, isolating the letters from each other, and without shad- 
ing. This beautiful penmanship he became able to produce at the speed of forty-live words 
per minute, which is the extreme limit of a Morse operator's ability to transmit. 

Edison's description of the habits of his associate operators at this time is amusing in the 
extreme. Often when he went home from his work in the small hours of the morning, he 
would find three of the boys on his Ded with their boots on, where they had crawled after an 
evening's dissipa+ion. He would gently haul them out and deposit them on the floor, whi le he 
turned in to sleep. Meanwhile, the office was removed to a new building with imj^roved fixt- 
ures, and the instruments were fastened to the tables. Orders were issued not to move the 
instruments. Edison, however, could not desist from taking three sets to connect up so as to 
get report correctly, for the line outside had not been improved. At one time he had every 
instrument in the office out and connected together to try an experiment. 

Beneath the office was a bank, and in the back office an elegant carpet covered the floor. 
Over this was the battery room, and one night, in trying to abstract some sulphuric acid for ex- 
periments, he tipped over the whole carboy. The acid ran through the floor and ceiling, de- 
stroying the carpet and doing other damage. This proved the climax of endurance, and Edi- 
son was discharged. He went immediately to Cincinnati and obtained work as report operator. 
This was the scene of some of his first achievements. He always had a hankering for machin- 
ery, and when on the Grand Trunk Railway frequented the machine shops and learned to run 
an engine. On one occasion, when the engineer and fireman were exhausted from overwork 
and fell asleep, he ran a train nearly the entire trip. He unfortunately pumped the engine 
too full of water, so that it was thrown from the smoke-stack, and deluged the engine with 
filth, much to the discomfiture of the engineer, who had slept while Edison ran the train. In 
Cincinnati, on his first stay, he made an ingenious small steam engino, and arranged his first 
duplex instruments. The instruments were very crude, as he had so little to work with, but 
the drawings, which still exist, show conclusively that double transmission was possible at a 
much earlier date than when out into practical use. 

His second stay in Cincinnati was very unpopulai- on account of his continued experiments. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 623 

He would get oscused from duty and take a bee line to the Mechanics' Librai'y, where his en- 
tire day and evening would be spent reading the most ponderous electrical and scientific works. 
He remained in Cincinnati only a short time, and returned homo. 

He had a warm jjersonal friend, M. T. Adams, in the Boston office. An expert was needed 
to woik a heavy New Yoi'k wire. Several candidates had failed, as the New York end was 
worked by Yoi-k and Erie operators, who, as a class, had the reputation of writing anything 
but the Morse alphabet. G. F. Millikeu, the manager, oflV'red the situation to Edison by tele- 
graph, and he accepted. He startod via the Grand Trunk and the train was snowed in for two 
days near the bluffs of the St. Lawrence River by a violent storm. The passengers nearly 
perished with cold and hunger. When all resources for fuel and wood were exhausted, a dele- 
gation was sent out to hunt for relief. They were gone so long, another expedition was about 
starting in search of them, when they returned and reported a hotel not far distant, where 
cigars were 1 cent apiece, whisky 3 cents a glass and board 50 cents a day. A shout of relief 
went up from the crowded cars, and they were soon comfortably housed till the storm was over. 
Edison finally reached Boston all right. 

He arrived in Boston in 18(38, and in the person of Mr. Millikeu fouml the first superior 
officer who could appreciate his character. Mr. Millikeu was an accomplished gentleman, a 
thorough master of his profession, and an iuventor of merit. He made allowance for the 
gawkj' and hungry look of his subordinate, and in the secret excitement under which he seemed 
to labor recognized the fire of genius. Edison's stay in Bo.ston was congenial. There is a 
vein of humor running through his character. and he played a [iractical joke on the cockroaches 
which infested the oftice in gi'eat numbers. He placed some narrow strips of tin- foil on the wall 
and connected them with the wires from a powerful battery. Then he placed food in an at- 
tractive manner to tempt them. When these clammy individuals passed from one foil to the 
other they completed the battery connection, and with a flash were cremated, to the delight 
of the spectators. Edison started a shop in Boston, and gave all his spare time to it. His 
ideas here began to assume practical shape. He invented a dial instrument for private line 
use, and put several into practical operation. He made a chemical-vote recording apparatus, 
but failed to get it adopted by a Massachusetts Legislature. He commenced his experiments 
on vibratory telegraph api)<iratus. and made trial tests between Boston and Portland. He ma- 
tured his fii'st private line printer, and put eight into practical operation. From lack of means 
to pay for quotations, his venture was not successful and he sold out. This patent subsequently 
came into the possession of the Golden Stock Telegraph Company, and was considered to 
have a base or foundation value upon which many subsequent improvements were built. 

At one time he was invited to explain the operation of the telegraph to what he supposed 
was a girl's school. He forgot the appointment, and when found was putting up a line on 
a house top. He went directly from his work, and was mach abashed to find himself ushered 
into the presence of a room full of finely dressed young ladies. He was actually timid in 
ladies' presence, but his subject was understood, and the occasion passed pleasantly. He was 
introduced to a number of young ladies, who alwaj's recognized him on the street, much to the 
astonishment of his fellow-operators not in the secret. Edison is a strong believer in the 
Boston girl. 

His idea of a duplex system constantly burned in his brain, and in 1870 he went to Roch- 
ester, N. Y., to try his apparatus between the two cities. Mr. F. L. Pope, the present pat- 
ent adviser of the Western Union Telegraph Company, assisted in New York. The efi'ort was 
a failure, although Edison has always claimed that it ought to have succeeded. He then 
went to New York, arriving there dead broke and discouraged. He hung ai'ound the office of 
the Gold Indicator Company for several days. Their apparatus was cumbersome and imperfect 
and frequently out of order. At such times the brokers would rush to the office and demand 
immediate repairs. One day when there was an unusual excitement in the gold market the ap- 
paratus failed. The confusion at the Indicator office was great. The Superintendent was out. 
Edison happened in and stood watching the confusion. He volunteered to fix the machinery. 
The President looked upon him with amazement, bat being in the mood to catch at straws, gave 
him permission to try. He speedily found the defect and the next day was engaged to fill a 



624 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

responsible position with the company. He immediatelj' began to improve the apparatus, and 
soon invented a gold printer. The company was purchased by the Gold and Stock Companj', 
and Edison was thrown out. He then went into company with Pope & Ashley (the latter now 
being editor of the Journal of the Telegraph). 

The Pope and Edison printer was brought out. and a private line system put in active opera- 
tion. This was soon sold to the Grold and Stock Company, and Edison has for many years been 
retained in the service of that company and the Western Tjtion Telegraph Company at a large 
salarv, tliey having the first option to purchase his Inventions pertaining to telegraphy at prices 
a^n-eed upon in each case. Edison's inventions pertaining to the gold and stock telegraphy 
soon replaced the old apparatus, and that .system is interwoven with his inventions and im- 
provements. At the formation of his intimate connection with the Gold and Stock Company, 
he established an imcnense electrical manufacturing establishment at Newark, which was divid- 
ed into three large shops and two laboratories for experiment. He employed upward of 300 
men, and was himself the busiest man in America. He gave himself scarcely any time for 
sleep. An idea of his determination and persistence can be gained from the following inci- 
dent: He had been given an order for $30,000 worth of improved printers. The sample 
instrument had worked an experimental circuit, but the first instruments for practical 
use proved a failure. In vain he sought to remedy the defect, till finally, taking foui- or five 
of his best men, he went to the top floor of his factory, remarking that they would never come 
down till the printer worked. They labored coutiniionsly for sixty hours, and he was so fort- 
unate as to discover the fault, and made the printers operate perfectly at an expense of $5,- 
000. Such severe and protracted labors are common with him. He says after going without 
sleep more than the ordinary hours he becomes nervous, and the ideas flow in upon him with 
grer-t rapidity. His sleep after these efforts is correspondingly long, sometimes lasting thirty- 
six hours. He knuws no such division as day and night in his labors, and, when the inspira- 
tion is upon him, pursues the investigation and experiment to the end. 

As a manufactui-er he did not prove a success. The more resources at command, the 
greater his efforts at invention. At one time he had forty-five distinct inventions and improve- 
ments under way. All the large sums received for his patents and the profits arising from 
manufactm'ing to the amount of nearly $400,000 have been expended in inventive efforts. He 
finally became excessively annoyed at the tax upon his powers arising from regular business 
and concluded to remove to some small place inconvenient to reach, where he would be free 
from curiosity seekers, and have opportunity to put into practical shape his conceptions. In 
1876, he sold his machinery and moved his family to Menlo Park, N. J., on the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, twenty-four miles from New York. Here, on the crest of a hill, remote from other 
buildings, he built a labaratory 28x100 feet, two stories in height. In one room on the 
gi'ound floor he has a machinery department, in which is located a ten-horse-power engine, and 
a collection of expensive tools, so that any ajipliance, however intricate, can be made under his 
own inspection. In another room are ranged on shelves and in cases the models of a large 
number of his experiments and inventions. Here are also to be found many instruments of 
precision which he has purchased at great costs to assist in his investigations. His library is 
entirely scientific and costly, but not large. On his upper floor he has ranged upon shelves 
thousands of Viottles of chemicals, and he makes it a rule to purchase some of every known 
chemical or mineral, to have at hand in case of need. Here he conducts his experiments un- 
d(>r his personal supervision. He has always with him three or four assistants, whom he has se- 
lected on account of their skill as draughtsmen or workmen, willingness to comply with his 
wishes, and their physical endurance, which, with him, is an important consideration. Messrs. 
Charles Batchelor, Scotch, and James Adams. Irish, and Mr. Kusel, of German descent, are 
the y)rincipal a'^sistants. Sometimes he has fifteen men employed exclusively in developing his 
inventions, if of importance and near completion. Edison was described by the United States 
Patent Commissioner as the young man who has kept the path to the Patent Office hot with 
his footsteps. He has been granted 112 patents in this country, and has some twenty applica- 
tions pending in the office. His most valuable inventions have been patented in many foreign 
countries. Of his American patents, thirty-five pertain to automatic and chemical telegraphs, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLATIl COUNTY. 625 

eight to duplex and quadruplex telegraphy, thirty-eight to jirinting telegraph instruineut.s. four- 
teen to Morse telegraph apparatus proper, and the remainder relate to tire-alarms, district and 
domestic telegraphy, electric signals, the electric pen, the speaking phonograph, and a variety 
of electrical and non-el<>ctric apjiaratus. 

The printing telegraph instruments, the automatic or chemical system, by which 1,000 
words a minute can be transmitted on a single wire for medium distance; the quadruples sys- 
tem, by which four messages at a time are sent on the same wire bj' the Morse method; the 
electric pen, the carbone tele])hone, which exceeds all others for its loudness and distinctness; 
the speaking phonograph, and the .lerophone are among his most valuable productions. 

He has made many extremely interesting and minor di.scoveries, such as the lubricating 
property of electricity upon which the eleotro-motorgraph is based, and upon which could be 
built an entirely new system of telegraphy. His mind is so prolific that he can always afiford 
to accept reasonable compensation for his inventions. 

He is sharp at a bargain, and has been styled a Tallyrand in negotiating for the disposi- 
tion of his inventions. His peculiarities and the great value of his inventions have led to se- 
vere struggles for the possession of some of them. His great anxiety seems to be to give an 
equivalent invention for the price asked; but he professes to bo utterly without conscience* in 
erfse of any attempt to overreach him. In person he is live feet nine and one^-half inches tall; 
he wears a seven and seven-eighths inch tall hat; his hair is black and is worn short and is 
slightly grav. His comple.sion is pale ami fair; his eyes are gray and piercing; he has a 
shari) nose and countenance. AVheu in application, his look is most intense, although there is 
often a merry twinkle in his eye. His chest expansion is five inclies. His powers of applica- 
tion, patience and endurance are something wonderful. He begins where most peejple leave 
ofl', and, like a Morphy at chess, can-ies on five or six lines of ex])eriment in totally different 
divisions, never ceasing any of them tdl a result is reached or an impossibility proved. He 
keeps a careful recox'd of each day's experiments, properly witnessed, and numerous volumes of 
such statistics. He is quite hard of hearing and his accomplishments with tho telephone are 
most remarkable on account of this defect. For a long time he was unable to distinguish the 
sound produced, and depended upon his assistants. He many times despaired of a reuilt. At 
last he got his carbon ttdeplionc" sufficiently loud so that he could hear it over long distances 
without difficulty, and was satisfied. That such a man should go on and elinunate the speak- 
ing j)honograi)h is surprising, and in view of his defect, he nui'y almost be forgiven the pro- 
duction of the aerophone, intended to talk from three to ten miles. Ho was married to Miss 
Mars Stillwell, of Newark, in 187;i The medallion on the new silver dollar is an excellent 
profile likeness of her. Their honeymoon was eccentric, as Edison, although in the same city, 
could not leave his work for more than a few hours two or three times a week, owing to busi- 
ness engagements." 

Whatever may be the outcome of electricity, the theory and art of its control must be 
in a great measure credited to him. The successes attendant on his late inventions, the adop- 
tion of the electric light system, and the illimitable |)ossiliilities of his profession, point out the 
brilliancy of his future life, while making the past secure. ' 

i'll.\l!l.E8 1'. KlilSON. 

Cliarles P. Edison, the subject of this sketch, who died in I'aris, France, October 19, 
1879, was a nephew of Thomas A. Edison, the inventor, and at the time of his death was em- 
ployed by his uncle in iutriiducing some of the wonderful inventions that have made the name 
of Edison known in every land. He was born at Port Huron, Alich.. March 5, 1800. His 
mind in his early youth like that of his uncle, was given to the investigation of every novel and 
curious thing that came under his notice. The discoveries made by the great inventor seemed 
to inspire young Charlie with a desire to accomplish something in the world of inventions. 
At the early age of eleven years, ho was constantly experimenting in his rude and novel way 
with electricity, and to satisfy his desire to uai'avel the mysterious force, and to give his mind 
a wider scope, his parents gave tiie young lad permission to visit the laboratory and work shop 
of his uncle, then located at Newark, N. J. So infatuated was young Edison with what ho saw, 

40 



626 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

that he remained several months, during which time he was constantly at work, sometimes in- 
vestigating andVsperimenting on his own account, but always watching closely, storing up in 
his young mind everything that came under his observation. On his return home, he at onc» 
fitted up a small workshop and laboratory, and filled it with various kinds of chemicals, machin- 
ery and tools which were bought with money he earned in numerous ways, and spent all his 
leisure time in experimenting. His tastes and habits now. as in later years, were so similar to 
those of his uncle that it was quite remarkable. He was always looked upon as an eccentric 
youth, seldom mingling with his companions in their everyday sports, for his whole mind 
seemed to run to science. At this time he subscribed for many scientific journals. Among 
the number was the Scientific American, and he was its youngest subscriber. He organized a 
sort of telegraphic exchange, made telegraph instruments, constructed batteries, put up a line 
and held evening communications with his associates. So intent was he upon pursuing his ex- 
perimental work that often his parents would retire leaving the young enthusiast in his minia- 
ture laboratory at work, and frequently it would be far on to the morning before he would re 
tire to rest. In the winter of 1878, the Common Council of the city decided to put up a fire 
alarm telegraph and advertised for proposals. Young Edison submitted a bid which was accept- 
ed, being so thoroughly familiar with the cost of material and expense of instruments that his 
propositions proved to be far below his competitors. Inside of three weeks it was in working 
order, and it has never failed in any particular to perform all that was promised. In April, 
1878, he again left his home to reside in Menlo Park. N. J. He soon became the principal co- 
operator of his uncle in the invention of the new receiver for the loud speaking telephone — a 
telephone which made the voice loud enough to be heard thi'ough a large hall. After six 
months of unceasing labor, he finally completed it and was immediately sent to New York City 
to superintend the manufacture of these instruments to supply an order received from Eng- 
land. The '^Gth of last February he was sent by his uncle to exhibit these instruments before the 
Royal Sociecy of London and l;he Prince of Wales; and from the first made it a perfect suc- 
cess. While abroad, he met many men of note, among them Prof. Tyndall, at whose house he 
was a guest, and who spoke in the most flattering terms of his genius. Also the King of Bel 
gium. to whom he gave much information concerning the telephone and electric light, and also 
upon the subject of establishing telephonic communication between Belgium and England. 
At the time of his death, he was actually occupied in installing the quadruplex system of teleg- 
raphy of his uncle between Paris and Brussels, and was the only person in Europe who could 
operate it. He gave promise of a genius hardly second to that of his uncle, and already had 
made some inventions which were likely to giv« him a national or world-wide fame. A French 
paper, La France, in publishing a brief biography of him, says: ''Although young, still he had 
shown great capacity and aptitude in invention. Science and society suifered a great loss in 
his death." 

CHURCHES. 

The churches of Fort Gratiot are the Methodist, Episcopal and United Presbyterian 
Chxirches in the village. The pastor of the Methodist Church is Rev. Francis Berry; Rev. T. 
W. Monteith of the Presbyterian, and Rev. George M Skinner of the Protestant Episcopal. 

ST. PAUL'S MISSION, FORT GRATIOT, 

was established in 1873. The present pastor is Rev. G. M. Skinner, who came in 1881. 

David Curtiss Maitland. James Kirkland, Wardens; James Kirkland. Lay Reader. 

The following is the report tendered to the congregation of 1882: 

Baptized— Infants SI 

Adults 2 

Total 33 

Confirmed 13 

Communicants admitted in the parish 88 

By confirmation 13 

Received from other parishes 12 

Total added 25 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 627 

Died 1 

Removed f luiii the parish 4 

Total lost ") 

Present number 57 

Marriasres 1 

Burials 6 

Public services — Sundavs 109 

Holy days " 2 

Other days 45 

Total 16 

Holj- communion — Sundays 14 

Holy davs 1 

Private " 1 

Total IG 

Congrciial ion— Families 42 

Individuals not included in families 14 

Total of souls 240 

Sunday School — Teachers and officers 14 

ScholaVs 110 

Average attendance 60 

Bible Classes — Teachers 2 

Scholars 10 

Average attendance 9 

Catechising " openly in the church " 45 

Sunday School library (volumes) 150 

Parochial organizations — Church Aid Society, Relief and Visiting Committee 24 

Communion alms not other^\'ise reported $ 22 46 

Rector's salary 405 Co 

Other current'expenses 86 26 

Total for Parochial purposes §513 52 

Christmas fund 2 14 

Domestic missions 1 32 

By the Sunday School — For its own purposes 23 10 

Total of contributions and offerings $515 98 

Sources of above — Offcrtorj- 133 76 

Subscriptions, gifts, pledges, etc 405 00 

Value of Church Proper! v— Church 1,800 00 

Church lot ". GOO 00 

Total value of property 2.40(1 00 

Salary pledged to the Rector 50(1 00 

Number of sittings in the church (free) 3011 

Indebtedness— Church 266 25 

Church lot 133 75 

Due the Rector 66 00 

Total of indebtedness ^ 466 00 

An account of the organization of the other churches is given in the general history. 

In June. 1S82, an old resident of the village contributed the following little chapter of 
reminiscences to the Ft. Ciratiot Sun: 

" Of the transmutations that time effects, at least in the external world, the writer has been 
most forcibly impressed by a visit to Ft. Gratiot, after an absence of almost half a century. 

"As I approach the old military grounds, I look in vain for the 'star-spangled banner'" that 
always floated over the fort: and as I come nearer, instead of the tall, whitewashed pickets 
that siuTounded the bairacks. and the threatening held pieces that guarded the gates, and the 
blue-coated sentinel pacing his silent beat, 1 find a busy, bustling city, with all the activities 
of trade and business. The fort — where is it ? Only a few fast disappearing ruins mark its 
site. I go down what was once a steep bank toward the river, where the bake-house and the 
sutler's shop stood. I lind the spot occupied by railroad tracks, locomotives and cars. 



628 HISTORr OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

" Where ouce only the tattoo or the reveille broke the stillness of the evening or morning 
air. now the shrieking of the iron horse, night and riay, wakes the echoes. 

"I look at the river — the same swift volume of water glides down; but now it is disturbed 
by the ponderous ferry-boat with its enormous load, and symmetrical propellers cleaving their 
rapid way, and the little smoke-enveloped tugs steadily breasting the current, and forcibly per- 
suading their white winged retinue to follow in their wake. But when I last looked upon its 
crystal waters, no cloud of steam or smoke shaded its surface, save at long intervals some un- 
wieldy side wheeler, the Pennsylvania. Superior, or some other of the half-dozen steamboats 
that then cleft the waters of our inland seas, came toiling up, hugging to its sides some two or 
more sailing vessels which, mayhap, had lain for weeks at the foot of the rajiids, vainly wooing 
a southern breeze. I look across to the Canadian side, where then no sign of human proximity 
could be seen along its unbroken beach, and flocks of wild plover fluttered unmolested over the 
•white sand. Now, great edifices, dejiots, and all the acoomiianiments of trade, travel and trans- 
portation meet my eyes. 

"All is changed, so strange here, I will stroll up toward the lake and pass by the old 
plum trees that strewed the grass with their crimson fruit, and see the wild grape vines once 
loaded with jiurple clusters, and where I had seen a hundred wigwams, that for a few days 
sheltered the tawny natives, who had come from Saginaw Bay to receive their annuities from 
Uncle Samuel. I remember they were in full dress; indeed, it was a 'full dress party,' that 
would have more than satisfied the most rigorous demands of fashion, for not ouly were their 
necks, arms and shoulders bare, but their chests and lower limbs also. But surely, this is not 
the place, for here is nothing but streets, stores and dwellings. Still it must be, for there 
stands the old light-house whei'e the courteous old Scotchman, Mr. Dougall, trimmed the lamp 
.to guide the few mariners of the lake on their nightly way. 

"Well, as I find nothing familiar here, I will go back west of where the fort stood and 
rest under the thick foliage of the pines, which form a lovely canopy over the beautiful 
meandering paths that have been cut through them. I go, but, instead of the fragrant pines, 
I find nothing but streets, streets, and rows of co^-y cottages. 'Halloa, there! my little fellow; 
I'll take one of your newspapers. What have you?' 'The Ft. Gratiot ^mji.' 'Why, 'tis 
almost like a metropolitan sheet.' Well, well, this settles it. It is too convincing an evi- 
.dence of the progress of enterprise and civilization, to look fiu'ther for any relics of the dead 
Past here. But that makes me think of it. If the Past is dead, J will wander down to the 
cemetery and find its grave or some of 

" ■ The names I loved to hear 

Though carved for many a year 
On the tomb.' 

"I look for the cemetery — where is it? That, too, is gone! moved. And is all, everything 
■cTianged? No; for of all the landmarks of the Past, I remain the same. But as I stand, and 
with my hook and line lift one of the finny tribe on to the dock, I catch the reflection in the 
■water of a figure that is not the face nor form at all of the one, that forty-seven years ago stood 
there, engaged in the same amusement." 

BIOGRAPHY. 

This most important branch of township history must commend itself to every one. That 
it necessarily contains much valuable information and the relation of a series of events more or 
less historical must be conceded. Therefore, it is considered proper that anything which should 
claim a place in the pages devoted to it should be passed lightly over in the foregoing chapters, 
in order to avoid repetition, and to intermingle with these interesting sketches the more com- 
plete facts gleaned from the party who knows them best 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COUNTY. (Ja^ 

BIOGK.VI'IIICAL SKETCnES. 

LUCIUS BEACH, farmer. Section 33, P. O. Port Huron, is a nntive of the town of Norfolk, Litclifield 
County, Conn, and was born Xoveiuber 13, 180y. Upon reaching manhood, he decided to "o West, and went 
to Buffalo on the canal, and from there went on the steamer Enterprise lo Cleveland. Remained in Ohio a 
short time, and came on a sail vessel to Detroit ; waited there one week for a vessel to come to Port Huron, 
and then came up on a steamboat called ihe Argo, and was three daj's on the way, and reached here Novem- 
ber l.S. 1830, and was one of the earliest settlers here. There arc only a very few here now that were here 
when he oame. fifty-two years ago. He engaged in teaching, and taught one of the tirst schools on tlie river. 
He also engaged in liuying and shipping lumber to Ohio, then liought land and took olT the timber, and after- 
ward engaw'd in farming. He entered the land vhere he now lives from the Government. Own.s a good farm 
of about 200 acres. In 1833. he married Jliss Julia Ann Barrett, from Ohio. She died April 3, 188'J, leaving- 
seven children — Julia, now Jlrs. Porter, St. Louis ; Matilda, now Mrs. Porter, and lives near home ; Lucius- 
lives at St. Lonis ; William, Montcalm Count}'; George, at home ; Fred H., Montcalm County ; Laura, now 
Mrs. Charlier, Binghamton, N. Y. 

C. G. BUOWN. dental surgeon, is a native of IMacomb County, Mich., and was born April 16, 18.59; lie 
attended school there iind at Baltimore, and studied dentistrj- at Richmond, and afterward was engaged in 
practice there and at Cairo. He came to Fort (Jraliot in October, 1882, and since then has practiced his pro- 
fession here. He married .Miss Lillic Brown July 37, 1883 ; .she is a native of the town of Columbus, fSt. Clair 
County. 

1). HOBERT BRYCE. owner Ox Bow Dairy Farm, Section 27, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of St. Clair 
County, and was born in Port Huron. November 20, 1847. His parents. David and Mary Ann Bryce, were 
among the early settlers of this county, llobcrt grew up and attended school in Port Huron, and since 
reaching manhood has been engaged in farming and dairj'ing. He owns an excellent farm, over 200 acres, 
and there is a large demand for milk and cream from the 0.\ Bow Dairy Farm. In liS7-t. Mr. Bryce married 
Jliss Alwilda Cowles. a native of this count}' ; thev have three children — Inez M.. (Jertie J., and an infant 
daughter. 

U. G. BURAVELL. dealer in drugs, niedicincs and stationery, is a native of Ganad.-i, and was.born April 
17, 1858 ; he grew up, attended school, and li ariied his business there ; attended the College of Pharmac\' at 
Toronto, and is a graduate of th.-il institution. He has been connected with the drug business since 11^73. 
In 1879, he came here and established his present business, and has the only drug store here, and has a nice 
trade. 

WALTER T. BUSBY, dealer in liardware. stoves and house furnishing goods, is a native of Michigan, 
and was born in the city of Detroit Jlay 23, 1851. His parents removed to Ypsilanti in 18.13, and he attended 
school and learned his trade there. In 1870, he came to Port Huron and the following year went lo Saginaw, 
and afterward went to (!rand Rapids, and other places in Jlichlgan ; in 1873, he came here and cstablislied his- 
])resent business, and since Iheii lias successfully carried on the business here. He was burned out in July, 
1881. He held the ollicc of Town Clerk si.\ years consei-ntively, and is a member of the Masonic fralernit}', 
and the Royal .Vrcanuiu, Hi- married ^liss Lillii' E. Bennett, of Port Huron, September 4, 1874 ; they have 
one son — E. Bcniiet, 

JA^MES S. BUTTON, contractor and builder ; he is a native of Onondaga County. N. Y., and was liorn 
March 1. 1845 ; he grew up and partly learned his trade there. Came to Detroit in October. 18()4 ; entered 
the employ of the street railway company ; continued work until the winter of 18(i5-()(). Went to work for 
the government at Fort Wayne until the month of May following, was .sent to Fort Brady, and work was 
completed in October, and in December. |8iifi, was ordered to Fort (Jratiot fo repair soldiers' iiuarlers there ; 
the work was tinished early in the spring of b'^i!7, AVas married in Detroit to Miss Mary Iloway. a mitive of 
Canada, June 3, 18(17, and I'ame to Fort (iratiot on June the 10th, 18()7, and began building, and since then 
has been siU'cessfuUy engaged in contracting and building. He is also interested in the lumber business. 
Holds tlie office of Township Treasurer, and has served on School Board for live years ; was School 'Jreasurer 
for tliree j'cars. They have one son, Lewis F., and have lost two children — Ella and Charlie. In Ihe spring 
of 1883. lie was elected to the ollice of Village Clerk. 

HEMAN CLARK, farmer. Section 29. P. O. Port Huron, is a native of New York, and was born in the 
city of BufTalo August 31, 1S48. .\fter reaching manhood, he came here in 1873, and since then has been en- 
gaged in farming, anil owns a farm of ninety-five acres. He married Miss Kinnia [>. Stevens November 9, 
1871 ; she was born on the farm where they now live, and is a daughter of Henry and Alary Kimball Stevens, 
who were early settlers here. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children — Delbert II.. Edith E., Milo V. 

L. D. COLLINGE, house and sign painter, is a native of Watertown, N. Y., and was liorn May 24, 18.53 ; 
when twelve years of age went to Canada, and lived there eight years ; began learning his trade in Chicago. 
He was afterward engaged in his business at Big Forest. Cainida. live years, and came here to Fort Gratiot in 
July, 187s, and sic.co then has been engaged in business here, and has the leadin,g trade. He belongs to the 
order I. O. (), F, He married Miss Julictia Fleclham October G, 1870; thev have two children— Neil A., 
Walter D. 

JOSEPH DAVIS, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Maine, and was born July 9, 1829. Upon 
reaching manhood, came to St. Clair County and remained one year; then returnerl to his native State; and 
in 1851, nuirried Miss Mary Ann Abbott, of that State; in 1855, the}' came to I'ort Huron and remained lierc 
four years; after the war broke out. he enlisted and served in P.,itlery C. Harris Battery Illinois Artillery; was 
discharged on account of disaliilily. In lS(i4. enlisted in the'Centb fxegiinent Michig;in Infantrv; served until 
close of war; he returned here in 1808; he has held the otlice of Justice of Peace eight years, anil has also held 
ollicc of Township Clerk, and for some years Superintendent of Sabbath school. He was appointed Deputy 
Collector November 1, 1880; and since then has held that position. 



630 HISTOEY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

P. J[. EDISOX, merchant, is a native of Vienna. Canada, and was born October 23, 1833. Upon reaching 
manhood, he went to Wisconsin, and in 1857, he went to Minnesota and engaged in the stoclt business, and 
buying and .selling land, and remained there several years, and came to Fort Gratiot in 180.5 and engaged in 
mercantile business. lu 1871, he built his store on ]\(ain street, and it was destroyed bj' fire in January, 1877; 
he rebuilt the same year, and the store was again destroyed by lire in Jul}'", 1881, and was immediately 
replaced by the present fine three-story block. Mr. Edison is also engaged in mercantile business in Minne- 
sota. 

SAMUEL EDISOX. father of the renowned electrician, Thomas A. Edison,* was born in the town of 
Digby, ccjunty of Annapolis, Province of Nova Scotia, August 10, 1801:. He came to Canada in early life, and 
lived there until the rebellion in 1838, when he came to Mtchigan and lived in Detroit one year, then removed 
to Ohio, where he lived until 1852, when he came to this county, and since then for over thirty years has 
resided iiere. He was engaged in the lumbering business for many years, and has also been engaged in fine 
copying or drafting for a house in New York. He has held the ofBce of magistrate for seven vears. Mr. 
Edison was united in marriage September 15, 1828, to Miss Nancv Elliott, a native of Chenango County, N. Y. 
She died April 10, 1871, leaving three children— two son.s— William Pitt, living here; Thomas A., the famous 
electrician, of New York; one daughter, Marian, now Mrs. Page, of Milan, Erie Co., Ohio. At present, 1883, 
he is in the enjoyment of robust health, and actively engaged in business in Fort Gratiot, being associated 
with a Mr. G. W. Halfman (an excellent chemist) in the manufacture of lauudrv and toiletsoaps, bakingpow- 
ders, Oluing, flavoring extracts, etc., the works being known as Fidelity Chemical Works. His energy is 
unimpaired Ijy age, and he shows more enterprise in his various undertakings than manv a man of forty. 

CAPT. JOHN EGAN, of the (irand Trunk Ferry Line, is a native of Canada, and"was born September 
33, 1810. He began sailing in 1857, and three years later he began on the railroad ferry, and since then for 
the past twenty-two years has been connected with it, and for "the past eleven years ha"s sailed as master of 
the International and the Huron. He has been in the marine service twenty-three years. In 18(i0, Capt. 
Egan married ilLss Margaret A. Crawford, of the city of Detroit. They have seven children— Annie, John. 
Maggie, Nellie, Cornelius, Louise and Leo. 

LUCIUS E. PARRAR. dealer in coal and wood, is a native of Fairfax, Vt., and was born July 33, 1847; 
his parents removed to Canada in 1856; he was brought up there, and attended school at St. Johns and Mon- 
treal; learned the French language; he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and was with the 
line six years; he came to Port Gratiot in 1879; he established his present business in 1883, and is building up 
a good trade. He is a member of the Village Council, and is Secretary and Treasurer of the United Presby- 
terian church. He was married August 13, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Dow, a native of Montreal, Canada. They 
have two children— Lillian S., Alexander I). 

JOHX FRENCH, assistant foreman of car repairs, was born in England, January, 30, 1839'. His parents 
came to this comtry in 1843, and he grew up and learned his trade in'Canada, and" came to Port Huron in 
•June, 18U5, and since 181)7, has been connected with the shops here. He was in the locomotive department 
for some time. He was appointed in 1881, to his present position as assistant foreman of car repairs. Mr. 
Freneli married Miss Dinah C. Vickers, of Canada, March 4, 1863. They haye three sons— Fred G., Robert 
E., infant; and three daughters— Mary Ann, Eliza Jane and Henrietta. 

HUBERT E. FRENCH, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, is a native of England, and was 
born January 30, 1835. He came to Canada in 1843, and grew up and learned his trade there. After reach- 
ing manhood, he came here in 1861 and began working at his trade, and since then for the past twenty-two 
years has carried on the liusiness here, and is the oldest in actual business here. In 1870, he was appointed 
postmaster and has held that oSice for twelve years; has also held the office of Justice of the Peace for seven 
years, and then resigned; has served as Town Treasurer. In 1.854. Mr. French married Miss Henrietta Not- 
tingham, a native of England. They have three children— Timothy, George and Mary. 

FRED GARBUTT, is a native of Toronto, Canada, and was born JIarch 14, 1848. He received his liter- 
ary education tlicr(.' and afterwards took a commercial college course; he came here in 1870, and was engaged 
m teaching for four years, and then w^as connected with the Grand Trunk Railroad. In 1879, he accepted 
the position of principal of the school here, and held that position until July, 1883; he holds the office of Vil 
lage Clerk. Mr. Garbutt was united in marriage March 18, 1869, to :\Iiss Sarah A. Savage, a native of Toronto. 
Canada. Thay have four children— Florence E.. George E., Harry and Russcl. They lost one daughter- 
Mabel Clare, and one .son, Fred. 

JULIUS GRANGER, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Ontario County, N. Y., and was born May 15, 
1834; his parents came West to Michigan in 183(). and settled in St. Clair County in the town of Columbus. 
Upon reaching manhood he worked in the saw mill at St. Clair, and was connected with that business for 
eight years; then went to Mackinaw with bis father, who was appointed keeper of the "Boy Blue Island 
Light House." He remained in JIackinac and vicinity for twelve years; while living there was elected Sheriff 
of that county, and held that office during the Morma'n trouble, aiid had the men who shot Strang under his 
charge; they were delivered to him by the Captain of the United States steamer, Michigan. Mr. Granger also 
held the (jfiice of Collector and Treasurer; he came to Fort Gratiot in 1870, and since then has resided here, 
and has hi:l<l the office of Justice of the! Peace for the past twtdve years, and is a member of the School Board. 
He married iliss Ann Baker, of Columbus, February 37, 1848; they have four children— Charles L., Henry N., 
Julius N. and George A. 

JAMES HALL, farmer. Section 29, P. O. Fort Gratiot, is a son of James and Mary Hall. His father was 
born near New Haven. Conn., and his mother was born in Lower Canada. They came to this State and settled in 
this county in 1835. He lived on the river, near Judge Bunce, for a short time, then removed to St. Clair 
and remained several years, and then came here and settled on Black River. He died in Cleveland in 1840. 



*For biognipbicul sketch of TliomaB A. Edison see p.ag6 618. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 631 

His wife still survives him, and is ciglity-three years of age. Of a family of thirteen cliililren, only three sur- 
vive, James, George and Phebe. James, the oldest son living, was born in Rochester, N. Y., April 24, 1824, 
and came here with his parents in 1835. After reaching manhood he engaged in lumbering for some years, 
and afterward engaged in farming, and has since lived on his present farm. He has sold considerable laud, 
but still owns 183 acres. lias held the office of Justice of the Peace and school offices. Mr. llall married 
Miss Mary King, October 11, 1S,")1, she is a native of New York State. Iler parents came to Michigan in 1831, 
and settled in i\[onroe County. 

HENRY HARRINGTON, farmer, Section 31. P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Jeremiah and Polly Fay 
Harrington. His father was born in Greenfield, Mass,, October 29, 1774, and died in St. Olair County, Mich. 
His mother is a native of Ohio; they came to Michigan and arrived in this county in 1820, and were among the 
earliest settlers here. His father was in the employ of the Government, and carried the mail in Ohio during 
the war of 1812. After they came here he engaged in lumbering. He died March 30, ISrwj, his wife still sur- 
vives him and lives in Port Hm-on, and is eighty-eight years of age. Henry was born within one mile of 
■where he now lives April 24. 1S21. As there were only a few families of white peoi)le here then, his play- 
mates were mostly Indian boys; lie could speak the Indian language as well as his own, and has not yet 
forgotten it. He engaged in lumbering and afterward engaged in farming, and a part of the land of the farm 
where he now lives was pre-empted from Government by his father in 1822. A part of the land is noted for 
producing large crops, and Jlr. Harrington raises a larger crop of potatoes than any farmer in St. Clair County, 
and has raised more corn on an equal amount of land. Mr. Harrington is the oldest native born settler of the 
county now living here. He has always been fond of hunting, and has probably killed more deer than any 
other one man in the county. During the winter season he dresses and tans furs and deer and bear skins. He 
has held town and school offices. In 1846. he married Miss Nancy Shirkey, a native of Romeo, Mich. They 
have three children — Mary, now Mrs. Benson; Henrietta, now Mrs. Baldwin, of Almont, and Henry at 
home. 

JOHN HARRINGTON, farmer, Section 28, P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Uriah ami Catharine Harring- 
ton, and was born in New York State October 19, 1826. He came here with his parents, who arrived in this 
county in 1831, and were among the earliest settlers; they settled in the town of Clyde; his father died in 1878, 
and liis mother is still living. After reaching manhood he has been engaged in lumbering and farming, and 
now owns a farm of si.xty-seven acres. He has held school offices. He married Mrs. Eunice Harrington Fol- 
som, a native of New York State, April 29, 18.51; their children are: Catharine, George, John, William 
and Cyrus. 

CAPT. GEORGE HARTMAN, deceased, was born in Tioga County, Penn., May 13, 1830, he was a son 
of George and Catharine Hartnian. His mother died when he was seven years of age. He came to Fort 
Gratiot with his father's familj' in 1843. He began sailing when twent}" years of age; after learning the trade 
of ship carpenter in Buffalo, he liuilt the " Free Democrat" and sailed her four years. In 1855, October 21, 
Capt. JIartman was united in marriage to Miss Maria C. Holland, a native of Connecticut, a daughter of John 
J, and Cliarlotte Bishop Holland. Capt. Hartman and Ijrother built the 'Ilibbard" and sailed her four years, 
then bought the schooner Home and was master of her fourteen years, until his death, which occurred F(^b- 
ruary 12, 1880. Capt. Hartnian was in the marine service over twenty-nine years. He left a wife and five 
children, three daughters and two sons — Ida, at home; Mary, no%v Mrs. George Dowsou, living here; Carrie, 
at home; Daniel and George. 

ROBERT HAYZEIAVOOl), turner, round house Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, was born in Newton, 
Yorkshire, England, Noveml)er 25, 1S20, he came to Canada in 1831, and grew up there, below Toronto. In 
1853, he went in the employ of the Great Western Railroad, and was with that companj' five years, and in 
1858, he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and since then for the past tiventy-four years has 
remained in the emploj' of the company, and for twenty }'ears has been in the round house, and during that 
time has never been fined or suspended". He married Miss Sarah Mar.sh, a native of Devonshire, England, 
born March 29, 1845. They have si,\ children— Grace, Elizabeth, Thomas, Harriet, John and Sarah Ann. 

STEPHEN HILL, farmer. Section 31, P O. Port Huron, is a son of Hosicl and Mary Hill, who were 
among the earliest settlers here. He was born on Black River in this county October 8, 1838; he grew up to 
manhood here and engaged in lumbering, and afterward engaged in farming, and owns a farm of eighty acres. 
He raises a large amount of strawlierries. over 100 bushels the ))ast year. He is a large bee keejier, and has 
over 100 swarms, which yield a large amount of honey. He has for many years held various school oflices. 
He married Miss Annie Thompson, of Detroit, October 12, 1858 ; they have eight childr<:n — Jlarietta, Emma, 
Isaac. Ella, Lilah, Norman, Avery and Manly. 

R. F. HOLLAND, fisherman. Section 26, P. O. Fort Gratiot, is a native of Connecticut, and was born in 
New Haven Juiu- 10, 1811. LTpon reaching early manhood he can\e West in 1831 to Cleveland, and the fol- 
lowing spring came on the fishing boat Defiance to Port Huron, and stopped at the light house with Paul ('. 
Cross and engaged in fishing. lie was one of tlie earliest settlers here; there were plent}- of Indians here 
then. In 1840, lie' look a fishing crew of ten men and went iiii north of Mackinac, and took an interpreter 
and had an interview with " Bear Skin," the head chief of the Chippewa nation; during the season he put up 
2,600 barrels of white fish. Mr. Holland has been engaged in fishing for one-half a century, and is the oldest 
in the l)usine,ss in the State. e.\cept John Clark, of Detroit. In 1S36, he married iliss Elizabeth Cross, of 
Onondago County, N, Y., she died Novemlier 16, 1876, and left si.x children— Ransom S., Elizabeth, now 
Mrs. Jloriarty, of Kansas; Henry. Frank, Mary Ann, now Mrs. Davidson, of Bay City, Robert T. 
Mr. Holland married Mrs. (irace Ann Seymour, of Lower Canada, February 6, 1877. He has held town 
offices. '" 

JOHN R. JOHNSTON, freight house Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, is a native of England, and 
was born in the County of Westmorelanil March 4, 1818. He emigrated to the United States in 1818. lie 
went back to England and returned here in 1851, and was in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad 



632 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

six years. In 1857. he entered the emplo\' of the Grand Trunk Raih-oad, and was on the survey of the line 
and since then, for the past twenty-live years, he lias remained in the employ of the company and is one of 
the oldest employes of the line. In 1837, he married Mi.ss Elizabeth Foster, a native of Cumberland, 
Ensland. She died in 1874. In 1881 he married Mrs. Lovena Kane, a native of Canada. 

' THEODORE C. KAESEMEYER, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of St. Clair County and 
was born in Port Huron Jul}' 24, 1862; he grew up here and learned his business in his father's market. In 
1881, he succeeded to the business, and has a good established trade; it is the oldest meat market here. 

JAMES KERWIN, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1817, and emigrated to America in 1849, and 
came the same year to this county and began working in saw mill; he was fireman and ran engine in mill for 
thirteen years; afterward engaged in farming for some years. In 1880. he built his present home and since 
then has resided liere. He owns town property. In 1840 ho married Miss Mary Connors. She was born 
in Ireland. They have had eleven children; only two survive — Richard and James II. 

TOWNSENi) LYMBURNER. farmer, Section 18, P. (). Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born 
in Lincoln County, Ontario, May 2, 1832. He grew up and lived there until 1801, when he came to Detroit, 
and the following .year in June, came to this county, and afterward engaged in lumbering; he bought the 
land where he now lives and came on the place in 1860, and since then has been engaged in farming; own* 
20U acres of land. He held the office of Supervisor eight years, and was Hiijhway Commissioner three years, 
and served on School Board many years. Mr. Lyniburner married Miss Alice Stevens, a native of Oakland 
County. Mich., July 13, 1867. They have six children — Sadie, Millie, Arza, Grace. Charlie, Florence. 

AVILLIAM MrCLARY is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Antrim January 7, 1843. He emi- 
grated to the I.'nited States in 1861, and came to this county and entered the employ of the Grand Trunk 
Railroad; was foreman for several years, and for fifteen j-ears held the position of engineer, and was one of 
the oldest engineers in the eniplo}' of the company. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. 
He married Miss Catherine Morrow August l.i. 1870. She was born in County Antrim, Ireland. They have 
three children — Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth. 

DUXCAN McKELLAR, Fort (iratiot, Mich., was born in Argyle, Scotland, in August 12, 1819; came to 
Canada 1831; lived there eighteen years, came to Port Huron in 1840; in 18.i3 was elected Marshal of the place; 
was for twenty-five or thirty years in the hotel business; in 1873 he built a brick hotel in city of Port Huron, 
cost $20,000. 1876, moved to Fort Gratiot, and is now Marshal and Street Commissioner of the village. In 
1846, he married Miss Phebe McElroy, a native of Ireland; have had six children, only one survives, a d;mgh- 
ter — Eliza. 

GEORGE B. MANN, Deput}' Collector Customs, is a native of Ohio, and was born in the city of Toledo 
July l."), 1845. His parents came, during his infancy, to Port Huron upon the breaking out of the war. 
When only sixteen years old, he enlisted in the Second Michigan Cavalry, under command of Col. P. H. 
Sheridan, and served his term of enlistment; then re-enlisted in the same regiment and served until the close 
of the war. and was mustered out of the service in August, 180.5. After the war. returned here; in 1872. was 
appointed Deput}- Collector of Customs, and since then for past ten years, has held that position. Mr. JIann 
married Miss Maiy Fitzgerald, a native of the city of Cleveland, November 14, 1877. They have one son — 
George B. ; and lost one daughter — Florence A. 

CHRISTIAN MAY, farmer, Section 32, P. O. Port Huron, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 0, 
1828. Emigrated to this countiy in 1854, and the following year came to Port Huron and bought land and 
engaged in farming, and has lived here twenty-seven years. He owns a good farm — 1.50 acres of land; he has 
held school offices for past fifteen years, and other town offices. He married Miss Mary Hoffman, a native 
of Germanv, Aunnst 27, 1857. They have six children — Jacob. Mar)-, Christian. Katie. Jlaggie and Minnie. 

CAPT." JAJiES A. MAY. of the Grand Trunk Perry Line, is a native of Scotland, and w^as born Novem- 
ber 3'\ 1831. His parents came to Ibis country in 1S37, when he was onl}' six years of age. and settled on the 
Niagara River three miles below the Falls. He began sailing at an early age;'the first steamer he was on was 
the Emerald; then was on the steamer London, with Capt. VanAUen, and was also with him on the Canada 
and the Mayflower; afterward with him on the Ploughboy and the Wave; and when only twentj' years old 
was Capt;un of the Clifton; then went on the ferryboat International between Fort Erie" and Buffalo, and 
remaineil there for nineteen years; until the International bridge was completed, when he was removed here, 
and since then has been Captain of the International Railroad Ferry lioat. He has sailed as master for six- 
teen years, and has been in the marine service over one-third of a century. In 1860, Capt. JIa}' married Miss 
Belle' McDonald, of Bay City. They have one daughter— Anna Belle; and lost one daughter — Margaret. 

JA('( )H MILLER, deceased, whose oldest daughter is Mrs. Charlotte Montross, living on Section 30, P. O. 
Port Huron, was a native of the State of Pennsylvania. He was a brother of John Miller, the banker. He 
came to this State, and was one of the earliest settlers here. In 1833, he married Miss Henrietta Cox, a native 
of New "\'ork Slate, and was born in Cayuga County July 4, 1818. She came here with her brothers and sis- 
ter in 18311. and they lived in St. Clair. She used lo paddle a canoe with the skill of an Indian. They were 
married in the town of St. Clair, and. removed to Desmond, now called Port Huron; and her husband was 
engaged in lumliering and farming until his death, whicli occurred August 10. 18(;o. He left four children, 
only two of whom survive, one daughter— Ciiarlotte; and one son — Benjamin. Charlotte, the eldest daughter, 
is a native of this county; in 1853, .she married James Montross. He was a native of St. Thomas, Ca'nada; 
and came here in 1^51. The}' lived in Port Huron for man_v years and he was engaged in the livery business, 
and on account of his health came on the farm where he lived until his death, which occurred June 21. 1874. 
He left three cliildrcn— Hen. A., married; Jacob, Ella, now Mrs. Maloney, living in Chicago. 

DANIEL MOOXKV. farmer. Section IS. P. 0. Port Huron, is a nat'ive of the Province of New Bruns- 
wick, and was born December 18. 1818. He grew up and lived there and in the State of Maine until 1848, 
when he came to Miehigaii and settled in St. Clair County, and entered the employ of I). B. Harrington. He 
continued lumbering for him on Black Uiver for some years. He bought the land" where he now lives in 1852, 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 633 

and cleared it of tiinl)er and made this farm, and since then lias been ennased in farnnni; and Inmlicrinj,'. 
His home farm contains KiD acres, ami he also owns 120 acres elsewhere, all tlie result of his own elTorls. 
He has held the office of Justice of tlu; Peace. In l«-t8. Mr. Mooney married Miss Mary \Vri,i;ht, a native of 
Frederiekton. New Brunswick. Thev have five children— Jane. Harriet. Kva. Charles and Ida. 

STKI'HKX MOOKE. farmer. Section 19, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of the I'rovinee of New Bruns- 
wick, and was born December 11. 18-'!l. He is a son of William Moore, a native of Manchester, N. H., and 
Jane Oilman Moore, a native of Maiiu'. He be.ijan lumberin,^ for himself when only si.Meen years of age. 
He came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County in IS-IS, and engaged in lumbering. He entered the em- 
ploy of Avery & iMurphv, and lias been connected with the extensive business of the lirm for over a quarter 
of a century. In 1874. he went to Her.sey. county seat of Osceola County, and held a responsible i)osition in 
conneclion with extensive lumbering interests. He reinainftd there seven years, and tlicn returned to his 
farm. This is the first winter he has not been engaged in lumbering since he was sixteen years of age. In 
18.")G, he bought the land where he now lives. '^SO acres, and moved upon it the following year and has it well 
improved. He has held the ofiiee of Supervisor two years. Mr. Moore married Miss Kliza Ann Thompson 
Auirust 5. lS,")(i. She is a native of the Province of Kew Brunswick. They have twelve I'hildren— seven sons 
—George AV., Fred T., Stephen. I'.urt. John. Nathaniel, Hoy, and five daughters— Clara, Florence. Ada, 
Grace and Vina. 

KOBERT MOHRISON, patti'rn maker for the C. & (i. T. ^liops. is a native of Canada, and was born in 
October. 1S2!I. He came here in 18(i."). In 1870, he enten-d the employ of the G. '1". R. R.. and since then, 
for the past thirteen years, has been in the shops of the company. He was married in 18r)t to !\liss Jane Hen- 
derson, a native of Scotland. Tliev have five children— Mary, who is now .Mrs. George Rettie; Robert, who 
is an operator in Silvert<ui. Colo.; Ij/zie; William, who is billing clerk for the C. & (i. T. R. R., and Ciiarles 
Runnels. 

H. MORSE, chief train dispatcher G. T. Railwav, was born in Ontario September 17, 18S9. Commenced 
telegrapliing at Chippewa. Ont.. in 18."i.i. Worked oil D. Sc M. Railway in 18.")!). Two years on G. W. Rail- 
way at Clifton, Gnt. Three sumniers at Clifton House, Niagara Falls." Worked in Louisville, Ky., when the 
war broke out. He entered the service of the G. T. Railway February '.'S. 18(i2, and was train dispatcher at 
Toronto eight years, and Assistant Superintendent Detroit" Division "from 1870 to 1875, when some of the 
offices were consolidati'd, and chief train dispatcher Detroit Division since 187."). He is one of the Aldermen 
of the village. Jlr. Morse was married to Miss Jane Lindsay, of St. Hilaire, Quetjcc, in 1864. She died in 
1870, and left two children- Alarion and Ada. He married Mrs. William Jones, of Toronto, in 1873. Thej- 
have one son— Fred II. Morse. Mrs. William Jones had a daughter (Emma Jones) when married to Mr. 
Morse. 

CAPT. ISRAEL T. PAL:MER. lighthouse keeper. Fort Gr.-itiot, is a native of Augusta, Me., and was 
born December 11, 1819. He began sailing in 11^31, on a packet fnnn Belfast to Boston. In 1888, he 
shipped on the Talma, on a long xoyage to Havana and the Isle of Wight, then to Russia and Stockholm. 
He sailed on the Atlantic and Pai-ilic "uiUil May, 1844; then came on the lakes and sailed before the mast and 
was mate until 1849; then took command of aschooner and sailed her three years. In 0^51 and 18.')^'. he super- 
intended the building of a steam propeller, and then sailed as master of steam vessels until 1875, when he 
remained on shore. Since 1879, he has been engaged in lighlhou.se .service. Capt. Palmer is a veteran in the 
marine service, having served over fifty years. He married Miss M.-iry Meyers, in Buffalo. N, Y.. December 
13. I.'^46. They have' six sons— Samuel "C. Edward S.. James ()., W'alter'B., Frank F., Calvin A., and one 
daui^hter- Klizabelli C- 

COLUMBLS PHENIX, of the firm of Pheuix & McEntyre, keeps a meat market, is a native 
of St. Clair County, and was born in the town of Casco June 8, 184f>. He was raised on a farm until seventeen 
years of age. He then went to work in the lumber woods and sawmills for about .seven years. He then settled 
onahomestead in Huron County in this State, and engaged in gettingout hoops and staves for about two years. 
He then moved back to the town of Columbus. St. Clair County, his old home, and from there lie came here 
and has been in business ever since-, and is now doing an extensive business. He married Aliss Einerrilla 
Ilerrick. a native of the town of Columbus, this count}'. They have three children— two girls. Ora, Edna, 
and one boy named Lero^'. 

H. W. POWELL, dealer in jewelry, watches, clocks and silverware, is a native of Canada, and was 
born March C. 184S. He grew up there and learned his trade at Port Hope and Montreal. He came to Fort 
Gratiot and established his present business in 18.S0, and is building up a good trade. He held the otiice of 
Assessor 'hree years in Canada. In 1875. he married Miss Jane Ironside, a native of Canada. They have 
two children — Andrew and Bertha. 

L. B. RICK, dialer in real estate, is a native of Wavne County, N. Y., and was born March 29, 1834. 
After reaching manhood, he came to Michigan in P^57 and engaged in selling fruit trees, and since then, for 
the past twenty-five years, has been connected with that business. He came here in I.'<()9, and has been en- 
ga.ged in selling agricultural machinery and dealing in real estate. He married Miss Jennie A. Albin.son. of 
Baltimore. JId". They have two children— Mary A. and Greta iM. He enlisted in the Ninth Heavy Artillery 
August 8. 1802. He .served in dilTereiil positions nearly three years, and resigned on account of poor health. 
Mr! Rice lives in the Fifth Ward, Port Huron. 

JOHN RI(;GS. merchant tailor, is a native of England, and was born September 23, 1824. He grew up 
and learned his trad<' there. He came to America in 1857. lived in Xew York Slate, and then lived in Can- 
ada ten years. He caiiu^ to Port Huron in 1.80(i. and was there until 1879. when he came to Fort Gratiot, and 
since then has carried on the business here. In 18.52. he married Miss Jane Dalzell. a native of England. 
They have four sons and four daughters — William. Robert. Alfred. Edwin, Mary, Emily, Haltic and Edith. 

H. ROBERTS, master mechai'iic, Chicago Si Grand Trunk Railroad, is a native of Ireland, and was born 
October 15, 1842. He entered the employ of the Chatham i\; Dover Railroad Company, where he began his 



634 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

railroad career. lie remained there until 1S66, when he accepted a position with the Grand Trunk Railroad, 
and since then has been connected with the line in his present position. 

JAMES SIMPSON, farmer. Section 27, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Scotland, and emigrated to Can- 
ada in 18.35, and came to St. Clair County in November of the same year. He and his brother came from 
Hamilton to Sarnia on foot, and was one of the early settlers here. lie began working at the Black River 
Steam-mill, and remained there several years, then bought a team and engaged in burning lime, and contin- 
ued in that business for ten years, and then moved on the place where he now lives and cleared up his farm, 
and since then has been engaged in farmmg. He owns 1T.5 acres of land ; when he came h3re he had noth- 
ing, and his success is owing to his own efforts ; he is one of the oldest settlers now living. When he came 
to Port Huron, where Carleton &, Stewart's store now stands was occupied by Indian shanties surrounded by 
rail fence. In 18-1.5. Mr. Simpson married Miss Mary Ann Carter, a native of Canada ; she died in 1869, leav- 
ing seven cliildren — Francis. Richard, William. George W., Charles, Mary, now Mrs. Riley, and Catharine. 

THOJIAS S SKINNER, Section 21, P. 0. Port Huron, is a native of Vermont, and "was born .lune 12, 
1834 ; his parents removed to Jefferson County, N. Y.. in 1826. and he grew up and attended school there. 
In the spring of 18.55 he came to St. Clair County, and located at Port Huron, and engaged in manufacturing 
lumber, the firm being Shelly &, Ames, and they were succeeded l)y the firm of Skinner & Ames, who carried 
on the business until 1870 ; since then, Mr. Skinner has been interested in lumbering, and has also been en- 
gaged in real estate business, and has liuilt many houses here, and otherwise improved his property. He also 
has been engaged in farming, and owned several large farms, and now owns 400 acres where he now lives. 
Mr. Skinner has been actively identified witli the interests of Port Huron, and has been interested in the drj- 
dock and building vessels ; for some years, the firm of Skinner & Ames paid one-fortieth of the taxes of Port 
Huron. Mr. Skinner was a member of the Board of Education fourteen years. He has been a consistent 
member of the M. E. Church, and one of its most active, liberal supporters. In 18.50, Mr. Skinner married 
Miss Rhoda Barnes, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y.; she died January 30, 1879. leaving four children- 
Alice E., now Mrs. .lohn W. Porter; George A. ."Cashier Bank at Mt. Clemens; Carrie M.. and Frank S., at 
home. 

WILLIAM D. SMITH, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of the Isle of Wight, England, and 
was born December 7, 1839. He came to Canada in 1851, and came to this State in 1806, and worked for Rob- 
ert Frencli for a numljer of years, and also had a farm. He established his present business in 1879. He was 
burned out December 15, 1881, and lost a house and barn July 31, 1882, by fire, and was burned out again No- 
vember 1, 1882 — three times within one year. He has held the office of "Town Treasurer, and while living in 
Canada held the office of Postmaster four years. When he came here, he only had .|300. and his success is 
owing entirely to his own efforts. In 1857, he married Miss Eliza Jane Reynolds, a native of Canada ; he 
has four sons and six daughters— William D., Thomas, George, Mark, Ann Jane, Adaline, Isabel, Ida, Eliza- 
beth and Sarah. 

C. E. SPENCER, M. D., physician and surgeon, is a native of Unadilla, Otsego Co., N. Y., and was born 
September 30. 1849. He received his literary education in that State, studied medicine, taking his first course 
at Ann Arbor, and two courses at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, and'graduated from 
that institution in 1873. After graduating, came to Fort Gratiot and engaged in the practice of medicine, 
and since then lias successfully practiced his profession here. He holds the position of Sanitary Inspector 
under the National Board of Health, and is also Pension Examiner. Has served as Secretary and" Vice Pres- 
ident of the County Medical Society, and a member of the American Medical A.ssociation ; served .as Town 
Clerk, and is a member of the Village Board of Trustees. In 1873, Dr. Spencer was united in marriage to 
Miss Ella Etta Van Cott, a native of Guilford, Chenango Co., N. Y. 

O. M. STEPHENSON. M. D., physician and surgeon, is a native of Illinois, and was born in Aurora, 
Kane Co. , July 20, 1851 ; he attended school there, and at the age of seventeen engaged in teaching, and taught in 
that State and Michigaq : he studied medicine and attended two courses of lectures at Ann Arbor, and one 
course in Chicago, and graduated at the Chicago Homoeopathic College in March, 1882 ; after graduating, he 
came to Fort Gratiot, and since then has succes.sfully practiced his profession here, lie married Miss Emma 
Stephenson August 8, 1874; she is a daughter of George Stephenson, of the town of Columbus, St. Clair 
Co.; he is one of the early settlers, and came here in 1837 ; Dr. and Mrs. Stephenson have one daughter — Eva. 

THOMAS SUTHERLAND, Assistant Car Superinten(lent, is a native of Scotland, and was born Decem- 
ber 31, 1833; he came to this country in 1858. and the following year entered the employ of this company as 
baggageman for one year, then was conductor, then went in the "locomotive shops as pattern maker, and re- 
mained tliere six years, then was appoint<'d foreman of the car department, and since then has had charge of 
that department, until January 1, 1882, when he was appointed to his present position, and also has charge 
of the Michigan Air Line Railroad ; he has been connected with the company for twenty-three years, and is 
one of the oldest in active service in the employ of the company. Mr. Sutherland was united in marriage 
April 17,^ 18.55, to Miss Margaret McMurdoch, a native of Scotland ; she died June 36, 1879 ; five children sur- 
vive : _ Elizabeth S., who married Thomas D. Prentiss, who. until his death, was Secretary at the works of 
the Michigan Car Company ; James M.. Jennie A., Willie G., Alice S. L.; they lost five children. Mr. Suth- 
erland IS a consistent member of the Congregational Churcli, and has occupied the same pew in that church 
for the past twenty-four yc^ars. 

PETER VAN VALKENBURG. boss carpenter Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway, is a native of New 
York State, and was born November 35, 1837 ; he grew up and learned his trade in that State and in Canada ; 
he canie to Micliigan in 1869, and engaged in contracting and building in Port Huron ; he built the city hall, 
the union school and many other buildings ; since 1877', he has been with the Cldcago it Grand Trunk Rail- 
road, and has liad the position of foreman of building. In 1855, he married Miss Jane Sharp, a native of 
Canada; they have three children— A. Melissa, Alice M.. William Wallace. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COLXTV. 635 

OEORGE WALKER, Enirinuer on Detroit Division of the Grand Trunk Ruilrorid, is a native of Middle- 
bury, Vt., and was born Jvine 4, IS'M) : he began railroading in 1847 with the New York Central, and was 
conductor on that line several years ; he began running an engine on the New York & Erie l^'ailroad in 1854, 
and entered the employ of thi; "Grand Trunk Railroad ALirch I', 18.JT, as engineer, and since then for the past 
twenty-six years— over a quarter of a century— he has been running an engine for this company ; for twenty- 
two years o"f that he run without ii mark aga'inst him, and with oidy two small errors during all that time. 
lie has heen on his engine cnntiiuiously for ninetysi.v hours at a time in the dead of winter, some of the time 
it was thirty degrees below Z(-ro ; there is only one engineer on the line as old in active service. He married 
Miss Sarah Jane Dole, a native of V^ermoat ; they have six children— Sarah E., Annie T.. Ida F., George H., 
Robert C, Frank F. ; they have lost three sons. 

THOMAS WATSON, machinist Cliicago & Grand Trunk Railroad shops, is a native of Ireland, and was 
born in the city of Belfast Feliruary 22. 1840, His parents emigrated to this county in 1842, and settled in 
Baltimore, and he was brought up there. Upon reaching manlioofl. entered the employ of the Grand Trunk 
Railroad; Toronto in 18111, and two years later came to Fort Gratiot, and run on an engine two years, anrl 
since then has l)een in tlie sliops of the company here ; he married Aliss Amelia Harri.son, a native of Cana- 
da. They have four ihildren— Thomas. William, Marv A. and Frank. 

RICHARD WAY, foreman bhu'ksnuth shops Chicago vte Grand Trunk Railroad, is a native of Canada, 
and was born at Stratford .Tulv 14. 1S4-1 ; learned his trade there ; in 18('i3, worked in shojis of Michigan Cen- 
tral Railroad at Detroit, and .afterward at Jackson ; then went to Saginaw, and for ten years was in the em- 
ploy of Wicks Bros.; for the |);ist five years has been with the Chicago i.\; Lake Huron Railroad, and the Chi- 
cago et Grand Trunk Railroad, and holds the jtosition of foreman of the lilacksmith shops. In 1804, he mar- 
ried Miss Lucy Reed, of Detroit; they have five daughters— Mary B, Martha J., Josephine, Florence M., 
Lucv ; and one son — Richaril Francis. 

JOSEPH WINEtiAR, proprietor Gravelot House, is a native of Swit/.erhind, and was born March 17, 
1831 ; he emigrated to the United States in 1863, and came to Detroit, where he lived for eight years, and 
came here in 187(1, and since then has been successfully engaged in business here ; when he came here he had 
very little ; in 187G, he built the block he now occupies, and also owns five lots there, besides other lots in the 
same block. He belongs to the German Aid Society and the Knights of Pythias. He married Miss Sophia 
Hunnert. from Gro.sse Point. .Vpril 17, bSSi) ; they hav(^ one son — John A. 

II. WYMAN, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of Elaine, and was born August 15, 1841. 
His iiarents, Sanf'ord and Nancy Wyman. came to Detroit in 18-14. He grew up in this State, and^ after reach- 
ing manhood engaged in farming and building. He engaged in his present business in July. 1^73, and since 
then, for the past nine years, has been engaged in the grocery and provision trade. In 1872, he married Miss 
Isabella Colden, a native of this county ; they have foiu' children^George, Fred. Annie, Ada. 




636 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP AND CITY. 



So much has been said and wi'itten ah'eady upon this division of the county that little 
remains to be told. Within the limits of St Clair the French missionaries and their converts 
among the Indians made their homes at a very early day. Here, too, many of the first Ameri- 
can pioneers located, and hither may be said to come all the white Americans, who made the 
country their home p)-evious to its organization. The beginnings of St. Clair Cuunty were 
made here. 

The dusky sons of the forest were not unmiu.iful of the worth as well as beauty of the 
plateau uj)on which the village rests. The uplands of the west and the timbered forests of the 
east were wedded at our feet. There was a wealth of soil by the union, which neither alone 
possessed, (irand old forest trees here and there reared their great forms, indicative of the 
fertile plains, and here and there were beautiful prairie spots, where little toil removed the 
slender shrubs, and gave to the Indian his coveted field for corn. Along the slopes the antlered 
stag led the timid doe by night to graze upon the first gi-een foliage in the early springtime, 
seeking again the tangled dells and groves just west — for more secure retreat as the day drew 
on. His ways were beaten paths and hither the hunter was lured by reason of abundant gaoie, 
and here, beside their pathway he pitched his tent and made his winter home. Here, too 
along our eastern border was that grand belt of lofty pines. Their wealth of sweets gave 
pleasing answer to his toils, and lured him hither until the bursting buds told that the winter 
days were passed. Then came the planting time, and all along on either side of the beautiful 
ridge the Indian corn hills were visible for a long time after the white man's invasion, in fact, 
until his plow-share upturned and hid most of them in the cultured earth. Like the white 
man, the Indian, too, had faith that harvest should be born of plantings, and so with patient 
toil, each year he filled afresh those little mounds of earth, and in the summit of each mound 
ch-opped the corn seeds, counting the days of sunshine, of early and late rains, till returning 
from the summer's hunting, he should gather for his winter's store the ripening ears. 

The planting season passed and summer drawing on, the Indians were wont to strike their 
tents, gather upon their patient, biorden-bearing wives and ponies the wealth of their encamp- 
ments and plunge deeper into the forests, in quest of more abundant game, or along the banks 
of streams and shores of lakes to add their treasures to their slender stores. Thus wending 
their way, by old frequeuted trails, to chei-ished haunts, they made their annual rounds. 
Happy the years when no wampum belt was sent from lodge to lodge to summon the warriors 
to council, and from council, perhaps to bloody battles. Happy the years when only friendly 
greetings were in store, and pijies of jseace were smoked in formal round; when as the annual 
greeting of the bands came round, for days whole tribes wore joined in gladsome, festive and 
religious rites. Those joyous meetings and those greetings passed, hither these wanderers 
came, for now the corn harvests were at hand, and now the home thanksgiving feasts began. 

The Indians' Manitou, like ours, was worshijied for the harvest gifts. The younger 
pitched their lodges beside the father's or the elder brother's tents. Feasting, dancing, joy- 
ous sport, and sacred rites found each a place, and this one feature marked it best of all. The 
fortunate and famished were alike fed. While the feast lasted, whosoever would might eat. 
The richest ones could do no more, and thus for once each had enough and more. 

Hither again the Chippewas were accustomed to return from their summer wanderings, 
and on the very spot where the city stands, tradition tells of many a winter home, curling 
among the branches of stately trees, long since destroyed, the smoke from hundreds of camp- 
tires was lost in the blue above. 

The river gives life and animation to the scene, now washing the bases of the bordering 
banks or cutting through the midst of an extended plain, which sometimes parts to take the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 637 

waters in its embrace, it always moves majestically and triumphantly on its course. Swollen 
by the spring rains or melting snows of winter, it extends its channel to a distance of miles at 
some points, until it becomes a long, continuous inland sea. The river currents never for two 
consecutive seasons probably pursiie exactly the same course, and the changes furnish a variety 
to the mariner. The contrast of hill and vale, open land and woodland, of water and land, gives a 
variety most grateful to the eye. From the Oakland House, overlooking the river, one never fails 
to see a glorious sunset, when the weather is propitious. The changing hues are modified by the 
tinted tops of the trees, the wooded slopes and the plain and river, so that almost everj' varying 
shade may be traced from the deepest hue to the almost inperceptible tint. The pencil of the artist 
and inspiration of the poet would alike fail in giving an adequate conception of the wonderful 
loveliness of a St. Clair sunset. Commercially, the city is most admirably situated, being ac- 
cessible from large agricultural regions east and west; on the direct rcjute from Chicago and 
all western points to Canada and eastern cities. The sale and direct shipment of goods, as also 
their trans-.shipment, is simply enormous and every entire mile of road is said to embrace a ra- 
dius of an entire township in area that is added to the city whose advantages of competing 
freights by car and steamer must make it one of the greatest distributing points of all the new 
region to the northwestward, now being opened to settlement and traffic. This pre eminence 
can no doubt, and will be held indefinitely by judicious management on the part of the com- 
mercial community from the moment they obtain it. 

In the follov^ing brief sketch of the township's history, the names of the principal town 
officers from date of organization to the present time, are given. It is beyond the range of 
practicability to refer to the various acts of the difierent Town Boards or administrations. 
That the well-being of this division of the county was their object cannot be doubted, since its 
pre.sent prosperous condition, the growth of its educational affairs and we might add the very 
habits, manners, and customs of its population toll of precedents laid down by those township 
legislators, and followed by their constituents. 

ORGANIC. 

The boundaries of the original township of St. Clair, as it formed a part of Macomb 
County, established January 5, 1818, by executive proclamation, were: " Beginning on the 
north shore of the River Huron or Clinton, including the shore and running along the shore of 
Lake St. Clair to the mouth of the River St. Clair, and along said river to Fort Gratiot, and 
extending in the rear three miles and one-eighth, shall form one township and be called St. 
Clair." In April following, all the territory of Macomb County, north of a lino drawn west 
from mouth of Swan Creek, was organized as St. Clair Township. 

In 1820, the county was ordered to be organized with St. Clair as a township. In 1823, 
March 17, Plaintield and Cottrellville were organized, and St. Clair Township comprised all the 
county of St, Clair north and northwest of Cottrellville. 

SUl'EKVLSOR.S OF ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP AND ('ITV. 

Everett Beardsley, 1827-28; William Gallagher, 1829-30; Andrew Westbrook, 1831; Ed- 
mund Carleton, 1832-35; H. N. Monson, 1830-37; Commissioner's Board, 1838-41; Harmon 
Chamberlin, 1842-47; Israel Carleton, 1848; Harmon Chamberlin 1849-54; Henry Whit- 
ing, 1855; William B. Barron, 1850; E. Smith, 1857; T. E. Kitton, 1858; E. Smith, 
1858; Charles Kimliall, 1859; Harmon Chaml)erlin, 1859; Benjamin Jenks, 1859; Nelson 
Mills, 1800-01; William Oaks, 1800; H. Chaml)e!lin, 1800-03; Charles Kimball, 1861; 
William Luck, 1802; John E. Kitton, 1862; C. McMellen, 1803-65; T. C. Owen, 1863- 
67; Henry Whiting, 1863; B. W. Jenks, 1804-08; G. L. Cornell, 1804-09: William Luck, 
1800: John E. Kitson, 1800; D. F. Willoughby, 1800-67; John V. Kemp, 1807-69; E. Smith, 
1867-69; William Grace, 1868-69; Dennis Jones, 1870; F. H. Blood, 1870; J. Stitt, 1870; 
G. F. Collins. 1870-73: P. S. Carleton, 1871-73; C. H. Waterloo. 1871; (i. L. 'Cornell, 
1871-73; J. W. Hill, 1871; William Grace, 1872-73: E. Smith, 1872; B. F. Cramp- 
ton, 1874-75; B. W. Jenks. 1874-75; T. H. Blood, 1874-77; E. E. Carleton, 1870; G. Strauss 
1870; G. J. Ward, 1877-80; Joseph Cook, 1877; T. H. Blood, 1878-80; B. W. Jenks, 1878; C 



638 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

H. Waterloo, 1870; A. A. Currie, 1879; George W. Carleton, 1880; Joseph Doak, 1880; P. S. 
Carleton, 1881; C. H. Waterloo, 1881; Andi-ew A. Currie, 1881; James T. Aulls, 1881; P. S. 
Carleton, 1882. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Horatio N. Monson. 1837; Israel Carleton, 1838; Pendleton Odgen 1839; M. H. Miles, 
1840: H. N. Monson, 1841; I. Carleton, 1842: John C. Waterbury, 1843; M. H. Miles, 1844; 
Benjamin C. Cox, 1845; I. Carleton 1840; Obed Smith, 1847; M. H. Miles, 1848; B. C. Cox, 
1849; A. J. Palmer. 1850; I. Carleton, 1850; A. J. Palmer, 1851; M. H. Miles, 1852; Obed 
Smith, 1853; Daniel Follensbee, 1854; Nelson Mills, 1856; William Blakely, 1856; M. H. Miles, 
1856; Albert A. Carleton, 1857; Benjamin Mallory, 1858; Timothy Barron, 1858; Joseph H. 
Marsh, 1858-66; Nelson Mills, 1859: Elias C. Williams, 1860; George Carleton, 1861; Adam 
Gaffield, 1862-68; Thomas Cuttle, 1863-71; John Kennedy, 1865-69; Alonzo Gustin, 1868; 
William H. Davie, 1870; George MeCormick, 1872-76; Henry Suck, 1873; Thomas Donner, 
1873-74; Thomas Cuttle, 1875; William Spence, 1876; Justus Wells, 1877; Thomas Donner, 
1878; John Hall, 1878; Jo.seph Kesseler, 1879; George MeCormick, 1880; C. W. Blanohard, 
1881; John Hall, 1881; Thomas Doner, 1882. 

The officers elected in April, 1882, are named as follows: 

Supervisor — Palmer S. Carleton, Democratic, 2 majority. 

Clerk — Joseph Kesseler, Democratic, 34 majority. 

Treasurer — Peter Bell. Republican, 78 majority. 

Highway Commissioner — Francis Jackson, Republican, 78 majority. 

The remainder of the ticket was Democratic by a small majority. 

E.\RLY HISTORY. 

Among the pioneers of the town were Antoine St. Bernard, the Carletons, the Coxes, Og- 
dens, Thibaults, Thomas Palmer, A. J. Palmer, Fultons and Beardsleys, together with others 
named in the list of land buyers- That portion of the townshij) bordering on Pine and St. 
Clair Rivers dates its settlement to 1765, when Patrick Sinclair established a military and 
trading post there, and introduced the lumber-making era. In the sketch of St. Clair City, as 
well as in the general history of the county, references are made to this early settlement. 

The population of St. Clair town and city in 1845 was 1,009; in 1850, 1,728; in 1854, 
3,080; in 1864, 3,335; and in 1880, 3,919. The area of the township including the city is 
25,950 acres. The equalized valuation of city and township, i?l, 073, 70.'i; the number of chil- 
di'en of school age in city and township in 1881 was 1,516. 

The first patentees of land in Township 5 north. Range 16 east, were Hartford Tingley, 
Sections 9, 10, 4; James Kennelly, Asa Gilbert, Section 9 (1825); H. R. Jerome, Sections 15, 
22; Oliver W. Miller, Sections 15, 26, 27 (1826); Thomas Palmer, Section 27, (1827); David 
James and William Meldrum, P. C. Nos. 305, 306. 307, of 640 acres each claim, 1808. The 
land purchasers in the different sections from 1827 to the close of 1836, are names as follows: 
Section 1 — Charles A, Cook, Henry Dwight, Chester Carleton, H. H. Graves, Cummings San- 
born, Samuel Hutchins, Abner Cobm-n, Franklin Moore, Reuben Moore, William H. Carleton. 
Section 2 — James Byrne, Sr. , H. R. Jerome, Abner Coburn. Section 3 — J. M. Wilson, A. 
Coburn. Section 4 — F. Wilcox, H. Chamberlain, N. Gilbert, Daniel Stewart, Hiram Ensign, 
A. Coburn. Section 5 — John S. Kimball, James Ogden, E. Smith, P. Blodgett, Benjamin 
Bissell, J. M. Wilson, F. Moore, R. Moore, C. Baxter, W. Steel, William Sweat, Joseph C. 
Cox. Section 6 — Ira Porter, John Starkweather, R. & F. Moore, Blodgett, Bissell, and Smith. 
Section 7 — H. B. Seymour, Baxter, Steele and Sweat, John Starkweather, Nathan Godell, Luke 
Hemingway. 

In Township 5 north. Range 16 east. Section 8 — F. & R. Moore, Thomas Palmer, 
George A. O. Keefe, Cyrus Moore, David F. Kimball, R. H. Waller. Section 9 — Andi-ew J. 
Palmer, James Byrne, Harman Chamberlain, Dan Stewart, Abner Coburn. Section 10 — Reed 
Jerome, H. R. Jerome, Everett Beardsley, J. M. Wilson, A. Coburn. Section 11 — Eliza S. 
Gillett, J. M. Wilson, F. and R. Moore, A. Coburn. Section 12— J. S. Kimball, William H. 



HLSTOUY OF ST. CLAIU COI'XTY. 639 

Carleton (1835). F. Moore, A. Cobnin. Sectiou 13-14 — James McClanan. Section l.") — O. 
W. Miller, H. R. Jerome, Ciu-tis Emerson, Otis W. Norton, James Halpine, James Dou<,'aI. 
Section 17 — Andrew J. Palmer, Luther Brown, N. H. Park, Charles Spoor, Baxter, Steele, 
and Sweat, Dan Lockwood, James McClannan. Section 18 — Pendleton Ogden, Joseph Coffin, 
William Cox, Gideon Cox, Ed. Fay. Section 19 — Chester Loomis, O. W. Norton, E. Bell 
(1837), Duthan Northrop (1848). Section 20 — Thomas Palmer and James McClanan. Sec- 
tion 21 — Fred. J. Clute, John O'Connor, Benjamin Avery, James McClanan. Section 22 — 
H. R. Jerome, O. AV. Miller, John O'Connor, James jNIcClanan. Section 23 — Daniel Lock- 
wood, James McClanan. Section 24 — Henry B. Turner, Francis Thibault, F. Moore, R. 
JUoore, Benjamin S. Hammond. Levi Beardsley and George Palmer. Section 25 — Sargeant 
Heath, Clark & Warren, Sam D. Woodworth, Elijah J. Roberts, Thomas Barber, Jr., Nelson 
Barber, Tabor Beebe. Section 20 — O. W. Miller, Clark and Warren, D. Lockwood, J. Mc- 
Clanan. Section 27 — Thomas Palmer, Nelson Tomlinson. Eben C. Holt, O. W. Miller. Sec- 
tion 28 — William A. Pattin. Jesse H. Foster, Samuel W. Green. Section 29 — James Mc- 
Clanan. Section 30 — Benaiah Barney (1837). This section was purchased between 1848 and 
1860. Section 31 — AV. T. Wesibrook, Baxter, Steele and Sweat, George Hasmer. Section 
32 — John Fitts, Thomas Palmer, Baxter, Steele and Sweat. Section 33 — John Fitts, Benja- 
min F. H. Witherell, T. Palmer, Washington A. Bacon, Baxter, Steele and Sweat. Section 
34 — Nelson Tomlinson, Roswell Keeler, J. A. Van Dyke, Hepbm'n McChwe, James Witherell, 
and Jesse H. Foster. Section 35 — John AVinder, Clark and Warren, the latter also made a 
purchase of 19 acres on Section 30, in February, 1830. 

In Township 5 north. Range 17 east. Section — J. Henderson, P. Brakeman, Soloman 
Yaran (1832), Anth-ew Mack (1835). Section 7 — Israel Carleton, Margaret Moore, Clarke and 
Warren (1835-30). Section 1 7 ^Jonathan Kearsley, 1824. Section 18 — Jean Marie Beaubi en. 
Section 19 — Rev. Gabriel Richard, J. M. Beaubien, F. Thibault, Alexander St. Barnard 
Franklin Moore and Reuben Moore, (lS35-3()). Sectiou 20 — Louis St. Barnard. Section 29 — 
Rufus Hatch. Section 30— Stephen Mack, Samuel W. Dexter (1824). Everett Beardsley (1829), 
Chester Loomis (1831). There ai-e three P. Claims in Township Nos. 255, 305, and 406, 
which were gi'anted to the firm of Meldruin & Park in 1808-12. 

Germany is largely represented in the citizenship of the district. The customs and habits 
of "Fatherland" did not suffer by their passage across the ocean, and consequently are retained 
in a great degree socially and religiously. Some of the villages or settlements might j)ass for 
villages on the banks of the Rhine instead of the St. Clair or its tributaries. Yet an admixt- 
ure of these people makes a good community, and the district has gi'own and developed with com- 
mendable rapidity, as shown by the census of 188(). 

It is fair to presume that there were a large number of these settlers, who scattered them- 
selves about in diflerent parts of the country. Some of them, perhaps, are still living on the 
lands upon which they filed their claims, which were perfected by deeds from the President, 
and there is no doubt that many others, in a few years, when settlements got too thick for their 
notions of ease, comfort and freedom, sold out their possessions, "pulled up stakes," and moved 
on after the Indians. Others, again, no doubt, paid the debt of natiu'e and found a last rest- 
ing place near the homes they founded in the wilderness. And thus, one by one, of these, who 
were well known when they lirst came, dropped out of sight and out of memory, except the 
more prominent ones who were spared to make their mark in their respective neighborhoods, 
or write their names in the "Old Settlers' record." It is not to be supposed that, in the absence 
of written records, every one who was hero in 1835, nearly half a century ago, can be identi- 
fied and located by the few survivors of that period. It would be a remarkable memory that 
could do this - that could keep pace with the changes that years bring in the history of any 
community, particularly in a pioneer commiinity, many of whom ai'e of a restless, roving, dis- 
contented natiu'o. 

ST. CI..\IR('ITV. 

This city and neighljorhood may be justly called the site of the j)arent settlement of the 
county; for here the first immigi-ants pitched their tents, and here the first improvements, that 
amounted to anything, were made, and for many years this point was a sort of commercial me- 



640 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

tropolis or center for the entire adjoining districts. When the pioneers for the lii-st time came 
to the old camping grounds of the Otchipwes on the bold and iiiiposing bluffs extending along 
the west bank of the river, they beheld spread out before them to the west, as far as their vision 
could reach beyond the river, one of nature's most beautiful panoramas; a land to them then 
denied, which gave promise, through the perfection of its natural resources of a future, that 
some day would become excellent in every detail of civilization, if not celebrated in the annals 
of history. That condition, then only so dimly foreshadowed, has at last been realized; 
scarcely half a centiuy has passed by, and the scenes that then only resounded to the savage 
cries of wild animals, and the blood-curdling yells of aborigines, now reecho the piow-boys' 
whistle, the faithful call of dumestic animals, the constant whirl of busy machiner}\ and the 
joyous shout of happy school -children, or the laborer's voice. It is not much more than half a 
centary since the wild flowers bloomed in countless profusion and variety on these lands, and 
civilized man had scarcely invaded the precincts of virgin nature. Now all is changed : the whole 
country teems with the fi-uits of peace and industry, and thousand of houses dot the landscaj)e, 
the dwellings of happy families. What a marvelous transformation is this, and how seem- 
ingly impossible; yet the country is almost aged already, so precocious has been its develop- 
ment. Very many of those who began the work of taming the wilderness, and thus gave the 
first impetus to the steps of infant progress, are now no more. Fortunately for them and 
their successors, history comes to the rescue and furnishes a meed of praise, and perpetuates 
the record of their eflbrts and acuievements for the instruction and entertainment of their pos- 
terity. When we pause to think of this beautiful country — -now comjiletely conquered by the 
white man's hand, and yielding abundantly the various productions needed to supply the de- 
mand of his growth — -was but a few short years ago only a haunt for wild beasts and the un- 
restrained sons of the forest, we can scarcely comprehend the change. Neither can the efforts 
of those who first invaded the land and turned up the native soil to the sun's mellowing rays 
be understood by the young of to-day. Only those who have been here fi'om the first, and saw 
the gradual progress which the passing years have \\Tought, can fully realize the change and 
ap2>reciate the struggles and sufferings of nearly half a century in the past. Then, men here 
had almost to fight day by day for the barest necessities while they were making homes for 
themselves and their successors, and paving the way for a futm-e of successful efforts in the 
work of utilizing nature's resources to supply man's necessities. Of the men who first came here 
in adventurous youth, but few remain to tell the tales of living in a cabin or lying- down to 
sleep with the canopy of heaven for a covering, and the howls of wolves to disturb their slumbera. 
All the past seems but a phantom of the mind, a creation of some idle moment when compared 
with the realities of to-day; yet such is the history of progress and civilization almost every- 
where; the scenes of the past six decades' growth here are but a repetition in the main of the 
vast work of development that has been going on for nearly three hundred years in this coun- 
try, and that even now is corn-sing onward through the mighty West. Those who first stuck 
claim stakes here were the French. Nest came the Americans, or Yankees, a restless, advent- 
m-ous kind of people, who are ever fond of change and new scenes, and for whom a pioneer life 
is replete with a certain wild enjoyment. Many of these, disliking thu restraints and incum- 
brances of the older civilization, as the country improves, go on further to the front, and 
finally end their lives far from the place of beginning, perchance, in a wild, new country. Had 
they but located permanently somewhere, and let the youth of their families do the advance 
work, they might have lived to see and enjo}' the results of their early efforts. Y'^et, perhaps 
it is well that the country is large enough, and life broad enough, to allow every man at this 
age to select a place to suit his fancy and convenience, even though his notion may not be pro- 
ductive of lasting good to himself, or those who may have to depend on him. More than the 
average number succeeded in life, and transmitted to their children not only the holy prece- 
dents of honest labor, but the home and wealth which that labor wrung from Time. 

The city is handsomely laid out, well up above high water mark, and, with its manufact- 
uring establishments and business places, is attracting a thrifty population. The population 
is principally .Vmeriean. It has quite a number of French Canadians and Germans, who are 
an industrious class of citizens. The city has an advantageous location in many respects, with 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 641 

remarkable booming and mill privileges. The scliouls and cburchos arc unite in keeping with 
the enterprise of the people; one of the lai'gest hotels in the West atlords ample aocoinmadation 
to the traveler; a well-edited [laper gives the local "news; wliiki the railroad and river naviga- 
tion place it within easy distance of the commercial ca[)ital of Michigan. 

NOME\('L.\Tri;i':. 

The tirst name given to the settlement at the mouth of Fine River was Palmer, in honor 
of Thomas Palmer, who platted a portion of private claims 804 and 305, in 1828. Subse- 
quently its name was changed to St. Clair to perpetuate the name of the American General — 
Arthur St. Clair, and not that of Patrick Sinclair, of the British Army. Ten years previous to 
1828, Arthur St. Clair died, but in the year just given, the j)eople began to realize the value of 
Washington's deceased friend, and here, on the borders of civilization, both French and Ameri- 
can settlers joined in naming the location of their homes after one of the soldiers of the Rev- 
olution; even as the people of the entire county previously adopted the name fro)n the name of 
the lake. 

One of the first names applied to this lake, was IbiL-cfo. on L<ic d<: la Chandiere. Pere Henne- 
pin called it St. Clare; while in l)e L'lsle's map of 1700, it is written L. de Stc Claire. The same 
geographer in his maps of 17().')-18 calls it /yffc Gaiiatchio on >Sfc. Claire. The present use of the 
word St. Clair is a barbarism. In recognition of the explorers and as a mark of courtesy we should 
continue the title which they gave to the lake, and which subsequently was applied to the entire 
district — Sfe. Claire. If the name should be angli('ized. let tlie translation he used and the words 
written »SV. Clare not St. Clair. 

The connection of (rov. St. Clair with the Northwest w:\s highly beneficial. His visits and 
letters always reduced the savages to peace, and brought confidence to the early American settlers 
of the State. As the biography of this soldier-statesman must bo instructive and interesting to a 
people who have selected his name as a fitting one for their citj'. it is thus given: 

Arthur St. Clair was born in 17ot. and, having entered the army, came to America in 17r)8. 
lie was at the capture of Louisburg and Quebec, and at the latter place caught up the (lag dropped 
by Wolfe, and so distiiiguish('<l himself as to secure promotion. In 17G0, he married at Boston a 
half-sister of Cov, Bowiloin, and two years later resigned liis commission and settled in the Ligoiiier 
Valley, Western Pennsylvania. He served through the Revolutionary war as one of Washington's 
most trusted subordinates, and at the close of tlie war was a delegate to the old Confederation Con- 
gress, serving as President of that liody from Feljruar}- to November. 1787. In February, 1788, he 
was appointed Governor of the Northwestern Territory, ant! Iield the ofHce until November, 1802, 
when he was removed by President Jefferson. His term in otHge covered the period of organization 
of Indian t oubles, and of the intrigues incident to settlement and struggles for political mastery. 
St. Clair was a pronounced Federalist, and a steadfast friend of Washington and Hamilton, and early 
came in conflict with the Western adherents of Jefferson and Madi.son. The bitterness of the 
political contest incident to the formation of new States for a time blinded the i)cople to the worth 
of St. Clair's character and the inqiortance of lii.s work, and he died in poverty in 1818, at the age of 
eighty- four. 

At a later date, a measure of justice was done the stout-hearted old Federalist, who made so 
courageous a fight against slavery, and who played so conspicuous apart in the formative period 
following the Revolution. The story of St. Cl.iir's life has been frequently told, but there is a 
pathetic side to the history of his career that the many who have written sim|)ly as biographers have 
not cared to touch upon. At a critical period of the Revolutionary war. he advanced money to recruit 
soldiers, and at another period, when Governor of the Northwestern Territorv. he went security for 
the Goviu'iiment to the contractor for supplies necessary to earr}- on a treaty with the Indians. 
These suras, although approved by the proper authority and pronounced justly due bj' Congress, 
were refused payment by the Government on the ground that the statute of limitations had expired. 
As a consequence of the non-payment of mone}- due him by the Government, St. Clair became liuan- 
cially embarrassed, and his property was sold under the hammer. In referring afterward to the 
executions which swept away his beautiful home and all his personal property, St. Clair said : " They 
left me a few books of my classical liltrarv and the bust of Paiil Jones, which he sent me from Eu- 
rope, for which I was very grateful." What the old man had ilone to deserve this treatment the 

41 



642 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

record shows. When hostilities broke out between the colonies and the mother coiintr3'. St. Clair 
was residing in the Ligonier Valle}', happily situated. In 1775, he accompanied the Commissioners 
appointed by Congress to treat with the India^is at Fort Pitt, and suggested to them an expedition 
to surprise and capture Detroit with 500 mounted men, which force he proposed to help equip and 
lead. The Commissioners approved, but Congress hesitated, which was a fatal mistake, for with 
Detroit in possession, the Indians would undoubtedh' have been prevented from joining the 
British. 

St. Clair drew up the resolutions adopted at the first meeting of the patriotic Pennsylvanians, 
held at Hannastown early after the attack at Lexington, pledging support to the inhabitants of 
Massachusetts Ba)'. 

It was in these resolutions, adopted on the 16th of Jlay, 1775, that it was declared, •■ It is 
therefore become the indispensable duty of ever}' American, of everj^ man who has anj' public virtue 
or love for his country, or any bowels for posterity, by every means which God has put in his power, 
to resist and oppose the execution of it (the system of tyranny and oppression); that for us we will 
be ready to oppose it with our lives and our fortunes." St. Clair was made Colonel of the Second 
Pennsylvania Regiment, and marched to Canada to re-enforce the army there. He participated in 
the battle of Three Rivers, and after that untoward event, sa^'s Wilkinson, ■' by his counsel to Gen. 
Sullivan at Sorel, he saved the arm}- in Canada." St. Clair was at Ticonderoga until November^ 
1776, when he was ordered to re-enforce Gen. Washington in New Jersey. Here began the friend- 
ship between Washington and St. Clair, which continued unabated as long as the former lived. 
The campaign on the Delaware, during the dark days of the ever-memorable winter of 1776-77, when 
the surpri.se of the British at Trenton and the brilliant battle of Princeton electrified the whole 
country and restored the fortunes of the Americans, claimed his services. 

St. Clair's share in these exploits was brilliant, and won him promotion from Brigadier to 
Major General. Bancroft has denied that St. Clair suggested the strategic movement by which the 
American Arm}- escaped from the cul de sac at Trenton, and won the victory at Princeton, but it is 
clearly proved by unquestionable authority. The courage and military skill of St. Clair are brought 
out prominently, and the important bearing this movement of abandoning untenable fortresses, and 
moving the forces into the interior, where the troops could obstruct the march of the enemy, had on 
the successful campaign on the Hudson which resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne, is clearly 
sbown. While the uninformed public were clamoring over this giving up of the northern posts. St. 
Clair wrote to John Hancock iti confident terms: "I have the most sanguine hopes that the prog- 
ress of the enemy will be checked; and I may yet have the satisfaction to experience that by 
abandoning a post I have eventually saved a State." Nothing in the long public career of St. Clair 
more clearly establishes his great qualities than his course at and subsequent to the evacuation. 
He had the courage to perform a public duty at the risk of his reputation, aud when Gen. Schuyler, 
alarmed at the public censure, sought an escape, St. Clair magnanimously assumed all responsibility. 
Time vindicated him, and he won a place in popular favor next to that enjoyed by Washington and 
Greene. 

In all of the subsequent campaigns of the Revolution, St. Clair participated, and was the trusty 
friend of Washington, whom he supported against all cabals. Among the papers of this period are 
plans of campaigns and military movements submitted by St. Clair to Washington at the request of 
the latter. 

The suflTering of the army at Valley Forge, the distress and demoralization on every hand during 
that long struggle of eight years, and the marvelous tact and ability of Washington, which alone 
made victory possible, are all graphically described. The correspondence here presented lietween 
St. Clair and Washington, and President Reed aud Robert Morris and other heroes of the Revolu- 
tion, is of deep interest and of great historical importance. 

After the war, St. Clair retired to private life. His large fortune had been spent in the service 
of the country, and he had now to cast about for means to support his large family. 

In 1783, he was elected a member of the Council of Censors of Pennsylvania — a novel politi- 
cal body, unknown in any other State. St. Clair took high rank as a debater, and a plan of govern- 
ment, here presented, shows that he held wise views of what a republican government should be. 

In 1786, St. Clair was elected to Congress, and in the following year was made President of 
that body, which proved to be the last Continental Congress. It was also distinguished as the 
Congress which passed the famous ordinance of 1787, v.hich secured to freedom the vast territory 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 643 

northwest of the River Ohio, of wliich tiie Illinois eoiintry and Wisconsin wore inii)ort:int [larts. 
Under that ordinance. St. Clair was made Governor of the vast Northwestern Territory. From lirst 
to last he was the opponent of slavery, and spoke IVeiiuenlly against its e.\tension. His con\'ictions 
on the subject are shown in the following extract from a speech delivered at Cincinnati : •' What is 
a Ilepnblican ? Is there a single man in all the country that is not a Republican, both in 
principle and practice, except, perhaps, a few people who wish to introduce negro slavery amongst 
us, and these chiefly residing in the county of Ross ? [Emigrants from Virginia.] Lot them saj- 
what they will about Republicans, a man who is willing to entail slavery upon any part of (iod's 
I'reation is no friend to the rational hapi^iness of any. and had he the power, would as readily enslave 
his neighbors as the poor black that has been torn from his country and friends." St. Clair, as has 
been said, was, like Washington, and Hamilton, a stanc^h J'"ederalist. When the star of .\danis had 
set, and Thomas Jefferson, the head of the yonng Democratic^ party, became President, an effort was 
made by the anti-Fctleralists (known as IJepublicans) to secure St. Clair's removal. This failed at 
first, but the political necessity of admitting a new State, antl securing thereby more Itepuliliean 
electoral votes, finally aecomplislied the removal in November. 1802. This very curious political 
history is here correctly related for the first time. In bringing to light the real facts, the pajiers of 
Gov. Worthington, who was one of Mr. Jetferson's Lieutenants, were examined. Worlhington 
wrote the letter to Jetlerson, making the formal charges against St. Clair, and in all his course was 
extremely bitter. The order of removal was forwarded to St. Clair through his Secretary, who was 
his personal and political enemy. The Governor resented this by writing to James I\Iadison, Secre- 
tary of State, a letter at once ironical and severe. But to the people, when requested to become a 
candidate for Governor of the new State, Ohio, he said, in declining the proffered nomination : •• I 
have received many injuries and been treated with blackest ingratitude. * * * The Governor 
disdains to revenge the injuries ottered to the man. " This was a reference to the fact that he had 
not removed men from otliee who worked persistently against him. 

I'lONEEH IIISTORV. 

These beautiful lands were interlaced with silver rivulets that danced to their own music. 
Amid these openings — nature's mighty parks — roamed the noble deer; and over tliose prairies, 
which were like so many gorgeous peails in richest settings, the soft wind played. 

The first day of a pioneer family can well be pictured. It was in the season of the year when 
frosty nights were succeeded by snnny days ; when the crows crept into the woods as if they felt 
approaching May. The kittens ran around the cabin, and chased each other up tlie trees; and 
the dog wauderi'd along the riverside, for reasons best known to himself The woodpeckc^r ta|)ped 
his drowsy music on the decayed trunks; the turkey peered from b(>hind the roots of the upturned 
trees, where she had been waiting so long to hail the blessed warmth, and in(piired, ''What Inisi- 
ness have you here'.'' The scpiirrel pushed his nose out of the door of his castle, and. after looking 
cautiously at the intrudeis, threw his tail over his back, and, with an angry chirrup, trotted lo the 
nearest stump ; and then, as the sunbeams pierced through the tangled woods, the blue-biril burst 
forth into a note of song, tuned the strings of her harp to the coming summer, and inquired when 
gentle May was coming, with her music and her flowers. 

There are threads of beauty that pervade every household, wherever it may be, and whatever 
may be its lot. There arcalwa3-s pleasant thoughts, kind words and happy remembrances flying to 
and fro. How must the hearts of this family have rejoiced when, as the long shadows of evcMiing were 
stretching over the landscape, some traveler, in his Kentucky-jeans (^oat and stoga boots, alighted 
from his shaggy old horse, and asked entertainment for the night. They looki'd upon it as a sort of 
angel-visit ; each one strived to outstrip others in acts of hospitality ; and though they could not 
otter him the luxuries of life, he soon felt that he was welcome to anything tliey had. The old fire- 
place, if it was winter, was soon piled with logs up to the very throat, and shook its shadows ai'onnd 
the room in defiance of the winds that roared without. If the traveler hap|)ened to have a paper a 
montli old, their joy was at its lieight and the younger members of the family ransacked its columns 
with the greatest delight. 

This little band had, as it were, severed all connection between themselves and the past. True 
to their purpose, they went to work in their new home as if they were going to tear down the whole 
forest and pile it into boards. Amid wind and storm and suflfering and privation, they helped to lay 
the foundation of worldlj' peace. Morn's earlj' dawn and evening's gentle hush bore witness to 



644 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COI'NTY. 

their industiy ; and the happiness now enjoyed by the citizens of the city is, in a degree, the product 
of their labor. They were firm to their purpose as flints, and the sparks struck from them are trans- 
figured into images of beauty and romance. Tlieir memor}- will ever be necessary to the loveliness 
of the city. 

In the report of C. Jouett, Indian Agent at Detroit, dated Julj' 25, 1803, it is stated that 
3,759 acres of pine lands were purchased from the Indians ly Patrick Sinclair, the Commander of 
the British Post, known as Fort Sinclair. This purchase was made in 17(35, and continued in pos- 
session of Sinclair until 1782, when he left the country for his home in Ireland, bestowing the entire 
property on a Canadian, named Vatiren. In 1784, the property was sold publicly b3- Vatiren, and 
was purchased by Meldrum & Parks, then important raerchantile men in the Territory of the 
Northwest. This firm claimed the land as their property, made valuable improvements, and in 
other respects did much to open up the district to settlement. In 18U3, there were five farmers on 
this tract (together with the tenants of Meldrum & Parks), who took forcible possession of the 
farms they occupy in the year 1800. The other nineteen farmers claim under Indian deeds granted 
in 1780 and 1782. 

Archibald Phillips and Col. W. Truesdail, both old settlers of St. Clair Township, speak of 
evidences of white settlement, where St. Clair City now stands, anterior to the French pioneer 
period. They are correct. When they affirm that such evidences point out another settlement 
than that made by Patrick Sinclair in 17G5, and perhaps improvements made by his emplo3'es, 
they appear to forget that every existing historical idea and record regarding Du Luth's second 
Fort St. Joseph is set at nought by tliem. The old fort was located on the south bank of Pine 
River, ten rods from its confluence with the St. Clair. When Judge Bunce saw this locality sixty- 
five years ago, there was one stone chimney in its entirety, with half of another chimney. In his 
letter of January 27, 1883, he describes the ruins as standing in the midst of a grove of thrifty 
trees on the verge of the great forest, and states that it was a favorite home for wolves. 

Col. Truesdail exhumed man^- interesting relics of the past, such as brick, found in the ruiu of 
a chimnej' ; a felt hat with gold lace trimmings, silver and copper articles, a silver bracelet, en- 
graven with British coat of arms; needles and other evidences of early settlements, all at or near the 
mouth of Pine River. They are undoubtedly souvenii's of Patrick Sinclair's coming and sta}' in 
this country, and of his post where St. Clair City now stands. 

ST. CLAIR MILITIA IN 1811. 
It appears from original papers brought to light through the exertions of Lew M. Miller, 
Statistical Agentfor Michigan, that on December 5, 1811, there was held a review of the Huron and 
St. Clair Militia, where Mt. Clemens City stands to-day. The names of the members with an inven- 
tor}' (if the equipments of the two Huron River companies are given in the report made by Col. 
Hunt. It is one of the few records which survived the British invasion of 1812. The battalion 
w s then commanded by Christian Clemens. In the report it is stated that the St. Clair company 
failed to appear, not having had timely notice. 

TOE FIRST COUNTY SEAT WAR. 
The lands on which St. Clair stands were purchased by James Fulton, who had in view the 
selection of that point for the seat of justice of St. Clair County. Fulton sold his interest in the 
tract to Thomas Palmer, of Detroit, after whom the village was named, and both exerted themselves 
to secure for the place the county offices. Capt. Ward desired to have the county seat located at 
Marine City. Charles Noble, of Monroe, of the Commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice, 
visited the points referred to, and after giving the subject of location a very full consideration, 
reported in favor of St. Clair. The (xovernor accepted the report, and proclaimed St. Clair as the 
capital of the county, which it remained until recently, notwithstanding varied efforts or sugges- 
tions made to remove it to Smith's Creek and other points. 

HISTORICAL REMINISCKNCES. 

The following sketch of St. Clair and vicinity was read b}' William Grace, at the celebration in 
that city on the 4th of July, 1876. We make the following extracts, which are of interest, forming 
a part of the history of this county : 

" The earliest occupancy by civilized men of the place whore now stands our quiet though 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 645 

beautiful little city is a iiialtcr accompanied with some doubt. As early as the month of. June, 
16S6, a military trading post was established on the banks of the River St. Clair, which was called 
Fort St. Joseph. And while there are some who claim that this old stockade was located at or near 
the present site of Fort Gratiot, still stronger probabilities and better proof point to the mouth of 
Pine River on its southern liauk, as the place of location of this old fort. Again, before the Revo- 
lutionary war, and in the year 1762, this point is mentioned by some enterprising voyagers as the lo- 
cality of the old fort, thus i)roving that nearly '^OO years ago the spot when^ our cit^- now stands had 
been for a brief time the abode ol' civilized man. But it is believed that no pei'mnnent occupancy 
by wliit<^ men had intervened to break the solitude of the wild and almost impenetrable forest 
through which so noble a river for ages had llown, until the year 171)0, when a small company of 
French settlers took up their abode on the St. Clair River, near the; foot of Lake Huron. Fifteen 
years later and in the year 18(15, the Territory of Michigan, by an act of Coni;ress, was organized ; 
and three years thereafter, and on the 2(!th day of October, A. 1). 1808, the land upon which the 
city of St. Clair now stands, and known as private claims, juimbered 304 and H05, was confirmed by 
the General Land Otlice to John Meldrum and James iMeldrum respectively. And this was thir- 
teen years before the County of St. Clair was organized. These privates claims were subsecpiently 
sold by the Meldrums to James Fulton and others who became the first regular occupants, under 
local municipal regulations. V\) to this time the place where we now meet in celebration wa.s a wil- 
derness, and with the exception of the old fort 1 have already named, and a dwelling near by sup- 
posed to have been built for officers' (piarters, and long before gone into decay, no trace of civilized 
life had j'et come to disturb the solitude of the surrounding wild w(jods. The first house built was 
by James Fulton, and occupied b\' him, and since known as the dwelling house of the late Benja- 
min Woodworth, and now used as a blacksmith and wagon shop. 

The second house was also built l)y said James Fultou ; it was afterward known as the IMonson 
house, and now owned by Henry Stein. Mr. B. Wheeler, the father of Mrs. C. W. Bailey, of this 
l)lace, came here about th(' same time. He is still living in the town of St. Clair, lie is most em- 
phaticall}- one of the pioneers and an intelligent old gentleman. 

In the year 1814. Mr. Louis St. Barnard came from l>etroit and built a hou'se on the bank.s of 
the river (Yankee street), using some of the brick in making his chimne\- which he took from the 
ruins of what was supposed to be Fort St. Joseph. Mr. St. Barnard was the father of our friend, 
Capt. Alexander St. Barnard, to whom I am indebted for valuable facts known to hiin in his boy- 
hood, lie was born on the St. Clair River, op|)osite \'icksliurg, in Canada, in 1809. 

At the commencement of the war of 1812, Mr. Louis St. Barnard, with his family, hastened to 
Detroit for safety, and remained there until the close of the war, when he returned again to the St. 
Clair River and settled u[)on the farm now owned by Capt. St Barnaixl. on Yankee street, and built 
the house I have already named. 

Upon the farm young St. Barnard was reared, and has ever sin<-e lived, and at an early age 
became connected with the surrounding river and lake navigation, and contiiuied in that business 
until he became a skillful navigator. 

In 1844, he was appointed by the Government a pilot on board the Unite<l States iron steamer 
Michigan, and remained in that responsible capacity until the year 18C8. 

Soon after the building in this place of the two dwellings hy James Fulton, which have ahead}- 
been mentioned, other buildings both here and in the vicinity around followed. 

A small building was erected by one Mr. Wilson at a point north of Pine River and near the 
place whi're the otlice of Col. Truesdail now stands. And this was the first store ami iMr. \Vilson 
was the first merchant in the place. The second store was built and occui)ied by .John Thorn, upon 
the ground where now stands the brick store and dwelling of our respected fellow-townsman. An- 
drew I'lber. The next two stores kept here were by Thomas Palmer and the late Frederick G. Wilcox. 

Prominently among the merchants succeeding these may be mentic)ned our veteran salesmen. 
Col. William B. Barron and Col. Ileiuy Whiting, who for much of the time during the past thirtj- 
years and upward have been successfully engaged in the sale of general merchandise. To mention 
all others thus engaged would take up more time and space than is intended within the scoi)e of 
these notes. The first hotel here was located south of Pine River, and was conducted by one John 
Leach. The St. Clair Exchange followed at an early day, and was built by the said F. G. Wilcox, 
and first kept, perhaps, by one Tomlinson. The first school in the place was in a room owned by Mr. 
Phillips, the father of our much respected citizens, Arch and Charles Phillips. This school was 
taught by the Rev. Mr. Ponihoo. who was the first Methodist preacher on the ground. 



646 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

The first schoolhouse erected here was at a point near where now stands the historic hall of our 
old bachelor friend, C. A. Loomis. The first mill built in the town of St. Clair was situated upon 
Pine River, and was erected bj' Mr. Jerome, father of Heed Jerome, Esq., and a number of other 
brave and excellent sons, whose names are familiar to many of us at present. Mr. Phillips, already 
named, was the first blacksmith, and his sons Archie and Charles were artisans, and good ones, of 
the same vocation. 

On the eighth daj- of May, A. D. 1821, the towilship and county of St. Clair were organized. 
The township then embracing the entire county of St. Clair including the present county of Sanilac 
and conteraporanious with the municipal organization of the town and count}- of St. Clair, of which 
the present territory of the city of St. Clair then formed a part, the seat of justice of the county was 
located at this place. 

And verj- soon afterward commenced that very fertile and common source of strife in new 
counties, known as a county seat war. 

And although the county seat remained at this place for fifty years, where justice, sometimes 
quaintly, sometimes solemnly, and sometimes otherwise, was regularly or perhaps sometimes irregu- 
larly dispensed, still a battle for a change of base was waged unrelentlessly with ever-varying 
phases of hope and fear on tlie part of each of the gallant contestants, until finally in the year 1871 , 
in consequence of greater numbers and better railroad facilities, the war came to an end by the re- 
moval of the much-coveted seat of justice to Port Huron. 

Soon after the organization of the town of St. Clair, wliich, as before stated, was then co-exten- 
sive with the whole county, embracing an area of 1,500 square miles, the Court of Count}' Commis- 
sioners, as it was then called, found it out of the question to try and run things smoothl}- and suc- 
cessfully without a building in which to try the evil-doers, and a jail in which to place some of them 
in durance vile ; and, consequently, the said Court Commissioners, who then consisted of Andrew 
Westbrook, George Cottrell and John K. Smith, hired a room in the dwelling house of James Ful- 
ton for a court room and at the same time contracted with the said Fulton to build a jail in the 
rear of his dwelling-house, and an appropriation of $35 was munificently raised for the work of 
putting up said structure. 

And thus was the administration of justice in St. Clair County commenced with a Circuit 
Court in a sort of 7iisi priiis form, occasionally held, one James B. Wolverton being-High Sheriff of 
the county and John Thorn Clerk of the Court. Some six years afterward and in the year 1827, 
the people had become too proud to longer do business in such primitive style, and consequently a 
new court house and jail were erected. It was a log structure twenty-four by thirty-four feet in size. 
It was built upon the present court house square, which had been conveyed to the county for this 
purpose by the said James Fulton, and in the year last named it was accepted by the Board of 
Supervisors, who, by timely legislation, had succeeded the County Commissioners in such matters, 
although, as we are told, the said new building was accepted in an unfinished state. However this 
mav lie, it remained the court house and jail of the county until 1853 when it was destroyed by 
fire. 

Directly following this conflagration a new jail and village hall was built of brick by the peo- 
ple of St. Clair, and the said jail is still held and occupied as tlie jail of the county. 

In the year 1856 a new brick court house was erected upon the site of the old one, and large- 
ly by private contributions of the people of this locality, and the same remained as the court 
house of the county until the year 1871, when the county seat was removed to the cit}' of Port 
Huron. 

The old temple of justice has since been conveyed by the county to our people and is now 
known as the city hall. 

This place was laid out and platted in the year 1828 by Thomas Palmer, and was known for 
some years as the village of Palmer. But the name was afterward changed to the village of St. 
Clair, and in 1850 the village was incorporated ami thus severed its connections as a part and par- 
cel of the town of St. Clair. 

THE FIR.'^T NEWSPAPER 

Thomas C. Fay, a native of Bennington, Vt., was the first owner of a newspaper office in St. 
Clair County, as he was one of the first publishers, printers and book-binders in New York CAty. 
To him Thurlow Weed was an apprentice, and many others who have since been identified w-ith the 
press and political circles of the countr}-, may be said to have begun their careers in his ofHce. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 647 

About the years 1833-34. be sbipi)ed a newspaper press from Soutb Carolina to St. Clair or 
Palmer Villaue, consigned to Thomas M. Perry. The press arrived. Perry took charge, and the 
first newspaper ever published in the county was inaugurated. 

When he arrived at Palmer for the first time he was so charmed with the beauty of the local- 
ity, that he purchased a tract of land from Thomas Palmer. Shortly after this purchase he returned 
to his home at Georgetown, S. C, and shipped the press referred to. A few years before his visit 
to St. Clair,'_about 1827, he married Miss Mary M. Broderick, of Georgetown, who subsetjuently came 
with him to' Michigan. Mrs. Hodgson, of St. Clair, one of Mr. Fay's children, came with her parents 
in 1831, and remembers vividly the quaint little village of that period. 

At the time Mr. Fay came, there were only seven or eight liuildings at St. Clair, principally 
constructed of logs, namely, the block court house, where the present city hall stands ; Sam- 
uel Hopkins, and Mrs. Hopkins, Senior, lived in a frame house, built by Thomas Palmer, just north 
of i'ine River, the same in which Mrs. Stein now lives. James Fulton lived in a frame house north 
of Samuel Hopkins ; on the river bank, opposite Fulton's in the Indian orchard and burying-grouud 
was a frame building, with peblile plaster, the store of Thomas Palmer ; tlie large frame building, 
partly finished in 1831, was built by Edward Hopkins, father of Samuel Hopkins, now owned by 
Mr. Potter, and occupied by Mrs. Mary McElroy. On the Eber Block stood a hewn log-house, 
built by John Thorn, used for every purpose in olden days, which was destroyed by fire over 
thirty-live years ago. On the river bank above the Hopkins' yacht house was the Beardsley 
dwellings. 

Where the Sheldon brick yard now is, Capt. Bassett had a dwelling built partly of logs and 
frame work. 

South of Edward Hopkins house, where the Beyschley Block now is, was the frame house of 
the Widow Partridge, in after years the wife of Dr. Chamberlin, 

The houses of Lelourneau, shoe-maker Miller, stood north of Pine River ; south of Pine River 
were the Kittou and Truesdail grist and saw mill. 

Mr. Fay died shortly after the establishment of his paper at St. Clair. 

The first steam-engine built at St. Clair was that b^' P^dmund Hodgson & Sons, in 1846, for 
the Sheldon tannery. It did service there until about the year 18(37. 

The Myron Williams card mill at Belle River was one of the introductions of the manufacture 
of woolens at St. Clair. In 1849, John E. Kitton and John Nichol built the old four-story struct- 
ure which stood on the site of the present factor}-. In 1856, this partnership was dissolved. The 
buildings and machinery were burned, October 9, 1866, involving !Mr. Nichol in a loss of $12,000. 
In June, 1867, he began to rebuild, and in November of that year the present building was com- 
pleted and the manufacture of woolens recommenced. 

THE FIRE DErART.MENT. 

There is a volunteer fire department supplied with a Silsb}' steamer. The city pays the engi- 
neer. It was the first organization of the kind at St. Clair. The second fire compau}- was organ- 
ized August 5, 1870, with J. W. Loucks, Foreman, T. J. Rooney, F. A.; E. F. Barron, Secretary ; 
Fred. Borntuger. Treasurer, and Alfred Jackson. Steward. 

There was a destructive fire at St. Clair, April 2!1, 1875. The City Exchange, owned b}- J. L. 
Agens, was destroyed. 

Great Jiist: of the St. Chiir. — The water in the St. Clair River, owing to the blocking up of the 
ice on the fiats and the strong northerly wind, on April 24. 1870, was at an unprecedented height. 
It had not reached such a point lor a great number of years. In this city some trifling damage 
was done to Hudson & Hall's dock, some timbers being tloated out of their position i)y the cur- 
rent. The waters rose above J. L. .\gens' dock and entered tlie basement of his store. The base- 
ment of Mr. Doherty's furniture store was submerged al)oiit four inches, the family having to retreat 
to the upper story. F. S. Steele's cellar was tlootled a few inches, and some tobacco, sugar, etc., 
damaged. In Henry Baughraan's saloon, below S. Bendit & (!o.'s store, the water rose through the 
floor five or six inches, necessitating the removal of the occupants. The water also rose into S. 
Bendit & Co.'s cellar, which is on the same level. Between Sunday morning and 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon, the water had risen twenty inches above the previous level, and in the hour and a half 
following, had fallen twenty -one inches. The sudden fall was undoubtedly owing to the breaking 
awaj- of the jam between Marine City and Algonac. Some of our oldest inhabitants said that the 



648 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

river had not been so high since 1839. At Algonac and Marine City, the unauspicious state of 
affairs prevailing on the river was full3' experienced. 

The pavement from Soraerville School to the Oakland House, built in 1882, cost the city about 
$40,000. The work was done by L. J. Peck, of St. Clair City. 

OFFICIAL HISTOKY. 

The village and city officers from 1850 to 1882 are named in the following list : 

1850 — President, James T. Copeland; Recorder, J.Hart Hawes; Treasurer, Charles Davis; Mar- 
shal. Smith Falkenbury; Assessors, V. A. Ripley, L. Smith; Trustees, W. B. Barron, Grant P. Rob- 
inson, Robert Scott, John Nicoll, Leonard Smith and Harmon Chamberliu. 

1851 — President, W. B. Barron; Recorder, Smith Falkenbury; Marshal, Joseph C. Partridge; 
Treasurer, Joseph T. Copeland; Assessors. C. Davis, Edward Carleton, Jr.; Trustees, John E. Kit- 
ton, Daniel FoUensbee, Benjamin Woodworth, William Grace, Robert Scott and Marcus H. Miles. 

1852 — President, John E. Kitton; Recorder, Thomas E. Barron; Marshal, Timothy Barron; 
Treasurer, Leonard Smith; Assessors, R. Scott, P. Phenix; Trustees, Edward Carleton, Jr., Arthur 
M. Tenney, John E. Kitton, H. W. Morell, Alexander H. Bartley and Benjamin C. Cox. 

1853 — President, John E. Kitton; Recorder, Thomas E. Barron; Marshal, Timothy Barron; 
Treasurer, Edward Carleton, Jr.; Assessors, J. Nicoll, H. H. Mather; Trustees, A. M. Tenney, A. 
H. Bartley, Dio. Sheldon, Leonard Smith, S. B. Brown and John Henderson. 

1854 — President, John E. Kitton; Recorder, H. H. Mather; Treasurer, B. Carleton, Jr.; Mar- 
shal, John L. Agcns; Assessors, D. FoUensbee, J. D. Chaml^erlin; Trustees, Thomas E. Barron, A. 
H. Bartley, .^lichel Duchesne, Lester Cross, Timoth}' Barron and James Ogden. 

During the years 1855-56 the officers elected in 1854, held their positions. 

1857 — President, George W. Carleton; Recorder, H. H. Mathers; Treasurer, T. E. Barron; Mar- 
shal, William Cook; Assessors, D. C. Vance, C. Davis; Trustees, J. E. Kitton, F. H. Blood, William 
M. St Clair, Edwin D. Kitton, W. B. Barron and William Grace. 

MAYORS, KECORUER."!, TRE.\SURERS, MARSHALS, STREET COMMIS.SIONERS. 

The following names represent the officers elected during the years 1853 to 1882, being Mayors, 
Recorders, Treasurers, Marshals and Street Commissioners, in the order indicated : 

1858, Harmon Chamberliu, H. H. Mather, John Nicoll, S. L. Richmond, D. C. Vance. 

1859, John E. Kitton, A. A. Carleton. John Nicoll, S. L. Richmond, D. Gurnev. 
18G0, Eugene Smith, G. F. Collins, John Nicoll, P. Coyle, D. Gurney. 

18(51, William M. St. Clair, G. F. Collins, G. W. Carleton, P. Covle,"j. W. Loucks. 

1862, G. L. Cornell. G. F. Collins, G. W. Carleton, J. Doak, J. W. Loucks. 

1863, P. H. Blood, George C. Soles (also City Clerk, 1863), Ed. Carleton, A. J. Cummings, H. 
Whiting (Assessor). 

1864, F. H. Blood. William Spendlove, John Marks. D. Edwards, B. W. Jenks. 

1865, F. H. Blood, D. D. O'Dell, George C. Soils, H. S. Moore. B. W. Jenks. 

1866, George L. Cornell, George H. Hammond, E. M. O'Brien, N. Farrington, J. E. Kitton. 

1867, JohnNicoll. J. D. Chamberlain, R. Scott, W. H. Dunphy, B. W. Jenks. 

1868, D. Sheldon, J. D. Chamberlain, R. Scott, J. H. Morrill, B. W. Jenks. 

1869, Tubal C. Owen, George F. Collins, J. B. Lucas, Jos. Stitt, George L. Cornell. 

1870, John E. Kitton, J. W. Hill, J. B. Lucas, J. Duchesne, F. H. Blood. 

1871, John E. Kitton, J. W. Hill, T. J. Nicoll, (Jeorge A. Carleton, G. L. Cornell. 

1872, John E, Kitton, J. W. Hill, Gus. Strauss, Alex. Bartley. E. Smith. 

1873, John Canan, J. W. Hill, Gus. Strauss. George A. Carleton, G. F. Collins. 

1874, Deodorus Sheldon, George J. Ward, J. S. Harrington, Alex. Bartley. B. W. Jenks. 

1875, Deodorus Sheldon, George J. Ward, G. A. Doubleday, B. W, Jenks. 

1876, Crocket McElroy, George J. Ward, Wlieeler Stone, W. B. Morse, F. H. Blood. 

1877, Deodorus Sheldon, George W. Corbishley, E. R. Harrington, S. C. Fairman, F. H. Blood. 

1878, Gustavus Strauss, T, J. Millikin, \ S. C. Fairman, . 

1879, Justin R. Whiting. T. J. Millikin, George A. Carleton, A. St. Aubin, C. H. Waterloo. 

1880, C. F. Morse, C. B. Waterloo, , U. Simpson, C. H. Waterloo. 

1881, C. F. Morse, C. B. Waterloo, J. W. German, M. Simpson, C. H. Waterloo. 

1882, R. H. Jenks, A. A. Currie, A. Eber, Jr., J. G. Wortz, C. H. Waterloo. 



I 



HISTORY OK ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 649 

ALDERMEN OF ST. CL.^ilR CITY. 

1858. William M. St. Clair, R. B. Brown, D. Sheldon, George W. Carlcton. 

1859, William M. St. Clair, S. B. Brown, D. Sheldon, H. B. Steele. 
18C0. D. Sheldon, F. 11. Blood, II. H. Mather, R. H. Jenks. 

1801, F. II. Hlood, J. L. Aliens, H. IT. Mather, I). F. Solis. 

1862, J. L. Aliens. S. B. Brown, M. H. Miles. H. H. Jenks. 

1863, William Craee, D. Slu-ldon, M. II. Miles. S. Hough. 

1864, William (!raee, llenrv Whiting, ']'. J. Itooney, S. Langell. 

1865, Ilenrv Whiting, S. B. Brown, Ed. D. Kitton," William A. Warren. 

1866, S. B. Brown, C. Bey.sehlag, Joseph Stitt, Francis Krouse. 

1867, S. B. Brown, D. n.'O'Dell, James Armstrong, G. Barntrigger. 

1868, U. 1). O'Dell, 11. Whiting, William Black, George Barntrigger. 
186!>, Henrv Whiting, D. D. O'Dell, William Ulaek. V. S. Steele. 

1870, t). D." O'Dell, Samuel Bcnditt, F. S. Steele. Gus Strauss. 

1871, Gus Strauss, S. Benditt, F. H. Blood, James Moore, Joseph Lafl'rey, George II. Palmer. 

1872, Board sanu- as 1871 — J. L. Agens vice. James Moore. 

1873, S. Bendit, Charles llubbell, George C. Solis, Jose|)h Laffrev. F. H. Blood, J. L. Agens. 

1874, George C. Solis, F, S. Steele, Sol. (Gilbert, H. P. Wands, Jolin L. Agens, Joseph La'ffrey. 

1875, F. S. Steele, J. L. Agens, S. Gilbert, G. C. Solis, H. P. Wands, Joseph Laffrey. 

1876, J. L. Agens, S. Gilbert, C. F. i\Ioore, H. P. Wands, Charles Beyschlag, D. W. Hathaway. 

1877, Cliarles^Beysehhiii, Bruno Slreil, J. L. Agens, F. C. Moore. S. Gilbert, D. W. Hathaway. 

1878, C. Beysehlair, (!. Hathaway, B. Streit, F.^C. Moore, John C. Clark, T. J. Rooney. 

1879, H, Fischer, William Grace, W. B. Morse, T. J. Rooney. B. Streit, G. C. Solis. 

1880, William Grace, C. .MeFlroy, B. Streit, W. B. Morse, f . J. Rooney, G. C. Solis. 

1881, J. M. Sanborn, 0. K. Hopkins, W. B. Morse. B. Streit, Fred. Barntrigger, G. C. Solis. 

1882, J. M. Sanborn, J. R. Whiting, Mark Hopkins, W. B. Morse, B. Streit,"Fred. Barntrigger. 

.JUSTICES OE THE PE.\CE. 

In the township history, the names of city supervisors are given. The following arc the names 
of Justices elected b\- the citizens since the year 1858 : Albert A. Carleton and 01)ed Smith. 1858- 
62; David D. ODell, 1860-64; Marcus H. Miles. 1861; George F. Collins, l!St;6-71 ; Albert 
Carleton, 1868-72 ; M. H. Miles, 1868 : David D. O'Dell, 1870-78 ; A. A. Carleton, 1876 ; William 
Black, 1880: Kdward Canan. 1881-82. 

The following otticers were elected in .\pril, 1882. the ligurcs indicating the majorities : JIayor, 
R. H. Jenks, :!5 ; Clerk, C. .\. Currie. 75; Tri^asnrer. A. Eber. 5 ; Justice, Fdw^ard Canan. 146 ; As- 
sessor, C. H. Waterloo, 134. First Ward, Supervisor. Geo. J. Ward, no opposition ; Alderman, J. 
R. Whiting, 50 ; Constable. E. J. Hall. 145, no opposition. Second Ward, Supervisor. Benjamin 
Palmer, 68 ; Alderman, W. B. Morse, no opposition ; Constable, L. Werner, 2. The Treasurer, 
Eber, and Constable Werner were the only oHices the straight ticket secured in opposition to the 
union ticket. 

POI'UL.VIloN. 

By reference to the table on another page, it will ai)pear that in the early part of 1866 there 
were in the city 896 inhabitants between the ages of live and twenty years. Taking this number 
as the standard of computation, there must have been at that time about 2,550 inhabitants in the 
city. This would give an increase of 874 over the census of 1864, and 143 more scholars than in 
the preceding census. In the statistics of population, given in the general history, the increase in 
the number of inhabitants since the close of the war, is shown. 

THE CITY DUlU.NCi THE W.^K. 
From the moment the flag of the Union was hauled down at Sumter, the people of the city 
and township vied with each other in a desire to avenge the insult. Patriotism and generosit}- 
ran riot. War meetings were appointed in almost ever^- sehoolhouse in the county, and speakers 
were in great demand. The demand, however, was supplied, as men who had never made a speech 
before, and have not since, proved to be fountains of patriotic elocjuence. Party lines were nearly 
obliterated, old feuds were forgotten, and a new era in good fellowship and patriotism inaugurated. 
Old enemies, both political and social, met at recruiting gatherings, and made speeches together. 



650 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Patriotism and a desire to do sometliing for tlieir country were not confined to the men The la- 
dies were busy preparing little things for the soldiers to take with them ; making flags, committing 
patriotic songs, making rosettes of red, white and blue, and lending their influence by being present 
at. all war meetings. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

The following historical sketch of the Congregational Church at St. Clair was prepared some 
j-ears ago by Rev. Mr. Grannis : 

''The history of the Congregational Church of St. Clair, dates from the fiill of 1833. Before that 
Rev. Mr. Wells and Rev. Mr. Coe, Presbyterian ministers from Mackinaw, had preached occasionally, 
and during the preceding summer Rev. Albert Wortbington, a Congregational Home Missionary, had 
preached regularly in the log court hou.se. Mr. Wortbington, assisted by Rev. Luther Shaw and a 
delegate from Romeo, organized a Congregational Church of fourteen members in September, 1833, 
at the house of S. F. Hopkins The following minute appears on the records of the Detroit Pres- 
bytery : 

" 'Mo>-ROE. September 18, 1833.— Request from Congre.^ational of St. Clair, through Rev. L. Shaw, to be 
taken under the care of this Presbytery. Presbytery grantee! the request.' 

'' This shows that in the same month of its formation, the church became Presbyterian on the 
plan of union, which was generally adopted by Congregational Churches in the State. In October, 
1835, the Presbytery held its stated meeting with the church in St. Clair. 

"The records show that in February, 183.i, the church, at its request, was received into the Pres- 
bytery, as a distinctively Presbyterian Church. The causes of this change are to be found in a case 
of discipline in the church, which it was thought required the aid of the Presbytery. 

" In those early days, the remains of old Fort St. Clair were distinctly visible, Pine River was 
bridged by a raft of logs, the forest stood close around the little settlement; sidewalks were not in 
use. Two or three houses stood on the south side of Pine River, one of which was a hotel. The 
town was laid out into squares, but the buildings were few. Conspicuous among them was the old 
log court house used for town meetings. Romeo was then called Indian Village, and St. Clair the 
village of Palmer. 

"To make it more easy to remember the history, I will divide the forty-five years between 1833 
and 1878, according to the different pastorates of the men who have been "pastors of this church. 

" The first is the pastorate of Rev. 0. C. Thompson. Soon after the church was organized, Mr. 
Wortbington left, and there was no regular preaching till the spring of 1834, when Mr. Thompson 
came up from Detroit. In the fall of" 1834, he moved his family here, and was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of this church by the Detroit Presbytery. Installation services were held in the court 
house at early candle light (the candles being fastened with forks to the sides of the house). Rev. 
J. P. Cleveland, presided, and preached the opening sermon from James, 1, xxii : ' Be ye doers of 
the Word and not hearers only,' and offered the opening prayer. Rev. George Eastman gave the 
charge to the pastor and to the congregation. Mr. Thompson's pastorate was the longest of any, 
and being the first pastor his work aud influence are strongly impressed upon the history of the 
church. 

" The records of the thirteen years of his pastorate are not complete enough to enable me to 
describe fully the life and work of the church. In the spring of 1835, a societj'was formed called 
the Tabernacle Society of St. Clair; six trustees were appointed, and the organization was certified 
as reiiuired by law. This was substantially the beginning of our present Congregational society. 
Tiie Trustees were E. Beardsley, S. Heath, H. Chamberlin, A. Northway, G. PalVner, J. Doran. E. 
Beardsley was elected Treasurer and S. F. Hopkins, our present CollectoV, was initiated into the work 
of the collectorship. E, G, Wells, a professed minister of the Gospel, occupied the pulpit a few Sun- 
days in the absence of the pastor, but turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing and set the teeth 
of the church on edge, doing great harm. Another man of this stamp named Van Wormer, ac- 
complished a similar disturbance in 1843. The project of church-building now occupied the thoughts 
of the people. In November, 1835, a committee was appointed to secure a site, and another com- 
mittee to draft a plan and estimate the expense. The first proposition was to build a house 40x55 
feet, capaljle of seating 4(10, at an expense of .§2,000. At this time, the records give signs that finan- 
cial troubles were clogging the wheels. The building project languislied, and after more than a 
year, in Deccml)er, 183(), an application was made to the Home Missionary Society for $200, 'to aid 
in the support of the Gospel.' In July, of the next vear, 1837, the building committee reported 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. t)51 

.that thoy could not devise any plan for goiii.U <>" with the liiiilding. Notiiiiiii- decisive was accoiu- 
plislied toward building unlil the spring of 18-UI, more than five years after the first steps were 
taken. 

The frame work for the house on the- large plan of a seating capacity for 400 was on the 
ground, but no way of going forward with the building appeared. At this point, Everett Beardsley 
entered into a contract to build the house on a smaller plan (40 feet by 2ti), promising to take his 
pay in " all kinds of produce, viz : wheat, corn, peas, barley, hay, meat, stock and merchandise." 

The building was thus accom[)lislietl and with much etlbrt and sacrifice, with the helj) of the 
Ladies' Sewing Society, who at one time nobly emptied their treasury to buy glass, the meeting 
house was finished and furnished by January 1, 1841. Two or three years later, an addition was 
made to the building, leaving it in its present conditition. The expense of this addition was $210, 
and the amount was raised l)y subscription and by the sale of slips. In 1S3S, on account of ill 
health. iMr. Thompson desired to have the pastoral relations between him and the church dissolved, 
but at a meeting of the church it was resolved unanimously that •' we recpiest Mr. Thompson not to 
leave us." Therecpiest, however, was again made in October, ISoO, to the Presbytery, and as the con- 
gregation this time concurred in the request, the Presbytery voted that the pastoral relation be dis 
solved. Mr. Thompson prepared to go to Green Bay, but the boat failing to make its last adver- 
tised trip for the season, he was left with baggage packed on the dock and thus, as some of his people 
thought, he was providentially hindered from going. He went soon after to Port Huron, where he 
remained one year. 

We have seen that the church became I'resbyterian in connection with a matter of discipline. 
After about eight years of Presbyterian history during which the same trial hung persistently over 
them, they resolved to make an ingenious back-leap into Congregationalism, leaving their adopted 
father, the l^resbytery, without ccremon}-. By this they escaped in a good measure from their case 
of discipline, but truth requires it to be said that a committee appointed l)y the Presbytery, in 1842, 
passed a resolution of censure upon their action, after which the Presbytery had no further relation 
to this church. Twenty -one persons received letters of dismission from the Presbyterian Church 
and were organized into the Congregational Church of St. Clair, February 10, 1841. 

Nine refused to take letters. Of these twenty-one, Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Hopkins, Deacon H. P. Cady, 
Samuel Webster, Parker Webster and Alpheus Earle are now members of the church. 

The Congregational Church thus formed turned its eyes toward the form(!r pastor, then in Port 
Huron, and Rev. 0. C. Thom()son was installed over it by ecclesiastical council soon after its organ- 
ization. 

The following month, elevi-n female members were received by letter and during the following 
three years, twenty-nine were admitled. twenty-one by letter, six on profession. We have no record 
of the membership of the churt'h and Sunday school during Mr. Thompson's pastorate except for 
the years lS45-4t!. Reports fr<jm the Congregational Churches then first liegan to appear on the 
minutes of the general association, and there we find that in 1845, the church had forty-three mem- 
bers, the Sunday school one hundred and forty. In 184(i, the church had thirty-seven members, the 
Sunday school one hundred. 

During the latter part of this pastorate, services were held only every other Sunday, the pastor 
preaching on alternate Sabbaths at Algonac and Newport, which churches were formed at first as 
branches of this church. 

About 184G, Mr. Thompson, on account of feeble health, asked the church to join with him in 
calling a council for dissolving the pastoral relation. They declined to do so, but released him from 
the obligation of supplying the pulpit and charged him to go and seek his health. His pastoral 
relation has never been dissolved. The particulars of tlio religious life and work of the church 
during the twelve years of Mr. Thompson's jiastorate cannot be gathered from the records. Men- 
tion is made of a revival conducted by Rev. 0. Parker in the Methodist Meeting House which 
added many to tiie church. The resources of the church during all these years were small. The 
memliership must iiave averaged less than (ifty. The pastor's sahuy was small and often in 
arrears. The following is the collector's report at the close of the year 183G : 

St. Ci,.\ik, Noveml)er 5, 1836. 

Paid over to the pastor. Rev. Q. C. Thompsou, as per recoipls on hand. §ll(i.()0. Balance due on sub- 
scription list, ^126. John Dor.vn. Collector Tabernacle Soc. 

Adding the amount collected and the amount due, we see that the salary paid by the church 



652 HISTOBY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

for the year was $332. Whether this iuehided the amount paid by the Home Missionary Society is 
not stated. Mr. Thompson is beloved and remembered tenderly by the remaining friends of those 
early days of hardship. He passed with them through the privations and toils incident to pioneer 
life. During the severe famine in the spring of 1837, a traveler received for dinner at the hotel a 
small piece of brown bread and a piece of pork two inches square, and was told that if all the eata- 
bles in town were gathered together there would probably not be enough for a full meal for each of 
the inhabitants. 

In that year, the first boat from Detroit was hailed as a deliverer, and tiour and pork were 
weighed out by the pound to the people tliat filled the dock. The church and its pastor struggled 
together through such privations as this ; their hearts were bound together by a common experience 
of hardship. While we regret the occasional dissensions that mar the history, we still are proud 
of the heroic spirit that held them together and sustained regular service in church and Sunday 
school in times like tiiose. Tliis first and longest pastorate will always be memorable in the his- 
tory of the church. The liell that now hangs in the steeple was placed there by subscription with 
the help of the Ladies' Sewing Society in 1843 or 1844, and for years was used as a substitute for 
a town clock, being rung morning, noon and night. Mr. Thompson said to me at his last visit here, 
"It is the sweetest toned bell for me that rings, because of its associations." He writes from De- 
troit, " Up to this time my heart yearns over that ciiurch, my first love." Mr. Thompson's pastorate 
closed, as nearly as we can estimate, in the summer of 1847. 

He was followed by W. P. Wastell, who was acting pastor for about two years, until August, 
1849. During these two years, seven were received into the membership of the church, among 
whom appear the names of Henry Whiting, Harriett Rice and John Kankin. 

Tlie two following years, from August, 1849, to August, 1851, cover the ground of Rev, H. H. 
Morgan's pastorate. It was a period of great activitj', and we may properly call it the equinoctial 
storm of this history. 

During the first winter of his stay, there was a revival and many were genuinel}' converted. 
The services were thronged so that the aisles were full, and many non-church-goers were seen for 
the first time regularh' at church ; $400 were raised for his salary, and Deacon Cady was appointed 
a committee to see to the painting of the house, which was paid for by subscription, 

March 3, 1850, forty-six vvere admitted at one communion service. During Mr. Morgan's first 
year, no less tlian seventy united with the church, but during his second year only four united. 

In the fall of 1850, the following vote was passed : 

^^Rcsohal, 1st, That we make our pastor an honorary member of the A, B. C. F, M,, bj' paying 
150 into its treasurj-, 

"2, That we pledge an amount equal to 66 cents jjer member: our present nuralier is 110. 
The amount will be not less than $72,60, 

" 3, That the resolutions be published in the New York Evangelist ami Ohsn-wr, for the en- 
couragement of the board and to excite other churches to emulation," 

This generous resolution is the first notice we have of contributions to the benevolent societies. 
Up to this time, aid had been received regularly from the Home ^Missionary Society. This good 
resolution, however, was afterward rescinded and the money used for society purposes, reminding 
us of the brother who said. " I go sir," but went not. The next year, however, $50 were sent to the 
American Board, This church was represented by delegates at the council which, in February, 
1851, installed Rev, P,'R, Hurd over the Congregational Church in Romeo, Under Mr. Morgan 
the question of building a new church was agitated and strongly favored by the pastor, but no 
efficient steps were taken. 

In January of this j-ear, the plan of rotation in the offlce of deacon was first adopted. In the 
spring of 1851, Mr, Morgan was invited to settle as pastor over the church, and accepted condition- 
ally, but in the summer he gave six weeks' notice of his intended resignation, and in August he 
closed his labors here. Looking back over his two years' work, we admire his zeal and regret that 
it was not always according to knowledge. He had a sharp sword, but he drew it among his friends, 
and by indulging in personalities in the pulpit, he roused such strong feeling that fourteen stanch 
members of the church withdrew in a body after submitting their reasons for so doing in writing to 
the church. 

The foundation of the church sustained Ww pastor, but all regretted that his preaching was so 
personally denunciatory, God granted His Spirit until personal feeling entered into the work, and 



IIISTOHY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 653 

then the Holy (J host doparteil. A good niimbor of those who withdrew aftcrwiinl returned. When 
Mr. Morgan came, the chnrcli had a niemborship of -13. He left it with a membership of 84. 

The eiiurch witli one inontii'.s dehiv engaged Rev. George JI. Tiithill. and in October, 1852. lie 
was regularly installed. In the council that installed him, Rev. 11. I). Kitchell was elected chair- 
man and preached the sermon. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. P. R. Ilurd and Rev. 
W, P. Itussell gave the charge to the pi^ople (the same part vvhich he took in the ordination of the 
present pastor in lS7(i, twenly-1'our years later). Mr. Tuthill's pastorate of seven years was a 
period ot harmonious and normal church life. A decided c^lfort was made in 1853 to raise money 
for the Home Missionary Society, to which the church was so much indebted for years of assistance. 

Monthly subscrii)tions were starlinl and $75 were collected for the Home .Missionary Society. 
Anil for a time S10(t a year was collected for the American Boartl. Hut the zeal gradually 
diminished, the subscriptions were neglected, and the plan failed. 

The church was often compelled to do the work of the society, because the society neglected to 
do it. The benevolent contributions were better attended to than the pastor's salary — the church 
being generous before it was just — and the records state that the finances of the society were at 
loose ends. The records, however, do not show that this church ever failed to fulfill its obligations. 
The question of building a new church came up for the second time during Mr. Tuthill's stay. 
Committees were ap})ointed' and estimates made, but no agreement could he reached in regard to 
location. Deacon Reuben Moore volunteered to give one-ipiarter of the cost, liut the subject was 
finally allowed to drop. Reports from the State As.sociation records show that the Sunday school 
nuiiil>ered about one hundred during these seven years. The church numbered in 1852.74 mem- 
bers; in 1853, SS mcniliers: in 1854,98 members, and in 1855 it had increased to 10(1 members. 
After it was diminished by removals, and when Mr. TutliiU left in 1858, it had a membership of 82. 
This church was representated in 1858 by Andrew Blakic in the council that nistalled Rev. J. S. 
Hoyt pastor over the church at Port Huron. Wo ought not to fail to mention a revival in the spring 
of 1852, when union meetings were held and a number were converted. II uniting with the church. 
Up to this time, Sunday services had been held at 10:30 A. M. and 1:30 P. M., with a prayer meet- 
ing at 6 o'clock. Tn August, I85(), the afternoon service was changed to 4 o'clock, and the o'clock 
prayer meetings omitted, but in October of the same year the church returned to the old plan. In 
1857, the services were changed to the hours now in use. A resolution was passed this year that the 
expenses of the pastor in attending ecclesiastical meetings should be paid from the church funds, 
but this practice was not continued. An interesting item in regard to the choir appears in the 
records : 

'■ February, 1858, Mr. S. K, Hopkins, who has long led the singing in the worship o( the sanct- 
uary, requests to be released from tlie duties of leader on account of physical disability to perform 
them." 

Tlie church expressed regret at this announcement, and requested Mr. Hopkins to procure a 
substitute, or with such assistance as he could get to go on with the choir. On one occasion in the 
old log court house, Mr. Hopkins was requested by the minister to " raise the tune." He declined, 
on the ground that the congregation all sang one part, but, on condition that four parts instead of 
one should be sung, he became leader of the choir, and filled that position for many years. 

Another occurrence was a call upon the faithful Ladies' Sewing Society for assistance in pay- 
ing off' a debt of $400, due the pastor. They generously responded, and the debt was paid. The 
Ladies' Society has been the reserve force of the church all along the way, and has often been called 
up to save the da}- in the hard-fought battle. When the meeting-house was first built, the pews 
were sold to individuals to hold as permanent property. In 1857, the majority of the pew owners 
agreed to surrender their ownership for the benefit of the church, and the jiews were rented then by 
the church. Afterward the seats were made free. Some of the pew owners demurred to the vote 
to surrender the pews, but the church was in financial straits and no other way seemed to open 
to them. In November, 1858. t)wing to financial ditliculties in the church, .'Mr. Tuthill was released 
from the pastorate by a council; Rev, W. P. Russell was Moderator of the council, and Rev. P. R. 
Hurd, scribe. 

With its usual promptness in choosing a pastor, the church, in July, called Rev. James Vin- 
cent, who immediately began a pastorate which lasted four years. Three candidates had been 
heard before him — Rev. James McLain. Rev. lAI. Lightbody and Rev. Joseph Peart. The last of 
these came very near being called to remain. The church at tliis time made application to the 



654 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Home Jlissionaiy Society for S200 to aid in tlie minister's salary. It was during Mr. Vincent's 
pastorate tliat quarterly collections for benevolent objects were established, tlie four objects being 
the Home Missionary Society, the American Board, the Bible Society and the American Tract 
Society. Seventeen new members were received during these four years. The membership for 
these four years respectively was S3, 88, 91 and 87. The Sunday school numbered about 100. Mr. 
Vincent was not installed. In February, 1862, a circular from Chicago aroused the ladies on the 
subject of Missions; a meeting was called at Mrs. Cady's and the Ladies' Auxiliary Missionary 
Society was formed. Mr. Vincent resigned in February, 1862, but remained until April. 

This year William Grace was chosen to represent the church at the State Association which 
met at Grand Rapicis. Throughout its history, this church has regularly been represented at the 
meetings of the State Association and the Eastern Conference, except for a small period between 
1871 and 1876. 

Now comes an interval of eleven months filled up b}' reading meetings and occasional preach- 
ing. Rev. H. S. Clark occupied the pulpit for three months, but the choice fell finallj- on Rev. 
L. P. Spellman. who, in March, began his pastorate. The Plymouth collection was adopted as the 
h3-mn book. 

A memorable event during this pastorate was the meeting of the Eastern Conference in May, 
1866. In this year, the cause of the Freedmen was substituted for the Bible cause in the benevo- 
lences, and the whole amount of benevolent contributions was S107.65. The standing rules of the 
church were collected and put into shape. The building was repaired and banked for winter. Mr. 
Spellmau's pastorate was quiet, earnest and enterprisiug, and resulted in adding thirty -three new 
members to the church, twenty-five of them on profession. For the four years of his , pastorate, 
respectively, the church numbered eighty-four, eighty -eight, ninet3--four, ninety-two. The Sundaj- 
school numbered seventy-five, eighty, niiietj'-flve, eighty'. The increase was about balanced b}^ con- 
tinual removals of church members. Mr. Spellman was hired by the year and not installed, 3Ir. 
Thompson and Mr. Tuthill being the only installed pastors of this church. He closed his labors in 
the spring of 1863. Rev. W. P. Wastell was then in Port Huron and received a call from the church 
to be acting pastor for a year. He began his second pastorate here in 3Iay, 1867, and remained three 
}-ears. These three years were the most prosperous in many respects which the church has seen. 
He found the membership ninety-four and brought it up to 120, the largest number it has ever had. 
The benevolent contributions averaged nearly $100 a 3'ear, except the last year. 1870, for which 
there is no report and the Sunday school was carried from a membership of ninety-five up to 150 
members, the highest number it has ever reached. Evidences of the blessing of God upon the 
church appear in the records during the period, and man3' young persons were taken into fellow- 
ship, among whom are the names of Josephine Mortinger, George McAdam. Louisa Mclntyie, Alice 
Grace, Mahala Mitchell, Millard Mitchell, Hattie Waterloo, Julia Palmei-, T. L. P. Miles, Frank 
Paris, Edwin Earle, Joseph Johnston, Annie Johnston, Eliphalet Webster. Nanc3- Webster, JIarv 
Earle. A general revival conducted by Mr. Graves was the occasion of bringing these accessions 
to the church. 

The church lost its watchfulness over this precious flock during the following 3-ears when 
preaching was suspended. The fruits of this revival were gathered into the church, but by its sub- 
sequent neglect some of these young converts have wandered far from God, an inevitable result 
when a church suspends its watchfulness. 

The pastorate of Mr. Wastell closed in the spring of 1870, and in June of that year Rev. H. B. 
Dean was called with the promise of a salar3- of $1,000, including a donation. The meeting house 
was again repaired, and it was resolved that "the church looks ver3' much better than before it was 
renovated," and a general vote of thanks was moved and carried. Mr. Dean's pastorate lasted a 
year and three months. It was a year of stir and activity, but along with those came troubles. 
The amount raised for parish expenses was greater than anv other year, reaching $1,60(1, benevolent 
contributions were $100. 3Ir. Dean began his ministry under more favorable circumstances than 
any other minister, but an unfortunate division arose in the church over the character of the pastor, 
and the briglit prospects were not realized. Several dismissions from the church are recorded, but 
no admissions except that of Jlr. Dean. He terminated his work in September, 1871, leaving the 
church with a membership of 116, and the Sunday school of 145. 

A period of three months was then bridged over by reading services, and in December the 
pulpit was filled again by Rev. George F. Waters, a theological student from Oberliu. The records for 



HISTOllY OF ST. CI.AII! COUNTY. 655 

1872 show :i serious failins^ oW in iiu'ml)(jrsliip caused In' removals, wliicii reduced llie chureli to 
sixty-eight members, and the Sunday sciiool to ninety. Mr. Waters spent three niontiis with the 
church, and did vigori^us work which greatly blessed it, hut returned to his studies at Oberlin after 
his vacation had expired. He was here during Decemljer, January and February, 1871 and 1872. 

Tlie following in regard to the Baptist Church appears : 

"October 13. 1872. — The Baptist congregation and their minister Rev. Mr. Deland, will hold 
their services in our church on Sunday evenings until further notice." 

This brotlu'rly act shows tiie spirit which the Congregational Church has entertained toward 
the other churches in the place. 

Now follows a perioti of a year and eight months from March, 1872, to November, 1878, in which 
there was no regular preaching. Calls were extended to B.ev. G. F. Waters and Rev. J. F. Ellis, 
but were not accepted. liCtters of dismission decreased the membership to fifty-eight. It was a 
period of retrograde. But in November of 1873, the wheels began to move again, and Rev. John 
^'an Antwerp became pastor of the church. He remained one year. His pastorate was one of 
faithful work. No additions are reported, but letters of dismission were freiiueutly granted, and 
at the end of the }-ear the membersliip stood fifty-five, while the Sunday School numbered sixtv. 
The five years between Septemlier, 1871, and 1876, were the darkest since the old pionei^r days. No 
benevolent contributions were taken. The membership dwindled to fifty-three. The flock was 
scattered while the fold was empty. Some wandered on the mountains and have never yet returned 
to fellowship with their spiritual mother. Some grazed in other pastures, wisely deciding not to 
starve even though their own table was empty. All these days neitlier sun nor stsirs ai)peared, and 
voices were heard asking wlielhw' it were not better to give up the ship. The old pioneer spirit, 
however, came to the rescue ; the honoral)le and sacred church of uearl^- a century was not to per- 
ish ; the Lord whom they sought suddenly came to His temple. After persistent and noble efforts 
on the part of several, and after one severe disai)poiiifment in not seciu'ing a pastor, the present pastor 
was called, and in September, 187(1, church work under his ministration regularly began. During the 
two years between September, 1870, and the present month, the membership of the church has in- 
creased from fift^-three to seventy-nine. Thirty-seven have been received, eighteen by letter, and 
nineteen by profession of their faith. A number have been dismissed by letter. The constitution 
and by-laws of the church have been remodeled. The society has resumed its regular and dis- 
tinctive work as a secular body. In the fall of 187t), the meeting house was again repaired and 
repainted, and the choir seats changed from the rear to the pulpit end of the house. (Quarterly 
contributions for benevolent objects are regularly taken ; the contributions for 1877 being in all 
over Slflfl. and for 1878 they promise to be the largest ever made by the church in one year. The 
Ladies' Aid Society is thoroughly organized and doing efliciont service in the church. Tlu; Ladies' 
.Vuxiliarj' Missionary Society raised over if^W last year and hoi)es to double it during the present 
year. The pastor's salary has been paid monthly and for the most part promptly. Looking back 
over the long and checkered years, we see that the hand of (!od has been over this people. A few 
of my hearers to-day have trod tiie whole journey and can remember the first beginnings. Their 
hair has gathered whiteness during the long journeying, and their e^'cs dimness, and the hand has 
learned to tremble, but they can testify that God has blessed this church, and they can testifj- to 
the sacrifices which its members have made all along the way, and they can rejoice as the most of 
us cannot, over the present favorable prospects in which the smile of heaven again rests upon this 
Zion. 

This historical sketch will not be complete without some mention of prominent workers in the 
church who have dii'd or moved away. Of those now living here. Mr. and .^Irs. S. F. Hojikins and 
]Mrs. I>eborah Palmer were present at its organization, and Deacon Cady soon after its organization. 
Among those who are dead or removed the following are worthy of special mention : John John- 
son, Sr., Elisha Smith, Dr. Justin Rice, Andrew Hlakie. Reuben .Moore, Benjamin Bissell, A. North- 
way, Everett Beardsley. (ien. D. Northrup, Harmon Chamberlin, (leorge i'almer, John Doau, 

Reuben .Moore united with the church in .March, 185(1, and from then till the day of his death 
he gave himself heart, hand and pocket-book, to the work of the Lord, He was the stall' on which 
the pastor might always lean. When the plan of rotar^' Deaconship was adopted, he was elected 
one of the two Deacons and was always unanimouslj- re-elected Deacon of the church until the time 
of his death. His deeds of liberality and love are too many to mention, but they were continually 
blessing the church, and the cause of the Lord he delighted to serve, and both he and his faithful 
wife will always be held in lovin-r remembrance by those who know the historv of this church. 



656 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Andrew Blakie joined in lS.il, by letter, from the Scotch Presbyterian Church in Detroit. He 
also put his broad Scotch shoulder to the wheel and made himself a power for good. A letter from 
him to the society, urging them to keep good faith with the pastor in regard to paying his salary, 
has .such a hearty, genuine ring that I would be glad to quote it in full, but lack of time forbids. 
He became a Deacon in 1852, and was often re-elected to that office. 

Dr. Justin Rice and his wife were received in 1846; but, after one year's most valuable service 
as a pillar of the church, Dr. Rice was removed by death. 

Elisha Smith was one of the three Deacons who in 1841 were elected in the newly organized 
Congregational Church. His name appears often in the records, in committees and among the 
workers in the front rank. He was called from his work by death in 1847, and •' received the 
promise." 

Gen. D. Northup united in 1845. was prominent in church work and a great help in the choir. 
In 1850, both he and his wife requested and leceived letters of dismission. 

The name of George Palmer appears among the Trustees of the Tabernacle Society at its 
organization in 1835. He was one of the financial committee during the building period, between 
1835-40, and one of the six Trustees of the Congregational Society at the time of its organization 
in 1841. He died in August, 1859. Another prominent raeralier for a short time was Deacon S. 
S. Barnard, who united in 1838 and was elected Elder, aud in 1841 helped to organize the church 
in Algonac. Afterward he removed to Detroit and was for years a stanch pillar of the first 
church in Detroit, both spii'ituallj- and financiallj'. He lives in St. Clair in feeble health, but 
sound in mind and in spirit as in his working days. The others we cannot now mention par- 
ticularly. Some who are still members of the church have done faithful service for manj- 3-ears, 
but their work is not yet done and we cannot speak of them here. 

A large percentage of those who have formed the body of this church during its history are 
from New England. Out of a package of letters of dismission from other churches to the Con- 
gregational Church of St. Clair, nearly one-half are from the Eastern States. It is remarkable that 
all of the former pastors of this church are yet living, and all but one are in the State of Michigan. 
(The whereabouts of Rev. H. H. Morgan are not known to me.) 

Is not this a history' that should inspire courage and iiope and respect for the church among 
all who value the cause of Christ and appreciate the influence of a church? The two great sins 
of the past have been allowing personal dissensions to continue in the church and that long sus- 
pension between 1871-7(5, but "let him that is without sin among you cast the first stone." 

Amid discouragements and differences and financial weakness and indiscretions in the pulpit 
and out of it, amid reverses and removals and business depression in the town, amid skepticism 
and indifl^erence without and financial straits within, through the long famine of 1837, through 
obstacles that would have crushed any church not having a tenacious faith, this venerable church 
has held together. She has struggled through them all. For forty-six years she has held up the 
torch of religion in this town, maintained regular preaching and won a reputation for generosity. 
With all the faults of the past she has a noble history. By much the oldest church in St. Clair, 
and the oldest in St. Clair County, her verj- age is honorable." 

The corner-stone of the present Congregational Church of St. Clair was laid with appropriate 
form, September 3, 1879. The building is of red brick with stone facings, modern Gothic, with a 
clock tower sixty-six feet high, at the southwest corner. The length of the building is 103 feet, 
breadth forty-eight feet, and to height of apex of roof fifty feet. The audience room measures 
59x40 feet. The pews are arranged in amphitheatrical form, and afford seating capacity for 
360. The Sunday school room is 35x26 feet, while the Bible and class rooms, aud apartments for 
secular use in the basement, are large and numerous. 

Articles in the corner-stone. An account of organization of the church and its formeffortser 
to build ; a list of officers for 1879 ; Rev. A. H. Ross' address ; Plymouth Collection hymn book ; 
Gospel Songs hymn book ; American trade dollar, dated 1878, with the name S. F. Hopkins stamped 
on it ; a copy of SiiiuJai/ ScIkioI Times: a cop^' of the Roijal Road ; a slip bearing the names of the 
Governor of Michigan and Mayor of St. Clair ; a photograph of the old church ; the old pulpit Bible 
which was presented to the church forty years ago ; an old pewter communion cup, in use at Bar- 
rington, Mass., for fifty years, and at St. Clair for the forty years ending in 1879 ; names of United 
States otiiccrs ; stamps, religious statistics, and a copy of the St. Clair RepuhUcdii. 

The church property is valued at $15,000, The building committee appointed by the society, 



HISTORY OF ST. TLAIR COUNTY. 657 

May 8, 1S70, was composed of Mark Hopkins, 11. II. Jenks, Crocket, JleKlroy, Frank Moore and 
George \V. I?arnard. Tlie present, olliuers of the society are Rev. Clarence Eddy, pastor ; S. V. 
Ho|)kins, Mark Hopkins, William (Irace, R. II. Jenks, C. V. Moore and I*. A. Cady, Trustees. The 
present membership is stated to number 115. 

Kii;,<r n.MTisT (;nuK(.'ii. 

The lirst movement toward a Baptist Chnrch in St. Clair (Joinity was made in the township of 
Cliina. south of the city. The Rev. V'. Z. R. Jones began work here in ISlif). Alterward Rev. K. 
K. (irout came to the pastorate of tlie church in (!hina and a church in Newport (now Marine City) 
a branch of the (Jhina church. He began a service in St. ('lair at the old log court house. This led 
to the organization of the church, November 5, 1848. The original menii)ers were Rufus Swift, 
John M. Oakes, Daniel Stewart, .Minerva (Jakes, Klizaboth Swift, Mary Nicols anil Maria C. Eldridge. 
Of these original seven members. Mrs. Mary Nicol, the wife of John Nicol, owner of the woolen mills 
of this city, is the only one now living. During the whole history of the church she has been a faithful 
laborer. The officers of the infant organization were. Pastor, E. K. Grout ; Deacon, Rufus Swift ; Clerk, 
Daniel Stewart. One of the earliest acts of the church was the adoption of a temperance resolution, 
February 24, 184'J, reading as follows : ■■ Resolved, That as a (Jhurch of Christ, we will not admit any 
person to membershi|) witli us tliat makes an habitual use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and 
that we will carry the amount of our intluencc, moral and religious, to ell'ectually remove the evil of in- 
temperance from the world." The spirit of this resolution has been kept alive in the church thnjugh 
all its history, and at every covenant meeting the temperance pledge is solemnly renewed, being 
incorporated into the covenant itself On account of the failing health of pastor (jrout. Rev. Nelson 
Eastwood was called as pastor of the church, and began his laliors November HO, 1850. In June, 
185(!, we lind Rev. Silas Finn as pastor of the church. His pastorate was a long and successful 
one of nearly ten years. In the spring of 18GU, Rev. D. Q. Marybin became the pastor. On January 
6, 18()9, William A. Kingsbury was called to the pastorate, and June 24 of that year a council of 
the neighboring Baptist Churches was convened with the church of St. Clair, and Brother Kingsbury 
was ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry. April 4, 1874, Brother Peter Gary was called to 
the pastorate, and on June 18, following, he was ordained by a council convened for that purpose. 
On account of failing health, he sw'ved only a little over a year. June 5. 1878, Rev. Edward Blanrh- 
ard was called to the pastorate and served nearl}' two years. lie was followed February 14, 1877, 
by Rev. Henry Carroll. In November, 1878, Rev. J. Hall, I). I)., of Port Huron, was engaged as 
permanent supply, and served as such for a year. At the close of this service the church enjoyed 
only occasional preaching until October, 1880. They were at this time very much discouraged by 
a debt that had rested upon them from the dedication of the church in 1874. ()n account of the 
financial depressions of these jears, many sid)scriplion3 had failed, and a debt of over $(i()0 
on the now weak church was the consequence. It had been reduced in strength b}' both re- 
moval and death, and this amount small in itself, hung like a vampire over them. At this time, 
however (October 20, 1880), they secured the services of Rev. S. Hendrick, and began again in faith. 
The sisters took hold of the matter, the debt was soon raised, and the church moved on with the 
enthusiasm of former days. The present membership is tifty-six. The present olHcers are : Pastor, 
S. Hendrick ; Deacons, M. A. Cook, II. A. Cusick ; Clerk, D. K. (_)akes ; Treasurer, lAIrs. B. A. Jenks. 

The Sunday- school numbers about eighty and is in a tlourishing condition. 

The tirst meeting house was built about 1851 or 1832. There are no records to be found of 
the exact date. This house stood upon the present site of the church — Fourth street, between 
Truml)ull and Cass. It was destroyed by tire, March, 1870, and was rel)uilt in 1873. It is of l)rick, 
40x70 feet. The audience room is twenty feet high, and will comfortably seat three hundred 
people. The basement contains a lecture room, parlor, kitchen and pantry. The l)uilding is well 
heated by furnaces. It was a line building at the time of its ereclum. with a tower and spire on 
the southeast front corner. The present value of the house is $1), 000. although when built, in 1873, 
it cost over $10,000. 

I'UOTKST.AXT EPISCDP.AL ('llUl-tril. 

Trinity Church, St. Clair City, was organized in 1848. In 1843, Rev. Phineas D. Spaulding 
visited the village and preached to the congregation from 1845 to 1847, when the society was 
organized. In 1849. Rev. .Milton Ward came, and remained until 1854. He was succeeded by 
Rev. George B. Engle, in 1855; Rev. G. B. Ilayden, in 1860; Rev. Osgood E. Fuller, in XmX ; 

42 



658 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Rev. Joseph Pritchanl, in 1862 ; Rev. Thomas Dooley succeeded Mr. Pritchard. In 1876, Rev. A. 
B. Flower took charge of the parish and served until 1880. The church edifice, a small brick building 
near the Union School, was built in 1854. The parsonage was built in 1867. The church building 
was destroyed by fire in 1873, and since that time services have been held in the City Hall. 

In March, 1875, a meeting of the members of Trinity Church was held at St. Clair. D. D. O'Dell, 
A. L. Padfield, Joseph George, S. B. Brown, Henry Luck, James McJennett, John E. Kitton, 
George I. Ward and Alexander Bartley were elected Vestrymen. A committee was elected, con- 
sisting of John I. Kitton, S. B. Brown and D. D. O'Dell, to take steps to build a church edifice 
on the grounds belonging to the parish. Whatever action was taken by this committee is not 
known ; in any case a house of worship was not erected. Now, however, with the revival of indus- 
try and the growth of religious enterprise, there is every reason to hope that still another Christian 
temple may be added to those of which the city now boasts. 

METHODIST EPIS' OPAL CHURCH. 

The Methodist Episcopal Society of St. Clair was organized in 1850, by Rev. J. S. Smart. The 
new Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Clair was dedicated May 22, 1870. Rev. J. S. Smart con- 
ducted the dedicatory services. The reverend gentleman related some reminiscences of his pastoral 
labor in St. Clair twenty years ago, when he organized the Methodist Episcopal Society of St Clair. 
His earnest, eloquent and humorous appeal to the members and others present for funds to free the 
church from debt was a master-piece of persuasive Christian argument and entreaty, and resulted 
in over $7,000 being subscribed in the church. At a meeting of the Sabbath school in the 
afternoon over $100 were subscribed by the children, which goes to liquidate the debt on the new 
organ. The evening services were opened with prayer by Rev. T. C. Higgins. This was 
followed by singing, after which the Presiding Elder, Rev. T. G. Potter, delivered an able and 
learned discourse, which showed depth of mind and liberality of views. Subscriptions were again 
taken up and over $1,000 was raised, the total amount, nearly' $9,000, being more than sufficient to 
pay all debts on the edifice. The dedicator3' service was then performed by the Rev. Mr. Smart, 
the Trustees being ranged in front of the altar, and solemnly charged to dedicate themselves to the 
cause of Christ ; Henry Whiting acted as sponsor for the Church. 

The description of the building is as follows: "The first thing which attracts the attention 
of the visitor is the admirable arrangement of the seats, which, like those in most churches built 
within the past few j'ears, are arranged in a semi-circle or concave form, so that nearly every per- 
son seated faces the pulpit. There are three isles, one in the center, and one on each side of the 
apartment. On each side of the center aisle are thirty -one pews, and also three on the north side 
of the pulpit, making sixty-five pews in all, with a seating capacity for 425 persons. At the east- 
ern end of the nave is a gallery, some ten feet deep, and extending the entire width of the church. 
In this g.allery are six pews, which will seat from ninety to one hundred, making a total seating ca- 
pacity in the auditorium of over 500. The choir will be seated in chairs, on the south side of the 
pulpit. The seats are of pine and whitewood, with cheery rails and black walnut elbows at the 
ends. The backs are of matched lumber and the boards are stained alternately in imitation of 
mahogany, oak, cherry, maple and walnut. The cherry rails and the ends of the seats where they 
front the aisles, are stained in imitation of mahogany, and the varying but generally dark and warm 
tints give the body of the room a peculiarly fine and rich appearance. An open box consisting of 
slats extending two-thirds of the length of the pew, is placed at the back of each seat, and is an 
improvement over the common narrow shelf or desk in general use for holding Bibles, h^-mn-books, 
etc. The wainscoting around the room, as well as the wainscot paneling in front of the gallery, are 
stained in imitation of different kinds of wood, similar to the backs of the seats. The pulpit is a 
simple but elegant desk of black walnut, with panels corresponding to the backs of the seat. The 
platform on which it stands (on which also is placed the seats for the choir) is about ten feet deep, 
fifteen inches above the floor, and is inclosed b}' a railing of black walnut. We here make bold to 
express our opinion that the bare, blank, white wall on the west (or pulpit) side of the room, pro- 
duces an impression of incompleteness which the otherwise excellent appearance of the interior 
fails to entirely remove. The accoustic properties of the room, as tested during our visit, are not 
good, there being a reverberatory echo which will doubtless prove a source of annoyance, if not rec- 
tified by a sounding-board over the pulpit. It is said, however, that when the room is filled that 
this defect will not be so observable. The windows in the auditorium are twelve in number, which, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAli: COT^NTY. 659 

with four in the tower, at tiiu naslern side, sufficiently light the room. They :ii'e of stained glas.'i, and 
the effect is very beautiful and pleasing to the eye. The design in the center is a filigree-like tracery 
of drab, bordered with a vine of the same color, of a darker tint; surrounding this is a lemon-colored 
strip of oak leaves and acorns, wliich in turn is bordered with marginal lines of blue, ruby, green 
and pink. The window-casings are imitation maple, with an fxilside molding of mahogan\'. The 
doors at the liead of tiienortii and south staircases have nr.iple panels and oak stiles. The plaster- 
ing is very good throughout, tlie walls and ceiling having the best kind of pure white 'hard finish,' 
and where tiiey meet is molded a broad and graceful cornice, while overhead are three plaster ' cen- 
ters,' with hooks in the middle to sustain chandeliers. The free circuhition of pure air, which should 
form an important feature in all public buildings, has been amply provided for, there l)eing two ven- 
tilators in the walls, and four close to the tloor, in ditferent parts of the room. The carpet on the 
floor is of green and salmon I'olor, diamond pattern, and harmonizes with tiie fittings and general 
appearance of the room. The damask seat covers are of a similar color and pattern. The best ef- 
forts of the painter's ai't, however, are outside the auditorium. The wainscoting on the staircase 
and vestibule is beautifully grained in close imitation of mottled and bird's-eye maple, relieved with 
mahogany rails and cap moldings. Tlie graining of the door at the main entrance is said liy good 
judges to be first class. It is grained in imitation of mahogany, with bird's-eye maple panels. The 
rooms on the lower tloor are })laiu and serviceable a))artments." 

C.-VTHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. ('L.\IK. 
The beginnings of the church at this point are notetl in the history of the church at Port Huron. 
In 18(1;}, St. Clair and Marysville were organized as a parish, and Rev. Francis Van dov Bom 
apiiointed pastor. Tinder his direction a brick house of worship was erected in 1S(!4 at a cost of 
81 H, 000. In 18Ct), Lev. J. Kciclienl)ach was appointed pastor of St. Clair by Hisliop Lcfevere, and 
held the ciiarge up to the summer of 1882, when an Episcopal iutxuxliet was laid on the church and 
its doors closed to the people. I'^arly in December. 1882. the princi[)al members of the congrega- 
tion joined in an effort to have this interdict removed, and in compliance with their petition IJishop 
Borgess ordered the re-establishnieut of worship to l)e ol)served in Dcceiuber, 1882. 

Till'] I'lUVt'EST.WT MIOTIIODISTS. 

It is periiaps not gener:illy known tiiat the religious society known as the Methodists, formerly 
named Methodist Protestants, liad become a numerous and influential body in 18(!n-70. The associa- 
tion is known as the '• St. Clair Circuit," and under the charge of Hev. .7. 1). Schults. In his charge 
were three appointments each Sabliath as follows : At the Court House at St. Clair everv Saljbath 
at 2 o'clock in the afternoon ; alternating each Sabbath at the following places : At Homan street 
schoolhouse at half-past 10 o'clock in the forenoon ; at the town line schoolhouse, about five miles 
west of the city, at 7 o'clock in the evening ; at the Canada settlement schoolhouse at 10 o'clock in 
the forenoon, and at Bell River schoolhouse, in China, at 7 o'clock in the evening. The numl)er of 
members in this circuit in March, 1870, was 119, being an increase of 43 since the middle of No- 
vember, 18(>!1, when the minister took charge of the circuit. Two donations were held in 1870— 
one at the Can.ada settlement, in January, 1870, the proceeds netting S110;and one in Boraan 
street, in March, netting $85. The society purchased the site for a new church in this city, just 
West of the Catholic Church, and intended erecting a new brick church in the summer of 1870. 
The State was divided into two districts called the "Michigan Conference" and the •■Western 
Michigan Conference." each having a President as its otiicial head, to perfoiin the duties usually 
develo|)iiig on a Presiding Kldor, in addition to presiding at the annual conference, a conference of 
this, the Jlichigan Conference, was held at Pontiac in August, 18Gi), and the next meeting was held 
at Richfield, in Genesee County, commencing the first Tuesday of September. 187(t. One lay mem- 
ber for eacii minister attends from each circuit and compo.ses the conference. Adrian College was 
under the auspices of this denomination and was located within the conference, presided over by 
Prof Mahan, an eminent educator and author. 

The first organization of the iMethodist Church in this State was at the village of Franklin, 
Oakland County, in 1843, thirteen years after the separation from the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
It was then called the " Methodist Protestant Church," which was sub.sequently changed to '-Meth- 
odist Church " in the fall of 18(5(5 at the General Conference in Pittsburgh, P(>nn. The Methodist 



660 HISTORY OF ST. CLAITt COUNTY. 

Cluiich does not ditl'er fVom the Methodist Episcopal in points of faith of doctrine, the difference 
consists solel>' in church polity — the latter, as its name indicates, having an Episcopal, while the 
former has a representative form of government. In 1870, there were twentj^-eight conferences in 
the Northern States, with a membership of about 100,000. There are two conferences in Michigan, 
which are divided by the meridian line of the State, the eastern, called the "Michigan Conference," and 
the otlier the '-Western Conference." This (the Michigan) conference has thirty-six circuits, with fifty 
itinerant ministers, and a membership of over 3,000, being an increase of 1,000 since last year. In 
St. Clair County, there are four circuits, named respectively, Berlin, St Clair, Broclcway and Kim- 
ball, vvith a total membership of 550. The St. Clair Circuit comprised the territorj^ in the county 
lying between the Grand Trunk Railwaj' and the St. Clair lliver, and was under the care of Rev. J. 
D. Schnlts. lie reported a membership of about 100; but the St. Clair Circuits were unable to erect 
churches until the summer of 1870. when one was l)uilt at St. Clair, and one commenced to be built 
on the Berlin Circuit. 

The German Evangelist Lutheran, Lutheran and Presbj'terian Churches claim representatives 
in the city. 

SOHonLS. 

Notwithstanding a few childless croakers who have, during many years, never failed to do what 
they could to cripple the eflSciency of the schools of the village and city, St. Clair has, with one or 
two unimportant exceptions, alwa3's maintained a liberality toward her educational institutions 
which is a credit to the good sense of her citizens and a precious benefit to the young who have 
grown up in her midst. Excellent teachers have generally been procured, and ample accommoda- 
tions provided for the children in every quarter of the city. 

In former times, parents were compelled, by circumstances, to consult their resources rather 
than their desires, and during several years the cause of education was in any but a flourishing con- 
dition. When, however, once the limits prescribed by inexorable necessity were overcome, and the 
inhabitants began to accumulate faster than they expended, a lively interest was taken in all educa- 
tional matters, and school afl^'airs received the earnest attention and support of the foremost citizens. 
This was not spasmodic, but was continued more than a quarter of a century, to which the citj' Is 
indebted for her fine school buildings, thorough organization of teachers, and admirable system of 
grading. 

The first schoolhouse erected in what is now the citj' of St. Clair, stood near the site of C. A. 
Loorais' house. Previousl3', Mr. Phillips, Sr., granted a room in his house to Rev. Mr. Donohue for 
school purposes. In the statistics of the county the present condition of the city schools is noted. 

Someroille School. — -It is the aim of this institution to provide for the liberal education of 
young women, and to keep its methods of instruction in harmony with the most enlightened views 
of education. It aims also to furnish a thorough preparation for the pursuit of college courses, and 
to provide a sound, practical education. Its purpose is also to make the expense of pursuing a 
course of liberal stud}- as low as is consistent with a high degree of excellence in its results, and 
thus to keep a liberal education within the reach of young women. It is likewise the earnest pur- 
pose to conduct the institution on distinctively Christian principles, and to have it pervaded with a 
strong and healthy moral and religious influence. While aiming at the best results of intellectual 
training, its instructors will ever bear in mind that character is more than these, that the develop- 
ment of cliaracter is an essential part of the work of an educational institution, and that there is no 
soiuid l)asis of character except in Christian principle. 

This important educational establishment was inaugurated hy Mrs. Caroline F. Ballentiue at 
Port Huron. In September, 1879, the plan on which the school at Port Huron was conducted, 
together with a prospectus of the school near St. Clair City, were submitted to James B. Angell, 
Henry S. Freizc, C. K. Adams and M. C. Tyler of the University of Michigan, which drew forth 
their expressions of confidence in the plan and the ladies to whom its executions would be in- 
trusted. 

In the summer of 1880, the following circular letter was issued: 

Ri'cosniziiig the uscfuhiess, and the great need of symmetrinil and harmonious training in the educa- 
tion of tlie young women of our land througli the judicious coiuI)ination of courses of work in the lines of 
moral, physical, mental and industrial development, as set forth liy the announcement of the "Somerville 
School " in the autumn of 18Ti), and in a measure proved by_ a year of successful work, we the undersigned 
have interested ourselves in this institution, and have caused its incorporation and permanent location at St. 



HLSTOKY OF ST. CLAIH COl'NTY. 061 

Clair, Midi. Commi'nding the out line of its aim.'; in the directions of literarj', phy>ieal, and industrial 
development to your careful and eirly attention, we remain. 

Respectfully Yours. 

BeIjA W. .Iknks. Sa.muki. IIorniNs, 

Henky WiiiTiNf;, Mark IIoriciNs, 

John f. Ci.akki;, Hoheut II. Jenks, 

William (iuAci:. CnAiti.Es F. Moore, 

Franklin Mookk. .Icstin R. Wiiitino, 

St. Clair, .luly 1. 1880. Ckocket M( Ki.uov, Oukin K. Hopkins. 

The gentlemen who signed this letter Ibnii the TJoiinl oi' 'J'liistees. 

TLie ottieers of tlic school are : Caroline F. Ballantiiie, Siiijorinlendent ; Kmnia M. Farrand, 
Ph. M., Principal of (.literary Department, English Ijiteratnre and History; Joel C. Tyler, M. A., 
Ancient Lnngiiages, Matlienuitics. In the Department of .Music are Mrs. Sophie D. Knight, teaclier 
of Voice Culture ; and Miss Pauline Widenmann, teaclier of Piano forte. The Art Department is 
j)resided over as follows ; Technical anil ()l)jcctive Art, Mary A. Tliompson ; Ijectiires on Art, its 
Ethics and I'hilosoiihy, Mrs. L. H. Stone ; Classes in Art. History and l)es"riptioii, C. ]•'. Ballentine, 
and 8. F. Dwyer, Assistant Pupil ; Misses Wright, Howard, Dwyer, are tlie Ticaders of (iymiiastic 
and Calistlicnic Drill : Mrs. Louisa M. Gaylord is Superintendent of Household. 

An outlined plan of the school was placed before President Angell and some of tlie leading 
professors of the University of !\Iicliigaii in Septemher, 1879. No name had then been decided 
upon. Dr. Angell's suggestion that the name of Jlary Somerville would be an especially suitable 
one for a school whose aim was announced as '• symmetrical development " was regarded as a most 
happy thought, and was adopted. 

It can be truly said, that in the entire L'nion tliere is not an institution for the higher educa- 
tion of women more perfect in its management than this. All must agree with the Trustees in 
their statement that the entire plan of the school is an ex'.'cllent one, and instead of being in a 
"by place," the situation, ilirectly on the banks of one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, in 
sight of boats constantly passing during all the moullis of the year when the river is open, is one 
of the most beautiful in tin- world. The natural situation is ailmirable for the establishment of a 
Vassar, or Smith's, or Welleslcy college. Such a school would not injure or draw away from any good 
school now existing in the State. The specialties of the school above referred to which mak(' it in 
some respects different from most of the boarding schools or seminaries in the State, will create its 
liatronagc. All the school needs is money endowment. Whether in the rapidly increasing wealth 
of iMichigan, the generous impulse of some man or men shall be directed to permanently endow 
such a school as this aims to be, and in one of the loveliest places that could be found for such a 
school iirthe wide range ofour country, from west to oast or north to south, remains to be seen. 

If some Mr. Vassar should arise, with the generous promptings to endow a school on the banks 
of the St. Clair Iiiver, atlbrding the advantages of Vassar College! to the young women of Jlicliigan, 
barring the disgraceful restriction that accompanied the last gift of Matthew V'assar for t\w build- 
ing of an observatory, viz., that no women should be employed to teach in the department those 
funds were given to establish, and this right in th« face of the grand and noble attainments of .Maria 
Mitchel — barring such restrictions to donation or bequest as this. Michigan should hold in grateful 
and everlasting honor the name of that man who would estalilish on the banks of the St. Clair the 
Somerville School on as broad and sure a foundation as is Vassar College on the banks of the Hudson. 

In November, 1882, Somerville School issued a neatly printed circular announcing a special 
course of study occupying six months of time from .laniiary to June, 188.S. Selections for the 
course can be made from the following studies in the Belles Lettres Course : Reviews in .\ncient 
History; History of Arts of Architecture. Sculpture, Painting and .Music; History of German Lit- 
erature ; History of French Literature ; Heading from Sisinondi's Literatures of Southern Kurope ; 
study of four Greek Plays; study of four Shakespearean Plays; Ijcctures uiion the Origin, His- 
tory and Philosophy of Art. Students in this course can also make use of the superior advantages 
ottered in the .\rt, .Music and Needle Work Departments, all of which will be found complete, with 
every facility lor the successful prosecution of study. The terms for instruction in three English 
studies, including board, have been placed at J-lfj for the course. 

SOCIAL. BENEVOLRNT AND COMMERCIAL SOCIETIES. 
The Ladies' Library Associati<in of St. Clair City was organized March 7. 18(1<). with the fol- 
lowing members: Cassandra P. (^larke. Frances Bobinson. Minnie 1'. Owen. Helen WoodruH, Sarah 



662 HISTORY OF 8T. CLAIR COUNTY. 

B. Owen, Mary Robertson, Eliza Barron, Eugenie Beudit, Helen C. Blood, Hattie E. Agens, Julia 
Morrill and Mary J. St. Clair. C. P. Clarke was President ; Frances Robinson, Vice President ; M. 
F. Owen, Recording Secretary ; Helen Woodruff, Correspofhling Secretary ; Sarah B. Owen, Treas- 
urer ; Addie Ladd, Librarian. The society lias been carried down to the present time in its career 
of usefulness. In November, 1882, the receipt of a donation of fifty-four volumes from Mrs. W. S. 
Hopkins, of Detroit, was acknowledged. This is the largest donation ever made by one individual 
and the ladies desire to extend to Mrs. Hopkins their thanks for the favor. 

Young People's Union. — An association of young people, under this name, was organized 
in the lecture room of the Methodist Epicopal Church, in March, 1870. The object of the Young 
People's Union was to erahrace within its organization the musical and other talent of the city 
necessary to the efhcient getting up of concerts, tableaux, charades and like entertainments. The 
society was a social as well as musical one, and free from denominational influences in its workings. 
The services of the society were given gratuitously on such occasions as church concerts, festivals, 
etc. The musical amateurs of all denominations in the city were invited to join the organization. 
Musical works of the best class were procured and the memliers entered on a course of study and 
practice. The following ofHcers were elected : President, C. H. Woodruff; Vice President, Mrs. J. 
R. Whiting; Treasurer, Mrs. John S. Woodruff; Secretary, T. P. Miles. The Union continued to 
prosper until its members entered other societies or left the city. 

The Lyceum. — St. Clair Union Lyceum was organized November 22, 1865, with Albert J. 
Chapman, President; John C. Clark, Vice President ; J. Ward Hill, Secretary ; William R. Owen, 
Treasurer; Rev. L. P. Spelliuan, Censor. H. P. Wands, William Grace and T. C. Owens formed 
the committee on debates. 

A Grange was organized in this township in March, 1875. The first meeting was held in the 
Bartlett Schoolhouseon Pine River, when about forty persons were admitted to membership. By a 
vote of the lodge the next meeting was decided to be held at the Lindsay House in Smith's Creek. 
The following officers were elected and duly installed ; \V. M., B. R. Mallory ; W. O., Moses Hart; 
W. L., Robert Bowie ; W. S., George Beach ; W. A. S., Joseph Lindsay ; W. C, C. J. Mallory ; W. 
T., P. M. Brown ; W. Sec, W. B. Mallory ; W. G. K., Roderick Hubble; W. Ceres, Mrs. J. Lind- 
say, Mrs. R. Hubble, Lorane Hull and Clara Mallol-y. At this period the township was casting off 
the robes of the lumber woods to embrace those of cultivated gardens and fields. 

The Red Riltbon Club. — The Red Ribbon movement was fully organized at St. Clair in 1877. 
Previous to that year, however, effort after effort was made to inculcate the beauties of temperance. 
In May, 1877, a Red Ribbon Club of 151 meml)ers was organized with the following named officers : 
President, Frederick H. Blood ; First Vice President, George C. Soils ; Second Vice President, 
Charles E. Soils ; Third Vice President, James Harvey ; Secretary, James Bishop ; Assistant Sec- 
retary, Bruce Fairman ; Financial Secretary, William Luck ; Treasurer, John C. Clarke ; Steward, 
Joseph Johr ; Marshals, John Jack.son, Frederick Canan ; Sergeaut-at-Arms, Thomas Spaulding ; 
Executive Committee, Bruce Fairman, William Grace, George Akred, William McCardle, T. L. P 
Miles ; Financial Committee, Solomon Gilbert, J. R. Whiting. James Armstrong. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 
Evergreen Lodge, No. 9, dates its existence from April 25, 1843, when a number of residents 
of the village of Palmer and neighborhood met at the house of Sargeant Heath to organize a Masonic 
Lodije. .\mong those present were John K. Smith, Samuel Ward, S. Granger, E. Fay, Sargeant 
Heath. C. Simmons, P. G. Wright, M. Shearn, J. W. Granger, T. M. Perry and A. C. Smith. The 
first move toward organization was made and the meeting adjourned to June 24. The dispensation 
was granted by John MuUett, G. M. of the State, February 2(5, 1844, and Reuben Hamilton appointed 
to organize. The first meeting under this dispensation was held at David Whitman's house, April 
24, 1844. Subsequent meetings were held at various places until August 23, when a room was pro- 
vided in Sargeant Heath's house. There meetings were held until October, 1845. The first officers 
of the Lodge under dispensation are named as follows : Reuben Hamilton, W. M.; Israel Carletou, 
S. W.; Charles Kimball, J. W.; James Woolverton, Secretary ; Sargeant Heath, Treasurer ; Edmund 
Carletou, S. D., and James A. W. Donohue, J. D. The total number of members was fourteen. Charles 
Kimball represented the Lodge in the Grand Lodge, to obtain the charter of 1845. The place of 
meeting was changed from Heath's house October 15, 1845, to a room in that of S. B. Brown. The 
charter was granted June 4, 1845, and on June 24 D. G. M. Hall installed the following named 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 663 

officers ; Reuben Hamilton, W. M.; Israel Carleton, S. W.; Charles Kimball, J. W.; Sargoant Heath, 
Treasurer ; S. B. Brown, Secretar}- ; Edmund Carleton, S. D.; J. B. Flanagan, J. D., and Edward 
Hodgson, Tiler. The W. M.'s and Secretaries of the Lodge from 1845 to the present time are 
named in the following list : 

1845 — Reuben Hamilton, W. M.; S. B. Brown, Secretar}- ; 1846, Israel Carleton, Charles Kim- 
ball ; 1847, Israel Carleton, Charles Kimball; 1848, xVbram Bean, S. B. Brown ; 1840. James T. 
Copeland, John Raymond; 1850, S. B. Brown, John Raymond ; 1851. S. B. Brown, James True; 
1852, William Cook, James True ; 1853, William Cook, Charles Kimball ; 1854, S. B. Brown, John 
A. Sanborn ; 1855, S. B. Brown, A. C. Van Buren ; 185(5, S. B. Rrown, F. H. Blood ; 1857, S. B. 
Brown, P. H. Blood ; 1858, S. B. Browu, A. A. Carleton; 185'J-G0, A. J. Cummings, James A. 
Steele ; 18(il-62, G. L. Cornell, H. T. Barringer; 1802-63, M. H. Miles, J. C. CorbLshley ; 1863-64, 
D. D. O'Dell, Friend I'almer ; 1864-65, D. D. O'Dell, Robert Scott; 1866-67, D. D. O'Dell, Robert 
Scott ; 1868-70, Joseph Stitt, G. J. Ward ; 1870-71, A. L. Badtield, G. J. Ward ; 1871-72, D. D. 
O'Dell, G. J. Ward ; 1872-73, D. D. O'Dell, G. J. Ward ; 1873-74, D. D. O'Dell. G. J. Ward ; 1874-75, 

D. D. O'Dell, G. J. Ward ; 1875-76, D. D. O'Dell, G. J. Ward ; 1876-77, Simon Laugell, G. J. Ward ; 
1877-78, J. H. Smith, G. J. Ward ; 1878-79, James S. Harrington, G. J. Ward; 18711-80, D. D. 
O'Dell, James S. Harrington ; 1880-81, D. D. O'Dell, G. J. Ward ; 1881-82, A. J. Cummings, James 
S. Harrington. 

The members of tiie lodge re|)orted deceased were : Henry Cook, Sergeant Company B, Michi- 
gan Volunteer Infantry, in the Mexican war, died at Cordova, Mexico, April 19, 1848. Sargeant 
Heath, one of the charter memliers, died in 1849. The deaths of James B. Woolverton and Gustavus 
V. Johnson occurred in 1854. Tlie record points out their interment with Masonic honors. June 5, 
that year. The funeral of Israel Carleton, P. M., took place :\Iarch 5. 1857. William Cook, V. M., 
died October 11, 1858, and was buried October 13. Christian Hubble died September 12, and was 
interred the following day. 1859. Edwin Hodgson died December 6. 1861 ; Daniel E. Solis died 
December 29, 1861 ; Edmund Carleton died March 19, 1871 ; John Clark died February 3, 1876 ; 
Abijah Beard died May 25, 1876 ; George L. Cornell died May 23, 1877; John Kennedy died De- 
cember 22, 1877 ; Jerome T. Brown died April, 1879 ; D. D. (3'Dell died March 3, 1881. 

Dimits were granted to David Gallagher, P. G. Wrigiit, D. I). O'Dell. Samuel Ward, S. B. 
Parker and B. F. Owen, January 19, 1853, who were recommended to the Grand Lodge for dis- 
pensation to form tlie Sam Ward Tjodge, at Newport, now called Marine City. 

Palmer Lodge, K. of P. — The organization of Palmer Lodge took place March 1 1, 1875. 

N. S. Boynton, of Port Huron, Dc^pt Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge of the Knights of 
Pythias of Michigan, together witii about thirty-five officers and mi'mbers of the lodges of Port 
Huron, of the same order, \isited St. Clair, and in the evening met at the Masonic Hall antl organ- 
ized Palmer Lodge, with the followln": charter members: John H. Fulton, B. F. (Vami>ton, J. J. 
Worden, John Chamberlain, W. B. Millard, E. M. Chamberlin, John M. Williams, W. H. Little, 
George J. Ward, Alexander Stone, Calvin Chamberlain, Tim. L. P. .^liles, E. K. Hungerford, A. V. 
Palmer. A. A. Currie, B. W. Gossage and John E. Kitton. The foUowinsr officers of Palmer Lodge, 
K. of P., were then elected: I*ast Chancellor, Willoughby B. Millard; Chancellor Commander, 
George L. Cornell ; Vice Chancellor, James J. Worden ; Prelate, W. H. Little ; Master of Finance, 
John F. Kitton; Master of Kxchequer, K. M. Chamberlin; .Master at .\rms. Tim. L. P. Miles ; Inner 
Guard. John Chamberlain ; Outer Guard. Alexander Stone ; Keeper of Itecords and Seats, George 
J. Ward. 

The Port Huron Knights were in full uniform and presented a very line ap|)earance. 

The lodge was incorporated May 17, 1879. under authority of charter granted January- 26, 
1876. The original members were David 1'. Ingles, Elon J. Hall, A. B. Flower. George C. Solis, 
Ethan E. Trimin, T. L. P. .Miles, Ed. M. Chamlicrlin, Thomas J. Millikin, Charles G. Robertson and 
W. B. Morse. The present officers are A. H. Brown, C. C; C. J. Mitchell, V. C; S. P. Gilbert, V. 
C; A. A. Currie, P. C; Rev. S. Hendricks, P.; T. L. P. Miles, K. R. and S.; J. G. Wortz. M. of E.; 

E. K. Trimm, M. of F.; A. A. Carleton, A. A.; W. B. Mor.se, I. G., and O. G., Stephen Langell. 0. 

F. Morde is Secretarj- and Treasurer of tlie Endowment Bank of Knights of Pythias, and has held 
that position since its organization. 

A Lodge of Good Templars was organized in October, 1877. with W. Baird. W. C. T.. and Miss 
Dora Cornell, W. V. T. 



664 IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

St. Clair Commauclery, No. ■!, Order of the Red Cross was organized at St. Clair, July 27, 1882, 
with John Hare, Commander. 

Evergreen Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., was chartered in 1844. This lodge is one of the oldest 
in Michigan. Connected with it in olden times were manj- of the pioneers. James S. Harrington 
is the Secretarj'. 

Tlie Brakeman Park Club, of St. Clair, was oi-ganized in August, 1880, for the purpose of leas- 
ing and owning suitable grounds in the Township of St. Clair for summer residences, recreation and 
amusement. The first officers of the club were, G. C. Meisel, President ; J. E. Miller, Vice Presi- 
dent; L. A. Sherman, Secretarj', and H. G. Barnum, Treasurer. The capital stock was S800. 

BUSINE.s:S ORfi.^NIZ.^iTIONS. 

The St. Clair Navigation Company was organized April 5, 1881. with a capital stock of $75,000. 
The principal shareholders were Myron Kcnyon, H. K. McQneen, John E. Robertson, Robert H. 
Jenks and Bela W. Jenks. 

The Lake Michigan Transportation Company was organized October 8, 1870, with a capital of 
$100,000, of which S70,000 were paid in at date of incorporation. The shareholders were B. F. 
Owen, Marine City, 800 shares of $25 each; Justin R. Whiting, St. Clair, 800 shares; T. C. Owen, St. 
Clair. 800 shares; 0. W. Potter, Chicago, 111., 800 shares; Ira H. Owen, Chicago, 111., 800 shares. 

The Nicoll Woolen Mill Company of St. Clair City was organized May 13, 1879, by John 
Nicoll. Mark Hopkins, Orrin K. Hopkins, John C. Clark and Thomas J. Nicoll. with a capital stock 
of $20,(100. 

The People's Trade Association of St. Clair was organized at St. Clair August 18, 1874, with 
Myron Kenyou, President; Josiah Smith, Vice President; Ed. T. Solis, Secretary; and Gabriel S. 
Holbert, Treasurer. 

The Michigan Transportation Company, with office located at Star Island, was organized in 
March, 1875, with D. Gallagher, Robert Holland, Mary M. Gallagher, Henry Butteroni and D. C. 
Gallagher, incorporators. 

The Conroy Patent Wheel and Carriage Manufacturing Companj', of St. Clair City, was incor- 
))oratcd and recorded March 4, 1872, with Diodorus Sheldon, John L. Agens, John E. Kitton, Charles 
H. Wescolt, Bart W. Conroy, stockholders. 

The St. Clair Spoke Works, established August 28, 1877, with Walter Ford, Joel B. Smith, 
Crocket McElroy, Mark Hopkins and Charles T. Moore, stockholders. 

The Oakland Companj- was organized in 1881. References are made in other sections of 
this work to the industries of which Crocket IMcElroy and others are the heads. 

THE OAKLAND HOUSE. 

This house is the product of local enterprise. It was opened in 1831, with Andrew Maxwell, 
manager. He was succeeded by S. Vf. Delano. In May. 1882, Charles H. Southwick was ap- 
pointed Manager, with Oscar H. Morse, Secretary, and Walter Hopkins. Treasurer. The man- 
agement of the house during the summer of 1882 proved beyond doubt the success vvhich at- 
tends abilitj- in this industry. At times during the year, the guests numbered no less than 250, 
and yet there was no boisterous hurry evident; each department was carried on with singular 
precision. The employes are all thoroughly acquainted with first-class hotels, and under the 
direction of Mr. Southwick leave nothing undone to render the working of each department 
perfect in detail. Sejmour A. Smith, favorablj* known in the hotel circles of Michigan, is 
clerk. The number of employes averages forty, ranging from fifty during the summer, to thirty 
during tiie winter months. The house contains 100 bedrooms, furnished in black-walnut, and 
supplied with closets, electric bells and fire alarms. The hotel office, reading rooms and com- 
pany's office are all arranged with a view to convenience. The ladies' parlor is a large, ele- 
gantly furnished apartment. The large and small dining rooms are verj' fine halls, tasty in all 
their furnishings. The large reception room, now being fitted up, gives promise of forming the 
leading njom of the hotel. The hallways, all broad, extend about 2,(1(1(1 feet, and connect with 
the verandalis, wliich arc over 1,000 feet in length. The entire building is heated by steam and 
lighted by gas. A hydraulic elevator, together with broad, easy stairways, lead to the upper floors. 
The house is telephonically connected with the principal cities of Michigan, and also with Toledo, 
Ohio. The laundry, south of the main building, is run by steam, the machinery is modern, and 



HISTOUY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY, 



665 



the employes experienced. The new inineriil well, bored lo ;i ileplh of l,l<liM'eet, was conipieled 
in 1882. The pumping-house and tower Ibrtn :i neat addition to the building. The boiler and 
machinery houses form in tliemselves agreeable as well as instructive smoking or loafing rooms. 
The mineral springs and the atmospheric phenomena wliich mark their existence always form an 
interesting topic. These remarkable springs, although until within a few years comparatively un- 
known to the outside world, have a reputation which antedates the present century', and have been 
used by the native i)opulation as a healtli resort for hundreds of years. To-day they are visited l)y 
thousands, who k^ave the beautiful resort convinced of their curative properties. The following is a 
comparative analysis of the water. 



mini;k.\l salt.s. 



Sndic chloride 

Sodic sulphate 

Calcic chloride 

Calcic sulphate 

Calcic carbonate, , . . 
Magnosic chloride... 
Magncsic carbonate. 
Magne.'iic broniate,. 
Potassic chloride. . . 
Potassic sulphate. . . 
Iron protocarbonate.. 
Iron sulphide. . . . . . 

Silica and alumina. 



Total Grains 

Hydric sulphate (gas). 



St, riair 
.Mineral Sprinjis. 
(.irains I'er (iallon. 

17653.230 

167.500 

817.170 

96.200 

23.800 

991.290 


Arkansas 

Hot .Springs. 

drains Per Gallon. 

,1339 
.OWIO 

' ',7541 

3,6098 
,1870 

' ',3608 

' ,'0968 
2,3122 


Nan 

Hesst 

Grosse 

Grains ] 


heini, 
-Cassel. 
Sprudel, 
*er (ialloii. 




1449,920 

' lis.m 

3,040 

131.040 

20.800 

1,200 




,560 




32,160 






.996 

4.200 


4,000 
4,480 


19754.386 


7,5436 


1766.080 


52.073 






56, 16 cub. in. 



The medicinal efl'ect of tiie water seems to be laxative, diuretic and tonic. Physicians recom- 
mend its use for dyspepsia, rheumatism, faulty action of the liver and functional derangements of 
the kidneys and bowels. The water is very saline to the taste, but becomes grateful after freipient 
use, Tts value in the bath is undoubted. 

The bath liouse is just south of the hotel and connected with it. There are thirty-live rooms, 
each supplied with a large porcelain tub, fresh water, and hot and cold mineral water, electric bell 
and wardrobe. In the ladies' rooms there is a neatly furnished dressing room of!' each bath room, 
ladies' and gentlemen's waiting rooms, physician's otlice, and rooms for the attendants, Ueyond 
the bath rooms is a suit of appartineiits called invalids recreation rooms. The entire house is 
heated by steam, an equal temperature being observed throughout, so that there is every precaution 
taken to insure the comfort of visitors. The bath house anil waiting rooms are in stained pine, 
elaborately finished, showing both architectural and mechanical taste in every point. This bath de- 
partment is next to the celebrated bath houses at Baden Baden. Below the principal bath rooms 
are turkish and plunge batlis. There are 20(1 acres of land in connection with the hotel. Mr. 
Delano is manager of the extensive Oakland staljles located west of the hotel. The hotel company 
have about ten cows, wliich supply the house with milk and butter. Every department of the hotel 
is supplied with the finest furniture, and each working department with the most approved machinery. 

To the Hopkins family belongs the credit of erecting this immense hotel. In fact to them is 
due the revival of many if not all business interests of the city, the building of the SonKa-ville 
School; even the two miles of cedar block pavement extending south from Somerville was proposed 
by them, and upward of half the cost paid by them in direct taxation. The entire sum expended 
on the properly is not much under a quarter of a million. Improvements now being etl'ected. 

The accessibility is also a point strongly in its favor. It may be reached directly from Buffalo 
and the East cm the Canada Southern K, !{,, the St, Clair branch of which terminates at Courtright 
on the opposite side of the river, Detroit is distant but forty-eight miles, and can be reached either 
by rail over the Michigan MitUand and Grand Trunk Railroads— there being two trains each way 
daily — or by frequent steamers. Port Huron is distant twelve miles and is the center of an impor- 
tant railroad system. In addition to a number of daily boats to Port Huron and Detroit, there are 



666 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

lines of steamers to all important points on the lakes by means of which and by the rail con»ectiou8 
St. Clair is made very accessible from all parts of the country. For years it has been something of 
a pleasure resort, and those who have visited here during the summer have uniformly testified to 
the opportunities for enjoyment which it has afforded. With the additional advantages which a , 
fine hotel and the society of a large number of health and pleasure seekers will furnish, it will read- 
ily be conceded that no place will possess greater attractions. 

Who can grasp in a single thought the magnitude of this wondrous change ? Gray hairs 
ought not now to appear on the heads of those wiio wore l:)orn when the city was born ; j'et, in the few 
years which iiave sped rapidly since that time, there have been wrought great changes. Large 
saw-mills, with tlieir noisy, insatial)le machinery and hurrying attendants, and three lines 
of railroad have been erected on the homes of the heaver and muskrat. Paved streets, heavy 
blocks of stores and bursting warehouses have crushed out the myriads of wild flowers that 
made the river front a vast and variegated bou(iuet, and the black smoke from scores of chimneys 
has taken the place of their delicious fragrance ; hedges and lawns, fountains and miniature lakes, 
arbors and conservatories, have supplanted the long marsh and sand grass, in which quail, grouse 
and wild birds nested and reared their young undisturbed ; the ri\er, whose clear waters flowed 
unruffled into the greater waters, is now turbid and crowded with rafts of logs and lumber ; tlie 
solitude of the wilderness has been violated by the rush and scream of the locomotive ; the 
delicious and soothing hum of birds and in.sccts at eventide has been drowned by the tumultuous 
din of ringing bells, rattling mills, screeching whistles and the noisy tread of eager, hurrying people, 
who have never a thought of what incomparable changes have taken place under their feet, over 
their heads, and on everj- hand, or of the possilile changes, no less complete and astonishing, in 
store for the future, in process of development through their every move and act. The panorama 
of history is an interesting one, but its pictures can l)e fully appreciated only by those who have 
seen them all. In fact, no one else can even comprehend them. No description of tongue or pen 
can fully impress upon the minds of the gay, richly-dressed throngs at a party to-day, that under 
the very floors where the figures of the " Germari " or the " Newport " are being followed, packs of 
hungry wolves fought with hideous snarl and howl over the carcass of one of their own number ; or 
that it was the place where the scarred and stoical savages gathered around the embers of the camp 
Are, in solemn discussion of the fate of a captive, debating how many moons should elapse before 
the prisoner in their midst, from some hostile tribe, should be burned at the stake ; or that it was 
the burial place for unnumbered generations of tribes now unnamed and extinct, or that, instead of 
the lively strains from a well-trained band, years before, the brave captives, with unruffled brow 
and steady, cheerful voice, stoically chanted a battle song amid the yell of the warriors and the hiss 
of the flames about him, appearing as though the boiling pitch poured upon his head, and the burn- 
ing splinters thrust into his searing flesh gave him the utmost pleasure. Yet all this may be true, 
for up to within less than a century the spot on which the city now stands had been for many 
centuries, perhaps, the favorite meeting-place of botli friendly and hostile tribes. 

The editor of the St. Clair Republican in his congratulatory address, April 5, 1882, gave 
expression to thoughts which must be considered both history andprophecy combined. In speak- 
ing of the enlai-gement of his journal, he shows fery clearly the advance or progress of the citj-: 
"This change has resulted from a conviction that a larger and better paper will be more in harmony 
with the improved condition and requirements of the place, and especially when this is taken in connec- 
tion with the bright prospect which the future affords. There is probably nothing which more 
accurately indicates the condition of a place than the newspaper or newspapers which it supports. 
If a place is at a standstill, there is little chance for a newspaper to improve, while any material 
progress which takes place will either be reflected in the existing newspaper or it will have to give 
way to one of a more progressive character. The Republican, has, since it passed under its present 
management, been impressed with the belief that the long sleep in which St. Clair hatl been indulg- 
ing for nearly a quarter of a century was about to be broken, and that it was to enter upon a career 
as bright as its previous career had been dull and uneventful. Acting upon this belief, the Re- 
publican olflce has been equipped with presses, t3-pe and other facilities such as would be demanded 
by a smart and tiiriving city rather than a country town. 

" At times the pros|)erity which we have anticipated has seemed slow in coming, but on the 
whole, we have not faltered, and there now seems little doubt that our expectations are soon to be 
realized. We need give but a few of the more apparent reasons for this faith. To begin with, there 



lU.STOUY OF ST. CLAIII COUNTY. 667 

is the confidence of tlio proprietors of the Mineral Springs, whicli has led tiieni to contract for doubling 
the capacity of tiie Oakland and for puttinu; u|) a bath house, which will almost be without a rival. 
Then thereis Somerville School, which is receiving ecomiums on all hands, and which is fast assum- 
ing, if it has not already attained, the leading place among the educational institutions of the West, 
for the education and training (jf young women. Next consider the railroad prospects of the place. 
The extension of the .Michigan .Midland to Holly, we understand, has already been decided upon, 
and the delay is only to arrange certain preliminaries which, it is believed, will soon b(! arranged. 
There is also talk of "a narnnv gauge road from Detroit to Port Huron, and but recently a promi- 
nent railroad man visited this city to learn what encouragement could be given to a sclieme which 
hail already been organized, 'i'here is last of all tlu^ general awakening of the people here and a 
determination to so improve the city that it will be in a better condition to carry on the business 
that prosperity will bring. For these and other reasons, we have faith in St. Clair, and if such 
prosperity comes as we are looking for, of one thing we are certain, and that is that no place can 
be found with more varied attractions, and especially no place which can be made more beautiful 
when wealth supplements what nature has already' done. 

I'Elt.sONAL III.STOHV. 

The following biographical sketc'hes contain much that is specially interesting. Each one of 
hese sketches is a lesson in itself, pointing the way to progress. 

JOHN L. AGENS, merchant, St. flair, was born in Newark, N. J., September 16, 182.5, and is a -son of John 
Ageus. al.w a native of Newark. Our subject's grandfather. .James Ageiis, came across the ocean during the 
Revohilioii with l..()nl Curnwallis, and scion afterward <li'sertcd and joined the American Army, and liecame one 
of the illustrious Wa.-<lunirtc>ii body guards, which position he lield to llie close of the Ucvolution. Mr. Agens 
came to St. Clair on a visit, lirst in 183-1; remained one year. He bought property here in 1M4M. After that 
he spent each smnmer in St. Clair. He estal)lislu'd a business house here in 185"), and locatcfl here perma- 
nenth' in 1858. lie was married in 1843. to Miss Iletlie M. Eagles, by whom lie has four children— Hatlie, 
Carrie, Nettie and Alice. Mr. Agens' place of business is on tlie corner of Front and Tliornap|)lc streets, 
where he is doing a cash business of over ifliO.OltO nnnuallv. and this Inisiness is constantly on the incn'nse. 

DAVID ANDERSON, farmer. Section ■S.i. P. O. St. C'lair, is a native of Scotland, and was born Novem- 
ber in. 1810. He emigrated to this coiuitry in IKfi. and came the same year to this county, working in a saw 
mill at St. Clair for several years. In 1858, he bought the land wh(!re he now lives, and cleared it an<l made 
his farm, and since then has lived cm this place. In 18li(;, lie married Jliss .Jane Campbell, a native of Scot- 
land. They have four children — William, David, Christina and .Jemima .lane. 

GEOIIGE H. HAIUD. farmer. Section S't, F. O. St. Clair, is a son of William and Charlotte Baird. Will- 
iam came to this county from Scotland in the year 18'.?!t, and settled on Bell River, now J'last China. Char- 
lotte, whose maiden name was Earle, came from Vermont in the year ISIifi, and settled in tlie township of 
China, St. Clair County. They were narried in the year 1840, moved to the township of St. Clair, and lived 
there six years; thence to Port Huron. They came on the place wln^re they now live in 18oG, cleared the 
land and made their farm, and lived there until his death in 1S7."). He left three children — Ellen, now Mrs. 
Henry Young, Port Huron; JjOtlie, now Mrs. .James Ilavey, Port Huron; George, now living with his mother 
at home, and farms the homestead farm. He was boru in the town of St. Clair, September 2H, 184'2; attended 
school and grew up in this county, and since reaching manhood has been engaged in farming. 

WILLIAM BAIRD, attorney and collecting agent. Whiting's Block, was born in China Township, this 
county, .lanuary '-.'(I, 184(t, and is a son of ilcnrj- Baird. dece:iscd. a native of Scotland, wlio came to God- 
erich, Canada, in .June, is2!t, and to this county the following December. He walked from Port Huron to 
Andrew West brook's, one mile north of Jlarine City. His earthly po.ssessions consisted of his clothes and a 
British si.\peuce, and his toes were protruding through his cowhide shoes. Ho worked for Mr. Westbrook 
for several years. He was industrious and economical, and at the time of his death had laid up a respectable 
fortune. lie was the first Sujiervisor for East China Township. Our subject was educated in the common 
seliools and in St. Clair. He attended the law deparlinenl of the Michigan University of Ann Arbor, d\iring 
the terms of 1873 and 1874. He reliu'ned in 1874, passed an examination in the February term of the Circuit 
Court at Port Huron, was admitted to the bar, ami liegan the practice of law March 4 of the same year. He 
has attended faithfully to business and built up a large practice. Jlr. Baird was married May 14, 1807, to 
Miss Catharine Frank, of ^larine City. They have live children — Frankie. (!atharine, Henry, William and 
Iva. He was Ciretiit Court Commi.ssioner for four years; is Vice President of the Marshall Mutual Aid Asso- 
ciation, and is holding his seecnid term of City Attorney for St. ('lair. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
tcrnilv of St. Clair, having united with lliem in Marine City in 18C5. 

('"OL. WILLIAM B. BAHROX, pioneer merchant of St. Clair. Mich., was born in Bath. Grafton Co., 
N. 11.. April "Jli, ISIO, and is the son of Timothy Barron, a well-to-do farmer, a native of the same county, 
and he the son of .Jonathan Barron, a .sou of Timothy Barron, who was aide to Col. Russell, an otlicer of the 
British Army, under Gen. Ha/.en, and stationed at Haverhill, N. 11.. to hold tlie French and Indians in cheek 
from the North and Canada. At the breaking-out of the Revolutiou, he was commissioned (.'aptain of a com 



668 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

pany of New Ilampsliire Militia, and was at the battle of Bennington, wbeu Gen. Starke and bis New Hamp- 
sbire Militia did such effective work. Our sub.iect is the oldest of seven children. Soon after he became of 
age he was commissioned a Captain in his native town of a company of New Hampshire Militia, and served 
in that capacity until he left the State. His summers were spent upon the farm and winters in teaching. He 
was noted as po.ssessing a remarkable faculty for governing scholars, and under no condition would he ever 
use the rod. He had no faith that corporal puui.s'hment would stimulate the love of the scholar for the teach- 
er; that only acts of kindness woidd win their allections. He has been employed several winters to teach out 
school terms where teachers had been discharged, in New Hampshire, Vermont and Michigan. He married 
Sophie C. Morse, of Haverhill. N. IL, May o, 1831, and immediately emigrated to St. Clair, Mich., where he 
has resided ever since. Soon after his arrival at St. Clair, he, with others, commenced the building of a 
steam saw-mill, it being the third steam saw-mill Iniilt in the eastern part of the State. In April, 1837, he 
started out in the mercantile l)usiness, and, with the exception of a short time during the rebellion, has been 
engaged in that profession. In 1838, he was commissioned Colonel of the Fourth Regiment Michigan Militia 
by Steven T. Mason, Governor. In 1839, he called out the regiment, being the first regiment ever mustered 
in St. Clair County. Has held two city and county offices, and for ten years was Postmaster. He organized 
the First National Bank of St. Clair, and was elected its first President; held one-fourth of its stock, and 
was Director, until he sold his interest and retired. His first wife died in 1849, leaving one child— Charles B. 
He was married in 18.50 to Eliza P. Tewksbury, of Bath, N. H. They had one daughter and one son— Will- 
iam M., now living, and partner in the business. In politics, he has always been a Democrat. 

GEORGE A. BEACH, deceased, was a native of New York State, and was born in the city of Rochester; 
he came to Detroit during boyhood, and came here in 18.5-5, and settled on Pine River. On the 13th of May, 
18811, he married Miss Rosetta McCurdy, a native of Canada; soon after they were married they came 
on tliis place, cleared the land, made his farm and engaged in farming. He held school offices, and was 
identified with the interests of the town until his death, which occurred in 1876 ; he left three children, two 
daughters— Cora E. and Thiiza J.; and one son— Bion E. Also left an estate of 120 acres well improved- 

"BEN.IAMIN F. BECKWITH, farmer. Section 2G, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New York State, and 
was born in Esse.v County October 31, 1840 ; his parents came to this county in 18.5.5, when he was only fif- 
teen years old. and settled on the place where he now lives ; it was all covered with timber, and tliey cleared 
it and made the farm. Since reaching manhood, he has been engaged in farming the home place, and owns 
104 acres. He has held the office of School Inspector. He was married January 1.5, 1868, to Miss Mary A, 
Stowell, a native of New York State ; they have si.K children — Frances, Fannie. Simon, George, Hettie, Ella. 
Mr. Beckwitb's father died April 8. 1881 : his wife survives and lives with her son. 

CHARLES T. BECKWITH, farmer. Section 22, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Addison County, Vt., and 
was born May 7, 1838 ; his parents removed to New York State in 1839 ; he lived there until seventeen years 
old, and came witli his parents to St. Clair County ; they located in lliis town, and since reaching manhoodhe 
lias been engagc^l in farming, and owns a farm of seventy acres. He was married November 16. 1861, to Miss 
Catharine Phillipps, a native of the town of China, and daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth Phillipps, who 
are among the oldest settlers now living in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith have three children — Ame- 
lia A., now Mrs C. J. Ellsworth, living in this town ; Lizzie and Effie. 

PETER BELL, farmer. Section 20. P. O. Rattle Run, is a native of Germany, and was born April 27, 
1807 : he emigrated to the United States in 1842 and came to Detroit, and came to St. Clair County ; he was 
one of the first Germans that came here, and is now the oldest German settler in this town. He only had 
23.5 francs, and he bought and paid for forty acres of timber laud, and cleared it and made a farm. Since 
then, he has cleared and made several farms. He owns 228 acres of land, the result of his industry and good 
management. In 1839, he married Miss Gertrude Radmacher, a native of Germany; the}' have si.\ children 
— Peter, .Jr., Mary, Joseph, John, Clara, Augustine. 

PETER BELL, Jr., farmer. Section 27,' P. O. St. Clair, is a son of Peter Bell, the oldest German settler 
in this town, and was born in the township of St. Clair December 10, 1843; he was brought up and attended 
school here, and since reaching manhood has been engaged in farming. He owns a steam threshing-machine, 
and since 1866 every fall for sixteen years, has engaged in threshing grain. He owns a good farm of 108 
acres. He lias held the office of Town 'Treasurer for the past two years. In 1870, lie married Mi.ss Gertrude 
Zimmer, of the town of St. Clair; she is a native of Germany; they have seven children— Annie B., Jose- 
phine, Lois, Ada, Laura, Tillie and Omar. 

JULIUS BELNAP, of the firm of Belnap & Phillips, brick manufacturers, was born in Jefferson County, 
N. Y., November 20, 1836, and is a son of Jesse Belnap (deceased), a native of Oneida County, N. Y. Our 
subject came to St. Clair in 1851, where he lias since resided. He worked in the lumber woods, and at run- 
ning logs for twent)' years. In 1S71, he established a large brick yard in St. Clair, in company with Robert 
Scott and others, which has since become tlie projjcrty of himself and Edward Phillips. He was married in 
1W;4 to Miss Adeline C. Scott, daugliter of Robert Scott, of St. Cl;iir; they had three children, two of whom 
are living — Edna Marion and Nellie JIaud. 

FRED II. BLOOD, real estate and insurance agent. United States Inspector and Deputy Custom House 
officer. St. Clair City, was born in the lieautiful little city of Burlington, Vt.. March 10, 1825, and is a son of 
Nathan Blood, a native of New England, and a grandson of Nathaniel Blood, who came from England to 
America in an early day. Nathaniel Blood was a descendentof Col. Blood, who stole the King George's jew- 
elry. Our subject" came with his father, his mother havini: died in 1832, to Medina, Ohio, in 1834, to live 
with his sister, Mrs. O. B. Reed, and to Newport, now Marine City, St. Clair Co., ilich., in 1836. He there 
worked at the house and ship joiner's trade during the summer seasons for several years, teaching school in 
the adjoining districts during the winters at !?16 a month, and "boarded around." He then engaged in the 
mercantile business in Newport about six vears. In the fall of 18.54. he was elected to the office ot Register 
of Deeds for St. Clair County, and the following December removed to St. Clair to take charge of the duties 



HISTORY OF ST. cr.Aiii (orNTY. 669 

of said ofTicc. This oflif(' lie licld until 18<I2. In 18tHj, he was aj,'aiii elceted to the same offlce. and continued 
to hold it until 1871. He was Supervisor for six 3'ears, and (!hairman of tlie Board of Supervisors for two 
years, and .Mayor of St. Clair City for four years. Mr. lilood deals c .\tensively in real estate, and is a Notary 
Puhlic and eonveyancer. lie was married in 1848 to Miss Electa M. Hunton. by whom he had four children, 
viz., Helen C. now Mrs. Holland, of East Sa';ina\v ; Olive, deeeas('d ; Fred L.,"die(l in 1880, was a cleutist in 
St. Clair ; and Jessie V., who disappeared suddenly one nijrht in Peliruary, 18S3. It is supjvised that she was 
forcibly carried away, by a villainotis party, to the far West. Mr. Hlood is a Mason of the Idirhest order, 
viz., a Sir Kniniit. Mrs. Blood is a consistent Christian, and a member of the .M. K. Church. 

CIIAKLKS \V. BJ,.\NCI1.\KI). farmer. Section 23, P. O. St. Clair, is a son of Norman Blanchard ami 
Hannah Hicks Blanchard. His motlicr was born in th(! city of Detroit. Charles was horn in Wayne Coun- 
ty February 22, 1840, and came here with his parents durini^ boyhood, and has lived here over a quarter of a 
century. Since reachinj^ manhood has lieen en_!^aged in farminii;, and owns a j;ood farm of ei,^ht_y acres. He 
has ludd the oltice of Town C:lerk, and now is Justice of the Peace. In IStil, he m.arried Miss Mariiaret Low, 
a native of this county; they have si.x children — Nina E., Francis J., Norman, Minnie, Alice and Ciordon. 

DR. ASA L. BLAXCHAKD, Medical Director at the St. Clair .Mineral Springes, was born in Oakland 
County, Jlich., October 14, ISIT, and is a son of Worthy and Jlary Blanchard, who were formerl)' citizens of 
New York State, and of Frciicli and Knulisli extraction n'spectivcly. At the aye of sixteen tlie l)o<-tor left 
hi.s fatlier's farm, and enjiased in teacliinc; district school and studying, lie attended the normal school at 
Ypsilanti and the agricultinal coUeue at Lansing. He began reading medicine in 1874, while teaching in the 
Union School at Mackinaw. He graduated from thi^ medical department of the Micliigan University at Ann 
Arbor in the class of 1878. The Doctor rcli<'d wholly upon his own resources during his entire course of 
study, and his leisure lime was taken up in active work earning funds with which to defray his expcn.ses. 
His first practices was in Miilland (:ity. Midland Co.. Mich., where he remained for two years, when he sold 
out and came to visit friends in St. Clair. Soon after arriving here, business liegau to <'ome to him, and he 
decided to locate in St. Clair. Hopkins Brothers, in 18S1, proposed to engage him as Medical Director of the 
mineral springs, which he tinally accepted in April, \SH2, he retaining all his city praitice as before, and ac- 
cordingly took up his quarters at the Oakland. The Doctor was married Deceinlier 2'.\. 1880, to Miss Julia 
Parsons, daughter of William Parsons, of China Township. 

HENRY J. BUADBEIOR, jiroprietor of the City Hotel, was born in Cobourg, Ontario, August 2. 18ti4. 
Came to this county in ist;."), and resided in Port Huron for fourteen years, where he was foreman in the 
paint shops of the (!rand Trunk Railroad. In is7i), he went to Broekway, this county, and kept the Brock- 
w\'iy House until May, 1882. when he came to St. Clair and took charge of tlie City Hotel. This hotel con- 
tains thirty -six rooms, and first-class accommodations given; business is good and on the increase. Mr. Brad- 
beer was married November 5, 18ti2, to Miss Nellie Church, liy whom he luis live children — William, Duncan, 
Maud, Eava and DoUie. 

PETEK F. BRAKEMAN, decea.sed, was of German d<'scent; his grandparents were from Hesse- 
Darmstadt, and at ten years of age he could speak no English; and was born in the town of Char- 
lotte, Otsego Co., N. Y., Ajiril 20, 1803. His parents removed the sann' year to Ashtabula County, Ohio, 
and his boyhood was spent there on his father's farnt. Upon reaching manhood at the age twclity-one,' 
he came to "the Territory of Michigan, and icached Detroit with only "') cents in his pockets. In Julv! I.S24', 
he went to work in the harvest tield on the farm of Gen. Cass. In the fall of the same year, he camcup the 
river to this county to Point duChien, now Algonac, and spent the winter on Harson's Island. >Irs. iSanuiel 
Russel and Abram Smith, old settlers and proniinent citizens of this county, were pupils in his school. He 
went to Wadhams Mills the summer of 1.8'3lj, and worked in the mills there for ,'i short time, and then returned 
to Algonac, and engaged in teaching schoid in the winter of I82(>-27: was clerk in the first store ever opened 
in that place; then sold goods for the firm on commission. He soon after liecanie a partner in tlu' business, 
and later bought his partner's interest, and owned and carried on the business him.self. The firm established 
a store across the river at Moretown.* While living at Point d\i Chien, he was married on the 2!»th of "Slny, 
1832. to Miss Nancy Brown, of Cottrellville; she was born in Canada at Moretown, January 17, 1811, and was 
a daughter of William and Martha Thorn Brown. He was liorn in Detroit, 22d of June, 1781, and she .was 
born in Detroit January 30. 1780 ; they were married in 1800. and soon after moved across the river to Canada 
and bought land of the Indians. Dining the war of 1812. the Indians carried oft his cattle; the3' were verj' 
troublesome, and he took his family to Detroit in 1813, helped build the stockade in Fort Wayne County. 

■TlK" nrm Mr. llralcctimn rinrt-ed for \v;is Cfome It. .rji.>*pt;rson. from Denniitrlc, and f'ctcr I'. V»'rho*!ll'. from Germany. .Vftcr .Mr UratctT* 
man luM-amea partner In (lu- Urm. tlie store at Moretiiwn was fstal)liHhed. .Me.ssrs -t-ispcrson and Vcrliouir rcmovinff toSamlwlcli, Canada Mr 
Bral{t'iiian takliic rIiaf..'LM»f tlic siort' at Moretown. and ovt-rsei'lnj: tlie liiislness at Point I>ii Cliieii. Mr. .lacoli 0. streit otne of tlie earlv 
residents', i lerl<ini; in tlie i'oint On ('lilen .store. ,\fter this Mr. llratcetnan liouirlit liis partnei's interest ;in'l earrled on tlie hin.mc.'.s liimRelf 
Carried on a l:ir;.'e tviide with the Indians on Walpole Island, leainlim their Iiilis:na;;e so lie rouhl converse with tlielii iinite Ilnentlv He was a 
firreat fftvorite and friend of the Indians, at that time and diirine hisllfe .-Vt tin time Mr, i{r-al<emaii t.mirhl school in AlL'onao. there was no 
sellout laws, no seli.iol direi-tors. Mr. Ira Marks and .lolm K. Smilli. Ksq. lohl residents ami old-time friends of Mr. ISiakenian. lonK since 
pa-ssed away 1 hired liim and lieeame respoiLsilde for the pay, wlilcli \vas $.*)il for four months. The sellout was tallpht iu part of tlie house of 
William Case, his family 11 vim: in tlie otiier part. .Mrs. case attending hl hoot part of the time. There are now livinj: in the vicinity of Alcouac 
be.sides Mr. .\l>ram Smith and .Mrs. S. linssel. Mr. VVllIlam T, Marks, Nlr. Ira Marks an-i Mr. K. G. Marks, wlio were his pnplls. also .Mr Ani:ua 
smith, of Mllwankee; Ca|it. A. cl. Peer, of iv.rt Austin, Huron Co.. Mich., all hclonBioK I" old families of St. ClalrConnty. Mr llrakeiii'in was 
appointed I.iemenanl Colonel of the -cconU Oivision. l-'onrth liritmde. I'if'li I:c_dmciit Michigan Militia, bv Sti-vens T. Mason, tJuvornur of 
Mlcliiu'an i'erritorv. .\pril ;'■,'. is;;.-.. Was .Iiistice oftlie IVaee at Coiirellville. and Township clerk at .\lRonae. While reshllnir at Port Huron 
herween the years isitl-i;. was Superintendent of the I'oor. at the same time wltli .luiin I\. Smith, ICs.i.. of Ali;onae. and .Joseph H Marsh' 
Ksn.. ot St. Cialr. He was very ener^etie. perseveriiii; and Industrious man. but alwavs found time to slndv. was verv well posted in history' 
and well informed as to enrrent events. His henevolenee knew no bounds; many instaiiees niij;lit be nientluned w-hci-e he wuuld deprive hlln- 
seif of necessaries, tu assist others, thinking their neeessltics were Kreater than his. when It was well known that his were ctiuallv as irreat as 
theirs. He was very honest, his word beini: as iiood as liis bund. He subscribed liberally to irettln.; ii|> the llrst prlntin..' press in 'fort Hiirou 
He was true to Ills family, a lover of peace, his eouniry. and his Oud. Had a host of friends all throiii;li this section of eountrv. He planted att 
apple orchard in every place where he resided, except Curtrellville. .Mr. Itrakeman bad tlie contract of carrying the mail fruiii .\lgunae tu i the 
county seat) now St. Clair, employed William T. Marks tocarry it. then a vuumi lad. is nuw residing at .Vlirunac an old man. Mrs. Hrakcman 
remembers very distinctly removing from Moretown In the tune of war. aiid very many old time reminiscences and incidents tliat took place 
on the river St. CIMr In an early day. which arc very Inicresllnu to hear at thi.s day. She Is a Krand-ilauchter of the late Capl. William Thorn 
who died at Port Htlron in Icjl'j. also a niece of .Mjvj. .luhn Thorn, an old resident of Port Huron, who died there In 1351. ' 



670 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Thev came up the river to this county in 1816, and settled in the tovm of CottrellT^lle, about one mile below 
Marine City, on the land now occupied by Charles H. Brown. His wife died in 1846, and he lived until 
December 26. 1ST4: four children survive — Mrs. Brakeman, James B.. Martha J., now Mrs. Cole, of Wisconsin, 
and Charles H. After they were married, 3Ir. Brakeman continued in the mercantile business at Algonac 
until 1835, then moved up the river to Cottrellville and-opened a store there, and was there one year; then 
removed to Port Huron in 1836, and built and owned the dock and warehouse, where Moffatt & Co., are now 
located. It was the first dock and warehouse built on the river at Port Huron. In the fall of 183T. he sold 
out and moved back to Cottrellville, and kept the hotel formerly kept by her father until April, 1840; then 
went to Port Huron on Military street, one mile south of bridge, and engaged in farming; bought stock and 
butchered; had the contract of supplying the soldiers at the fort, and remained there until November, 1847; 
then sold out toL. M. Mason, and reinoved to Willow Creek. Sanilac County, now Huron City. Hiu-on Co.. Lake 
Huron, and engaged in lumbering. Dr. John S. Heath, was a partner with him at the time. He and Mr. 
W. H. B. Dowling. built and own^d a steam mill, one of the first steam mills on the lake shore between Sag- 
inaw and Lexington, and the business was verj' successfid. His family remained there until October 14, 18-53, 
he sold his interest spring of 1854, and returned to Port Huron again. "Purchased property there; in the spring 
of 1855. he bought the farm on the river in the town of St. Clair where 3Irs. Brakeman now lives. He held 
various offices; was Justice of the Peace in Willow Creek, Sanilac County, and was also Justice and 
Supervisor at Port Huron. He was an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. From early manhood he gave liberall}- to all churches. He died JCovember 13, 1874; he left an 
estate of over 200 acres of land; left valuable property on Huron avenue. Port Huron, which he had owned 
and rented for over twenty years; after having given farms to his sons. Five children survive, two sons 
and three daughters — John W and Charles W., living in this town; Elizabeth J., now Mrs Rev. J. S. Sutton, 
of St. Clair CitT ; Anna and Hannah, residing at Pine Grove Place, Brakeman Homestead. 

GLrVTER BRAXDT. farmer, Section 23, P. O. St..Clair, is a native of Albany Count}-, N. T., and was 
born December 11, 1820. He grew up to manhood in that State, and in December. 1845, came to St. Clair and 
went to work in the saw mill. The following summer he went back to Xew York State, in the fall he returned 
here; for eight years he worked at lumbering here winters, and went back home to New York in the spring; 
then came here and settled permanently. In 1845, he bought the land, forty acres, where his house stands, 
and cleared it during the summer, and lumbered winters, and since then has lived here and been engaged in 
farming and limibermg; owns a farm of eighty acres. He married Miss Thurza Hughes, a native of Essex 
County^ N. Y. They have one daughter — Lettie J., now Mrs. Belnapp, living in the town of China. 

JOHN BRIGGEMAN. farmer. Section 21, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Germany, and was born Jidy 25, 
1818. He grew up to manhood there, and emigrated to the United States in 184T. and lived in Ohio five years. 
In 1851, he came to this county and bought the land where he now lives of William Barron, and the following 
year came and settled here; he built a log house and began clearing the land and made his farm, and since 
then for the past thirty years has resided here, and has been successfullj- engaged in farming. He owns 
a good farm of ninety-three acres, and also owns 100 acres elsewhere. In 1851. he married Miss 
Dora Mechlenberg; she died JIarch 14, 1882, leaving six children — Marj-, John, Henry, William, Louise 
and Fred. 

CAPT. GEORGE W. BROWN, farmer. Section 17. P. O. Rattle Run, is a native of New York State, and 
was born in Herkimer Count}' November 3, 1827. When fom'teen years of age he began sailing on the 
schooner " Wave." In 1847, lie took command of the schooner ■"Baltic." then the schooner "Missouri." and 
the '"S.Robinson, "and afterward had command of the barques "White Cloud" and the "W.G. Grant." He sailed 
master for thirteen years, and except one year was with one company in the Buffalo and Chicago trade until 
1860, when he quit sailing. He came to this county in 1857, and the following year bought the place where 
he now lives, and since then has resided here and engaged in farming; owns '200 acres of land. Capt. Brown 
married Miss Eleanor B. Spencer, of Jefferson County, N. Y. ; she died in May, 1867. leaving two children — 
Althea J., now Mrs. Stone; Eba E.. married and living in this town. 

JEROME T. BROWN, deceased, was born in town of Bath. N. H.. July 21, 1833. He came to St. Clair 
in 1853, and was in the employ of William B. Barron, of this place for ten years; afterward he clerked in a 
drug store, and later engaged in this business for himself. He was married in October, 1870, to Miss Minnie 
L. Huse. by whom he had one child. Bj' his sterling, kindly qualities he won many friends in St. Clair. He 
was a Mason of the order Sir Knights. He died April 9, 1879, loved by all who knew him. 

GEX. SIMEON B. BROWN^was born in Bridgewater, Grafton Co., N. H., March 1, 1812, and is a son 
of Lieut. Daniel Brown, officer in the war of 1812. He was educated in New Hampton Academy, New 
Hampshire, graduating from that institution in 1831. In 1833, he went to Burlington, Vt., where he clerked 
in Wood & Abbott's drug store for eight months, and then became a partner in the business. In 1835. he 
came to Detroit and engaged in the auction and commission business, in which he was very successful; but 
lost by paying security. In 1837, he went to Three Rivers. St. Joseph Co., Mich., and established a general 
store which he conducted two years, when he went to Goshen, Ind., remaining there until 1843, and then came 
to St, Clair, which he has made his home until the present time. He purchased a considerable amount of 
property, built the Brown Hotel and ran it for six years. It was the largest hotel north of Detroit at that 
time, he sold it in 1855 for |I10,000. In 1862, Mr. Brown joined the Sixth Michigan Cavalry as Major. In 
1863, he was promoted to Colonel of the Eleventh Michigan Cavalr}', and in 1864 as Brigadier General for 
meritorious services in the battle of Marion, where Maj. Gen. Breckenridge was defeated and driven into 
Richmond. At the same time the General a.ssisted in capturing Saltville, Va. He also participated in the 
battles of Boonsboro. Hanover Court House, Hunterstown, Gettysburg, Wagerstown, Fallen Waters, Sales- 
burg, Marion and others, seventy-two in all. The GJeneral was always of a military turn of mind. He was 
Captain of a military company "in Detroit in 1886. He was marriedin 1836. to Miss Ann Marie, daughter of 
Capt. Ben Woodworth, a brother of Samuel Woodworth, author of the "Old Oaken Bucket." Mrs. Brnwu 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIIJ COUNTY. 671 

died in 1867, and in December. 186fi, he married Mrs. Harriet II. Dickey, daughter of Benjamin Shotwell. 
They have one child — Gracie C, aged eleven year^. Mrs. Brown had "one daughter by her fir«i husband: 
Maiy A. Dickey, now a prominent teacher in the St. Clair schools, and a skillful pianist. 

"EDWARD CAXAX, Justice of the Peace, general collecting a^ent and attorney, oflBce over Currier's 
drug store, was born in St. Clair December "24. lS4.'), and is a son of .lohn Cauan, a native of Detroit, and now 
resides in St. Clair. Our subject was reared and educated in St. Clair, he engaged in lumbering for several 
years. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in IS'*!, to till a vacancy caused by the death of 
D. D. O'Dell. and reelected in the spring of 188i, for four years. Mr. Canan has dealt extensively in real 
estate, and is now doing a large business in that line. He was married November 27, 1870, to Miss Ellen M. 
Smith, a daughter of Truman Smith, of Marysville. this county. They have four children — Clarenw E., 
Lulu A.. Arthur G. and Eddie B. 

JOHN' CANAX, father of Justice Canan, of St. Clair, was born near Dublin, Ireland, May 10, 1822. He 
came with his parents to Xew York Cit}-. when an infant, in the fall of 1822. The family removed to Detroit, 
where, at the age of five years, he was left without father or mother, sister or brother. He was then bound 
to John F. Bassett of St. Clair. Bassett was a sailor and was drowned when 3Ir. Canan was but twelve 
years old; he then went to work for ^4 a month. In 1839, he went into a saw mill at *15 a month. After 
following this three years, he eng-aged in lumbering; he has been a very extensive lumber dealer: he was mar- 
ried Mav 12. 1S44. to Sarah Ostrander. Thev had ten children, of whom four bovs and three sirls are living. 
ED"MUXD E. C.«iLET()X. retired fariiier, was born in Bath, Grafton Co.,"X. H.. April S, 1808. and is a 
son of Peter Carleton.also a native of Xew Hampshire. Mr.Carleton came toAVestern Xew Vork.in 1829; at the 
age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to a tanner and currier, serving his apprenticeship for .<even j-ears. 
with his uncle, Edmund Carleton; he worked at his trade for a few years before coming West, and also after- 
ward; he came to St. Clair County in 1830. and has since made it his home: he settled in China Township, on 
United States Government land, and made shingles to pay for same. In those days the Indians and wild ani- 
mals were numerous. Mr. Carleton began in life with a Kipital of two hands and a willing mind, and has 
accumulated a competency; he and another man did the first currying in the first currying shop in St. Clair. 
He also worked in the tanyard of Carlysle in Port Huron for some time. Being naturally of an ingenious 
turn of mind, he became a millwright without instructions, and built some mills. He was married December 
25, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Baird, daughter of James Baird. deceased. She was born near Glasgow, Scotland. 
Mr. Carleton moved into St. Clair City in 1873, and has retired from active life; he was .Supervisor one year 
in China Township, and was Justice for that township for four j-ears, besides other offices of trust. Was Su 
pervisor of First Ward in St. Clair one vear. 

GEORGE A. CARLETOX:was bo"rn in Herkimer County. X. Y.. September 9, 1841 ; he came to this 
county with his parents in 1842, and settled in China Township. In 18.j4. they came to St. Clair, where our 
subject has since resided. lie was married September 8. 18-53. to Miss Kesiah House, a native of Canada, 
and a daughter of Isaac B. House. They had one son. William Wallace, who died October 30. 1877. at the 
age of twelve years. Mr. Carleton was Under Sheriff of St. Clair County for two years. City Treasurer two 
years, and was the first City Marshal elected under the new St. Clair city charter, which office he held for two 
years. He has been eng:iged in the draying business for the past seven years. He is a member of the Mason- 
ic fraternity. Mr. Carleton's father, Moses R. Carleton. was born in Xew H.ampshire September 20, 1809 ; re- 
moved to this county in 1842. He married Lydia Angel, by whom he had seven boys and three girls, of 
whom si.x bovs and three sirls mtc livins. He died in St. Clair. Au<rust 9. 18.54. 

PALMER S. CARLETOX. farmer. Private Claim 307, P. O.St. Clair, is a native of Xew York State, 
and was born November 29, 1S30, in Rensselaer County, then town of Hoosic, near where the battle of Ben- 
nington was fought ; his parents. Sanford and Phebe Barker Carleton, were natives of that State. They re- 
moved to W.ashington County when he was seven years old. and he grew up and attended school there, and 
then engaged in teaching. He has five brothers and sisters, and all of them have been te.achers. One sis- 
ter has taught over twenty years. Mr. Carleton came to this county in ls66. and located where he now lives 
and engaged in fanning. He owns 231 acres of land, and his farm adjoins the city limits of St. Clair. He 
has been actively identified with the interests of the town and county. In 1869. was elected Supervisor, and 
since then, with the e.^wcepiion of one year, when he was County Assessor, has held the office for the past 
thirteen ye.ars. and was three times chosen Chairman of the Board. In 1878. was appointed Delegate from 
this county on the State Board of Etjualiztition. He was elected Representative to the State Legislature, and 
served the" sessions of 1879 and 18><l. Mr. Carleton was married January 5, 18W. to Miss Carrie M. Safford. a 
native of Vermont. Her father's farm w;is situated in two States, three counties, and in four townships, and 
the land w:is all tosether. and is now occupied by the fourth generation. 

GEORGE W. CARLTOX. farmer. Private Claim 25.5. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Rensselaer Coimtr. X. 
Y.. and was born March 23. 1827 : he grew up and attended school in Washington County. After reaching 
manhood, in 1851. he came to this county and settled at St. Clair and engaged in lumbering, and continued in 
that business until 1870, when he bought the farm where he now lives, which contains 3(h5 acres fronting on 
the St. Clair River, one of the finest Tocations in the county, and since then has been engaged in fanning. 
Mr. Carlton has been actively identified with the interests of the town and county for many years. He was 
President of the village of St. Clair when it was incorporated, and also served as"Village "freasurer and Al- 
derman ; he was elected a member of the Board of Supirvisors. and served as Superintendent and Inspector 
of Schools. In 1857. he married Miss Emeline P. Smith, a native of Mtissachusetls. and sister of Eugene 
Smith, of St. Clair : Mr. and Mrs. Carlton have four children— Charles H.. Jennie F.. Eusene M. and Helen O. 
EDWARD CH.VFFEE. farmer. Section 10. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Michigan : he was bom Febru- 
ary 7, 1841. in Oakland County. His parents. Alpha and Apha Kelch Chaffee, came to St. Clair about the 
year 1841, and soon afterward settled on this land, which was then a wilderness. Alpha Chaffee cleared the 
land, made the farm, and was eng;iged in farming and lumbering till his death, November 21. 1873. He was 



672 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the fiilhiT of eleven children as follows, nine of whom survived him : Alpha Rinaldo, born April 6, 1834; 
Philip \.. born February 33, 1836; Nancy M., born April 3, 1338 ; Wilder S.. born May 1.5, 1830; Mary N., 
born March 30, 1833, d'ied April 31, 1806; James M., born February 18, 1834; John A., liorn December 30, 
183") ; Amasa :M.. born July 31, 1837 ; Edward N., Iiorn February 7, 1841 ; Sarah, born April 4, 1843 ; and Em- 
ily I., born ]\[arch 31, 1846, and died January 3, 1873; Edward, who now owns and lives on the old home- 
stead, grew up in this coimty, and since reaching manhood has been engaged in lumbering and farming. 
During the war of 1861-6.5. he .served in the army in the Construction Corps until the close of the war. His 
grandfather. Alpha Chaffee, fought in the war of 1813 against the British, and lived to see the victory and 
triumph of the American cause. His father. Alpha Chaffee, was born Augu.st 3. 1800, in the State of New 
York ; and his mother, who is still living with him on the old homestead, was born November 33, 1804. When 
Mr. C!haffee's father moved to St. Clair County, the first house the family lived in was a log one, the brick for 
the chimney and oven having been rowed up Pine River in a canoe. Game was very abundant. To see Irom 
fifteen to twenty deer was not unconuuon. But now they, like the red man, have gone, and cultivated fields 
have taken place of the forests, and neat frame farmhouses the place of the rude log hut or the wigwam of 
the Indian. 

CAPT. C. H. CHAMBERLAIN is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Marine City December 
39, 1841. He began sailing in 1860, on the Forest. In 186.5. he sailed master of the St. Joe, then Belle of Osh- 
ko.sh; then sailed master of propeller Evergreen City, Concord, the Alpena, Alcona, B/unswick; then sailed 
master steamboat ICewenaw, and in 1883 was master of the Iron Chief; has been in the marine service twenty- 
two years. In 1867, Capt. Chamberlain married Miss Elizabeth St. Barnard, of this cit}', and daughter of 
C.apt, St. Barnard, one of the oldest settlers on the river. They have four children — Calvin, Elizabeth, 
William and Jarvis. 

JOHX CL.\.RKE. deceased, son of Capt. George Clarke, and Mary, his wife, whose name before mar- 
riage was McDonald, was born at Bath. Maine. July 39, 1797. His father was of English, and his mother of 
Scotch descent. In 1800, his parents moved to Waterville, whore he attended school until 1813, when he went 
as clerk in a store at Augusta, Maine. While there his health failed, and he was obliged to return to his 
home. In 181.5, by the advice of his pliysicians. he went to Europe, making a tour of the continent, and was 
in Germany on the day of the battle of Waterloo. After a short stay in England, he started on his return to 
the United States. The vessel in which he was a passenger foundered in mid-ocean, and he, with the ofljcers 
and crew, spent three days in the small boats, when they were picked up by some passing vessel Captain, and 
after severe hardships succeeded in reaching Philadelphia, where he found friends from whom he obtained 
money to defray his expenses to Hallowell, Maine, at which place he received a clerkship in a store. Here he 
united with the Baptist Church, and was always an active memlier in some church of that denomination until 
his deatli. In 1818, he went into business on his own account at Belfast, and in 1819 was married to Miss 
Mary Sherburn, of Hallowell. After several years' residence at the former place, he removed to Hallowell, 
which place he left in October, 1830, for Michigan, which was then a Territory. Having letters to Gov. Cass 
and Hon. John Biddle, he was advised by them to commence business in Detroit; he concluded to do so, and 
for this purpose rented a store on Woodward avenue, and went to New York for a stock of goods. This done, 
he proceeded to Hallowell for his famil}', consisting of his wife, three daughters and one son. On arriving at 
Buffalo, he found all the steamboats had gone into winter quarters, and he, witli his family, was obliged to 
take passage on a small scliooner, which arrived at Detroit December 6. Mr. Clarke procured rooms and board 
for himself and family at the Mansion House, kept by Andrew Mack. Mr. Clarke was engaged in business 
in Detroit three years. In 1833, he purchased land three miles south of St. Clair, on the St. Clair River, and 
in the spring moved to Desmond (now Port Huron), to take charge of a mill on Black River, and was Cap- 
tain of the steamboat General Gratiot for two seasons, running from Detroit to Port Huron. There were only 
threi! frame buildings in Port Huron at the time Mr. Clarke moved there, one of which he occupied. In 1835, 
he removed to China, St. Clair County, where he lived until his deatli. Mr. Clarke early manifested a great 
interest in politics, and as soon as he became a voter numbered himself with the Jeffersonian Repulilicans. 
He was an ardent supporter of Gen. Jackson, and among his personal friends. In 1835, he was elected to the 
Territorial convention, which framed the first constitution of the State. In the fall of the same year, Mr. 
Clarke received the luianimous nomination of the Whig and Democratic parties in the Senatorial District, at 
that time embracing one si.\'th of tlie State, and was elected without opposition. In the same year he was 
aiipointed Postmaster at China, which office he held for twenty-two years. He built a store and wharf, and 
(lid a gener.ll trading business, buying furs, etc. In •18:36, was re-elected to the Senate. In 1837, was ap- 
pointed Indian Commissioner by Gen. Jackson, and in that capacity transacted a large amount of important 
business, Mr. Clarke was appointed by President Van Buren Receiver of the Land Office at Ionia, but de- 
clined tlie position. The next }x*ar he served on Committees on Internal Improvement. Militia and E.vpeudi- 
tures, holding th(^ chairmanship of the last named. In 1850. was a member of the convention which framed 
the State Constitution. In 1856, severed his connection with the Democratic party. In 1856, was elected to 
the Legislature of the State of Michigan as a Representative, and served as Chairman of the Committee on 
Internal Improvement. He was a zealous friend of Mr. Chandler, who was by tluit Legislature first elected 
to the United Slates Senate. Mr. Clarke w;is for fifty-six years a member of the Masonic order, occupying 
many positions of high rank therein. He died at his home in East China February 4, 1876, in his seventy- 
eighth year. 

JOilN' C. CLARKE, Cashier of the First National Bank, St. Clair City, was born at Chester, Rocking- 
ham Co., N. H., March 3, 1833, and is the third .son of John ami Elizabeth Clarke. The founder of the fam- 
ily in this country was Nathaniel Clarke, born in 1644. Mr. CUarke's maternal grandfather was a Scotch emi- 
grant, who came to this country just prior t.o the war of the Revolution. Both of his grandfathers. David 
Clarke and David Currier, were soldiers in the Revolution, and fought in the battle of Bennington and other 
engagements. Our subject graduated from the Wcsleyan University at Middleton. Conn.j in 1848. He 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COCXTY. GT3 

eiigajjfd in ttNicliiii.i; u few years, and in 18.j'.J ongaijed in tlie lumherbusincs.s in Cleveland. Ohio. In 185-1, he 
formed a piuMnershiji with Reuben Moore, of St. Clair, in the same business, and «cnt to Detroit, where Iliey 
owneil a lu:nber yard. He removed to St. Clair in l.s.")8. where he still resi<les. Upon the organization of the 
First National Bank in St. Clair in ISTl. he was chosen its lirst Vice President, and fotn- years later beeanie 
cashier. For four years lie lield the ollice of County Superintendent of Schools. In November, I8."i4. he 
married Miss C. P. Kdson, of Yarmoulhport. .Mass. They liad two children, one living. This one graduated 
from the Wesleyan I'niversity of .Middlelon, Conn., in 1.8TT. and is now an attorney in Detroit. 

PBTER cLKPPEL, fanner, Section 21, P. O. St. (!lair. is a native' .jf Ol'miany, and was born in 
Prus>ia Feliruary li), l.S2;^; uixm reaching manhood, lie emigrate<l lo the United Slates in IS.i'i; he came lo 
Detroit, where he ri^ntained two years; then went up on the Suult Ste. Marie Canal and was foreman of a .gang 
of forty-two men. on the construction of tliat work; in December. l.'^.')4, he bought the land where he now lives; 
it was all limlier; he ideared and made his farm, which contains eighty acn-s well improved, and there are 
no better farm buildings in this county —all the ri'sultof the imlustry and good management of himself and wife. 
He has held the ollie(^ of Commissioner of Highways. He married .Mi<s .Vnii .Mary Dcy Augusi, yo, IS,")."). She 
was boni in Prussia, (Jermany. 

WHJjIA.M COLEM.VX. farmer. Si-ction :i, P. O Smith Creek, was born in Somersetshire. England, in 
1807, and came to Canada in 18.")(), and lived there six years, and then came to this county and engaged in 
farming, and since tlien has lived here. He owns a good farm of eighty acres. In ISili, he married Mi.-^s 
Rebecca Wilkins. a native of Somersetshire. England. Thej' have eight children — Charles, ilaria, George, 
Jane, Stephen, Charlotte. Walter. ^VilliaIn ( ). They lost one daughter— Ellen, wlio died August 20, ISTl). 
The children are all married. William O.. the youngest son. who manages the farm, was liorn in Canada, 
and came here with his parents, lie married Miss Mamie Mallory. a native of this town. November 14, 1.8S0. 
They have one son — Clarence A. 

HEXRY O. COX, farmer. Section 28, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of X^ew Hampshire, and was born in 
the town of Haverhill, Grafton County, October 18, IS-H; his parents came to this county in 18.">0. and located 
in this town, and he was brought up here. He has lived on this phiee since 18."i(>, and sinc'c reac'hing man- 
hood, has been engaged in farmitig; owns a farm of fifty acres. He has held the offices of Constable and 
Postmaster. His father died .lannary 1, 18,'')(), and his mother lives with him. 

.lOHX COX. fanner. Vino street. P. O. St. Clair, was born ni (;,imbridgeshire, England, March 1. l.><2."). 
He emigrated lo America in the spring of 1.8.i(); lived in Ohio until the fall of of IS-')! ; then came to this coun- 
ty, and the following year came to the place where he now lives. I)uilt a shanly and began clearing the land. 
He bought ii barrel of tlour in St. Clair, and could only bring it pari way to his cabin, then had to oi)en the 
barrel ami carrj- the tlour home in a pillow-case. He has been engaged in farming most of the lime for the 
past thirty years, and owns his farm, which is in the village corporation. In 1871. he married Miss Eliza A. 
Breakenlierry. of London. She died in February. 187(5. His jiresenl wife was Miss Naomi Ann Fox, a na- 
tive of England. 

DR. EDWARD H. COXWAY. dentist, St. Clair, was born in Hamilton, Canada, March 7,' \xr,i, and is a 
son of Edward Conway, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young man. (.)ur sid)ject cann: to 
Detroit in 18()(>. and in 1867 he went to Ponliac, Mich., where in ISIJ!) lie began the study of dentistry with 
Dr. .1. .V. Harris. He remained with him about two years, when he returned to Detroit, and was with Dr. 
Joseph Lalhrom. a leading dentist of that city, for three years. In 1S74, he went to Chicago. Then for four 
years he had charge of the artihcial <lepartment in the oMce of Dr. W. 15. McChesncy, the largest dental ollice 
in the United States. Then, in 1S78, he came to St. Clair, where lu' now resides and has a good practi(». 
His work speaks for itself, and is first-class in every particular. His wife. .Minnie J. Conway, is a daughter 
of Charles H. Waterloo, of St. Clair. 

BEXJA.MIX F. (;R.\..MPToX, leading grocer and provision dealer of St. Clair, was born at Fremont, 
Ohio. January 27, 1847, and is a son of William C. and Catharine (DruUiard) Crampton. The former was 
born near Hartford, Conn., and the latter at Sandwich, Ontario. The father is of English descent and the 
mother of English and French extraclion. William ('. Crampton was educated at Hartford. Conn., and Sirs. 
Crampton in Canada. Mr. Crampton came to St. Clair about 18.iO, He was marrie(l in December, 1879, to 
Mis-i Emma Jenks. Iiy whom he lias two children — Ralph Owen and Ahbie Pierce. .Mr. CramiJton engaged 
in the grocerv and provision business in St. Clair in .Vpril, 1H77. He has been very succi'ssfnl, and is now 
doing a business of .f :!.j.000 annually. He also does some farming. Few men have been as fortunate as Jlr. 
Crampton. for he began life with no capital. He lias held the office of Supervisor for two vears. 

AXDREW J. CU.MMtNGS was born in Grafton County, X. H.. April 28. is2i), and is'a son of Jonathan 
Cummings, also a native of Grafton County. Jonathan Cummings was a carpenter, and our subject early 
learned the use of tools. In 1S.">0, he went to Hostini, and work(>(l at his trade one year. Then, in 18.51, he 
came ^Vest to seek his fortune, and located in St. Clair. The first winter he taught school, having taught 
several terms in Xew Hampshire. He clerked one yi'ar in a grocery store in Port Huron, and then formed a 
partnership with J. M. Coylc in the grocery business in Port Huron. They remained there until I8.")8. and 
then removed their stock of goods to St. Clair. Mr. Cummings sold to his partner in 185.5. and engaged in the 
manufacture of brick and tile in St. Clair. Ilccontinueil in this business until about the year 1870. He run the 
City Hotel in St. Clair for four and one half years, and for twelve years Mr. Cunmiings was ShcrilT and Depulj- 
Sheriff of St. Clair County. In June. 18S0. he engagiul in the livery business, in wliicli he is now engaged. 
He was married August 1.5. isi5;^. to Miss Frances E. Woodworth. daughter of Benjamin Woodworth. a pio- 
neer of Detroit, and known far and near Inrough the Northern States as " Uncle Ben." " Uncle Ben ". 'settled 
in Detroit in 18i)l. and built the first brick house in that place after it had been burnt by llie Indians, and 
run tlie first line of stages in the Territory of Michigan. He died about 187.5. in St. Clair, at the age of 
ninety-one years. Jlr. and Mrs. Cummings had five children, three of whom are living, viz.: Ida M. (Oster- 
house). Louise H. (Stanley) and Mary R. Mr. C. is a Knight of Honor. He was also Deputy Provost Mar- 
shal during the war for the Seventh District. " 43 



674 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ANDREW A. CURRIE, City Clerk of St. Clair, is a native of St. Clair, and was born October 33. 1849. 
His fatlier. Malcolm Currie, deceaserl, was a native of Scotland, and came to Canada when a young man. and 
to St. Clair about the j'ear 1845. The family removed to a farm near St. Clair when our subject was quite- 
small. At the a,<?e of seventeen years, be returned to this place and began clerking in a drug store. He has 
been in a drug store ever since, except about si.x months, which time he .spent as a reporter on a newspaper 
in Cleveland. He is dealing in drugs and medicines and books and stationery. He was Supervisor to the 
Second Ward two years, and at present is Director of tlie City School Board. 

S. W. DeL^VNO, Section 24, St. Clair, is a native of New York State, and was born March 11, 1834; he 
was brouglit up in that State and engaged in railroading there until 18.i9, when he came to Michigan, and 
that year laid the first iron rails that were laid in' East Saginaw; he has had a large experience in contracting 
and building railroads, and continued in the business until 1878, a periorj of thirty years; he kept the St. 
James Hotel in St. Clair three years, and was manager of the Oakland Hotel one year, and is now manager 
of the Oaldand House Livery. A few years ago he bought the small farm with fine improvements, where he 
now lives. In April, 1845, Mr. DeLano married Miss Lucretia Madison, a native of Fredonia, Cha\itauquaCo., 
N. Y. They have one son — Orrin W., in business in Detroit. Mr. DeLano is a son of Safford S. and Clarissa 
Cook DeLano; he was a native of Vermont, born in 1800, and died in 1853; she is a native of Berkshire 
County, Mass., born in 1800, and is now eighty-three 3'ears of age, and is as active and well preserved in ap- 
pearance and manner as most who are twenty years younger. 

REV. M. J. P. DEMPSEY, Pastor of St. Mary's Church, is a native of Madison, Wis., and was born 
March 1. 1853; he attended school there taking his classical course at the State University; he entered St. 
Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, where he pursued his theological and philosophical studies, and was ordained 
June 39, 1878, in the citj' of Detroit; he has l,il)ored at Stony Creek, Ionia and Ludington. At the latter 
place he remained three years. In January, 1883, he was assigned to his present pastorate and has a flourish- 
ing church. 

JOSEPH DOAK, was born in North of Ireland. Muy 4, 1830. and is a son of James Doak, a native of 
the same place. Mr. Doak came to New York City in 1848, to Sandusky, Ohio, in 1851, and to St. Chiir in 

18.53, where he has since lived. In M.ay, 1882, he buried his sister, Mrs. Eliza Bingham, of Lake Port, this 
count}', who was seventj'-two years old, and the funeral was attended by thirty-three of her children and 
grandchildren. Mr. Doak was married August 7, 1848, to Miss Isabella Patterson, by whom he had twelve 
children; seven living — Eliza M., William J., Is.abella, Joseph S., John, Anna M. .and Sarah G. One daugh- 
ter, Ellen (Green), died at Lake Port, September 16, 1879. For several .years Mr. Doak engaged in tlie mer- 
cantile business in St. Clair. Since that time he has kept a boarding I'louse; he now keeps at second door 
south of Pine River bridge, on Front street; he was City Marshal for fourteen months, and was elected Su- 
pervisor of the Second Ward in 1877, and again in 1879. Religiouslj' Mr. Do.ak is an Episcopalian. 

JAMES C. DONNELLY, carpenter and joiner. Section 4. Smith Creek, is a native of Canada, and was 
born in Toronto November 1, 1830; his parents came to this county in 1833 and settled at Fort Gratiot, and 
were among the early settlers there; he grew up and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and since 
reaching manhood has been engaged in building, and is one of the oldest builders here. In 1859, he married 
Miss Esther T. Norman, a native of Ireland, and since then they have lived in this town on his farm. They 
have six children— William J., Benjamin N.. Ellen T., David M., Mary E. and Ida A. 

HENRY DRULARD, lumber dealer of St. Clair, was lioru in township of Tilburyeast, County Kent, 
Ont., March 34, 1834, and is a son of Thomas Drulard, a native of New York. Our sub'ject was reared on a 
farm, and farmed until thirty years of age. He came to this county near Algonac in 1851, and to St. Clair in 

18.54, which has been his home ever since; he was foreman in Eugene Smith's lumber mill at St. Clair for 
seventeen years. In 1878. lie eng.aged in the lumber trade in St. Clair. He keeps a large stock of undressed 
lumber, laths, posts and shingles. He was married in 1844, to Miss Hannah A. Griggs, by whom he had nine 
children; only two of these are living — Mary J. (Kenedy) and James A. Tlie deceased were Martha L., 
Pauline A., Henry W., Thomas W., Franklin C, all grown, and two that died in infancy. 

FRANCIS M. DUNTON. farmer. Section 33, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Painesville, Ohio, and was 
born August 6, 1845 ; he is a son of R. K. Dunton and Phebe Dunton, of that State ; he came with his par- 
ents to this county when only nine years of age. After reaching manhood, he engaged in lumbering and 
continued in that business at iSaginaw until 1878, when he bouglit the farm of eighty acres where he now 
lives, and since then engaged in farming. It is the same land his father liought and cleared over a quarter of 
a century ago. His mother died in May, 1861 ; his father is still living in Ohio. In 1867, Mr. Dunton mar- 
ried Miss Lucille Chambers, of Saginaw ; they liave two children — Eva M. and Phebe J. 

EMANUEL ELSWORTII, farmer. Section 36, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Canada, and was born De- 
cember 1, 1836 ; his parents came to Michigan in 1837 and settled in Oakland, and lived there until 1845, when 
they came to St. Clair County and located'in the town of China ; three years later, in 1848, they removed on 
the place ^yhere he now lives", and cleared tlie land and made his farm, and lived here until his death in 1855 ; 
his wife died in 1883. Emanuel served apprenticeship as engineer at St. Clair, but since reaching manhood 
has been engaged in framing liuildings and farming. He owns a good farm of 130 acres ; has served as High- 
way Commissioner, and held office of Drain Commissioner three years. In 1856, he married Miss Mary 
Himes, of the city of Detroit ; they have six children — Christopher, George, Francis, Charles, Nora and Lester. 

CAPT. II. FISH is a native of Susquehanna County, Penn., and was born September 30, 1834. His par- 
ents came to this county when he was only ten years of age, and settled at Marine City. He began sailing 
in 1844 on the Steamer Huron. He sailed master of the steamer Detroit in 18.54, then sailed master of the 
Forrester. Sam Ward, steamer Cleveland, Arctic, Traveller, Reindeer ; propellers Burlington and Quincy, 
steam barge Sanilac, the O.scoda and the Ogemaw. He has been in marine service thirty-eight years, and is 
one of the oldest on the lakes. In 1857, Capt. Fish married Miss Elizabeth Mclntere, a native of Maine. 
They have four children— Florence, now Mrs. C. J. Rennick, Saginaw ; Harry, now in Oscoda ; Jessie and 
Mary. 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAHl COUNTY. tiTS 

WILLIAJI S. FLEURY, fiiriucr, St'ctioii 23, P. O. St. C'hiir, is a native of JIiclii,i;aii. ami was l)nrii on 
Mackinac Island January 7, 1817. lie is a son of Francis anil JIary flyers Flcury. His falluT was a soldier 
in the rcyular army in the war of ]8r3, and was taken prisoner by the Imlians and British on a vessel in the 
Straits oi' Mackinac, and was taken to Halifax, and was imprisoned then; tliree months and then excliannert 
and returned to the army. His fatlier died at Marine City in lS4(i; liis wife died in 18;!;5 at Cottrellville. His;. 
fath<'r w:is (ien. Flemy wlio came to the United States witli Cen. LaFayette, dnrim;- the Kevolulionary war. 
Wlien William was tive years old, he came with liis parents to tliis county to Cottrenville, and was there until 
he reached manhood ; followed sailing- thirteen years until 1880, then came to St. Clair and was en.<;-ineer in 
Moore's saw-mill fourteen seasons, and lumbered during winters. He binm-ht the land where he now lives in 
1850, cleared it and made his farm, and since then for one-tldrd of ac'enliuy has lived liere. Has held the olliee 
of Commissioner of Hiyiiways, and has been Pathmastcr for .seventeen years. He married Mrs. Sophia M. 
Burgess December 8. IB'M : she was liorn on I^ake Superior; they have seven childrcn-Cohnulius, in Can- 
ada ; Hel)ecca, now Mrs. Herren ; Francis, in Vicksbtirj; ; ilornan C, in Han-isville ; Franklin, home ; Ida,, 
now Mrs. Davis ; James W., at home. 

ISAAC FRENCH, farmer. Section 4. P. O. Smith Greek, is a native of England, and was liorn in 1834 
on Christmas Day. He emiiirated to America in 1852. and came to this ecnuity, and in 1803 came on this 
place, cleared the land, and made his fiirtn of eiglity acres. He married .Miss Jane Rickles ; she is a native qf 
England. 

ADAM CAFFIELD. farmer, Section 6. P. O. Smith Creek, i.s a native id' Canaila. and was liorn Auirusl 
8, 1811. He grew up and lived there until 1853, and then came to St, Clair Comity, and .settled in this town 
on the place where he now lives ; it was all covered with timber; he cleai'cil it and made his farm, ami since 
then for the past thirty ye;u's has resided here; he owns a good farm of eighty acres. Has held the office of 
Justice of the Pea<-e for ten years, and has held school oflices. In 1835, he married Miss Irene Hulible, a na- 
tive of Canad.a ; they have tive children — Naucj' A., now Mrs. Hubble ; JIartha M.. now Jlrs. Ketchimi ; Hen- 
ry T.. married ; Hiram E.. nuirried and living in Chio; George II.. at home. 

DR. SOLO.MON (JH.RERT was born in Hampshire Cotmty, Mass., town of Amherst, July 13, 1800, and 
is a son of Joseph W. Douglass, a native of New England, and of Scotch descent. Jo.seph '\V. Douglass's 
father was a General in the Kevolutionary war. Our subject had no other educational advantages than 
those furnished b\' the- common schoids. When yet a boy, he went to work in a carpenter tool shop, remain- 
ing in that capacity for twidve years. In 1826, he had hi.s name changed, by order of the Jlassachusetts 
Legislature, from C'aleb Smith Douglass, the name conferred on him by his parents, to Solomon Gil- 
bert. For two j'ears he read meilieine with Dr. King of Wan', JIass. He practiced medicine in his 
native State for five years, when, in 1845, he came to St. Clair, where he still resides, and has ever since 
been a steady ]iractitioner. The Doctor is the oldest itractitioner in St. (Mair, and has a large and lucrative 
practice, lie was married in 1832, to Miss Sophia P. 'Wilson, a native of .MassaiJiuselts, liy whom he liail six 
children— Mary A., Electa S., Frederick .S.,(_)tis L., Charles C. ami Solomon P.; all married except .Solomon 
P. Mrs. Gilbert die<l Decendier 10. 1804. and the Doctor again married .lanuar.v 2. 18(i(i, this time to 
Miss Slaria Wheeler, daughter of Brazilian 'Wheeler (deceased), one of the first settlers of St. Clair. Soon after 
locating in St. Clair, the Doctor was elected Constable, which office Ik; held for seven years. He was also Alder- 
man for four years. His two sons — Otis and Charles, were soldiers for Uncle Sam in the late war; Charles 
particip.ated in fiftv-three battles and afterward hunted guerrillas for one vear, 

J.V.MES GKAil.VM, farmer. Section 25. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Irelaml, and was born at Belfast, 
County Antrim, in 1834, He w:is brought up on a farm, enugrated to this coimlry in 18.55, and came to St. 
Clair in Ma_y, of the same year, and began working on farm. He worked for Wesley Trucsdail and Eugene 
Smith over ten years; in 186G. he bought the land where he now lives, and sin(;c then has lived here and been 
engaged in farnung. In 18G4. he married Mrs. Lizzie Kelly, a native of Camida. Tliey have six children — 
Mary Jane, James^ Lizzie, Sarah. Nellie, David. 

WILLIAM GREEN, farmer. Section 4. P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of England, and was born April 
21, 1830; he grew up to maidiood there, and serveii live years' aiiprenticeshi]) to tlie butchering business. He 
came to Canada in 180O. and in tlie fall of the same year, went to Buffalo. N. Y., and lived there two years;, 
tlien came to Detroit, and after staving there six months, cami; to this county and settled on the place wdiero 
he now lives; he cleared the land and made his farm of seventy acres, and has built excellent imiirovements. 
lie butchers during winters; he has served on the School Board for nine years, and was Assessor and Treasurer 
three years. He married Miss Mary Ann Kisby, a native of England. They have eight children— John II.. 
Benjamin. Elizabeth. William, Annie, Frank. Emma, Ilattie. 

EMERY W. GURNEY was born in St. Clair. June 20, 1.S57, .ind is the only child of Charles Gurney, of 
St. Clair. Our sidijeet was lironght uji and educated in St Clair, and fur the most p.art has made it his home 
until the present. For the past ten years he has been enga.ged in scaling logs and inspecting hunber; the 
last three years of this time, he was in the emplov of N. B. Bradley, of Hay ('ity, Mich. 

REV."S. HENDRICK. pastor of the First Baptist Church, was horn in Berkshire, Franklin County, Vt.. 
September it. 1841, and is ;i son of Hiram T. Hendrick, a native of Enosburg, "Vt. The family removed to- 
Ashtaliula (^ounty. Ohio, in the spring of 1845. where they resided several years. Jlr. Hendrick was a soldier 
for the Union in the l.atc \yar, in Comiiany C, First Ohio Light Artillery. He enlisted in Septemlier. 1801. 
and served until the close of the war. )iarticipating in the battles of Mill Spring. Chickamauga. all tin; battles 
connected with tlu; seige of Atlanta. Savannah and otliers; he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. 
In 18()0, he came to Berrien County, Miih. ]\Ir. Hendrick was educated in tlu' B;iptist Union Tbeohigical 
Seminary, of Chicago. He afterward hecame the piistor of the Baptist Church at Stoutditon. Wis., then at 
Hartford, Mich., Pewamo, Mich., and in 1880. was (•.•died to the pastorate of the St. Clair church, locating- 
here in ()ctober, of the same year. He was married January 22. 1808, to Miss Bessie Jlillard, liy whom he has, 
two children— Ralph and E<li'tli. 



676 niSTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ORIX K. HOPKINS was born in Cliina Tnwnsliip, this county. July 7, 1830, and is a son of Samuel F. 
Hopkins, of whom wi- make further mention in this work. He received his early education in St. Clair City. 
In 18.58, he went to VV^Lscousin and worked at his trade, which is that of carpenter. In 1860. he returned to 
Detroit and worked in Charles Kello.srg's pattern shop until 18(51; he then went to Ann Ar1>or and worked a 
short time for Mctxrogor, at six .shillings a day. He returned to Detroit that fall, and enlisted in Brady's 
Sharp Shooter Company in United States army, and was attached to the Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, under 
Col. Stockton. He served in this capacity until 1.S63, when ho was discharged on account of disal)ility. lie 
was all through the Peninsula campaign and at Fortress Monroe. In 1864, he went to Muskegon, Mich., and 
worked at liis trade during the suramei, and in the fall went to Chicago. The following spring he returned 
to St. Clair and to Alpeiia, Mich . wliere he remained until 1808, and then went to Cheboygan. In 1869, he - 
went to California; he then spent one year on his uncle's ranche; and then entered into the einploy of the 
railroad company, as station agent, which position he held until 1870. when he returned to his old home in 
St. Clair. He was married Oetol)erl4, 1874. to MissJosephine Smith, a native of Sacramento City. Theyh.ave 
two children— AVilliam F. and Mabel. Mr. Hopkins left for California again, in June, 1882, where he, with 
his family, will make their future home at Oakland, California. 

S.VM'UEL F. nOPKINS. was born in Berkshire County, Mass., September 1.5, 1803, and is a son of Mark 
Hopkins, also a native of Massachusetts, and a grandson of Moses Hopkins, a native of Massachusetts, and a 
great-grandson of the eininent divine. Dr. Samuel Hopkins, who settled in his first pastorate at Great Bar- 
rington, Mass.. in 1813. taking charge of tlie Congregational Church at place. The Doctor died in December. 
1803. at N'ewport. R. I. Our suliject was brought l)y his parents to .lefferson Count}'. N. Y., in 1806. When 
he became old enough to attend school he was sent back to his native State, and there lived with his grand- 
parents, and attended scliool until 1814, when he returned to his parents in .Jefferson County, N. Y. In 1821. 
he again returned to JMassachusetts, working there at various avocations until 1834. when he came with his 
parents to Detroit; tlte parents coming on to St. Clair tlie same fall. Mr. Hopkins remained in Detroit until 
November, 1828; then came to St. Clair, where he has since made his home. He was in the employ of Palmer 
& Gerome two years then engaged in business for himself. He began life with nothing and has accumulated 
a fortune. He was married in 1831, to Miss JIary A. Keeney, by whom he had seven children, four living — 
Mark, Orrin K.. William S. and Edward W. The deceased "were Charles II.. died in "Wisconsin; Samuel A., 
died on ship board, Oceaniea en route from San Francisco to China; and Mary F.. died at St. Clair. Mr. 
Hopkin's fathiT, Jl.irk lIo|ikins. was the first Postmaster in St. Clair. 

STEPHEN SIBLEY IK )PKINS, was born in Romeo, Mich.. June 4, 1847, and is a son of Cyrus Hopkins, 
who came from Genesee County, N. Y., to Macomb County, Mich, in 1831 (for biograph}' sec Macomb 
County history). Our subject was brought up and educated in Romeo. At the age of fifteen years he went to 
the printing business, which he has followed until the present time. Came to St. Clair in August, 1.881. While 
at Romeo he was foreman of the Oh.ieroer for thirteen years, and published the same fm- two years. He is 
now in the employ of Franklin Mooi-e in the post office, and the St. Clair Republican. He was married 
October 21), 1808, to Jliss Gertrude Maynard, of Romeo. Mr. Hopkins is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church of St. Clair; was connected with the Knights of Honor in Romeo, and was the presiding officer of 
that society for eighteen months. Our sub.iect's grand-father was a nephew of Stephen Hopkins, a signer of 
the Declaration of Independence. 

.JOHN HORN, farmer. Section 34, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Germany, and was horn April 27, 1811. 
Emigrated to the United States in 1850; the following year went to Canada and lived there eleven years, and 
c.ame to this county in 1861, and settled in this town where he now lives; cleared the land and made his farm, 
and since then has been engaged in farming, and owns his farm of eighty acres. He was married in November, 
1836, to Jliss .Jane Schanberg, she was born in German}'. They have six children — William, lives in Tennes- 
see; August lives in Bay County; Charles lives in Bay County; Rosa in this county; Edward in Tennessee; 
John at home; they lost five children. Mr. Horn went hack to his native land and spent several months in 
Germany the pi-esent year. 

HIRAM HUBBLE, farmer, Section 6, P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of Canada, and was born April 30. 
1826. he grew up to manhood and lived there until 18.51, when "lie came to this county and .settled in this town 
on the land where ho now lives; it was all covered with timber, he cleared his land and made his farm, and since 
then for over thirty years h;is resided here. He owns a good farm of eighty acres. In 1853, he married Miss 
Mary E. Langley, a native of Vermont. They have ten children — Richard, Nancy, now Mrs. Allen; James. 
Cora, Bion, Ella, Elba, Elsie, Edson and H.arvey, all at homi' but one. 

EDWIN K. HUNGERFORD. farmer. Private Claim 406, P. 0. Marysville. is a native of Lower Canada, 
and w;is born December 30, 18.53, his early boyhood was spent there, when fourteen years old he came here 
to this county, and sailed on the lakes four years, and since then has been engaged in farming. He has a farm 
of eighty acres finely located on the St. Clair River, and is devoting a part of it to raising vegetables and small 
fruits. He has served as Inspector of Highways. He was married January 1, 1879, to Jliss Ida xY. Hammond, 
a native of this county, and daughter of Horace N. Hammond, of East China. They liave one son Fred C. 

J. E. B. HUNGERFORD. farmer and stock-dealer, Private Claim 400, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Canada, 
and was born in 1850. His fat her was a native of Swanton, Vt. He went to Canada and while there married MJss 
Marg;iret Ecklin, of Perth, Upper Canada, in 1849. He was a mill owner and lived there until 1807; then 
came to this county, lived at Abbotsford one year; then came down here on the river, where he lived on his farm 
until his (loath, which occurred in May, 1873. He left six children — Sarah L., now Mrs. ^Nliles; Edwin K.. 
Joseph E. B.. .\lioe M.. now Mrs. Smith; Horace, at Ann Arbor; Minnie, at Ann Arbor. Mrs. Ilungcrford 
has a home in Port Huron. Joseph E. B., who lives on the home place came to this county with his parents 
during his early boyhood, and grew up and attended scliool here. Since reaching nuinhood he has been en- 
gaged in farming, and stock dealing, buyinir and selling and butchering stock. He farms his mother's farm 
and owns forty acres. In 1.S81, he inarricd iVIi.ss Emily J. Smith, a native of Maple Valley, Mich. They have 
one son — George B. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAII! COUNTY. 677 

DAVID P. INGLES, iiroprictor of tlu! St. Cluir CMty Barber Parlors, was born in Upper Canaila, Septcni- 
bt'r^4, 1843. and is a son of Orlamio Ing-les. a native of Verniout. and an old settler of St. Clair Count}', now 
a resident of Lapeer County .-^TnTrirfwlTS^iollier's maiden name was IMary .lane Mills, and was born in Nova 
Scotia. Our subjeet's father met her in Canada, married lier, and remained there a few years. Tliey 
removed to Port Huron in WWt. Mr. Indies was a soldier in tlie late war, serving' for about three years in 
Company E, Twenty-second Miclnnan Infantry. He participated in tlie battle of Chiekamausa, whereon the 
'JOth day of Septenilier, IHC):!, he was taken prisoner. He was taken to lielle Isle, thence to Richmond, Dan- 
ville and thence to And<'rsonville. He entered tliis den of starvation on tbi,' lilth of April, 1S(M. and was sent 
away Sei)teniber '.), the same year; from there he was taken to Charleston. S. C, and jiarolcd in Decenil)er, 
1804" In April, ISti"). lie joined Ins rerjiment, and was discharged at the close of tlie war. lie was married in 
18()2, to Susie E. daughter of Capt. Coyle (deceased). Jlrs. Ingles died while our subject was in 
Andersonville. His jiresent wife was JIary i5orntra{;er. Mr. Ingles is the father of live cldldren. but one of 
whom is living, viz.: Ira. 

HON. BELA W. .lENKS was born in (;rown Point, Essex Co., N. Y., June 0, 1824. His father .leremiah 
\V. .Teiiks, was of Welsh, and his mother Hester .Icnks, of English descent. His early education was ob- 
tained at the common .schools; he afterward attended the Ferrisburg and Shelburn Academies in Vermont, 
and the State Normal School of Albany, N. V.. attending the latter while the lenowned I). P. Page was prin- 
cipal of th.it institution. Jlr. .lenks emigrated to Michigan in 1848. and seltled in Si. (.'lair, St. Clair County, 
where he cslablished a select .school, which be conducted for three years. In 18,');i, he formed a partnership 
with bis brother, R. H. .Jenks, in the men-antile business, which lasted for ten years. Later, he entered the 
lumber business, and also conimcnced dealing quite extensively in real estate. He is still engaged in the last- 
named pursuits and general tralbc. He owns a large f.arin in St. Clair Township, adjoining the city of St. 
Chxir, also a farm in Columbus Townshi]). licsides other real estate. Mr. Jenks was married to ^liss Sarah 
Carleton, of Cranville, N. V., Novcmlier :!, 18');i. They liave seven children — Charles C., of Detroit, 'NMlliarn 
Lee, of Port Huron. Mary E., Anna B., Frank D., Kuss S. and Oeorge S. In the fall of 186!), he was elccled 
State Senator from the Twenty-fourth Senatorial District, comprising St. Clair County, and was re-elected to 
the same iiosition in 1871. He lias also lield a number of important otheial jiositions in the government of 
the city of St. Clair. Mr. Jenks has always taken an active jiart in educational affairs ; he was a member of 
the School Board of St. Clair City for a niimber of years, and was the first Director of the Union school. He 
is now a member of the Stale li(iard of Education, having been appointed to that oflice by (!ov. Jerome in 
1881, and elected in 18Sl' for six years. 

R(.>1!EUT IL JENKS, Manager and Trea.surer of St. (^lair Navigation Coin])any. was born at Crown 
Point, Essex Co., N. Y., April 28ri80T. He is a son of Jereniiab W. Jenks. a native o"f Newport, N. H., and 
is of Welsh descent. Mr. Jenks was educated in the common schools of New York, and at Castlcton Semi- 
nary, Vt. In 18-18. he went to Sutton, N. H., and studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Koberl Lane, nine 
inonlbs; when, liis health failing, lie came to Michigan, landing at Clark's Doi'k, St. Clair, November 4. 1840. 
Here be taught school five nKUilhs. then engaged as clerk for H. Whiting. In the fall of 18.")0 he went to 
Lexington. Mich., where be again taught school two years and clerked for J. L. AVoods one year. Returning 
to Si. Clair in 1^58, Mr. Jenks formed a partnership with Dr. Dickie in the drug bu>iness. which lasted tw-6 
j'ears. He tlien engaged in the mercanlile business, which he carried (Ui siiccessful'y till 1867. Since that 
time, he has lumbered in the Saginaw Valley with his brother, B. AV. Jenks. and they 'ire at present exten- 
sively engaged in the liay business. He also deals largely in real estate. Mr. Jenks held the ollice of post- 
master about fifteen years, having been aiipointed liy Lincoln in 186:i, removed by Johnsim in 186."i, re-ap- 
pointed by (irant in IsV.^i, resigning the position in March, 1881. He has been President and Treasurer of tlie 
Fanners' Jlulual Fire Insurance Company, of lilacomb and St. Clair Counties since I8li7, and has held the 
Presidency of the Michigan State Insurance Company since its organization in 1876. He was elected Mayor 
of St. Clair (!ily in the sjiring of 1882. and re-elected in 188;i. He owns a large farm of -'()(> acres on the river 
road, one and one-half miles above the city, which he carries on successfully by a superintendent. He also 
owns a large amount of properly in the cily. j He joined the jNIasonic fraternity in 185l>, and has held nearly 
every office in the order from flic Blue Lodgi' up to the Commandery. Mr. Jenks was married to JIary S., 
daughter of John Claike. April i:i, 18."il. They have bad nine children, six of whom are living, viz. : Ann C, now 
Mrs. B. F. Crampton; Liicv A.. Helen C John IL, Ben L. and '1". Owen. 

WILLIAM JUSTIN, farmer. Section 10. P. O. St. Clair, is a nalive of Herkimer County, N. Y.. and was 
born September 18. 1884 ; bis p.-irents came to this c(miity and settled in Ibis town in 188!l. during his early 
childhood ; he grew u]i here and en.gaged in lumbering, rafting and cboiiping wood, and has chopped the tim- 
ber off of one hundred acres of land." AVheii the war broke out. he enlisted as a private in October. 1861. in 
the First Jlichigan Light Artillery, and was promoteil until he was commissioned captain, and had command 
of the Batleiy ; was .slightly wounded: had two horses shot under him, one in the siege of Vicksburg. 
Served three .vears and (-ight months, and was mustered out at Nashville, Teiin. After return, enga.gcd in 
lumbering: was with Mr. Jenks even years, foreman, and four years for Mr. Woods as foreman ; owns a 
farm of (Ughty acres. Has held the oflice of Highway Commissioner. In 1S73, Capt. Justin married Miss 
Ellen Irvin. of Ontario. Can.; thcv have live children— Willie, Bertlia, Dora, Maggie and Phila. 

THOMAS L. KEMP, farmer. Section 84, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of England, and was born January 
23, 1844; his parents came to this counlry in 18.'")L', and came the same year to this county, and .settled in this 
town, and are now living here. Thomas" grew up and altended school here, and after the war br<jke out. at 
the age of eighteen, he enlisted in ('(Unpany E. Twenty-second Regiment Michigan Infantry ; was wounded 
and taken prisoner at the batllc of Chickaiiiaiiga ; was" taken to Richmond and afterward to Aiider>onviIle, 
where he was confined nine moiilhs. After the war returned here, and since then has been en.gaged in farm- 
ing, and owns a farm of ninety acres. He has held the oflico of Town Clerk. Township School Inspector 
and School Director. Mr. Keinp was married March 31. 187!), to iMiss Heh'ii J. Crampton, a nalive of the 
city of St. Clair ; they have three children— Maltie E., John N., Justin W. 



678 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ALEXANDER KENNEDY, farmer. Section 22, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Scotland, and wa.s l)orn in 
1813 ; he emigrated to this couulry in 184y, and the following j'ear came to this county and settled in this 
town on the place wlicre he now lives, and moved in a loj^- house, and began clearing his land and made his 
farm, and has lived here over one-third of a century, and is the oldest settler on this road. He owns 160 
acres of land. In 1849, he married Miss Christine Campbell, a native of Scotland : they have live children — 
John, .James, Alexander, Elizabeth, Neil. 

JACOB EROMENAKER, farmer, Section 3, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of France, and was born 
April 'i, 18;)3. lie emigrated to this country in 18.")3, and came to St. Clair County in August of the same 
year. He began work in the saw-mill of Williams it Mills, and remained with Ihat firm thirteen years, ex- 
cept one summer, then bought land and engaged in farming on his present location, and since then has car- 
ried on that business. He made a good farm, and owns 173 acres, and has it well improved with good build- 
ings—all the result of his own industry. He has held school offices for many years. He married Mi.ss Julia 
Grant, a native of the city of Detroit, September 33. 1863; they have nine children— David H., Frank J., 
Charles W., Louise A., Euiily E., Edward J., Jacob M., Agnes E., George A. The parents of Mr. Kromena- 
ker are both living. His father was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and was wounded at Leipsic and 
Dresden, in the battle of Waterloo. He and his wife have lieen married about si.xty years. 

GEORGE KRUGER, owner Kruger's Flour Jlill. Section 7, P. O. Rattle Run, is a native of Germany and 
was liorn December 7, 1S30 : he grew up and learned the milling business there. He was burned out and lost 
all he had, and emigrated to America in 1S.")9 and came to Dciroit ; he began chopping wood to support his 
family, though he iuid never cut a tree in his life. After remaining there four years, he came to his countj', 
and lived at St. Clair on a farm nine years, and in 1873 came here and bought the mill property, and since 
then has carried on the business here. Also owns a good farm of eight}' acres, all of which he has accumu- 
lated by industry and good management. In 1847, lie married Miss Sophia Hebner, a native of Germany ; 
the}' have live children — Mary, Sophia, Henry, Charles, Johanna. 

FREDERICK L.VYLE. farmer. Section 3, P. O. St Clair, is a native of Germany, and was born October 
11, 1830. After reaching manhood, he emigrated to the United States, and the follnwing year came to this 
county, and in 18r)ti liought the land where he now lives; it was all covered witli timber; lie cleared it him- 
self and made his farm, and since then, for twenty-seven years, has lived here and has been successfidly 
engaged in farming; owns 130 acres of land, and has e-Ycellent improvements — all the result of tlieir own Indus 
try. He had nothing when he came to St. Clair, and was in delit ifS which he borrowed to pay his fare. He 
married Miss Baumgartner March 33, 18r)6. She was born in Germany, and came to St. Clair in 18.J4. They 
have four children— Emma, now Mrs. Littlefield. Rachel, Fred W.. Frank W. 

IIENKY LUCK, farmer. Section 14. P. O. St. Clair, is a sou of William and Jemima Luck. His father 
was a native of Albany, N. Y., and hismother was born in England. They came to this country in 1846, and 
settled in this town and on this land; it was all covered with timlier and there were uo roads except lumber 
I'oads. He engaged in lumliering. and cleared his land and made his farm. They were early settlers here, 
and .Mr. Luck was, during his life, actively identified with the interests of the town; he held the office of 
Supervisor several terms, and also that of Highway Commissioner, and was Village and Towu Treasurer. 
He died May 11, 1S7.J; his wife survived him a few years, and died April 17, 1881. Henry was born in Hudson, 
N. Y., May 30, 1834, and came to tliis county withliis parents during boyhood, and has lived here thirty- 
seven years. After reaching manhood, has been successfully engaged in farming and lumbering, and is the 
oldest settler on this road. He owns a good farm, and has held tlie office of Town Clerk and Justice of the 
Peace. He married Miss Harriet Oaks, a native of the town of China, January 1, 18-")6. They have three 
children — William J., living in Toledo; Charles E.. at home; lilmilv E. 

_.J. C. McCUTCIIEON. farmer. Private Claim 406, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Canada, and was born 
at Kingston June 13, 1838 ; when six years of age went to Coburg, and grew uj) and lived there until 18.>S, 
when lie came to this county and settled on the place where he now lives, and since then has been engaged 
in farming and the wood business ; his farm is finely located on the St. Clair River, and he has made excel- 
lent improvements. He married Miss Eliza J. Mitchell September 36, 1856 ; they have five children — Charles, 
Hattie, George, Lillv, Herbert. 

HON. CROCKET :McELROY, merchant and manufacturer, was born December 31, 1833, in the township 
■of Dundas, province of Ontario, Can. His father, Frances McElroy, was born in the North of Ireland in 
1803, and was of Scotch descent. Mr. Francis McElroy came to this country with his father in 1810, settliug 
an New Jersey, He worked for some lime in a cotton factory at Paterson, N. J., and was once cruelly beat- 
<'n with a cat o' nine tails by a brutal overseer for some slight otfeuse, such punishments being quite common 
at tliat time. He subsequently lived in the State of New 'York, where he learned the blacksmith trade, at 
wiiich he worked for more than fifty years. He lived about twenty-five years in Ontario, and about twenly- 
seveii years near Eagle Harbor, and IJayfield, Lake Superior, He had a sti-ong constitution, was abstemious 
in his habits, and enjoyed excellent health nearly all his life. His education was limited, but being a great 
reader, he became noted for his inlelligence and general information. He was an effective jjublie speaker, 
^ind often leclured on temperance and other topics. He died of old age in October, 188(1. in the seventy-ninth 
year of his age. In the year 1837, Francis McElroy was married to Mary Surerus, then eighteen years of 
-ige. Mary Surerus' father was a German, and her inother was of Irish descent. !Mrs. !Mary McElroy, who is 
still living— March 38, 1883— was the mother of ten children. She was a kind mother, but required obedience 
from her children. She has always been noted among her neighbors for her strict honesty and wonderful 
Industry. Crocket McElroy, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in Gault, Ontario, and 
■when twelve years old removed to Detroit. There he attended one of tlie public schools for a short time, 
and aft(a-ward a ccnnmercial academy. He was a good grammarian, and had a good common education be- 
fore he was eleven years old. When thirteen years of age, he was employed as clerk in a wholesale and re. 
tail grocery, where he remained about three years ; he then worked about two years for a firm engaged in the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. CT!) 

manufapturo of small beor, and part of the time drove a peddlini; wagon. In 1853, he was sent from Detroit 
to Ira, St. Clair Co., as clerk, to take change of a j^eneral store ; and for the ne.xt Hvc years served as clerk 
and taught school, spending the summer months of ISoi and 185.J in the Lake Su])erior region. In the spring 
of 1858 was elected Justice of the Peace, but defealed by three majority for the ollice of Supervisor. This 
defeat was owing to his age, he lieing then only twenty-two. His opponent ileclining to serve, he was ap- 
pointed Supervisor by the Township Board ; ami at the meeting of the Board of Sujiervisors that year, he was 
called the "Boy Supervisor ;" notwithstanding his j'outh, he discharged the duties of Supervisor so satisfacto- 
rily, that the ne.xt year he was elected without opposition, and received every vote that was jiolled. In 1S,>8, 
he engaged in the mercantile business in Ira, whicli he continued until 1805, when he sold out and embarked 
in the business of manufacturing staves and heading at New Baltimore, ^lacond) Co. This business iiroved 
to be congenial to his tastes, and protilable. He gradually extended his operations at this place, purchasing a 
second stave mill in lsi(i8 ; and in 1871, he bought a third mill at Marine City, St, Clair Co. In November, 
1873, he sold out his business at New Baltimore, and in January, 1874, removed with his family to St. Clair, 
retaining his interests in Marine City, In December, 1874, he organized a joint stock compaiiy, called the 
Marine City Stave Company, to wliich he transferred his Marine City business, retaining a controlling inter- 
est, and of which company he is the President and general manager. He resumed the mercantile biisuiess in 
1873, and has for .some years been interested in ves.sel property. Besides the btisiiu'ss of the Marine City 
Stave Company, to which Mr. McBlroy gives most of his time, he runs a ware liouse at St. Clair, a st(^aih 
ferry, and deals in coal. In liis manufiicturing and mercantile operations, he has been eminently successful. 
With good executive abilitii's. and an excellent knowledge of human nature, he has been fortunate in the se- 
lection and management of the men in his employment. As an evidence of the care he devotes to his busi- 
ness, it may be mentioned that, although conducting a large business, and making most of his sales of staves 
and heading in distant markets, he passed through the panic of 1873 to 1878, without any loss from such sales. 
He gives close attention to all his business affairs, and keeps thoroughly posted upon their minutest details; 
he has a remarkably retentive memory, being able at anj' time to give almost the exact amount of merchan- 
dise and manufactured stock he has on hand, without referring to cither ligures or dates. Mr. McElroy, with 
;dl his business enterprises, has found considerable time to devote to reading and literary |)ursuits, and has 
taken a deep interest in the establishment and sustenance of lileraiy associations in the communities where 
he has resided. In 1858, lie founded a literary society, known as the "Society of Brothers," and in 1807, at 
New Baltimore, he founded another, the "Freemen's Club." He has repeatedl}' rea<l before them original 
poems and essays. Before his Inisincss reached large ])roportions, he frequently wrote short pieces of poetiy, 
several of which have been pulilislied. Knougli poetical talent has been displayed to show that he would 
have made quite an at^ceptalile poet had he made poetry his business. He belongs to no denomination, but 
Is a lieliever in the Christian ndigion. and contrilmtes liberally to the suppiu't of ilie Pro'cstant churclies. In 
politics, he has always been an active llepublicaii, liut is not a strong partisan, and refuses to vote for unwor- 
thy men, even when the candidates of his party. He has liidd otlice more or less for more than twenty years, 
having been Supervisor for two years, Justice of the Peace four years. Commissioner of Highwaj's two years. 
Trustee of the Village of New jialtimore two years, ^layor of St. Clair cit_y one year, and State "Senator four 
years from January 1, 1877. He married in the township of Ira, when he was only eighteen years old Julia 
Chartier, who is of French descent. Tliey have had thirteen children, four of whom died yoiing. The nine 
living children are named as follows : Fr.iiik, Julia, Mary, David C. Carrie, AVorthy. Flora, Etta and Orace. 
The oldest son is the Secretary of the Marine City Stave Company, and lives in >fariiie City. The ohiest 
daughter is married to Joseph L. Gearing, and lives'in Detroit. The other children live with" their parents. 
Mr. JIcElroy is about live feet seven inches in height, is stout, and weighs about 2(10 pounds. He is of a san- 
guine, nervous temperament. He is a constant and thorough worker, having early acquired habits of indus- 
try, and has done a vast amount of work in the past thirtj' years. He has aimed to be strictly honest in all 
his transactions, and, in coiise(|uence, is known as a man of strict integrity. With tirniness of" decision, and 
strong personal and moral (Miurage, nothing can move liiiii from acting in accordance with what he believes 
to be right ; he has frequently sacrificed (icrsonal gain rather than do what he believed to be wrong or unjust 
to others. He is devoted to his family, and makes many special ('fforts for the well l)eingof hiscliTl<lren. He 
has never used intoxicating li(|Uors, never uses tobai-co, and by practice and precept is a strong temperance 
man. He is a forcible, tliient and c-flective speaker, using language that is plain, convincing and often elo- 
quent. In the past ten years, he has made many political speeches, and while in the State Senate made sev- 
eral speeches that attracted considerable attention, one of which, his speech in supjjort of his bill to provide 
for uniform and cbea|)er school text-books was given the exceptional honor of being ordered i>riiite(l in the 
journal, by a unanimous voti' of the Senate. While he is a restless, active and eiiteriirising business man. he 
is also popular, a fact which has brcn fully ti-sted on various occasions when he lias been a eandid.ite for of- 
tice. He has lieen several times elected to ollice without opposition, and received a larger majority when 
elected Ma3'or of Si. Clair than was ever obtained by any other person. In every position he has' been called 
upon to fill, he has discharged the duties of the otiice with credit and ability, and to the satisfaction of the 
public. He belon.gs to that cla.ss of men, too seldom found, who have the moral courage to labor for a good 
cause, even though it be unpopular. While in the State Senate, Jlr. McElroy introduced and secured the 
passage of a number of bills, among the more important of which are the following ; A bill to amend the 
highway laws, providing a way to ))rf)ceed in laying out hii;liways across railroads ; a bill for the protecticui of 
travel on public highways, wliitdi gives Commissioners uf Highways additional power, and subjects them to a 
fine for neglect of duty. A bill to provide for the safety of persons attending public assemblies. This was a 
very important measure, and well calculated to prevent the needless sacrifice of human lives. A bill for the 
collection of dama.ges sustained by reason of defective pulilic highways, streets, bridges, crosswalks and cul- 
verts. Previous to the passage of this bill, a citizen of another State or a foreign country could re<-over dam- 
a.sres by suing the municipality liable in the United States Court, under the common law ; wlienas, the citi- 



680 HISTORY OF 8T. CLAIR COUNTY. 

zen of Michigan. l)eiuK obliged to sue in the State Courts, could not recover. This bill was strong!}' opposed, 
and its passage through both Hovises was a victory for its author. In the session of 1877, Mr. McElro}' pro- 
cured an amendment to the general railroad law, limiting the charges on certain kinds of freight, this being 
the tirst instance in which the Legislature of Michigan has attempted to regulate the railroad charges on 
freight. In the same session, a bill for the protection of guests of hotels from danger by fire was passed, 
which was made up mostly of ideas taken from a larger and more elaborate bill prepared by Mr. McElroy early 
in the session of 1879. M. McElroy took a very decided stand against special legislation, and particularly 
against granting special charters to cities and villages. As Chairman of the Committee on Cities and Villages, 
he was in a position to give force 1o his ideas, and by his persistent and continued efforts, every new village 
and new city incorporated during that session was compelled to incorporate under the general law. B}' this 
means, the labor of the Legislature was shortened and the expenses largely reduced, saving, in the matter of 
printing alone, thousands of dollars. Evidence of this fact can be seen by comparing the size of the Vdlunie 
of local acts 1877, with that of 1879, the latter being only about two-thirds the size of the former. When 
the liquor (juestion came up, Mr. McElroy took a leading position. He advocated retaining the tax law. mak- 
ing it more stringent, and increasing the "tax thirty-three and a third per cent. He prepared a programme for 
action, which after a hard fight was adopted, and the law was amended in accordance with his views. In the 
session of 1870, lie introduced a bill to prevent members of the Legislature from accepting railroad passes. 
The bill failed, but Mr. McElroy returned all the passes sent him both sessions. He regards such passes as 
bribes, and preferred to pay liis way, and be free and independent. During the .session of 1877, his railroad 
fare amounted to $126. He was Chairman of the Committee of Supplies and Expenses of the Senate during 
both his terms, and early in the session of 1879 discovered that the Legislature was being charged excessive 
profits on stationery, which it was entitled to at the wholesale contract price with the State stationer. The 
result of his investigation on this subject was that the cost of stationer}' for the session of 1879 was less than 
half what it was for the previous session. There is no doubt that the legislation secured by Mr. McElroy has 
resulted in saving and protecting human lives, and has saved to the State many thousands of dollars. He 
had the reputation of being the hardest working man in the Senate, and it is but a statement of fads to say 
that he distingui.shed himself as being an industrious, able, elocjuent and wise legislator. During his resi- 
dence in St. f'lair, Mr. McElroy has contributeil largely to the prosperity of the city by his public spirit and 
enterprise. In the face of many discourugemenls, he has established and maintained a steam ferry between 
St. Clair and Courtwright, and through his own unaided efforts succeeded in having St. Clair made a station 
of the Canada Southern Railway, and, as a consequence, the free transfer across St. Clair River of all freights 
and passengers going: or coming by that railroad. This enterprise has been worth many thousands of dollars 
1(1 St. Clair and its vicinity, and is only one of many efforts Mr. McElroy has made for the good of the beau- 
tiful city he has chosen for his ])ermanent home. 

CHARLES McMILL.\N. farmer. Section 17, P. O. Rattle Run. is a native of Scotland, and was born 
December 12, 1817. After reaching manhood he emigrated to the United States in 1842, and in the fall of 
that year went to Chicago on the " Great Western" with Capt. Walkjr, and returned and came to St. Clair 
that year. He spent the winter in Canada, and in spring of 1848, settled in this county, and in the fall located 
where he now lives; it was all timber, and there was only two small h(mses between here and St. Clair, 
lie and his brother would walk out here from St. Clair in the morning, and chop all day to clear a place to 
build a shanty; it was slow work, for he had never chopped a day in his life; there wasonl}' one lumber wagon 
in the township at that time. In IS44, he built a part of the house where he now lives, and it was thought 
very grand at that time. He lived here four years, then went to Sanilac County, and in 1847, built a saw mill 
and engaged in lumbering, and remained there until 1850; then sold out and bought a mill at Gibralter, and 
ran that three years, and then came back on his farm, and since then for the past thirty years has resided 
here. He owns a good farm of 140 acres, which he cleared and made himself. He has held the office of 
Supervisor several terms, and Drain Commissioner several terras, and Justice of the Peace, but resigned. 
In 1862. he married Miss Louise Van Epps, a native of New York State. They have two children — Frank and 
Grace. Mr. Meridian has one son — Neil, by former wife. He is a member of the firm of D. P. McDonald & 
Co.. commission. Detroit. 

HON. MARCUS 11. MILES. decea.sed, was born in Apulia, N. Y., October 23, 1813, and was a son of 
Elijali Miles, a native of Stockbridge, Ma.ss. Mr. Miles received his education in Homer, N. Y. He for some 
time clerked in a store in Skaueateles, N. Y. In 183.5. came to Detroit, and the following December to Port 
Huron. On .Vpril 18, 1836, he went to Marine City, and in 1838 came to St. Clair. In 1837-38, while in Jlarine 
City, he was De]mt.y County Clerk and Postmaster of that place. He held the oftiee of County Clerk from 
18:ifl to 1842. and from 1849 'to |H,50. He also was Register of Deeds from 1S39 to 1812. and County Judge in 
b'<47. resigned the latter office in 1848. From 18.57 to 1860 he was Judge of Probate, and Circuit Court Commis- 
sioner in IS.").") and 18.56. From 1840 to 1838, he was Justice of the Peace, and also from 1866 to 1870. While 
holding the office of County Clerk, he read Law and was admitted to the bar as an attorney. During the war, 
he was Assistant Provost Marsha! of the Fifth District, which he resigned in 1863 to accept the office of 
Qiiart<M'master of the Eli'ventli Michigan Cavalry, which regiment he helped raise at Kalamazoo. He was 
with his reiriineni at Lexington and Caniji Nelson until April. ls64; then spent some time at Louisa Fort. He 
was appoirilcd Judge Advocate of a military commission, iiy Maj. (4en. Hiirnside. in July, 1864. and in .Vngust 
following, he was appoinled Assistant Judge Advocate of the department. In Oclolier, he was made Judge 
Advocate of tlie military commission and general court martial at Lexington, which (losition he held until 
the close of the war. He was elected to the Legislature in 1860. and was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention in 1867. In 1870, lie was a|ii)ointed United Stales In.speclor of Customs at Toronto, which office 
he held until death. Mr. Miles was married November 29. 1840. to Miss Maria (.,'. Partridge, daughter of Capt. 
Asa Partridge, a Captain in the war of 1812, They have four children, of whom three are liviiis — Edwin C. 
cf Chicago; Timothy L. P., of St. Clair; and Erama M., of St. Clair. 



HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 681 

THOM.VS .T. MITJ.TKIX, tlruggist and grocer, was born in tlio coutily of Durham. Canatia, July 11. 184s<, 
and is a sou of .John .Millikin, a native of the North of Ireland, and eaiiie to Canada when a youn:? man. 
The family removed to two miles below Courtright. on the St. Clair River, opposite St. Clair County, in l.'~<49. 
Our subject was here broujrht up on a farm and educated in the common school. He then went to Chatham. 
Kent County. Canada, and si)ent four years in a drug store and learned llie business. lie came to St. Clair in 
1870, atid clerked for H. Whiting i\: Sou until 187li, when he bought Whiting's drug and grocery stock, and en- 
gaged in business for liim.self. lie docs a business of ^IG.OOO annuall}'. and his trade is constantly increasing. 
5lr. Millikin was married in December. l^^T',', lo Miss Anna Fox. by whom he has tivc children; four of these 
are living, viz.; Mauriite II.. Leslie W.. Helen B. and Jennie M. Mr. Millikin is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, a strong temperance man and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He held the oflice of 
Citv Clerk of St. Clair for two years. In jiolitics. he is Democratic. 

" STEPHEN .MITTKJ. nuison and c-ontractor. Section 2."), P. O, St. Clair, is a native of Bohcnua, Austria, 
and was born .March 'io. liS'J3, and upon reaching maidiood emigrated to the United Stales in 18.53, and lived in 
Detroit two years, and in IS.m came to St. Clair and began working at his trade; continued for some years and 
afterward engaged in contracting and building, and since then has followed the business, and is the oldest 
mason in the business here; has buill two churches and many buildings and residences. In 1849, he married 
Miss Anna Arnold, a native of Bohemia. They have seven children — Anna. Frank. Johanna. Adeline. 
Christina. Raymond and Augusta. 

FRANKLIN .MOORE. Postmaster, was horn Sei)tenil)er fi, 1S4.">, in St. Clair Townshii). two miles north 
of St. Clair City, on the St. (,"lair River, and is a son of Reuben Moore, a native of Manchester, N. H., 
who came to "this county about fifty years ago. Mr. Moore went to East Hamjiton. Mass.. at the 
age of fourteen year-, and atlendcd Williston Seminary for three years, and from thence, in 18(i4, entered Yale 
College, graduating from the latter place in 18(i8. Hethen came" to Detroit and read law for si.\ months; 
when he'went to Saginaw, and entered a lumber yard with a view of learning the lumber business. In 
January. 18T0. he removed to Toledo. Ohio, where" for three years he acted as bookkeeper in the lumber 
yard of" H. W. Sage & Co. In the fall of 1872, he movetl to Detroit, where he engaged in business with his 
brother, C. F. Moore. In the fall of 187:!, he moved to Saginaw and remained there two years; at tint close of 
that time returned to St. Clair, where he a<lded to his other business that of farming. In December, 1S79, lie 
bought the St. Clair RepiihUniii. which lu' has since owned and edited. In June. 1881. he was appointed Post- 
master at St. Clair, which position he now holds. He held the olticc of Superintendent of Schools in the town 
of St. Clair for cnie year, .■ind for four years has been a member of I lie Union School Board, of wiiich he is now 
Moderator. He wa"s married on the iftli day of June, 1873, to Emily S. Parmelee, of Toledo, Ohio. He has 
three children — Laur;i, born in Saginaw January 19, 1875; Franklin, born in St. Clair September 6. 1877; 
and ^larsjarel. also l)orn in St. Clair Xoveiiiber 28, 1879, 

WILLIAM B MORSE, Deputy Sherilf of St Clair County, was born in Grafton Uouiity, N. H.. Octo- 
ber 7. 1837. and is a son of Hazeii S. Morse, of St. Clair, also a' native of New Hampshire. The family came 
to St. Clair in the fall of 18 Ki. where they have since resided. O.ir sulijcet worked in the lumber woods and 
at running l(>gs in Pine River for several years. He served one year in the late war, in Company I, Fourth 
Michigan Infantry, and participated in the battles of Nashville and others. lie wa.s in the United States de- 
tective service in St. Clair for some time. He has been four times elected to the office of City Marshal of St. 
Clair; has been twice elected Alderman of the Second Ward, which ollict; he now holds, and has bgen 
Deputy SherilT of St. Clair County for the i past six years. He was married, in 18.57, to Miss Margaret E. 
Browii, by whom he has three children— Eliza, Edwin C, and Minnie JI, Mr. Morse is a member of the 
Kniuhts of Pvthia- and of the Kniifhls of .Maccabees. 

MERRILL N'ORRIS. farmer. "Section 2G. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New Hampshire, and was born 
in Grafton County Sepleinber 18, 1.827, He grew up :ind lived in that State until 18.53. when he came to this 
county and .settled in this town, bought land, cleared it and made a farm, and since then, for the past thirty 
j-ears. has lived here. lie has held the olticc of School Inspector. 

AN'DREW J. PALMER, deceased, was a native of Connccliiut, and was born in Windham County, 
in the town of Ashfonl, May 9, 1809. His father and grandfather were born in the same town. When 
six years of age. his parents removed to Canandaigua. N. V.. and in 1821 moved lo Scio, Allegany 
Couiity, where he lived until the fall of 18'.'8, when he 'started for Cayuga County. Ohio, on foot, carrying 
his clothes in a bundle on his back. He spent the winter there, and May 29 he started for Detroit 
on the schooner Lady of the Lake. He spent a few days in Detroit, then went up the St. Clair River 
on the Forrester, andreached his uncle. George Palmer, adjoining the village of Palmer, now St. Clair. May 
31. 1829. In the fall of the same year, he hired out to his uncle 'i'homas to work in s;i..- mill, and remained 
there until July 1, 1830. Then went to Detroit, and his uncle lioiujlil him an old scow and had it repaired. 
and Andrew with two Frenchmen sailed it. making trips to River Rouge and to Lake St. Clair, and carried 
stone for paving the crossing of AVoodward and JelTerson avenues, which was the first paving done in the 
city of Detroit. In Octolicr. he wenl to Bufl'alo in the. steamer Henry Clay, and spent the winter at home, 
and in the spring went on a raft of lumber to Cincinnati, and from there came to Detroit. During the sum- 
mer he came to St. Clair, and in the fall went in the mills a^'ain for his uncle, and was there during the years 
1831-82. In August, 1832, he bought the land on Section 9. their present homestead. At tluit time, there 
were only two lots entered in the township, and tho.se were for lumbering. He engaged in lumbering during 
winters and cleared his land during summers, but was principally eiiiragcd in lumbering. On the 9th of Jan- 
uary, 1S42, he married Miss T?el-ey Dalliba. .i native of Scio, N.'Y. They came on the present homestead, 
cleared the land and made liis farm. They lived here until his death, which occurred January 18, 18S2. He 
sold considerable of his land before his death, but left KiO acres. He held the office of Justice of the Peace. 
Highway Commissioner, and was Town Clerk for many years. He was at the time of his death one of the 
oldest settlers of the countv. and had been actively identified witli the interests of the town and county for 



^82 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 

half a centurj'. He left five chililren — Henry, lives in this county; Judsou, lives in Toledo; Klvira. now Mrs. 
Oracv; Wintield, lives in this county; Thomas, lives in this county. 

HENRY C. PEASLEY, farmer. Private Claim 40G, P. (). St. 'Clair, is a native of Esse.x County, N. Y., 
and was born November 8, 1844. lie grew up there until sixteen years of age, and when the war broke out 
enlisted in Company H, Fifth Regiment New York Cavahy, and served two years and four months. Was 
taken prisoner at Ream Station, below Petersburg, and from there was in Auder.sonville Prison four months; 
then confined at Florence, S. C two months, until e.xchanged. After his return from service, he lived in his 
native State until 1874, when he came to this county, and for some years was in the lumber woods. In March, 
188i, he came on the large stock farm of Eugene Smith, and since then has had the management of it. He 
married Miss Carrie Bartlett, of the town of Kimball, September .5, 1878. She is a daughter of Judsou Bart- 
lett, of Bartlett Mills. Thev have one son— Guy II. 

EDWARD PHILLlPS'was born in St. Clair December 14, 1844, and is a son of Charles Phillips, of 
China Township, and a native of New York State. Our subject was brought up and educated in St Clair. 
In December, 1878, he married Miss Edna M. Scott, daughter of Robert Scott, of St. Clair. Jlr. Phillips is a 
member of the firm of Belniip & Phillips, in the manufacture of brick in St. Clair. For a history and descrip- 
tion of their factory, see chapter on mills and factories of St. Clair. 

MANDEVILLE POOLE, surveyor and civil engineer, St. Clair, was born in London, England, October 
28, 1824. His father, Mandeville Poole, was also a native of London, Mr. Poole was educated in his native 
city, where he acquired the profession which he now practices. In 1843, he went to Jamaica Island (one of 
the West Indies), in the employ of a large sugar manufactiu'ing firm, where he surveyed some large sugar 
plantations. He came to New York City in the spring of 18.")3, remaining there but a short time. He Ve- 
surveyed the city of Belleville, N. J., and the same year came to Detroit, where for three months he was en- 
gaged in making plats for what is now the Detroit ct Milwaukee Railroad. The same fall he surveyed St. 
Clair. In 18.5.J, he removed to St. Clair County, which has since been his home. The same year, he took 
charge of the Altabista Stock Farm near St. Clair, which he superintended for twenty-three and one-half 
years. Since 1879, he has resided in the city, and practices his profession. Mr. Poole was married April 13, 
1844, to Miss Mary Brodie, a native of Scotland. They have had five children, but two of whom arc living, 
viz.: Gertrude M. and William Mandeville. One daughter, Charlotte A., died September 3, 1872, at the age 
of nineteen years. 

EDWARD C. RECOR, present County Treasurer of St. Clair County, was born in East China Township, 
this county, and is a son of liambert Recor, deceased, a native of the same township and born on the same 
farm. Jlr. Recor was brought up on the farm, and his educational advantages were such as are furnished liy 
the common schools, St. Clair City Schools, and that of Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Detroit. 
Mr. Recor deals in grain, hay, and all kinds of lumbermen's supplies at East China, where he owns a dock. 
He also owns a steam barge and a tow barge, and is engaged somewhat in freighting. He was married June 
5, 1867, to Miss Nancy Parsons, daughter of Deacon Parsons, deceased. She was born in China Township, 
near St. Clair. The have had three children, of whom two are living, viz.: May and Harry. Mr. Recor also 
owns and rims the farm, in addition to his other business. He was elected to the office of County Treasurer 
in 1881) by an overwhelming majority. 

CAPT. H. W. ROBERTSON is'a native of St. Clair County, and was born at Marine City February 19, 
1841. His parents, James Robertson and Theodate Potter, were early settlers of this county. The Captain 
began sailing in I860 on the schooner A. Rust; sailed before the mast two years and was mate on her two 
years, and sailed master of her two years. Was master of the barge King and the Clint. Was with Capt. 
Fish on the Sanilac, then the barge Keepsakes, barge Smith, steam barge Emma Thompson two seasons, and 
was master of the steam barges Alpena and the B. W. Jenness three years, and in 1882 sailed master of the 
Porter Chamberlain. Capt. Robertson was married December 17, 1867, to Miss Mary L. Higley, of St. Clair. 
She is a native of Rochester, ^Micli- They have one son, Lee, and have lost one son," Frank. 

ROBERT SCOTT was born in Caledonia County, Vt., May 30. 1809. He was reared on a farm and re- 
ceived a common school education. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he 
followed for several years. He came to St. Clair in 1831. From 1839 to 1870 he engaged in lumbering. He 
married, February 2, 1834, Miss Roxy A. Leach, by whom he had ten children, four of whom are living— Ade- 
line C., Jane, Elna M. and Nellie I. Mr. Scott was elected to the office of Sheriff in 1850; was C^ity Treasurer 
of St. Clair for two years, and Under Sheriff of the county for some time. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity and of the M. E. Church of St. Clair. 

ALBERT SH.VFER, proprietor of the St. James Hotel, St. Clair, was born in Berlin Township, this 
county, July 30, 1848, and is a son of James Shafor, a native of New York, who settled in this county in 1840. 
In 18r)(), the family removed to Marine City, where our subject was reared and educated. lie opened the St. 
Clair Excliaiige Hotel in 1875, and ran it until it burned, iii February, 1876. He then engaged in the livery 
business <uilil July, 1S81, when he took cliarge of the City Hotel in this place, which he closed in May, 1882, 
and alonee opened the St. James Hotel on Front street. ' This hotel is first-class in every particular, and con- 
tains fifteen rooms, for the accommodation of transient guests oidy. Mr. Shafer was married February 12, 
1874, to Miss Sarah Hickman, by whom he has two children— Bertie and Willy. 

D^ SlIKLDON was born in Hamburg, N. Y., December 10. 1814, and is a son of D. Sheldon, a native of 
New Jingbind. Tlic elder Slieldon was a Captain in the war of 1812, and died soon after its close from dis- 
ease <'Ontracled wliile in the service. Our subject's mother al.so died when he was younu', being only ten 
3'ears old, leaving him to rely mostly upon his own resources for sustenance. He lived with an uncle near 
Auburn, \, Y.. \uuil sixteen years old. when he went to the tanner and currier's trade, which he mastered in 
five years and four months. "He then went to Tioga County, Fenn., and worked on a farm a few years. In 
April, 1837, he came to Calhoun County, Mich., and there engaged in breaking laiul for a few j'ears. He 
then went to Detroit, and remained there until 1840, when he went to Port Huron, and took charge of the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIH COUNTY. 683 

large tanueiy of Rnnlish & Walker, ruinaiiiiiiir tlicre until it hiinicd in 1842. llo came to St. Clair the sunif 
year, and superintended the building of a large tannerj' two miles above St. Clair, on the river. He took 
eharge of the tannery after the building was completed, and superintended it until !8I(). when he came to the 
city and erected a tannerv of his own. He is the jdoneer tanner of Si. Clair, and is doing an extensive bu.s- 
ness. .\lr. Sheldon Was marri(Ml in ISUi to Miss Grace Aliernelliy, by whom he had four children, two of 
whom are living— Mary E. (.Mrs. King, of Bay Citv), and Charles, who has charge of their e.vtensive brick 
manufactory at St. Clair. This factory was built in hSOT by Mr. Sheldon. They have two .steam l)rick mills, 
and make six n\illion brick annually. "It is regarded as the best brick yard in llie State. Many of these brick 
are shipped to Alpena, Duluth, Marquette ami other i)laces. Chicago dealers and builders buy Ujuch of their 
brick here. 

EUGENE SMITH was born at .\ndiersl, Mass., .Inly 26, 1H21, and is a son of Elisha Smith, also a native 
of Andierst, and was born in the same house. Our subject came to St. (Jlair with his parents in IWiti. where 
he has since lived. The elder Mr. Smith erected a saw mill at St. Clair in ISTtl, whieli afterward liecanu' the 
property of >Ir. Smith. lie run this mill for many years. He has Ijeen engaged in lumljering until 188]. 
He owns a large farm on Smilh Creek Station, on the ( Jrand Tnnik Railroad, one three and a half miles above 
St. Clair, on the St. Clair Kiver, one in China Township and one in East Chimi Township : in all about 1,100 
acres. iMr. Smith was miu-ried in ISo.^, to Miss Mary R. Goffe, a native of Bedford, N. IT. They have had 
five children, three living, viz.: Lizzie E., George B. and Fredcjrick II. Mr. Smith was Mayor of St. Clair 
one year and Sui)ervisor several years. When the Smiths came to St. Clair, the Indians were their nearest 
neighbors, and the wild animals were roaming over an almost unbroken fon^st, while the wolves made the 
nigiits hi<leous bv their terribh' cries. 

CII.VRLES E. SOLIS, atlorney at St. Clair, was born in Vernon Cenire, Oneida Co., X. Y.. Se))teinber 4. 
1848, and is a son of Daniel E. Soils, also a native of Vernon Centre. Our subject came with his parents to 
Detroit in 18,13, and to St. (Hair in 18.')4. His father run the City Hotel in St. Clair unil IStil, when he die<l. 
Mr Soils graduateil from the law department of the .Michigan riiiversitv, at Ann Arbor, in 18T!», and was ad- 
mitted to the bar the same year. In 1H(>4, he enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, and .served 
until the alose of the rebellion. He was three weeks in Aiulersonville prison, when he was exchanged. i\Ir. 
Solis was one of the pioneers of the Black Hills. He and others were arrested l)y a United States oflicer for 
trespass on Indian lands. He was made the test case for all coni'i'rned in a sinular way, and he eam(! out vic- 
torious in the United State Court. He spent the winter of IstiS-IJit in Salt Lake City, during which time he 
was bookkeeper for Zions Mercantile Cooperative Institution. He also spent some time in Kansas. Mo.. 
Illinois and other Western and Southern States. He returned to St. Clair in the fall of 186i), 

CHARLES H. SOUTHWICK. manager of "The Oakland," was born in Rochester, N. Y., on .Tune 18, 
183<>, was educated and resided there until April, ]K>(\. then left thejiaternal roof and spent seven years of com- 
inercial life at Detroit; remc)ving from there to Grand Rapids, wdiere he renniined twenty years, engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits, when he removed to St. Clair and assumed the management of "The Oakland " in May, 
188'.'. He was married in the year istit) to .Miss Debliy .1. Sturtevanl. Tiiey have two children — Blanc'he and 
^largaret Castle. 

GUSTAVUS STRAUSS, of the firm of G. Strauss & Sons, leading grocers, was born- in Bavaria, Ger- 
many, in August. 18>'."). He came to St. Clair in 18-">4, and clerked in the general store of his brother Fred- 
erick, who was a leading merchant of St. Clair at that time, in IS.")(i. he went to Port Huron, and to Grand 
Haven in 18.")!l : from thence, in 18(iO, he went to Grand Rapids. In the fall of ls(i4 he went to Detroit, wliere 
he remained until August, I'^ti"), when he returned to St. Clair and established a small grocery store in a lit- 
tle, old, one-story frame building. His business gradually increase<l until March, 1870, when his store and a 
portion of the goods were burned ; but he was fully insured and did not sustain much loss thereby. He built 
a large brick block the same year, which he has since occupied. They are doing an annual l)usiness of $5'>.- 
000, wliich is gra<lually increasing. ^Ir. Strau.ss was married in 18.^4 to Miss Uosina Hueber, by whom he has had 
four children ; of these three are living, viz.; Frederick C. and Christian R., who are his partners ui business, 
and Amelia M. ]Mr. S. is a member of the Ti\itheran Church. 

•VLKXANDER THO.MSON, farmer. Section 30, I'. (). St. Clair, is a native of Scotland, and was horn 
July ■,'4, ls<'^4. After coming to this country, he lived one year on the Hudson River above West Point; then 
lived in Binghamton four years; then removed to Canada and lived there four years; and then came to Port 
Huron. He is a carpenter and millwright by trade, an<l has been connected with sawmills for the past twenty- 
five years. Was with Avi'ry. Murphy & Co., sixteen y<>ars Superintendcnl of their mills. He owns a good farm 
of forty acres well improved. In 1817, he married Miss Jane Given, a native of Scotland; she died in 187(5, 
and left five children -William, Robert, Jane, George and Alexander. In 1877, he married Elizabeth Johnson; 
.she is a native of Scotland. 

B. V. VAX EPS. farmer and mill owner. Section ".2.5, P. O. St. Clair, is a luitive of Xew York State, and 
was born in Sclienectady County, February 10. 180S. His parents removed to Herkimer (.bounty in 1810, and 
he grew up there until nineti'cn years old; then removed to JelTerson County, and lived there until 1.840, when 
he came to this State and settled' in this county at St. Clair, and in the spring of is.53. bought the land where 
he now lives; it was all covered with tiniber: he cut the road from Jordan Creek to liis place. TTe cleared his 
land and made his farm, and engaged in f.-irming for twenty-five years. In 1S7S, he bought a mill and en- 
fjaged in milling at .St. Clair, and carried on the business four years, until his mill property was destroyed by 
lire. He married Miss Harriit Caswell, a native of Xew York State; she died July .">, 18S1, leaving one 
daughter, now Mrs. Charles McMillen. living in this county. Mr. Van Eps married .Mrs. Caroline Loomis, 
Jidv 13. 1882, she is a native of New York State, and has one son— Charles Loomis. livim; in Rock County. 
Wi's. 

CHARLES 11. WATERT>00. was born in Lincolnshire, village of Wrawby. England. January 11. 1821. 
and is a son of George Waterloo, a native of the same coimty. His mother's inaiden name was Aley Bell. 



684 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



Our sub.ieet is the second of si.v childven. The familj' came to Detroit in 1830. wlien the Indians and wild 
animals were mimerons, and in a few months removed to Redford, thirteen miles west of Detroit. In 1837, 
the family came to Columbus Township, this county, and cleared up a farm. For the past twent_7 years Mr. 
Waterloo has lived in St. Clair. He was married ^ovemlier 14, 1844, to Mary J. Beel)e. a cousin of Judge 
Beebe, of New York City. They have eight clnldren— W. Stanley, Althea (Campbell). A. Belle (Flower;, 
Hattie, C'harles B.. Minnie J. (Conway), "Lucy K. and Willis B. " The latter is on the Chicago Tribune; 
Stanley is editor and part owner of the Evening Chronicle, of St. Louis. Mo., and Charles is in the First 
National Bank of St. Clair. From 1863 to 1866, he held the office of Register of Deeds of St. Clair County. 
He is now serving the third term as City Assessor for St. Clair. Mr. Waterloo still owns a farm; in politics he 
is Democratic, and in religious views liberal. 

COL. H. WHITING was born February T. 1818, at Batli, Steulien Co., N. Y. His parents John and 
Nancy Carter Whiling. were both natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. Col. Whiting i-eceived 
his earl}' education in the district schools. At the age of thirteen, he left school and engaged for about four 
years as clerk in the store of Whiting i.t Boardman, of Steuben County, Rev, W. E. Boardman. Secretary of 
the Christian Commission at Philadelphia dniing the late war, was a'member of the firm. During his clerkship, 
Mr. Whiting improved his leisure liours by reviewing Kirkham's grammer and Rollin's history. He entered 
the Jlilitary Academy at West Point, in 1836. passing the first examination. No. 51. He graduated in 1840, 
No. 17. in the same class with Gens. Sherman, Thomas and otliers, who have since become distinguished. At 
the time of his graduating, there were very few vacancies to be tilled. Mr. Whiting was assigned as Second 
Lieutenant to the Fifth Infantry, then stationed at Fort Snclling, on the Mississippi. Here Lieut. Whiting 
took a course of Latin, and continued his studies until he was ordered to Florida. In 1841, his regunent was 
sent to Jefferson Barracks below St. Louis, and soon after was assigned to the upper lakes. Lieut. AVhiting's 
company was ordered to Mackinac, and during his stay here he was appointed Assistant Commissary and 
Acting Assistant Quartermaster. He went with his regiment to Texas in September, 184.5. and reniained 
at Corpus until February, 1816. Having tendered liis re.signatiim, he obtained leave of absence from 
Gen. Taylor for sixty days, with jirivilege to extend it sixty days more on application at Washington. He 
joined his family at St. Clair, and within a week took charge of Thompson's Academy at that place. The 
following spring he opened a grammer school in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., continuing to teach a little over a 
year. In 1849, he engaged in the lumber and mercantile business in St. Clair, with Willard Parker and Justin 
Rice, under the tirni name of Parker. Whiting & Co. In 1849, Mr. Rice died, and the firm was known as 
Parker & Whiting until 18.51, when Mr. Parker took the lumber business, and Mr. Whiting became sole pro- 
prietor of the mercantile business. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, he offered his services to the Governor 
of Michigan, but was informed that the Colonels for the Fifth Regiment appointed to Michigan, had already 
been appointed. He was immediately afterward appointed Colonel of the Second Vermont Regiment. His 
regiment moved to the front at once, "and took part in the first battle of Bull Run: they received a note of 
thanks from the Vermont Legislature for their gallant conduct during that disastrous" day. This regiment 
covered the retreat from Centreville to Washington. Col. Whiting received from the men under his com- 
mand a hand.some present, consisting of a costly .sword, sash, set of pistols and full equipments for his hor.se. 
It was wholly unexpected, and coming from such a source, it was naturally very gratifying to him. His 
regiment participated in the battle of "Lee's Mills, Williamsburg and covered the retreat from Richmond to 
Savage Station, October*^, 1863. The CoUmel was placed in command of the Vermont Brigade, and took 
part in the battle of Fredericksburg, under Gen'. Burnside. In 1863, he resigned his jiosition "in the armyand 
resumed business as a merchant in St. Clair. Here he still resides surrounded by a liappv family. Col. 
Whiting has Ijeen twice married. His tirst wife died January 26. 18.58. In October, 1859, he married Mary T. 
Rice, sister of his former wife. He has had a family of eleven children, of whom nine are living. He "was 
himself one of a family of twelve children. In 1858, Mr. Whiting was elected Regent of the University of 
Michigan, and served in that capacity for nearly six years. While on the Board "he was Chairman of" the 
Committee on the Scientific Course in the University, and during his term the standard of admission to that 
course was raised; the course of .study in French and German was also extended from one to two years. It 
would be in keeping here to remark that at that time, Mr. Whiting advocated the admission of women to the 
University, which measure was not adopted until ten or twelve years later. The Colonel has been a member 
of the Methodist Church for thirty years. His son Justin R. W'hiting, l)ecame partner in the business in 1871, 
and the firm is Whiting & Son; they carry a large .stock, doing an annual business of 175.000. It is the 
inoneer business house of St. Clair, now located corner of Front and Jay streets, in Whiting's three story 
brick block. 

JUSTIN R. WHITING, of the firm of H. Whiting & Son, St. Clair, was born in the village of Bath, 
Steuben County, N. Y., February 18, 1847. lie came to St. Clair with his parents in 1849. His early educa- 
tion was obtained in the Union Schools of St. Clair, and afterw;ird attended the Michigan University at Ann 
Arbor; he entered the class of 1867, and left at the close of the .sophomore year. The "following year he re- 
turned to St. Clair and became a partner with his father in the mercantile business, in which they are still 
siiccessfully engaged. He was married in 1868, to Miss Emily F. Owen, by whom he has six children ; viz.; 
Nellie, John, Pamelia, Blanche, Bruce and Rosamond. Mr" Whiting is "a Mason of the highest order, viz.: 
that of Knight Templar, and has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Clair 
for the past ten years. He was elected Mayor of the city in 1879; has been a member of the School Board for 
the past four years, and is a member of the City Council Mr. Whiting took an active part in causing the 
mineral well to be sunk at this place, and the founding of the Female Seminary of St. Clair is largely due to 
his efforts, both by earnest labor and assisting with money. He is a public spirited man, and labors' for the 
general good of St, Clair and vicinity, 

E. C. WILLIAMS, farmer, Secti'on 6, P, O. Smith Creek, is a native of Canada and was born Peliruary 
4, 1821. After reaching manhood he was united in marriage January 25, 184'3, to Miss Polly Hubble, a native 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIIl COUNTr. 685 

of Canada, and two ycar.s later, in IS44. they started from Canada for Illinois; upon reaching Yp.><ilanti tliey 
concluded not to go further west. He traded a _yoke of oxen for eighty acres of land where he now lives, anil 
started to settU^ upon it. and it took theui eight days. The night I)efore they arrive(l here their hill was $ l..")0 
and be only had |1 lo pay it with. They arrived at their destination, where they now live, in March. IN-ll, 
The land was all covered with lindier and ho liegaii clearing it; he liegan cutting logs, and then engaged in 
luniberiug, and afterward wi'nt in the stave liusiness, and all the time clearing liis farm, and since tlK'^i has 
been engaged in farming and lumliering. ^Mr. and Mrs, Williams are among the oldest and most successful 
settlers here. They have ten children— George. Reddick, Charles, Wilmer. Guy. Allhea (now Mrs. Simpson, 
Detroit). Maria (now Jlrs. Hrayman). Ida (now Mrs. Staley). May (at home), Helle (at home), 

MIROX WILUAMS. capitalist, Murysville, is a native of Bennington County, Vl,, and was horn in the 
town of Bennington .I(uieiitli. ISlii. When only three years of age his parents came to Ohio and -located on the 
Western Reserve. lie lived there until seventeen years of age. then worked at enr])enler I rade at Canton, and 
Massillouand also at Cleveland, While at the latter place he hired out to a millwright, named Wells, for 
three years. In June, in;i2. he came lo Si. Clair County on the olil steamtioaL (iratioland l.-inded a1 I'nelc 
Billy Brown's place on the river. He began working at his trade. The same year hclpeil build Ihc olil Black 
River steam mill. Built several mills in (Canada and many in this State, He built more nulls whih' in the 
business than anj' other millwright in the State. He bought out and ran a saw mill, grist null and carding 
mill at Belle River. He afterwards bought a share in a saw mill at Xewport (now Marine City), He built a 
mill at Detroit and was there two years, then ret(u-ncd to Newport, He was there bi,t a short lime when he 
enga,ged more extensively in tlu^ lumber business; bought a large amount of pine land; bought one mill and 
built .mother at ilarysviile anil an interest in another at Al.gonac: had lumi)er yards in Huron. Fremont, 
Toledo, and Chatluiin. in (Janada, and also shipped to Chicago and transacted a'largeanil e.Mcnsive trad<'i 
owning from eight to ten thousan<l acres of ])inc land, and during his business life lost a large fortune by tires 
and by the failures of olhers, lie continued in the lumber business vuitil 187.5. Dispo.sedoi' his pine and hun- 
licr business and retired to his farm on th(; river where he now lives. He is one of the oldest settlers in the 
County, and his success in life is owing to his own efforts, Mr, Williams married Mis^ Mary Gallay-her. of 
Belle River, this Coimty. in February, bSiS. 'I'hey had ten ehildri'n— William ('died when two years 'of age). 
.John G, (was killed in the lumber woods .January, 187if, he was thirty years of age), .Mary (now Mrs, x! 
Jlillsi, Hanmdi (now Mrs. C, Xeal), lOnnnainow !\Irs. H, !\fcMorran), Pru'dence (now .^Irs, C. Dale), Florence 
{mm- Mrs, G, Kimball), David (married and living in Port Hiu-ou). Adaline (at home), an<l Eineline(now .Mrs 
A. .T, Beardslev), 

HENRY WOLF, Section '21. P, (),, St, (;iair, was born in Mechlinberg, Germany, ISIT, Emigrated to 
America ui \X'>'t and came lo this county the same year, and bought the land where lie now lives, cleared it 
of limber and unide his farm, and since then has lived here and engaged in farming— owns his farm of ninety- 
nine acres. In 1810 ho married Miss Julia Christ. She was born in l^russia. Thov have two children — .lohn 
and Bertha, 

JOHN F, W'OIiVEX. proprietor of Wolvcn's planing mill, sash, door and blind factory. Front street, 
was born October ■"), 1.840, in Xew Vork State. He received a common school education, and at the age of 
eighteen years began lo work at the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, which business ho has pursued 
until the present time. He first began the Inisiness by hand, bul as success attended his elTorls .-ind business 
increased, he began to add machinery. (I-\)r a description of his factory see the chapter on manufactories.) 
.Midi Wolven's parents were of German descent, and located at St.- Clair about the year 184.'). He married 
Miss Delila Stevens, who aflerward died. Ho afterward married Caroline BallamV. liv whom he has two 
children — Georu'c F.. and P>erllia F, 

PETER W'OLVEX, farmer. Section 'i-i. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Ulster County. X. Y., and was born 
September T. 1818. He was In'ouglit up lo manhood in that State, and was married "Novemlxir 18. 1812, to 
Miss Jlary Ann McCartney, of Yates County, X, Y. In September. 184."), they started for .Michi;;;in. came by 
team to St. Clair, and were liftei'ii days on the way. The following year tliev"sellled on the place where they 
now live ; it was all covere<l with timber; ho built a shanty and cleared the land and made his farm, and 
since then, for the past thirty seven years thev have lived on the farm, and are flic oldest seniors now- livini;- 
here. He owns a farm of cighty-si.\ acres. \Vhen they came to this county, llicy only had money enough lo 
buy one barrel of flour and one liundred pounds of pork. During the war, .Mr. Wolv'en cnlisled 'in ihc Liii'lit 
Artillery, and served three years. Was in the siege of Vicksburg and sieu'c of Allania, and olliei- lai^ase- 
ments. His eldest son. Joseph, served in the Battery of Artillery.'' Mr. ami Mrs, Wolveii have four cliiTrhrn 
-Cornelius. Horace, Peter, Charles; and have lost four cliililre'u— Joseph died of disease contraeti'd in llie 
army. Jiaria. infant son, William II. 

SAMl'EL H. WOODIUFF was born December :51. 1814, in Troy, N. Y.; his parents were Cyrus and 
Miriam Woodruff, thi! former a native of Connectieul. and the latter of Xew Hampshire. Mr. AVoodrulf re- 
ceived his education in the eominon schools of Massachusetts; when vol a boy. he learned llie carriage and 
w^agou maker's trade. In IS32. lie came to St. Clair, and worked at his trade uiitil 18.-).-). when he wont to Xew 
York City, and worked under instrui-tion al the carpenter and joiner trade until 1841, and then returned. In 
1840. he married Miss Elizabeth Walker, by whom he has had four children ; three of these arc living, viz.: 
John S.. Cyrus H. and Elizabeth Solis; one daughter. Jennie, died in .\ugnsl. 1871, at the age of twent'v-lwo 
years. 

JAMES P, WORDEX. livery, was born in China Township, this county. September 14. 1832, He is the 
son of Clark Worden, and fhi' youngest of si,\ children. He left home at the auo of Iwi-lve vears, and wen 
on the steamer Huron, then the jiroperly of E, B, Ward ; he learned the business of steamboat ciigince 
which he t'ollowed all his life until 1880," He saw .some rough times while on the waters. The boat w- 
wrecked on Lake Ontario in 187.5. and picked up by another boat. He was on the Atlantic just prior to ' '^ 
being wrecked, when |(Mi people were lost. He was married January 2:i, I8;)3, to Miss Esther Houston 



6S6 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUXTY. 



whom he had one daughter — Florence (deceased). Mr. H. ha.-; held first-class certificate as chief engineer for 
over twenty vears. He run some of the best steamers on the lakes, and was always successful. 

JAMES G. WORTZ. City Marshal, was born in Chatham, Ontario, December 30, 18iS, and is a son of 
Martin Wortz, of China Township, who was born in TVurtemburg, Germany, in November, 1832, came to 
New York in 1831, went to Ohio in 1842 and lived there three years, then went to Canada, where James G. 
was born. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education. He came to 
Michigan in April. 1S57. and to St. Clair in 1860. For eleven years he engaged in lumbering: while lumber- 
ing in Iosco County. Mich., he held the offices of Justice of the Peace for four years, and Supervisor one and 
on^-half years. He was elected to his present office in May. 1882. 

NICHOLAS ^VUXDERLEICH. farmer, .Section 15. P." O. St. Clair, was born in Bohemia August 8, 1816 ; 
he emigrated to the United States in 18.50, and came to this county the same year, and bought eighty acres of 
Land, and put up a little house, and began clearing his land and made a farm ; in 1859, he went to "Memphis, 
and the following year came on the land wheie he now lives, and cleared it and made this farm, and since 
then for the past twenty-two years has lived here. In 1811, he married Sliss Catharine Geosler, a native of 
Germany ; she died April 4, 1860 ; they had sis children, four of whom are living — Catharine, Fred, Nicho- 
las. Lucetta ; he has lost two sons — Charles and ilichael: they both served in the army, and Charles was 
killed in battle. Mr. Wunderleich has accumulated what he owns by his own industry. He and Peter Bell 
are the oldest German settlers in this town. 

NICHOLAS ZIMMER, farmer. Section 20, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Germany, and was born in Prus- 
sia November 5, 1834. He emigrated with his parents to this country in 1853, and tliey came to this count}' 
the same year, and settled in this town, where the}- now live ; cleared the land and made their farm. Nicho- 
las went up to Lake Superior and was in the copper mines two years ; then returned and went in sawmill 
and was engaged in lumbering until 1865 : then came on his farm, and since then has resided here, owns a 
good farm of 120 acres. He has held the offices of Town Treasurer three years, and Highway Commissioner. 
He married Miss Margaret Kessler .January 17, 1863 ; she was bom in Prussia ; they have seven children — ilat- 
thias, Barbara, Joseph, John, Charles, Regina, Peter. 




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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIF COUXTY. 687 



COTTRELLVILLE TO WNSHIP AND MARINE CITY. " 

A reference to the Organic Chapter of the general history points oat the organization of 
this town so early as 1S22. with A. Hemminger as Supervisor. In the general histiry also ap- 
pear the names of its pioneer settlers —the Cotterals (Cottrell'si, Wards. Browns, etc. The land 
rises gradully from the river; is fertile, and must be considered among the rich agricultural 
lands of the county, the marsh, running back from the river, being perhajw the only exception, 
and this is capable of cultis ation. Marine City and Roberts' Landing are the only centers of popu- 
lation in the township. The population in 1845 was 727; in 1S54. 1.442: in ISG4. 1.930; in 
1870. 2.371: and in IsS(\ 2.(104. The equalized valuation is S600.000; number of acres, 13.- 
011, and number of children of school age. 941. 

E.\RLY LAND BCYER^:. 

The land biivers on Section K^ were: Sardem Smith in 1S32: John Smith in 1S33; Reu- 
ben Smith. Job L. Smith, William Smith, in 1S35: Samuel Ward. W. A. Bacon in 1836. On 
Section 11, James and William Brown and Samuel Ward located lands in 1S33. Bosiel Petit 
and Gabriel Richards located lands on Section 12: William Brown on Section 14. in 1833. J. 
Wright, J. Broadbridgp. D. F. Healy. and Edward Kean in 1833-34. on Section 15. James 
Mclntire. R. Smart. George Mclntire, James P. Mini. R. Clark and George Clark on Sec 
tion 19. in 1836: David Seuter. Warner Stewai-t. Darius Lamson, H. Wilcox, J. Dunlap and 
D. F. Healy on Section IS, in 1836. 

Lands on Section 19 were piu'chased by A. M'estbrookin 1831-32. and Samuel Haywood. IJra 
Marks and Healy in ]836. Section 20 was entered in 1835-36 by John Cook, Robert Harlow, 
Phillip Rikert. Mathias Rikert. Isaac F. Yanderbilt. George Mclntire. Elisha Tyler and R. 
Clark. Nathan Ward. Elliot Gray and George W. Gallagher entered 277 acres on Section 21. 
in 1835-36. Silas Campbell located on Section 22 in February. 1S33: Peter Hart, on Section 
27 in 1835; James Pitcaim.John K. Smith. Abraham Smith, Angus Smith and John R. Smith 
on Section 2S, in 1S35-36. Giirdon Kimball. C. W. Xewhall. Frederick Thompson, Benjamin 
Barker and R. Stewart on Section 29. in 1835-36. Westbrook. Stewart and Dunlap entered 
Section 30 in 1828-36. Jones and Luce located lands in Section 31 in 1836. 

Samuel Ward located eighty acres in Section 2 in 1833: Loitis Chortier, William Brown. 
Jr., in 1834; Thomas Emerson and L. Beardsley in 1836. .John Rector, Chester Kimball, C. 
W. Xewhall, .John Landon, B. H. Norton, Luce and Jones and James Pitcaim on Section 33, in 
1834-36. George Preston located on Section 3 in 1834; Elisha Fish. W. B. Ranke. Daniel 
F. Hart. Peter Hart in 1835: Joel Tucker. B. U. Shaqx Thomas Emerson and Thomas Fin- 
cont in 1836. Aaron G. Peiry. G. Kimball, W. H. Drake entered lands on Section 32 in 1835- 
36. Jacob Warner. Anne Richards. W. .\.. Bacon. S. Ward and Lorin Baldwin located lands 
on Section 4 in 1836. Maiy Peckham, Jerr}- Marks, L. Beardsley at:d Bowen ^\'hiting on Sec- 
tion 5, in 1836. Robert Pringle on Section 6. in 1836. Henry Wilcox, James Loomis. Felix 
M. Williams, on Section 7 in 1S36. Dan Wilkins. Dan H. Hathaway, Darius Lawson. Henry 
Wilcox, George Clark, Kerchewall and Healy on Section S. in 1S36; Henry Cottrell. Robert R. 
McNiffon Section 9, in 1836. Daniel Hart. Jacob Kendall. Lucia A. Tucker, and Enoch Jones 
located on Section 34 in 1833-36. The private claims in this township are knawn as Xos. 186. 
187, 188, 190. 191, 196. 197, 198, 200. 20'J. 203. 204. 200. 245. 252, 253. 301, 308. 309. 311. 
3 IS, 568. and 598. A description of each of these claims is given in the general history of 
the county. 

REMINISCENCES. 

The following hi.storical reminiscences were published in the Marine City Reporter in 
1881, by a settler who \n-ote under the nom de pliuiie — "One Who Was There:" 



688 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

I was born in what is now known as the township of CottrellviDe the iSth day of October, 
1808. on what is now commonly known as the Tom Robertson farm and have never since lost a 
residence here, and flatter myself that I know something of the history of the township and its 
inhabitants. The growth and vicissitude of the settlements along St. Clair River has to me many 
points of interest, and, I judge, might for some of your readtu's. At the tim? of my birth there 
were but few settlers in this county, the nearest large settlement being Detroit, and that was a 
mere hamlet. The families of note in this vicinity were Capt. Harrow's. Pascal Potva's that 
occupied the farm now occupied by 0" Leary, and what is now the Roberts farm was occupied by 
Nicholas Huflmaster and owned by John Grant, a local mogul among the few French settlers at 
Grosse Point. Samuel Crable occupied what is now the il. Fitzgerald farm. W illiam Thorne, 
father of Maj Thorne. who died at Port Huron, owned and occupied that land now owned by J. 
J. Spinks and T Fitzgerald. He died there and is buried underneath the large pear tree that 
now stands near the bank of the river. A man named Roe lived on what is now the Lumby 
farm, and the next was the Robertson farm. Our nearest neighbor on the north was Joseph 
Minnie. Then came David Cottrell, William Brown, father of -James D. and Charles Brown. 
George Cottrell, father of the present Capt. George, and John Cottrell, who lived in a log 
house near the mouth of the creek that empties iato St. Clair River near Richard Cottrell's 
fai-m. These families formed what was known as the Cottrellville settlement. About a mile 
north on Belle River was what was known as the Diichene settlement, comprising the families 
of Duchene, Niehola, Biu'deneau. Lozo. Geror and Tax. Xo one surrounded with the advan- 
tages of to-day can understand the hardships endured by these early settlers; farming was the 
only employment, and this was unlucrative as there were no mai'kets, and our money was our 
few farm products which soon became interchangeable at stated values. Bets on horse-racing 
would generally be for so many bushels of oats, and it became a matter of interest, especially 
to the horses, as the horse that was beaten generally went hungry until the new crop was har 
vested. Imagination cannot picture the miseries brought upon us by the war of 1812. After 
the cowardly surrender of Hull, the Indians became troitblesome. and there was no time for 
months when we were safe from their depredations. I can distinctly remember of mother hi-d- 
ing us children in the willows and keeping us there For five days, as our lives were endangered. 
Om- family was marked by the British and Indians, for special persecutions on account of the 
older boys being in the American Army. About this time a teiTible tragedy was enacted near 
Bunt's Creek, a few miles south of Port Huron. Five soldiers started from the stockade at Ft. 
Gratiot for Detroit in a small boat. A company of Indians tinder Tawas, a half-breed, was at this 
point awaiting them. When the soldiers were nearly opposite, a white flag was raised and the 
soldiers started for the shore. When near the shore, the Indians tired into the boat, killing 
instantly four of the live soldiers: the tifth, unhurt, escape:! by swimming the river. The Cot- 
trellville settlement then built a stockade for their own protection. It stood ttpon the Rous- 
sell farm, bttt it was never used. Matters became so desperate that every family in the settle 
ment went to Canada and donned the British allegiances for protection All went except Mrs. 
Harrow, and she stubbornly held the fort alone. Our family moved to the banks of Little Bear 
Creek, and occupied an old log house, the most costly piece of fmmiture being the mttd hearth 
and the oiled jsaper. substitute for glass. The warmth of our tire would at night attract unwhole- 
some guests. Many times have we in the morning seen black snakes coiled upon the hearth, but 
they were extremely accommodating, and retired upon the tirst invitation. This manner of 
living was continued until the Americans had again taken possession of Detroit, when our family 
removed to that place, where we stayed until 1815, when we returned to our old settlement. The 
tine-haired young men of to-day wottld be shocked could they but see the clothes I then wore. 
I p to the time I was five years old my whole wardi-obe, for winter and summer wear, was a 
tow-sack with a puckering string about the neck and arms, belted down with a string. This 
was tlie whole of it, and it was a handy, if not a handsome outfit. 

After otu' rettirn from Detroit, we stiftered from our absolute destitution; the soldiers. In- 
dians and seemingly everything worked to our injury, but there was btit one way to do — ''grin 
and bear it;" and with all the trouble there was a bright side, and the " company dances" oc- 
cupied the attention of the settlements through the winter, and he who best "cat a pigeon 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COl'XTY. 689 

wing'' was a lion in our little society. One feature of the dance we will give to show Senator 
Farr the progress society has made in the matter of temperance. Some one of the gentlemen 
were supposed to furnish a gallon of whisky or a half dollar, its equivalent, and be was the 
favored partner of the evening, geueralh' designated by a rosette pinned on the lappel of his 
coat by a fair one in recognition of his services toward the pleasiire of the evening. About 
the year 1S19, I think. Capt. Samuel Ward came to the township. He built a house of round 
logs where Dr. Haddin's house now stands. It was, indeed, a primitive structure, contained 
but one jjartition. and was covered with oak shake. His family at that time consisted of his 
wife and son Harrison. Soon after Capt. Ward was settled, a brother-in-law by the name of 
Gallagher came, he being the father of David and John Gallagher. The nest ye.ir. the first 
boat ever built in the town was placed upon the stocks. It was the little schooner St. Clair, of 
about thirty tons burthen. She was built about where the foot of Broadway now is. Galla- 
gher was the master builder and Ward the owner. She was shaped like a canal boat, full ends 
and rudder ''out doors." In this boat Capt. Ward gained his start, peddling pumpkins, pota- 
toes, whisky, etc., which then as now all went lender the head of general merchandise. The 
Captain made some very e.^ctensive trips in this little boat, oue of which was from Green Bay 
to New York. This boat occu])ied his attention for about sis yeai-s. A short time after the St. 
Clair was built, Hem-y Robertson, afterwai'd of Algonac. and Isaac Pomeroy built the schooner 
Grampus on Belle River, directly opposite'of where Morley's yard is now situated. She was 
about the same size of the St. Clair. The iron in this boat was taken from a little schooner 
named the Salem Packet, in which Capt Ward came from Coneaut, and was a part owner. 
About 1830, Capt. Ward built a tannery about where Holland's mill now is; a man named Taft 
run it. It proved a failure, as there was not sufficient business to keep it going; this lasted 
only about two years, whea he took down the tariaery and upoa the spjt manufactured the brick 
from which Holland's ])resent store is built. A man named Hoyt about this time came in to 
tlie settlement and lived where Dr. Parker now lives, in the iirst frame house that was ever 
built in what is now Marine City. Through Ward's influence at this time, a man named Phil- 
ips, a blacksmith by trade, moved into the town and built a house on the Drulard lot This man 
was one of no mean abilities. He was the inventor of the process of manufacturing cut nails, 
but w!is shorn of the benefits ho should have derived from th,e invention, and died poor and dis- 
coiu'aged in Algonac. John Sindal also moved into the settlement: he was a shoe-maker and 
lived near the Ward house in the upper part of the village. He afterward built the frame 
house on the corner of the Klemmens lots, on ilain street, that burned down but a few years 
ago. .\bout this time, Alexander St. Barnard built a frame house where V. A. Saph's residence 
now stands. Capt. Sam was the king of this community, arbitrator of all disputes, and so long 
as he could control, busine.ss was ipiite decent; but he could not, nor would he allow auy one 
else to raise above dependency upon himself if he could help it; yet. notwithstanding this, he 
was socially very agreeable, and always made friends of those he wished to defeat In about 
the year 1831, he built the .schooner ^Marshal Ney. She was a seventy-five ton schooner and 
was the first boat built in Ward's ship yard proper. Her bixiidint; was sup?rintended by Capt. 
Church. Ward sailed his own boats and made money fast, as he had a monopoly of the trade. 
About this time .\unt Emily and her father came and lived in a little log house which stood 
near where Buttironi's store stands. Aunt Emily at this time taught school, and was therefore 
the first school teacher that graced our village. Her life before and after this period was one 
of useful industry, and no family who has resided in this place for any considerable time but 
what has been the recipient of her kindness and a witness of her unqualified goodness of heart. 
The manner in which Capt. Ward paid his carpenters would be a novelty now. The wages averaged 
about 81. .">0 per day. payable half in goods and half in cash in sis months. If a man took 
flour or pork, it was cash, and deducted from his cash account. In this manner but little ready 
cash was needed, as the earpentei-s would be obliged to get goods before the cash was due — a 
collateral feature being that Ward gave his notes for the cash earned by his men. and if they 
wanti^d money he would send them to O. H. Thompson, Ward's broker at Detroit, who would 
shave them tmmercifully. Thompson was afterward superseded by Gleason F. Lewis, now a 
Euclid avenue nabob. 

44 



690 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

I think in the fall of 1834, the schooner Harrison was commenced at Ward's yard. She 
was a vessel of something over one hundred tons, and was built under the supervision of C!apt. 
Cbiirch, a man named Ramsey being foreman. She was not launched until in 1835, and I 
fitted her out. She was exceedingly long and narrow, and somewhat crank, but she was a good 
sailer, being the best then on the lakes. Capt. B. P. Owen sailed her, and E. B. ^V^ard was 
mate. She traded between Chicago, Green Bay. Detroit and Buffalo. E. B. Ward sailed this 
vessel for some time, and we think this was his tir.st sailing. At this time the settlement where 
the village now stands had become quite large. Capt. Drulard, Daniel Wilkins, R. R. Mc- 
Niff, J. C. Brigham, Zeal Ward. Aniasa Rust, Nathan Ward and families had moved in, and 
finding work steady and plenty, they remained. A short time afterward, Joseph Huntoon and 
Mr. Clark, father of Cheney and Henry Clark, came and soon sent for their families. In 1836, 
a man named Coe J. Saliers built the house lately moved by Matt Sicken from his lot on Water 
street to one near his lumber yard. This Saliers was a conundrum that Capt. Ward tried hard 
to solve, but without success, and so long as he lived here he was a thorn in the old man's side. 
In 1839, Capt. Ward conceived the idea of bijilding a steamboat, which even to him was a 
large undertaking, but the hull of the steamer Huron No. 1 was built that year. After the 
hull was built. Ward had no means to purchase machinery, and the boat lay at the wharf for 
nearly two years without anything further being done upon her. E. B. Ward then took the 
matter in hand and in thii case he demonstrated a business activity that was at that time as- 
tonishing. Soon the little Huron was ready for business, and the Wards never owned a boat 
that paid a better percentage on the money invested. There cannot be any doubt of the busi- 
ness shrewdness of Capt. Sam Ward, but it is just as evident that in this line he was discount- 
ed by his nephew Eber, and would not have amassed the wealth he did had it not been for 
the stirring qualities of he who afterward became one of Michigan's most prominent citizens. 
The AVilkins house was commenced in 1837. An event in the history of this house is worth 
mentioning. An entertainment was given in the house and quite a number of our prominent 
citizens took part. J. C. Brigham did the heavy work, in tragedy he was immense, at least we 
thought so. .John Warner and R. R. McNifif supported Brigham in a masterly style, and Reu- 
ben Warnor, the inimitable, would have taken part, we suppose, if he had been a believer or 
hadn't been tired. The receipts of the evening was about .?100. Capt. Ward had some time 
previous to this jjlaced the Huron on the Lake Erie route in opposition to a line of steamers 
occupied in that trade. He made it so exceedingly lively for them that they bought him ofl", a 
condition of the contract was that the Huron should not again be placed on the route; this part of 
the agreement Ward lived up to, but to be exceedingly fair he immediately built the steamer 
Champion, and in 1841 placed her on the route in opposition to his old rivals. She was exceed- 
ingly fast, and they again bought him off, giving him $10,000 to leave the route. He then placed 
the Champion in the Huron's place, running from Chicago to New Buffalo, and brought the 
Huron down here and nan her on the river route. Ward, in 1843, built the steamer Detroit 
and run her from Detroit to the Sault. He in 1846, sold the Huron to John Galagher and 
Eber Ward; they run her from Detroit to Port Huron in opposition to the Erie. It was in 
this boat that EberWard was started and amassed a sufficient amount to fail in good style under 
the pressure of the latepanic, we imderstand that was the cause of it. In 1848, Galagher and 
Ward built the Franklin Moore and used the machinery of the Huron. This or part of the 
same machineiy was placed by D. Lester in the side-wheel tug Wave. In 1848, Capt. Sam 
Ward built the Sam Ward, an exceedingly fine and in every way a good boat. Previous to the 
opening of the Sault canal, this steamer was hauled around the rapids. Capt. George Cottrell 
then sailed her and had charge of the work. She staid upon Lake Sujjerior two or three years 
and when she was brought down run the rapids, a dangerous experiment to say the least. 
About this time a company from Ohio moved in and purchased all the land in the village 
north of Jefferson street, running to Westminster street, they platting that part of the village 
between the two streets. Gen. Northi-up was a head man in this company, and they exerted 
quite an influence here fur awhile, but failing to meet their payments the property soon found 
its way back into AVard's hands. In 1845, the Oregon was built on Belle Rivei-, where the one 
upon the stocks in Lester's yard now stands. She was owned by John P. Philips and Capt. 



HISTORY OF ST. (LAIR COUNTY. 691 

Panifboru superintended her building. She was finisliod superbly and was considered a tiuo 
craft. She burned at Chicago in 1SI9. 

John P. Philips soon after built the high-pressiu'e steamer Ain(>rica at i'ort Huron, Will- 
iam Kelly being his foreman. This boat was not a success and broke Philips. Ihiancially. 
The last I heard of him he was interested in a small mill on Pino River, a small stream (empty- 
ing into Saginaw Bay, near Kitie River. In speaking of William Kelly, we should say that he 
had been at work in the ship-yards here, and after he was through at Port Huron, returning 
soon after, married a daughter of Amasa Rust, and he became interested with the Rust family 
in the lumbering and mereantil(> busiue.ss. He proved, as is well known, an excellent busi- 
ness man and accunmlated considerable wealth here, and aside from this was a most worthy 
citizen. Some time previous to this, the Rust boys built the schooner Vermont. She was a 
thirty-ton hooker and a very ungainly looking craft. This was the first boat the Rusts ever 
owned, and it was an ugly looking start for so much success. Aloney Rust was the ])rincipal 
owner. After they had disposed of the schooner, they built the mill that formerly stood where 
V. L. Souer's store now stands. They received considerable assistance from Capt. Ward, 
who furnished them the engine and some other necessaries, and allowed them to pay him in 
sawing. For some time they did nothing but custom work until, through the influence of 
friends, they procured a tract of pine land on Mill Creek. The Rusts were energetic men in 
their business, and amassed large fortunes. About tvventy-tive years ago, the machinery was 
taken out of this mill and taken to Saginaw. Capt. Ward in the meantime had been busy in 
his ship-yard building some of the finest boats that have ever been built on the lakes, and 
much nicer than any that are now built. But little attention was paid at that time to freight, 
the boats being fitted out especially for the passenger trade, and that traffic was tremendous at 
that time. I have seen 800 passengers on the Oregon, each of which paid §18 for the trip from 
Buffalo to Chicago, and her run through would, i ucluding her stops, take about five days. She made 
money. Ward, in 1849, built the steamer Atlantic. She was an elegant boat of 1.100 tons. 
She was sunk by the propeller Ogdensburg in Lake Erie, many lives being lost at th(> time. 
Nothing was built to speak of for some time; but in 1851 no less than foiu- side-wheel steamers 
were built here — the Arctic. Ruby, Pearl and Caspian. The Ruby was built by Eber Ward 
in the yard now occupied by D. Lester, Esq., and the others were built by Sam and E. B. 
Ward in Ward's yard. The .Arctic was wi-ecked ob Lake Su]>erior in 1800. The Ruby was 
broken up at Saginaw in IStjT); the Pearl was dismantled in 1809, and the Caspian was wrecked 
at Cleveland in 187)2. I should have spoken of the steamer Pacific, built by "Ward in 1847, 
under the supervision of -Jacob Woolverton. She was of exceedingly lirm model and was the 
fastest boat of her size ever built by Ward. In 1852, the Wards built the steamer Huron No. 
2 and the Traveler. Nearly every person of any age can remember these boats, as th(>y were 
both good boats and run for many 3'ears. In 1858, they built the E. K. Collins and Forester. 
The engine of the Collins was taken out of the steamer Canada, a boat that it was alleged Ward 
got through some sleight of hand performance. The Collins burned at Maiden in 1854. She 
was afterward raised, or at least what there was left of her, and called the Ark. The engines 
of the Ark afterward went into the steamer Marine City. The Forester never run on any but 
the river route and was a remarkably good boat. In 1854, M. B. Kean built the side- wheel tug 
R. R. Elliot. Sh(> was turned into a barge in 18(U). Ward, in 1855, built a hull for the Collins 
engine. It was the Planet. She was one of the best boats that Ward ever owned, very fortu- 
nate and popular. She was dismantled at Manitowoc, and part of the old boat can be found in 
the make-up of the steamer Northwest. The same y(\ar, Eber Ward built the steamer Forest 
Queen. She, a majority of the time she was in existence, run in the Saginaw trade and was 
a very successful steamer. Ward built no more until 1858, when the Gazelle was brought out. 
She was wrecked in 1800 at Eagle Harbor In 1859, he built the Sea Bird. She was burned 
in 1868 on Lake Michigan, and in 1800 he built the Comet that is now doing good work. 

THE DIVISION OF COTTRIOLLVILLE. 

The town of Cottrellville embraced the present township of Clay, until the division in 
May, 1828. previous to which there were two town mooting-i held in Cottrellville. The people 



692 HLSTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

of Clay, looking forward to the time when a division would be made by common consent, 
called their district Plaintiold. The circumstance which led to the division was, that Capt. Sam- 
uel Ward, one of the early settlers of the county, a prominent business man, a good neighbor, 
and an earnest politician, with whom a compromise was impossible, made a series of nomina- 
tions of town officers to be voted for in April, 1828. Learning that the people of Clay were 
opposed to his selections, he determined to ignore their vote, on the plea that they were resi- 
dents of Plainfield and had no voting privileges in Cottrellville at the town meeting. The 
Clayites met in John K. Smith's office, resolved to vote in Cottrellville, and if their votes were 
rejected to return and hold an election of their own. At an early hour on town meeting day, 
the Clayites appeared at the poll; but only to learn that their votes could not be received, upon 
which they returned to Mr. Smith's and there elected a full set of town officers. Before sep- 
arating, a petition was drawn up and sigued, asking^ the Legislative Council to legalize the act 
of the people and to establish the boundaries of their new township. At this time Judge Bnnce 
was representing the district in the Territorial Council, and through him the petition was pre- 
sented. The Judge claimed imn-ediate consideration for a bill to relieve the electors of Clay, 
which bill was passed and received ex. ap. May 28, 1828. It is said that Capt. Ward did not 
relish the division of Cottrellville, for at that time there were more votei's in Clay than in the 
old town. He could not but look with a jealous eye on the dispatch used by Judge Bimce in 
the Council, and consenuently became the flrst and most bitter political enemy, of the Judge 

SUl'ERVISORS. 

John S. Fish, 1827; Amasa Hemminger, 1828; George Cottrell, 1829-30; Amasa Hem- 
minger, 1831; Samuel Ward, 1832-33; David Cottrell, lS3-t-37; Commissioners Board, 1838- 
41; David Cottrell, 1842-15; Zael Ward, 184G; Sol. Gardner, 1847; David Cottrell, 1848-54; 
Aloney Rust, 1855; David Cottrell, 1856; William F. Chipman, 1857-60; Samuel Roberts, 
1861; William F. Chipman, 1862; Samuel Roberts, 1803; William F Chipman. 1864-65; V. 
A. Saph, 1866; N. S. Boynton, 1867; David Cottrell, 1868; Samuel Roberts, 1869; B. S. 
Horton, 1870-71; V. A. Saph. 1872-73; P. J. Kean, 1874-75; C. A. Blood, 1876-82. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEArE. 

John P. Phillips, 1837; Duthan Northrnp, 1838; Henry A. Caswell, 1839; Samuel Hay- 
ward, 1839; David Cottrell, 1840; John P. Phillips, 1841; Zael Ward, 1842; Reuben Smith, 
1843; Solomon Gardner, 1S43; David Cottrell, 1844; John Button, 1845; Solomon Gardner, 
1846; Reuben Smith, 1847; T. C. Owen, 1848; David Cottrell. 1848; Reuben Warner, 1849; 
David O'Dell, 1850; Frederick H, Blood, 1851; D. Cottrell, 1852; Daniel F. Hart, 1853; D. 
D. O'Dell, 1854; A. Gilchrist, 1856; Joseph Rickorson, 1857; William Duncan, 1857; D, F. 
Hart, 1857; David Lester, 1858; William Duncan, 1859; James Bushnell, 1860; William A. 
Cnttr-11, 1860; Jacob H. Randall, 1861; D. F. Hart, 1861; D.Lester, 1862; S. Roberts, 1862; 
N. Frasor, 1862; V. A. Saph, 1863; George Langell, 1864; Daniel F. Hart, 1865; Sylvester 
Donaldson. 1866; V. A. Saph, 1867; James Riekerson. 1867; Eph. H. Butler, 1868; Ki-ider 
Peter, 1869; Ramol Bell, 1870; Sylvester Donaldson, 1871-74; E. H. Butler, 1874; R. R. McNifif, 
1872-73; W. B. Morley, 1875; James Stephenson, 1876; T. E.Butler, 1877; S. Donaldson, 1878; 
J. A. Wonsey, 1879; Nelson Woodworth, 1880; Albert Stephenson, 1881; Truman Butler, 
1881; F. C. Blood, 1882. 

The Republican ticket was elected in 1882, as follows: Supervisor — C. A. Blood; Town- 
ship Clerk— E. T. Huntoon; Treasurer— W. S. Roberts; Justice of the Peace— F. C. Blood; 
Highway Commissioner — R. Folkerts; Drain Commissioner — J. D. Hill; School Inspector — 
One year, E. M. Clark; two years, R. Baird; Constables — I. G. Marks, William Shortie, J. 
Bennett and E. Frank. 

The township of Cottrellville voted in A])ril, 1882, to bond itself for $8,000 for the pur- 
pose of stoning or macadamizing the lower marsh road from the lower bridge to Smith's cor- 
ner. Heretofore all efforts to this effect proved fruitless. 

The persons liable to pay State tax in Cottrellville Township January 1, 1837, were Amasa 
Hemminger, Fulger & Bellamy, Phillips, Robertson, and Miles, and Samuel Hayward, all 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU C'OUI^TY. 693 

traders. Henry Cottroll, Louis Chortier, Philander llice, H. A. Caswell and WiJliaui Brown, 
tavern-keepers, and Cole G. Salyer, grocer. 

Robert's Laiulinjj is the name of a small settlement or postal village of Cottrellvillo Town 
ship, about twelve miles below St. Clair City, and three north of the old village of Algonac. 
The manufacture of handles at this point was carried ou I'xteusively by \V. C. and AV. S. Itob- 
erts. This, with the tishing business, furnished the main industries of the locality. 

V1LL.A.GE OF .MARINU CITY. 

The village of Marino was incorporated under authority of the Legislative Act, &])proved 
March 21, 1805. The election of village officers took place April 3, 18G5, resulting as follows: 
D. Lester, Prt^sident; AVilliam Kelly, Clerk; A. B. Clough, Treasurer; Aloney Rust and B. 
S. Horton, Assessors; D. H. Westcott, George H. Cottrell and W. T. Chipman. Street Commis- 
sioners; William Pringle and Aaron G. Westbrook, Fire Wardens; D. Westcott, Poundmaster; 
B. S. Horton. W. T. Chijiman, J. W. Backus, D. H. Westcott. Alexander Gilchrist, D. Gallaher, 
Trustees. The inspectors of this charter election were D. Lester, I. "Wilkins, and A. B. Clough, 
with Isaac M'ilkius, Clerk. B. S. Horton was appointed Clerk on April 13, and J. W. Backus, 
Fire Warden, to till vacancy. 

The village records from 1860 to 1870, cannot be found at date of writing. In 1867, Val- 
entine A. Saph was elected President, and in 1871, D, Lester. 

1876— President. L. B. Parker; Trustees. G. Francis, R. Holland, (t. Koenig, W. B. 
Morley, J, C. Darling atd A. McElroy. 

1877 — President, Gregory Francis; Trustees, G. Koenig, V. L. Souer, F. Hart, A. B. 
Clough, W. B. Morley, George King, A. McElroy. 

1878 — President, A. B. Clough; Trustees, Volma, A\'oodworth, Hart, Bennett, Francis, 
Souer, 

1879— President, W. B. Morley; Trustees, S. Duff, J. Bernetz, J. Dornoff. 

1880— President, Frank Hart; Trustees. H. Koebel, W. Jones, N. Staley, G. S. Donohue. 

1881— President, Rol)ert Holland; Trustees. J. Woods. W, .inderson, j". Dornoff. 

1882— President, Valentine Saph; Trustees, J. Robertson, N. Staley, Dr. R. B. Baird, W, 
B. Morley, J. Woods, W. S. Roberts; Clerk, C. H. Saph: Marshal, H. *G. Street; Assessor, C. 
A. Blood; Engineer, George Hornbustle; Chief of Fire Department, Dr, L. B, Parker, 

TIIK VILLAGE RE-CIIARTEIIKI). 

The recharteririg of Marine City, in 1879, provided for holding the annual meeting on the 
second Monday of March instead of the first Tuesday of that month, as was formerly the cus- 
tom. A bill containing this and other provisions was brought forward by Senator McElroy 
Februar}' 17, 1879, which pa.ssed both branches of the Legislature March 0, and was approved 
May 3, 1879, sixbstantially as follows: "The People of the State of Michigan enact, That all 
that tract of country in the county of St. Clair in the State of Michigan, described as follows, 
to wit: Commencing at the northwest corner of fractional section number six, in Township 3 
North of Range number 17 East, at the northeast corner of said township on the margin of St. 
Clair River, thence west, on the north line of said township to the center of Belle River; 
thence southeasterly down the center of said river to the junction of BoUe River and St. Clair 
River; thence northeasterly u[) the west channel bank of the St. Clair River to the place of 
beginning, be and the same hereby is reincorporated under the name and title of the village of 
Marine City. 

"The officers in said village now in office shall continue in office with the same ])owers; 
and shall perform the same duties as are confeiTed l)y this act upon like offi(;ers, until their 
successors shall be elected and qualified to enter upon the duties of their respective offices, 
pursuant to the provisions of this act and the general law relating to villages, entitled 'An act 
granting and defining the powers and duties of incorporated villages.' approved April 1, 1875. 

"All ordinances, by-laws, orders and resolutions of said village shall continue in force un- 
til moditied or repealed. 

"The first election under this act shall be h(fld on th(» second Monday in iMarch, 1880. at 



694 HISTOHY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

the village liall. in said village of Marine City. Notice of the time aad place of holding said 
election shall be given in the same manner as is provided in section four of chapter three of 
said general law relating to villages above mentioned, and the manner of conducting said elec- 
tion shall be the same as provided in said act. 

"Said village of Marine City is hereby made subject to the general law. entitled "An act 
granting and defining the powers and duties of incorporated villages,' apjiroved April 1, 1875, 
and shall possess all the powers and be subject to all of the duties and liabilities of said act. 

"The said village of Mirine City as re- incorporated, shall own and possess all of the property 
and rights of whatever kind or nature, and be subject to all of the liabilities and obligations 
of the said village as heretofore incorporated." 

8ALT WELL. 

The Marine City salt well was bored to ade])thof 1,74S feeb, July 22, 18S2. The boring of 
this well originated in the belief that there were large (juantities of brine or salt beneath the Marine 
City stave company. Thiuking that the manufacture of salt would work well iu connection with 
ttie manufacture of staves and heading, on account of refuse and cheap fuel, barrels, excellent 
shipping facilities, etc, decided to sink a salt well, and now their most sanguine expectations 
have been met and they have a well second to none in the country, and unquestionably the best 
in Michigan. At a depth of about 7.")0 feet, brine was found, after which a splendid quality of 
mineral water(some of which has been preserved) similar and equal to the Mt. Clemens and St. 
Clair waters. At a depth of 850 feet, something rare in the shape of sulphur, in hard, clear 
chunks, was pumped from the well. Since UOO to 1.000 feet were reached, the nature of th^ 
stratas were hard, mostly lime rock, and probably dry. A,t 1,633 feet, there were indications 
of salt, and dry chippings of the rock were brought up. From that time until the present 
depth, 1,748 feet, the grindings pumped out were pure as salt. 

NEWSPAPERS. 
The first newspaper published at Marine City was the Gazette, in 1874, with P. D. Bis- 
sell, now of St. Iguace. editor. The Marine City Express was published by the St. Clair Re- 
publican. The Reporter was founded by Messrs. Blood & Huntoon. Iu December, 1881, 
the office passed into the hands of W. N. Miller, formerly of the Mount Clemens Republican, 
by whom it has since been conducted. A reference is made to these newspapers in the gen- 
eral history. 

THK UNION SCHOOL. 

The schoolhouse was built in 1870; $15 000. The fir.st Principal was George R. Whit- 
more. The building is 00 feet in length by 58 feet in breadth, with a total elevation from the 
ground to cupola of 77 feet. It is three stories high, the lirst story being 12 feet from floor to 
ceiling, the second fourteen feet, and the third sixteen feet. The edifice is built iu the form 
of the Greek cross, from designs by Hon. Benjamin S. Horton, and the (b-awings reflect credit 
upon that gentleman's skill as an architect. The mason work was performed by Stephen Mit- 
tig, of St. Clair, and the joiner work by George Langell, of Marine City. 

liELKilOUS HISTORY. 
The first church built in St. Clair County was the Catholic Church at Cottrellville, and 
was erected while Michigan was a Territory. It was situated on the Cottrell farm, two miles 
below Marine City, on the St. Clair River, but was torn down, or washed away by the river 
many years ago. The Catholic Church of Marine City was built in 1840, and was ongirally 
avery small and plain edifice, 60 feet iu length by 35 feet in width. In 1864, the building was 
enlarged by ad<ling 17 feet to the front and a new steeple built over the addition. In 1866, 
the building was again enlarged, the addition being two wings, one on each side, and an ex- 
tension of the main building to the rear, the edifice now being cruciform. The building is 
now, as before, 35 feet in width, except at the arms of the cross, where it is seventy-five feet, 
Hnd the entire length is 112 foet. The congregation now numbers 180 families, the principal 
nationalities being French (American and Canadian), Irish and German. The affairs of the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 695 

•church are in a prosperous condition, and the educational facilities in connection has given 
considerable impetus and influence to this denomination. Thi' boll was ble.ssed February 15, 
1870. 

Catholic Church. — In the history of the church at Port Huron, the early history of the 
church at Marine City is given. In 1855, Rev. Father Werlhe became first resident pastor of 
Marine City, and was at the same time appointed pastor of the church at St. Clair. He built 
the house of wor.ship in the village. Rev. Father Francis succeeded him in the pastorate. 
Rev. Mr. Lambert, now of New Baltimore, succeeded Father Francis, and under his direction 
the church building was enlarged, a Catholic school and parsonage erected, and other improve- 
ments made at an aggregate cost of $12,000. In 1874, Father Lambert resigned the charge, 
when Rev. F. Van Straelen was appointed. 

Rev. Joseph jNIedar took charge of the parish of Holy Cross December 8, 1881, and is the 
present pastor. The congregation of Marine City is 250 families, or about 1,200. 

St. Joseph's School, the first Catholic school in the county, is in connection with the 
Church of the Holy Cross. Its location is four and one-half miles northwest of Marine City. 

The school of Marine City is conducted by the Sisters of the Immaculate Concej)tion. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Every effort was made to obtain a look into the old records 
of the society, but without success. They could not be found. However, the following roll 
of pastors who served the church since 1861 was made out from recollection of members and 
present records: Rev. Arthur Edwards, IStU; Rev. R. S. Parthington, 1861; Rev. George 
W. Lowe, 1863; Rev. James Vining, 1865; Rev. Irving House, supply; Rev. H. Mentse, Ger- 
man Methodist Episcopal Church; Rev. W. Hagadorne, 1867; John Levingtou, 1869; 
Rev. C. Anderson, 1869: C. C. Lee. 1870; J. E. Whalen, 1871; E. Pearman, 1872; 
U. S. Steadman, 1873; Rev. D. W. Misner, 1874; Rev. A. B. Wood, 1876; Rev. J. S. Joslin, 
1877: Rev. J. E. Whalen. 1879; Rev. Jacob Horton, 1881. 

The old church on Elizabeth street was repaired in 1882, at a co.st of about J 3, 500. It 
was built twenty-seven years ago. The number of members is seventy-live. The Sunday school 
•claims seventy scholars. 

.SY. Martinis German Euangelical Lutheran Church of Marine City was organized in the 
fall of 1857 by Rev. Christian Bauer. Previously Rev. Prof. S. Fritchel, of Detroit, grouped 
the scattered members together, and to him may be credited the formation of the first society. 
At that time services were held in private residences and schoolhouses. In 1862, the first church 
building was erected on the site of the present church, and dedicated July 20, same year. Mr. 
Baixer was succeeded by Rev. Conrad Ide, June 10, 1861. In 186S, .July 4, Rev. John Graen- 
ing assumed pastoral charge and remains pastor up to the present time. 

The old chm-ch was sold to C. A. Blood, in April, 1881, and the foundation of the new 
church begun in September, 1881. The cost of this new building was $4,400. It is con- 
structed of wood, with brick veneer, gothic in style, with tower and spire 100 feet high. It was 
built from plans by J. C. Kaomoier, of Fort Gratiot, under the supervision of the pastor. The 
size of the building is 60x3<) feet and 30 feet to the ceiling, or 40 feet to apex of roof. Its ded- 
ication took place November 5, 1882. 

The German Evangelical School was taught in the old church until 1881, when the new 
school, just west of the chui'ch was erected, at a co.st of $500, including hjt. The number of 
pupils shows an average of fifty. The school is supported by the members of the church, and 
conducted by Rev. Mr. Graening. 

The parsonage was built in 1866, at a cost of $950. It is situated between the church 
and school. The number of the congregation approximates 225. 

St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Marine City was organized in 1863, by Rev. Joseph B. 
Pritchard, who had charge of the mission at this point, December 14, 1862. The church edi- 
fice was erected in 1866 at a cost of $3,000. The property is now valued at $3,000. It is a 
frame building, gothic in style, and situated at the corner of Main street. The original mem- 
bers wore: Mrs. Jane Rust, Alona Rust, William Rust. Mary Rust. John H. Rust, A. B. 
Clough and Mrs Clough, B. L. Horton, wife and family, D. H. Wescott, wife and family, Jcjhn 
Pringle and family, Joseph Luff and family, JohnMcCann. W. Dixon and family. The pastors 



606 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

since Mr. PrichanVstime were, Revs. D. H. Lovejoy, G. M. Skinnfcr, Messrs. Smith and Thorpe. 
Rev. A. B. Flower has been pastor since October, 1875. The congregation averages about 
seventy-five. Sunday school, sixty -five scholars. 

K. of P., Fortress Lodge. Marine Citv, is governed by the following- named officers: W. 
H. Scott. P. C; J. A. Ward, C. C; W. R Sanber, V. C.;'A. B. Flower, Prelate; A. B. Scott, 
K. of R. S. ; I. C. Lester, M. of F. ; O. Dandell, M. of F. 

Sam Ward Lodge. No. 62, F. eft A. M., Marine City, was chartered about forty years ago. 
Among the charter members were: Sam Ward, D. D. Odell, James Grummond, James For 
syth, B. F. Owens, "W. A. Bacon, L. B. Parker, Alona Rust, James P. Hagerman, and perhaps 
one or two others. The present officers are Richard Cottrell, W. M. ; T. A. Walker, S. W. ; J. 
C. Diuling, J. W.; J. F. Widows, Secretary; Frank Hart, Treasurer; Alfred Brodbridge, I. 
G. : AVilliam Baker, O. G. ; A. Shepard, Chaplain. 

The People's Club was organized in November. 1882, with forty-four members. The fol- 
lowing officers were elected: Dr. T. McDouough, President; Albert H. Cottrell, Treasurer; R. 
McNeil, Secretary. 

St. MichaeTs Benevolent Society of Marine City, adopted articles of association Febru- 
ary 25, 1876. 

CENTENNI.VL YEAR. 

The observance of the 100th anniversary of the Government was carried out at Marine City 
with every manifestation of joy. The Gazette, in describing the observance, says: " Usually 
the early hours of night see the streets deserted, save here and there some gay roysterers re- 
turning homeward from the 'social,' but Centennial night was an exception. Everybody 
seemed resolved into a committee of one to welcome the coming of the New Year and the one 
hundredth anniversary of this country. The gamins were out in tremendous force eijuipped 
with pans, oyster cans, fish-horns, and other appalling instruments, and paraded the town, mak- 
ing a most horrible din. They serenaded any house where they could ^discover a light, and 
in many instances were invited in and treated to cider and apples, most people accepting the 
situation with very good grace. The youngsters had plenty of fun for themselves and consid- 
erable was left over for older heads. The Centennial arrived in portions of Marine at 11:30 
o'clock: in other portions at difierent times according as dift'erent time-pieces denoted the hour 
of 12. The guns of the minutemen cracked here and there, the cannon roared, anvils bel- 
lowed, the gamins shook up the cow-bells and beat their oyster cans, the church bells clamored 
most loudly and prolongedly, men hurrahed until they were hoarse, and then hurrahed some more, 
until all Sombra rubbed its eyes and wondered if an insurrection had broken out in its neigh- 
bor's limits. 

" The morning dawned clear, and it soon became much warmer than many a July day. As 
if to welcome the joyful anniversary. Nature afforded us a glorious day, and to relieve the heat, 
sent a lively southern breeze. Soon great activity was noticed in the shipping, and erelong 
nearly every boat in Marine's grand merchant navy was decked in holiday attire, flinging to 
the breeze streamers, stars and stripes, ensigns, and every inch of colors possible. 

" The example of the T. & S. T. Co.'s line of boats was contagious: up ran the American 
flag from house top, hotel, stores, and private residences, all over the town, and a shout an- 
swered shout as flag after flag proudly rose into view; to the glad shouts along the river, Joe 
Souer sent back a ringing huzzah from the mast-head of the Marine City, in Belle River, when 
reefing her halyards, and soon her colors waved and nodded to the splendid line of c-aft and 
bunting on the St. Clair. In an hour's time the town was girt with flags from the Spademan, 
by the way of Catholic point, to Broadway bridge, full two miles in distance, and the beauty 
of the scene no pen can describe. How the heart (juickened into new life, swelled in pride 
and beat with joy at the glorious spectacle! Each resident of Marine then felt that no town of 
equal size in Christendom could half match the display, and that despite the combative dis})0- 
sitions of some. Marine's citizens were a unit for their town and country. Capt. Gordon, of 
the Blood, said the view from Recor's was superb, and something he had never seen equaled 
in his life, nor expected to again witness. Many went to the head of the island and to Sombra 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 697 

to gain better views of the beautiful sight, and all united in the opinion that Marine had cov- 
ered herself with glory — tliat such a sight was reserved for man to s?e l)ut once." 

The Marine C'ty tieet of that year, referred to in the following table, conveys some idt'a 
of the immense ship-building trade: 

.SHIPPING INTKKE.STS. 

The name, number of crew and tonnage in round numbers of each craft comprising the 
immense fleet in quarters at this port during the Centennial Year, gleaned from returns made 
by C. A. Blood, Customs Collector, are as follows: 

Propellers— William Cowie, tonnage, 208: crew, VI: Abercorn, tonnage, 201; crew. 11; 
Mary Mills, tonnage, 244; crew, 10; D. W. Powers, tonnage, 303: crew, 14: N. K. Fairbank, 
tonnage, 9S0; crew, 15; Tempest, tonnage. 412; crew, 14: Y. H. Ketcham. tonnage. 1,000; 
crew, 17: P. H. Birckhead, t<mnage. 509: crew. 14; Gladys, tonnage, 337: crew. 7; D. F. 
Rose, tonnage, 25vS; crew, 12: Bay City, tonnage, 203; crew, 12; H. D. Cofifinberry, tonnage, 
650; crew, 10; Germania. tonnage. 201; crew, 12; George King, tonnage, 532; crew. 13: 
Porter Chamberlain, tonnage. 257; crew, 12; Mary Pringle, tonnage, 204; crew, 11; 11. Hol- 
land, tonnage. 533: crew. 14. 

Barges — Katie Brainard, tonnacje, 413; crew, 0; Trov. tonnacre, 480: crew. 7; Davton. 
tonnage. 493, crew, 7; Marine City, tonnage, 337, crew. 0: Buckeye State, tonnage, 518. 
crew, 5: D. K. Clint, tonnage, 471, crew, 7; C G. King, tonnage. 303; crew. 7: A. Gebhart, 
tonnage, 354; crew, 7; J. H. Butter, tonnage, 1,224: crew. 9: Taylor, tonnage. 298: crew, 4: C. 
L. Young, tonnage, 3>>2; crew, 5; C. H. Weeks, tonnage, 324: crew. 0: Charles Spademan, 
tonnage, 300: crew. 7. 

Scows — St. Joseph, tonnage, 165; craw. 4: Canadian, tonnage, 17: crew, 3: C. J. Scott, 
tonnage, 13: crew, 2. Total tonnage, 14,150; crew, 308. 

The tonnage here given was incre;ised 90 tons when the Carrie H. Blood laid up. making 
a grand total of 14,252 tons. The Venice and Transport, also owned here. were laid up in To- 
ledo. The value of this fleet cannot fall short of -SSOO.OOO. Its probable cost, new. was about 
§1.000,00l\ Marine City oai)itaIists also own stock in the R. X. Rice and Xorthwest. steam- 
ers plying between Detroit and Cleveland: in the Escanaba & Lake Michigan line: in the 
Star line and steamer Marine City. The actual list of steamboats and f)ropellers built at Ma 
rine City previous to 1871 is given in the histor}* of navigation. 

THK MARINE CITV ST.WE COMPANY. 

The Marine City Stave Company was incorporate:! December 14, 1574, with C. McEl- 
roy, John Batten, William Jones. Hiram Chambers and Jacob McElroy, proprietors. The 
capital stock was ■'?20n.l)00. of which S8tl,000 were paid in at date of organization. 

The actual organization of the company took place January 12, 1875. when Crocket Mc- 
Elroy. Hem-y C. French. James F. Buffum, O. C. Thompson and John Batten. 

The present directors are the same as mentioned in report of January, ISSl. The oflSce is 
connected by telephone with Toledo, and many points in Michigan. 

The last annual meeting of the Stave Company, held January 9, 18S3. resulted in the 
election of James F. Buffum. of Deti'oit, Henry C. French, of Bufialo, C. McElroy,of St. Clair, 
.\ndrew McEh'oy and Frank McElroy, of Marine City. Directors. The ofiicers elected were 
C. McElroy. President: Frank McElroy. Secretary and Treasurer. The Secretary's repor • 
shows that 12.039,740 staves and 431,025 sets (or 17,241 bblsi heading were manufactured 
against 10.327.110 staves and 350.087 sets heading manufactured in 1881. There were shipped 
in 1882, 12.290.44(1 staves and 412.000 sets of heading. 1,249,009 feet of elm logs and 
12,307 cordti of bolts were bought against 3,028,902 feet of elm lofjs and 2,817 cords of bolts 
last vear. The amount paid out by the company during the year for material and labor was 
§87.922.37. P - o . 

BIOGItAPHICAL .SKETCHES. 

.VLOXZC) ARXOLD. marine eni^ineer and farmer. Section 3. P. O. Marine Cit\-, is a native of St. Clair 

County and was born in the town of Cottrellville Deeemljer 31. 1>48. He besan sailing on the lakes when he 

was only thirteen years old, on the lug Wave. Since 186.5 he has held the position of marine engineer and 

has run on the barge Trader, tug Ontario, the J. S. Estabrook and the V. H. Ketchum. Has been on the 



698 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Ketchum for the past seven years. He owns a good farm of ViO acres, where he now lives. In 1872, in 
Marine Cit_y, he married Miss Emma Bean, a native of Marysville, this county. They have four children — 
May, Myrtle, Ivy and Emma. 

ROBERT B. BAIRD, physician and surgeon, is a native of St. Clair County and was born in the town of 
East China ;May 31, 1856. His parents, Henry and Elizal)eth Kaird. came to this county in 1837, and were 
among the earliest settlers. They located on Belle River and lived there until two years prior to his death, 
which occurred in Port Huron -January 31, 1877. His wife and two sons survive. Dr. R. B. Baird, the young- 
est son, was brought up and attended school in this county, studied medicine and graduated at the Detroit 
Medical College March o, 1878, and since then has successfully practiced his profession here. He has served 
as member of the Council, and at the recent election was elected President of the village. Dr. Baird was 
married April 12, 1883, to Miss Peodore H. Cornell, of St. Clair, this county. 

SIMON M. BAKER, planing mill and manufactiu'er of sash, doors and blinds, is a native of Oswego, N, 
Y., and was born October .5, 183.5. His parents removed to Canada in 1838, and he lived there until he was 
twelve years of age and then came to this side of the river. He afterward engaged in sailing for twelve or 
fourteen years. He sailed master of the Lady .Jane, the T. G. Scott and the Eugene, and owned and sailed 
master of the E. .1. Sexton. In 1880, he came to Marine and engaged in wagon and carriage making, and 
continued in the business about ten years, then established his present business and has since, with the excep- 
tion of a short time, has been engaged in manufacturing sash, blinds, doors, movddings and contracting and 
building, and is the oldest in the business here. In 18.53, he married Miss Beulah Blanchard, a native of this 
place. They have seven sons and three daughters— Roland G., Wellington, Calvin A., George W., Franklin, 
Burlington, William .\., Lydia A., Cora E., Carrie A. 

CAPT. HENRY BALFOUR, is a native of Scotland, and was born in Dundee February 23, 1840. He 
came with his parents to the United States and they settled in this county. He began sailing in 18.59 on the 
Mary Collins, of Ashtabula. During the war he served in the navy on the gun boat Siren, in the ^Mississippi 
Squadron. After the war returned home, and has sailed master the "Forrester. " Mary Stockton." the 
"Leader," the " Hattie, "George W. Bissell," and for the past four years has sailed master of the "Buck 
Eye State." In 18H3, he married Miss ^laria Caswell, a native of this place: they have five children— Fran- 
ces, Catharine, Mary, William, Robert. 

MARK D. BILLINGS, Superintendent Public Schools, is a native of Michian and was born in Lapeer 
County October 11. 1859. He attended school there, and before reaching his majority engaged in teaching in 
that county. In 1883, he came to JIarine City and took charge of the schools here. ' He rnarrled Miss Liicie 
Halle, November 13. 1879. She is a native of "Lapeer County, Mich. 

C. E. BLOOD, with firm of Blood A Hart, is a native of St. Clair County and was born here at Marine 
City. His father. Calvin Blood, came here in 1845, and his mother, Alice (Wilkins) Blood, in 1835. He was 
brought up and attended school here, and studied telegraphing. He had charge of the telegraph office here. 
Entered his father's store, and for the past six years has been with the firm of Blood & Hart. He has held the 
office of Township Treasurer, and now holds office of Treasurer of Marine Cit)'. In October, 1878, he mar- 
ried Miss Mate E. Dann, of this place, at Star Island. They have two children— Susie Belle and Carrie Alice. 

CALVIN A. BLOOD, capitalist, is a native of the State of Vermont, and was born in the town of Essex, 
Chittenden County, November 13, 1834. He attended the common school and learned the trade of carpenter 
and joiner. When eighteen years of age, went to Ohio and remained there two years, and in .July, 1845, came 
to this county and settled at Marine Ci'tj' and began working at his trade, and was for many years engaged in 
building houses and boats, and erected many of the best buildings and residences. In 1857, he engaged in 
mercantile trade, and carried on the business for many years, and his sons and son-in-law, Messrs. Blood & 
Hart, now carry on the business established by him over a quarter of a century ago. In 1880, he was elected 
representative to the State Legislature, and lias held town and school offices. When he began life he had 
nothing, and his success is the result of his own efforts. He is interested in real estate, vessel property and 
loaning money. Mr. Blood married Miss Alice L. AYilkins May 33, 1849. She is a native of Vermont and 
came here with her parents in 1835. They have six children— Mary C. (now Mrs. Frank Hart), Charles E. and 
Frederick C. (in business here), Carrie H. (now Mrs. Hubbard), Calvin P, (living in Cleveland) and Joseph G. 
at home. 

FRED. C. BLOOD, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a son of Hon. Calvin A. and Alice Wilkins Blood, 
and was born at Marine City March 16, !85(). After attending school here he entered his father's store, and 
since then has been with the tirm of Blood A Hart. In 1879, upon the resignation of his father, he was ap- 
pointed Deputy Collector of Customs, and since then has held that position. In 187(>. Mr. Blood married Miss 
Maggie Mc^P^lroy, of this place. She died in 1877, leaving one daughter— Maggie. In January, 1882, he mar- 
ried Miss Frances Robertson, a native of this county. They have one son — Clarence. 

AUGUSTUS BREUER, tanner, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Prussi.a, Ger- 
many, July 10, 1828. He emigrated to this countrv in 1853, and came to Detroit. Lived there one year, and 
then went to New Baltimore and remained there eleven years. In 1866, he came to Marine City. The fol- 
lowing year he engaged in the tanning business, and since then, for the past seventeen ye.ars, has success- 
fully carried on the business here. Li 18f>2. he married Miss Johanna Brosius. She is also a native of Prus- 
sia, Germany. Francis Brcuer. who is interested with his Ijrolhcr in business, was born in Prussia August 
25, 1836. He canie to this country in 1854, and came to this State and lived in New Baltimore until 1866; 
then came to Marine City, and since then has been engaged with his brother in the tanning business here. 
In 1864. he married Annie Fclgenhauer, a native of Germany. They have two children — Augustus and Cl.ara. 

JOHN J. BRITZ, farmer, Section 16, P. O. Marine Cit.y, is a native of (Germany, and was born in Prus- 
sia December 15, 1820. He emigrated to this country in 1847, and came to this county the same year, and 
settled on the river just below Marine City, bought land and lived there live years. He then bought eighty acres 
here and cleared it and made his farm, and since then has lived here engaged in farming. He owns 120 acres 



liLSTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 699 

«f land. In 184(), lio married Mary Christina Set-ken. She was horn in Pru.ssia. They liave eij,'ht sons and 
one daughter — Jacob. Matliew, Lonis, .Joseph, Mieliael. August, I'eter. .Tolin and Mary E. 

CHARLES II. BROWN, farmer. I'rivate Claim 308, P.'O, Marine City, i.s a sou of William and .Martha 
(Thorn) Brown. He w.ns born in Detroit .June 2-', 1784, and she was born in the town of Cottrellville January 30, 
178(i. They were married in 1806, and soon after moved to Canada, bought land of the Indians, and settled in the 
town of Moore. When Proctor issued his proclamation tliat all living in Canada must' take the oath of alle- 
giance, be and his brother came to Wayne County and helped build the stockade and fort; then went to 
Macoml) County and worked the Clemens Farm, where .Alt. Clemens is now located. Was there one year, 
lie then came to this countv, and bought a farm one mile below .Marine City, and moved there in April, 18U). 
He was one of the earliest .settlers of the countv. Uncle Billv Brown was wi-11 known all along the river, and 
was noted for his hospitality. Ilis wife died Novcmbi^r 10, 181(1, and he died December 20, 1874, at the age 
of ninety years, leaving fou'r children. Charles II.. the youngest of nine children, was born in this town on 
the farm where he now lives February 20, 1820. His boyhood was spent on tlie farm, and, except a few sea- 
sons sailing, he has been engaged in farming. He owns tlie homestead farm on the river, and has lived here 
lifty-seven years. He held the office of Deputy Sheriff three terms. He was married Ajjril 2,5, 1848. to Miss 
Eleanor JIcGregor. She is a native of Vermont. IT<'r parents came to this countv Tn 1810. 

JAMES D.'BROWN, a farmer near .Marine, was born in Canada March 2^, 1813. His parents were 
William and .Martha Thorn Brown. His father wa.s born in Detroit June 22, 1784, and his mother was a 
native of the town of Collridlville, and was born one; year later. They wen^ married in 1806. and soon after 
moved across the river into Canada and l)Ought land of the Indians, and settled in what is now the town of 
.Moore. They remained there until Gen. Proctor issued his proclamation, requiring all settlers to take the 
oath of allegiance to the laws of Great Britain, when he and his two brolhers-iu-law moved away to Wayne 
County in this State, and he helped build the stockade fort. He then moved to Macomb County and worked 
the faVm of Judge Clemens, where Jit. CLinens is now located, for one year. The following year he 
bought land one mile below Marine City, and removed there in April, 1810, and was about the tirst settler 
on the river in this countv. His wife died in 1840, and he lived on the place where he first settled until his 
death, which occurred December 20, 1874. Four children survive them— Mrs. Nancy Brakeman, James D. 
Brown, Mrs. Mtirtha J. Cole and Chal-les H. Brown, all living in this county, except .Mrs. Cole, who lives in 
Wisconsin. .Jamcts D., the eldest son, cami' with his parents to this county when oidy three years of age. 
During his early boyhood, his companions were mostly French and Indian bojs. He used to carry his bow 
and arrows, anil was as skillful in their use as his Indian comrades. He aci|uired the Indian and French lan- 
guages, and is still familiar with both. When only fifteen years of age, he went to the Au Sable as inter- 
preter; was there .seven months, and while there, by acts of kindness, secured the favor of the wife of the In- 
dian chief. She offered and insisted that he should take her sister for a wife, ,He did not fully appreciate 
the kiiid offer and so declined it. In 18.>"), he bought the land where he now lives, cleared it and made it his 
home, and since then has resided liere. He has seen 3,000 In<lians pass his farm on the river in <iiic day. He 
-saw the tirst steamboat that iiasscd up the river St. Clair — the Walk inthc-Water. Mr. Brown was educated 
a Democrat; he has never missed an election or a town meeting. He held the office of Deputy Collector of 
Customs four years, under Polk's administration, and has held county and township olliccs. In 1.83."), Mr. 
Brown was married to Miss Emily Hutchins, a native of Ohio. She died in 18.50. t'our children survive— 
Harriet, now Mrs. Mitchell; Wirii;im H. Brown. Captain on the lakes; Charles T. Brown, Captain on the 
lakes, living in JIuskegon; .Martin \.. nierchanl in Marine City. Mr. Brown's present wife is Ellen McAuIy, 
a native of Scotland. Mr. Brown never drank a glass of ardent spirits in his life, very seldom a glass of 
b<'er; nor does he drink tea or coffee, but cold water with bis food. 

.M.ARTIN \'. BROWN, ilcaler in groceries, provisions, crockery, and glassware, is a son of James D. 
Brown, one of the oldest living settlers in St. Clair County, and was born on his father's farm, adjoining 
this village, August 11, 1844. Was brought up and attended school here, and after reaching manhood en- 
gaged in sailing and farming for some years. In the spring of 1881. he established his present business, and 
has built up a good Iradi'. In 1870. be" married Miss Mary J. Hawthornt, of Oakland County, ;Mich. They 
have three children— Cora. Eildie and .\rthur. 

CAPTAIN WM. II. BROWN, is ,i son of James D. Brown, one of the oldest living settlers of the county. 
He was born only h.alf a mile below town. I'ebruarv 12th, 1838. Upon reaching manliood. began sailing, in 
\SriS. on tlie scow Forest. In 1804, sailed master of the steamer Susan Ward. lie has sailed the steam barge 
Selina and the Michael Groli, ]iroi)eller Evergreen City, the Lake Breeze, the Dunlapand the P. H. Birkhead, 
the Cleveland, Porter Chamlicrlaiu and C. ll. Green. In 1801, he married .Miss Celestia .V. Bennett, a native 
of .Alarine City. They have five cliildren— Florence M.. Charles II., Hattie \.. Bertha C. and William C. 

TRUMAN E. BUtLKR. farmer. Section 20, P. O. Starville, is a son of E. H. Butler and Lucy E. War- 
ner, and was born in the Stale of Vermont July 8, 1832. He came with bis parents to this county in 1844. 
He worked in the mills until he was twenty-three years old. and since then engaged in farming and owns 
sixty -six acres of land. Has held the office of Deputy Sheriff. Commissioner of Highways, and has held various 
school offices for manv years. Is now Justice of the Peace. In 18.")4, he married Miss Sarah (ireene. a native 
of the town of China." "They have six children— George A., Warren H., .VrthurT., :Merlin J., Annie. Ada. 

MRS. LUC'V WARNER BUTLER, Section 20. P. O. Starville, whose maiden name was Warner, isa native 
of Vermont. She was married July 8. 1,SJ2, to E. H. Butler, a native of that State. They came to Jlichi^an 
iu 1844, and settled in this county iit Marine City, lived there three years; then bought the land where ftlrs. 
Butler now lives, and came out here and cleared it and made his farm and engaged in farming. He was also 
engaged in selling trees. ,iiid was agent of insurance companies. Held the ollue of Justice of the Peace. He 
lived here until his death. .Vjiril 14. 1877. He left six children— Truman E.. living in this town; Reuben W., 
also living in this town; Lucy .V., now .Mrs. Marks; Edwin F.. living in Detroit; .Jed B.. Carsonville; Harri- 
son H.. at home. 



700 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COLNTY. 

HENRY BUTTIRONI (deceased), was born in Germany November 25, 1834. He emigrated to the 
United States in 1852. eame to Mieliigan and lived two years in Detroit and came to Marine City 1854, and be- 
gan worl^ing at liis trade — tailor. In 185(i he married Miss Catharine Hagcr. She was born in German_y. Mr. 
Buttironi engaged in business of merchant tailor, and afterward added boots and shoes, and then a stock of 
general merchandise, and was successfully engaged in business here for many years. Was interested in boat 
building and vessel property until his death, which occurred December 10, 1880, leaving a large estate. Four 
chihlren survive— Emma (now Mrs. H. C. Cottrell). Henry (merchant), Willie (at home), Katie (at home). 
Henry, the oldest son, carries on the liusiness established by his father and has a large trade. He holds the 
office of Treasurer of the village. Was elected October 20, 1882. 

E. >[. CLARK, book-keeper, Marine City Stave Company, is a native of Middletown, Conn., and was 
born November 29th, ISal. After attending school there he "went to Hartford, and while living there was an 
intimate friend and room-mate of United States Senator Hawley. After reaching manhood he came West to 
Detroit, in 18.5.3, and was a resident of that city twenty-four years, and while living there he was among those 
who signed the call and organized the Republican party in tbis State. In 1877, he went to Marine City and 
entered tbe employ of the JIarine City Stave Company, and since then has held the position of liook-keeper. 
He h;is held the otiice of Township Superintendent and is now Chairman of the Board of School Inspectors, 
and Treasnrer of the village of Marine City. In 1857, Mr. Clark married Miss Mary Barnard, daughter of 
Deacon S. S. Barnard, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Clark have four children— Jennie H., George B., Willis S. and Hattie W. 

CHARLES D. C:OTTRELL, farmer. Private Claim No. 86, P. O. Marine City, is a sou of David and 
Catherine (Lozen) Cottrell. He was born on this farm April 13, 1797, and she was l)orn in Detroit. He was 
a prominent man of this county and was appointed Treasurer of the county by Gov. Cass in 1821. He was 
also As.sociate Judge and held other important offices. He died in 1809, and his wife died March 22, 1871. 
Charles David, the oldest of the four children living, was born on this farm, December 0, 1821. His boy- 
hood was spent here. Upon reaching manhood he i)egan sailing with Capt E. B. Ward on the Huron, and 
the next year on the schooner Vermont, He was master of the'propeller Detroit, tug, James E. Eagle, sail- 
ing master of the propeller Princeton, and others. He was on the lakes for twenty-tive years and sailed as. 
mate, pilot and mast(M'. He owns good farms on the river where he resides, a short distance from Marine 
City. He was married January ,7. 1851 to Mi.ss Eliza Lablane, a native of Canada. They have six children- 
Frank (on the lakes). George (sailing). Catharine, Florence, Annie and Clement. 

DANIEL COTTRELL. farmer. Private Claim Sn. P. O. Marine City, is a son of David and Catharine 
(Lozen) Cottrell. He was born in this town on this farm April 13, 1797. She was born in Detroit; they were 
married February 14. 1821). He was prominently identified with the interests of the county. He was ap- 
pointed Treasurer of the county by Gov. Cass :M'ay 12, 1821; was appointed Ensign Militia o"f the Territory 
Jlay 23, 1819, and was appointed Lieutenant of Militia, Mav 3d, 1822. He was Supervisor for manv years 
and Justice of the Peace, and was also Associate Judge. He died in 1889, and his wife died March 22, 1871. 
There are four children living— Charles D., Daniel D.'. John F., Mary E. (now Mrs. Stanlev). Daniel D., the 
second oldest son living, was born August 4, 1826. He was brought'up and has always lived here except two 
j-ears spent in Bay City. Since manhood, he has Ixcn enifaued in farming. He owns a good farm of lOft 
acres on the river. In 1872, he married Miss Eliza Ann Bori-ouyhs, a native of Canada. Has five children- 
David D . J. Bernard, Francis I).. Nellie E. and Mabel. 

CAPTAIN GEORGE H. COTTRELL. farmer. Section 1, P. O. Marine City, is a native of this county, 
and was born two miles below this town, November 25, 1816. He is the oldest son of George and Archangel 
Cottrell, who were among the earliest white settlers here on the river. His father was born in Detroit and 
came to this county about the year 1810- and located about two miles below here; built a store and engaged 
in trading. He^built a fort around his store and hired some Frenchmen to help him guard it from the Iniliahs. 
He died in 1847. His widow still survives him and is now livini;- here; eighty-nine years of age. Capt. Cot- 
trell was the oldest son of his parents. He began sailinu- in 1836 on the old "schooner St. Clair; a few years 
later he sailed master of the steamer Hiu-on. Afterward sailed master of propellers "Montgomery," Sam 
Ward," "Forest Queen" and many others. Sailed master twenty-nine years and remained in the marine ser 
vice until 1870, and since then has lived on his farm adjoining the villa"ge corporation. He was elected and 
served as member of the Board of Supervisors. In 1839, Cap'tain Cottrell uuirried Miss Submit Ward, a na- 
tive of New York State. They have four children— Eber W. (living in Detroit), Josephine (now Mrs. Robi- 
son). Marvette (now Mrs. Bell). Joseph (master propeller) 

CAPT. JOSEPH V. COTTRELL, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born here April 12, 1853. His 
nvther. Capt. George Cottrell, was also born here. His mother, Sulimit Ward Cottrell. is a native of New 
York State; they .-ire now living here and are old and honored settlers of this countv. Capt. Joseph Cottrell 
began s;uling when fifteen years of age on the steamer Marine City and has for the past fifteen years been in 
the marine service. In 1877, he sailed master of the steam barge D. W. Powers; has also sailed master of the 
steamer "Morely" and the "Russell Sage," and the past vear sailed master of the propeller "John M. 0.sborne." 
Capt. Cottrell was married January '25, 1882, to Miss Janet Paton, of Almont, Jlich. They have one son— 
Colton A. 

RICHARD COTTRELL, farmer, Private Claim 187. P. O. Marine (Mtv, is a son of George Cottrell and 
Arcliangel .Minnie Cottrell. She was born on the river; he was born in Detroit. His father 'came up on the 
river to this coiuity about the year 1786. The Cottrell family were the earliest settlers on the river and their 
descendants are the oldest settlers now living here. Richard Cottrell was born in this town, on the farm 
where he now lives, July 23, 1827. He was brought up here, and since reaching manhood, except a few sea- 
sons on the lakes, be has been engaged in farming. He has a trood farm on the river near town. He has 
lielrl school (.ffiecs lor many years. Mr. C<ittrcll was married No'vember 11, 1850, to Miss Lvdia Newstead, a 
native ol England. They have seven children— Richard A. (captain on the lakes), Mary (liow Mrs. McDon- 
ald), Sarah (now Mrs. Van Renselaer), Walter, Sherman C, James, Jennie. 



iriSTOHY OF ST. CLAIH (OUXTY. 701 

WILLIAM A. COTTKKLL, farmer. Private Claim 8(5, P. O. Marine Clity, is a son of Henry and Mary 
(Camjiaii) Cottrell. She was horn in Detroit and he was born iiere on the river. William is a native of this 
county, and was horn on tlie farm where lie now lives, Jul}' (i, 18i?8. was brought uj) here; sailed on the lakes 
for some years, ai\d for scver;il years was engaged in trading on Maekinae Island. Sine(^ l>i.")4, has lived on 
this farm and enjrajjed in farming. He has licld the ollice of Town Treasurer. Jiisliee of the Pence and has 
served on School l!oar<l. In ls.").|, be married .Miss Betsey Turk, a native of Oswego County, \. Y, They 
have ei.glit cliildren— Marv L., Delia (now Mrs. Charles Kuhn), Willie E., Virgiida, Frederick, Lillian. Robert 
H,, Susan. 

(JIBHONS S. DO.NOllUE, general mer<'liant, is a native of Virginia, and was born February •3'.', 1823, 
His iiarents came to this State in 18:!0, and settled in this county in the (own of ('hina. lie grew "up on (lie 
farm and after rcuiching manhood engaged in farming, and followed that occupation until I8(i!l, when he came 
to town and engaged in mercantile business, and since then has l)een established ber<'. He has held the ofliceof 
Village Trustee' two terms. In I8.")l, he married Mary Foote. of Grand U.-qiids, Mich. She died in is,")") and 
left two childr(^n — Kmina and .lohn. In isiilt, he man icd Mary A. Love, ol this county ; she ilied 1^74. He 
married his present wife, Mary Mayhue, in July, 1880. She is a native of Silver Creek, Xcw York State. 

JOHN J. DI{A\VF, merchant tailor, l.s a native of Michigan, and was born in (he ci(y of Detroit on June 
','1. 18."i(). His father. William Drawe, was born in ^\'cslphalia, Germany, and emigrated to this country and 
came to Detroit and Iheii u> Marine City in IS.-iO. and began working at his trade— tailoring. He soon" after 
started business for himself and carried on the business of merchant tailor until l.'SMO. John J., who succeeded 
to his father's business, learned his tr,i<le in the city of Chicago in \H">; then returned here, and since isso, 
has successfully carried on the business here and has a good trade. In 1878, he married Miss Augustina 
Kuhn, a native of this place. Tliev have three children — Abbie, Georgie and May. 

ROBERT P. DUKLIXG was liorn in Susse.\ County. N. J., on the llthday of Xovember, 181H. and is now 
over si.xty-eight years of age. I5y trade he is a miller and master of bis trade. He served as Con.slable and 
Deputy SlierilV in his native county from IfSIO to 184M, and was considered a very efltcient olticer. In (he vear 
18.W, he canu^ to Michigan, stopping.at Detroit one year. He then went to Romeo and was engaged in buying 
.wheat for Stevenson i.t (>roover, and at the same time lie served asTown Constable. In l!^r)l. lie moved to his 
present home. Marine City (then called Newport), and has lived here ever since. Hardly a year has passed 
since ho look up his residence in this place but that we tiniLhim holding either the otlic'e of Constable, Vil- 
lage Marshal or Deputy SlierilT, being elected or appointed without regard (o his political alHliation. He lias 
always been a Democrat. While holding the ollices of Constable and Village JIarshal in the year of 1877, he 
captured a gang of river pirates which infested the shore from Port Huron to Detroit, stealing from ware- 
houses, boats and dwellings. They were a desperate ,gaug. shrewd and daring. The amount of their thefts 
ran up into the lliousands, Ollieers and citizens were afraid to hunt tbem out, but Mr. Durling. with that 
determinatinn that always characterized him in the performance of his duties as peace olliccr, followed them 
to their lair on the St. Clair Flats, surrounded them, bagged his game and broke up a gang of tbii'Ves that 
had become a terror to the people of the river. Jlr. Durling served as Depul_v Shcrift umler SheritV Haye.s 
and Dunphy. during their terms of otlice, and won the golden opinions of his superiors as well as of the citizens. 
While in the milling business he rented the Wallhousc mill, west of Port Huron, but was burned out and lost 
over fifteen hundred dollars. 

CAPT. R. J. GORDON is a native of England, ,uid was born December 4, 1834. His parents came to 
this country during his infancv and settled on the Canada liorder on the shore of Lake Erie. Ca|it. Gordon 
be.gun sailing when fenirteen years old on the .schooner "Susan Ann." In 18lil. sailed master of the steamer 
"Sea Gull." He built and owne<l her and established a ferry, the first steam ferry and the only one from 
Marine City across the river to Canada, and was the first boat on the route from AlgonaC to Port 
Huron. He then built the Itiver Queen, and owned interest in steamer Carrie II. Blood, and sailed master of 
lierlen years, and is now part owner and master of the steamer R. J. Gordon. He has been in the marine 
service over thirty years. In 185:!, Ca|>t. (!ordon married Miss Elizabeth Quinn, a native of Ireland. They 
have two dauglilers — Celia and Celestia. (_'elia is married and is now Mis. Beach. They have lost one son 
— James II. 

REV. JOHN GRAEXING. jiastorof the German Lutheran Cluu'ch. is a native of Germany, and was born 
June 7. 1846. He came with his parents to this country when only eight years old and the following year 
went to the Stale of Iowa and attended .school there aiid received his theological education in that Stateand 
was ordained June '22. 18()8. He came here (he same year and assumed charge of his ]u-esent pastorate, an(i 
since then, for the past fifteen years, has labored acceptably and successfully iK're. He wa.s married Septem- 
ber 2.3. IWiil. to Miss ICIizabetli Bitter, a native of Amsterdam, Holland. They have four children — Henry, 
Sophia, Elizabeth and Emma. 

CAPT. JAMES P. H.VRROW, Private Claim 200. P. O. Algonae, is ason of George Harrow and Lucreda 
Peer. He was born in this town, and she is n native of Canada, and came with her parents to this county in 
childhood. Capt. Harrow is a native of (his county, and was born in (he (own January 23. 183!). His boyhooci 
was spent here. He liegan sailing in 18.")7 ; he sailed as Cap(ain of the United, and afterward sailed and built 
the Young America ; built the barge Jennie and sailed as master of her. Rebuilt (he s( Imoner R. G. Gil)bs 
and sailed her. He is now mas(er of the large schooner Xelson Bloom, and ownsa controlling interest in her. 
He has sailed the most of the time for the past twenty-five years. He owns the farm where be lives on the 
river. He has held the ottice of Supervisor an<l Commissioner of Highways. He was married March 20, 
1867, (o Mi.ss Mareia J. Lyons, a milive of Canada. They have three children — Herbert Stephen, William A. 
and Grace Maud. 

FR.VXK H.VRT. of the firm of Blood it Hart, general merchants, is a native of St. Clair Countv. and 
was born in this town December 4. 1843. His father, Daniel F. Hart, was a native of Oneida County, "N. Y.. 
and came to this county in 1832, and was among the early settlers here. In 1837, he married Miss Bets}' Pres- 



702 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

ton, wbo was born in Onondaga County. N. Y. He took up land when this was a wilderness, cleared it and 
made his farm, and lived there until 1878. His wife died August l.'i, 1867, and he died February 13. 18sl. 
leavin" three children — Edwin H., Frank and DeWitt C. Frank grew up on the farm and sailed some until 
near h's majority. In 1864, he went in the army, and served on the Construction Corps ; was discharged on 
account of sickness, and soon after entered the store of C. A. Blood. Two years later he became a partner 
in' the biisiness, and since then has had the management of the business of the firm, and Blood & Hart have 
always done a large trade. Mr. Hart served as Village Treasurer, and held other village and township offices. 
He married Miss Mary C. Blood September, 1873 : she is a native of this town and daughter of Hon. C A. 
Blood ; Mr. and Mrs.' Hart have one daughter— Carrie E. 

CAPT. J. C. HAZEN is a native of Canada, and was born December 3, 1841. He began sailing when 
thirteen years of age. In 1863, he sailed master of the schooner Otter, then sailed the schooner Burchard 
and the Rust ; sailed niaster of the brig St. Joe two years, and the Driver three years: was master of the 
Charles Spademan and the Robert L. Fryer, and last year sailed the Selden Marvin ; he has been in the ma- 
rine service twenty-eight years. In 1864, he married Miss Helen McCann, a native of this place ; they have 
two children — Je.s.se and Mary R. ; they have lost two children — Edward and Frankie. 

.JOHN J. HILL, of the firm of Slorley it Hill, ship-builders, is a native of Wayne County, N. Y. . and 
was born at Sodus Point March 11, 1843. During his early boyhood he attended school, and at the age of 
fifteen went in the ship yard and served three years' time. The first vessel he built was the John J. Hifl, at 
Pultneyville, N. Y. Together with Capt. Morle}', he rebuilt the Grace Sherwood. During the war, he was 
in the ship yards in Cleveland, Toledo and Chicago, and came from Chicago to Marine City in 1869 ; asso- 
ciated with Capt. Morlcy, and engaged in ship-building. They have constructed, under Mr. Hill's supervision, 
the schooner C. N. Johijson, steam barges D. W. Powers, Robert Holland, steamer Planet, the Garvis Lord, 
the double decker steamer Minneapolis, steam barge Abereorn, double deck steamer K". K. Fairbank, river 
steamer New Baltimore, the steamer Northerner and the Morley, double deck steamer A. G. Hopkins, steam 
baro-es J. Macy and the J. M. Osborne, and the river steamer Mary. Mr. Hill has had a large practical expe- 
rience in his profession, and the firm of Morley it Hill transact a large business. Mr. Hill married Miss 
Francis C. Durling, of Marine City ; she is a native of Romeo, this State ; they have one daughter— Mabel 
Maud. 

ROBERT HOLLAND, merchant and ship-builder, is a native of England, and was born February 1-0, 
1831 ; he emigrated to this country in 18.55 and located in Buffalo, where lie lived four years and came to Ma- 
rine City in 1859 for E. B. "Ward, and worked at trade of engineer and machinist ; in 1870, he engaged in mer- 
cantile business ; the firm w'as Holland it Co., who succeeded to the business originally established by E. B. 
\Vard. Mr. Holland afterward purchased the interest of his partner, and succeeded the firm of Holland & 
Co., and since then has carried on the business alone. In 18(35, he engaged in the vessel business, and since 
then has been extensively engaged in that business and in ship-building. He resides on the old Sam Ward 
place, and owns all the property, ship yards and docks belonging to that estate ; this farm is within the village- 
corporation. He owns two other good farms in this county, and also owns several farms in Huron County, 
and other lands and town property. In 1855, he married Mjss Lovania Brake, a native of England; they 
have five children — Charles D., Mary, Henry R., Ettie and Roland R. Mr. Holland has held the office of 
President of the Village Board, and has served six years on the Board, and has held other town and school 
offices. 

E. P. HUNTOON, mason, is a native of Clinton County, N. Y.. and was born December 9. 1825 ; upon 
reaching manhood, he came with his parents to this State in October, 1846, and settled at this place, then 
called Newport, and began working in saw-mill and lumjjer business ; afterward began working at his trade, 
and since then has followed his trade most of the time. He has held the office of Township Clerk for many 
years. In 1847, he married Miss Cordelia M. Wilkins, a native of Fairfax, Vt. ; she came here with her par- 
ents in 1833 ; they have seven children — Dell, Consular Agent at Wallaceburg, Ontario ; Mary, now Mrs. 
Packard, St. Ignace ; Allie, now Mrs. Morrell, Brockway Center ; Ada, now Mrs. Pearce, living here ; Anna, 
teaching school here; Charlie, Nellie, both at home. 

WILLIAM JONES, Superintendent of the Marine City stave-mill, is a native of New York State, and 
was liorn in Onondaga Count}-, August 30, 1826 ; he was brought up and lived there until 1858, when became 
to this State and lived in New Baltimore County four years, and then went to East Saginaw and lived there 
three years, and from there came to Marine City, and for the past fifteen years has been with Mr. McElroy. 
and has held the position of Superintendent at the mill eight years. He has had a large practical experience 
in stave manufacturing, having been connected with it over thirty }-ears. Was Village Trustee in 1881. In 
1846, he married Mi.ss Louise Bump, of Onondaga County, N. Y.; they have three children — Ida, Fred and 
Elmer. 

GEORGE KOENIG, ship-builder, is a native of Germany, and was born July 18, 1836 ; he emigrated 
with his parents to this country in 1854, and came the same year to this county, and learned the trade of ship- 
carpenter, and worked at his trade until 1868, when he engaged in business for himself, and built the steam 
barge I). F. Rose, then built the C. L. Young and steamer George King, and owns one-fifth interest in each. 
Built the steamer Germania and the tug Ella II. Smith, and the steamship Kate Butterens ; also the schooner 
Te\Uonia, in which he owns a one-half interest, and built schooner Jackson, and is now completing one of 
the largest and best built steam barges ever constructed here. He owns his mill and other property here. 
He is a self made man, and owes his success to his own efforts. He has held town and school offices. In 
1.S63, he married Miss Babetta Ilach, a native of Germany; they have six children — Fredrika, Babetta, The- 
odore, Catharine, Frederick and Christina. 

CAPT. L. C. EARNED, farmer. Private Claim 204, P. O. Marine City, is a native of Oswego County, N. 
Y., and was born December 6, 1831. His parents died before he was three years of age; his father left quite 
a large estate, two saw mills and hardware store. When onlj' ten years old, Capt. Larncd went and lived 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 703 

with his uncle several years, and llicii went to Tlmiuicr Bay [slanil, and worked for a tisliernian. and the 
next year he bovishl out the litisiness and ran it two years. In lS;iS, lie lieifan sailiiiL;. built the little schooner 
■' Two }5rotliers." He was sui-cessful in this vcntiu'e; he invested his earnings in vessel property, and trans- 
acted a lar);'e liusiness; he has owned twenty-two vessels, and built .seventeen of them, and sailed tlicin all. 
,\fter sailiu,;^' forty years, he sold out his vessel property, ('ajil. Lamed was engaged in business in Sandusky. 
Ohio, became involved and failed for $l(jll,000. l)ut paid it all, dollar for dollar, and has also lost large amount 
in lumber trade. He has taken care of hiiuself since a small boy, and is a sidf-made man. He owns two good 
farms. Bought the land where he now lives, when he could not loan mr>ney at three per cent, and has lived 
here sinci- IS-t-l. He was marrii-d .lune HI, l.'^-H, to Miss Mary .Miniiii-. a native of this town, ami davightcr of 
.Joseph jMhinie. one of ilie earliest settlers here. They liave two eliildren— Mary, now Mrs. Willette, Duluth, 
Minn., and Klva. now Mrs Tobitz. Marine City. 

CAI'T. HAKKV L.WVKKXCE is a native of Germany, and was born .September 20. 1840. When 
fourteen years of age. he went to sea on the ship Union, and followed sailing for tliirteen years. He came to 
tliis comitry in 1874, and since then has been engaged in sailing on the lakes, and for the past two seasons has 
sailed master of the bark Teutonia. 

CWT. .J.VMES LEITCH, is a native of Scotland, and was born .Tune 2. ISiti. Hi- learned the trade of 
wood tm-ning; upon reaeliing manhood, he came to the United States in b'^48, and the following year came to 
this county and began working at his trade, and was engaged in wood turning milil ISOS, and that year built 
the steam "barge William Cowie, and sailed her a.s master from 1870 until 1874. He l)uilt the steam barge 
Abercorn, and since 1874 has sailed master of her. He and his brother Robert and James Miu'rison own the 
" Cowie," the " Abercorn " and .schooner "Maize" and "Lyman Casey." Capt. Leitcli has been nuirried 
three limes; his lirst wife. Jliss Ann Bishop, a native of Scotland, ho married .hme 13, 1S,")4; she died January, 
1871, leaving four children — Jatnes, William, John and Jessie. He was married June 10. 1874, to Miss Mary 
Ann Livingston, of Jefferson County. N. Y.; she died Novemlier, IS.Si). He married Jliss Ada Pritchard, his 
present wife, February !."), 1S8-; she is from Ogdensburg. N. Y.. a muive of V<'nuont. ('apt. Ijcitch is not an 
office seeker, or office holder, but in 18.").") In,' was elected School Collector, when they collected rates on the 
scholars. When the assessment roll was placed in his hands, the amoimt to be collected was $17; he immcdi 
ately paid it out of his own pocket, and never aspired to office again. 

"CAPT. ROBERT LEITCH is a native of Scotland, and was born May Si, 1834. He came to the United 
Stales in 18,")(), ami <-aiue llie same vear to this State, and engaged in woo<l turning, and lived here and in 
Detroit for ten y<'ars. In ISIIO, he went to New York City and remained tlu'rc until 1807; then rettu'iied here 
and went on the lakes as second engineer. Afterward was engineer, and since 187.'") has sailed as master of 
the steam barge William Cowie, and is [lart owner of her. In 1870. he married Miss Sarah Jane Fowler. 
They have three children — James Fowler. William Ingle, Rolxa't John. 

ISAAC C. LESTER, shii)-carpenter and boat-builder, is a mitive of New York State, and was born .\pril 
12, 1829, and came with his parents, who were early settlers in this county. He was brought up here and fol- 
lowed sailing for some years, and vvorked at his trade of ship-carpenter and boat-builder. Is also engaged in 
the groci-ry trade; he has lived here forty-nine years. In 18(i9. he married iliss Louise Root, a native of New 
York State. They have four children— Alay, Emma. Alma Belle and Florcnc(.' E. 

PHIL.VXDEli LESTER, ship-carpenter and foreman Lester ship j'ard, is a native of New York State, and 
was born Seplnnber 18. 182,"). His parents. Isaac and Achsa Stimpson Lester, eaiue to this count}' in 1833, 
and settled on Belle River, and were among llie early settlers there; he died in 1847, and she died in 18.54. 
Philander was brought up ami learned the trade of ship-carpenter, and since then for the past thirty years lias 
followed that business. He has held the position of foreman for the past eighleen years. He has served 
as member of the Village Board. In 1847, he married Jliss Pamelia Williams, a native of Canada. 
They have seven children — Luciuda, Marshall P.. Albert J., Charles P., Frank S., Leonard A. and 
Clara A. 

CAl^T. THO.MAS S. LESTER is a native of New York State, and was born October 3. 1830. His parents, 
Isaac and Achsa Stimpson Lester, came to this State in 1833, and the following year came to this county, 
('apt. Lester began sailing when only fifteen years old; the following year went as mate of the .schooner 
"Aurora Borealis," and the ne\t year, when only ei.ghleen years old. sailed master. In !8.")1, sailed the scow 
"Tioga," and afterward sailed master of the "William Kelly." "Saginaw." the "t'arrier" and tlie steam 
barge " Eslabrook " and tlu' jiroiieller " Birkhead." He continued sailing until 1872; during the navigation 
season, he hascharge of the tug and vessel interests of the T. it S. T. Co.. at Saginaw, and is a sloekhnlder in 
the company. In 18.")l, he married Miss Emma Depew, of Ihe State of Ohio. They have si.x children, 
three sons and three daughters— Henry. Hubert. Curtis. Edith, Eva and Carrie. Lost one son. Willie. 

CAPT. J. B. LOZEN is a native of St. Clair County, and was born at Marine City December 17, 1839. 
He began sailing w'hen only thirteen years of age on the schooner "^Meridian," and sailed seven j'cars to 
Bulfalo. Cleveland and Chatham. Before he was twenly-one. he built tlu; scow "Margaret Allis;" owned and 
sailed her. Then sailed Captain of the scow " Brandy wine." Built and owned the scow- "Champion" and 
sailed her; b\iilt the " Lucinda Lawzen." then the fastest of her kind on the lakes, and also owned the scow 
"Rosa" and the " Rosa Ann." He is master of the steamer " City of New Baltimore." and is half owner, 
and owns one-third interest in the tow barge " Nelson Bloom." His success is owing to his own efforts. He 
had nothing when he began life. In 18.")1. Capt. Lozen married Jliss Lucinda Winter, of Toronto, Canada. 
They have eight children — John. Minnie. Eugene, Margaret, Edward. Alexander, Thomas and Burton. 

FRANK Sl< ELUOY. Secretary of the Marine (Jity Stave Company, is a scm of Hon. C. McElroy, and a 
native of St. Clair County, and was born November 13, 1854. He was brought up and attended school here 
anil in MacomI) County, .\fter taking a business cour.se at a commercial college, he entered his father's of- 
fice. In .lamiary. 1877, he was apjiointed Secretary of the ]\Iarine City Stave ('oni|)any. and since then has 
held that position. He has held Ihe office of Township Treasurer two terms; also Village Treasurer; and at 
the recent election was elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and has held school offices. 



704 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTT. 

KEV. JAMES MEDER, pastor Church of Ihe Holy Cross, is a native of Alsace, near Strasbourg, France, 
and was born December 9, 1850. He received his literary education there, and came to this country in 1873; 
went to Cincinnati, where he pursued his tlieologieal studies for three years, and was ordained August 1.5, 
IST-"). in Detroit. His first pastorate was at Port Austin, where he remained si.x year.s, and came to Marine 
City in December. 1881, and since then has presided here 

CAFT. ALFRED MITCHELL is a native of Lower Canada, and was born December 30, 18,53. He be- 
gan sailing wlien only thirteen years of age, on tlie scow Norman. He was engineer of the Mary Pringle and 
was unite of her four years, and in 1880 went as master, and sailed her two years. In 1883, was mate of the 
W. H. Gratwicl<. In 1883, lie will command the w^vf steam liarge Edward Sniitli, one of the largest and l)est 
ever built here. He owns an interest in her. In 1871. Capt. Mitchell married Miss Zoc Furtan, of Fair 
Haven, Lake St. Clair, daughter of Capt. Frank Furtan. They have six children — Alfred W., John D., Law- 
rence R.. Ida May, Mary Gertrude and Sarah C. 

CAPT. JOHN MITCHELL is a native of Clinton County, N. Y., and was born October 8. 1850. He be- 
gan sailing when onh' twelve years of age. on the steamer J. B. Smith. In 1869, he sailed master of the 
Evergreen; had command of her three years. Then for seven years he sailed as master of the Mary Pringle, 
and owned an interest in all of them. He then superintended the building of the William H. Gratwick, and 
for the past three years has sailed as master of her, and owns an interest in her. He owns one-quarter in- 
terest in a large and new steam barge just being completed— one of the best ever built on the river. Capt. 
Mitchell has been in the marine service twenty years. He married Miss Mary Rouvel, a native of this State, 
December 34, 1873. They have three children— Herbert W., Ralph D. and Mabel M. 

CAPT. WILLLYM B. MORLEY. capitalist, is a native of New York State, and was born in Poultney- 
ville, Wayne County, January 18, 1833. He liegan sailing when only fourteen years of age. on scliooner 
Eclipse, and three years later, when only nineteen years of age, was master of the Free Trader. He also 
sailed as master of several other sail and steam ves.sels. He continued in the marine .service until 18R8. Dur- 
ing that time, he was engaged in ship-lmilding and fitting out new vessels. In 1869, he came to Marine City, 
and since then has resided tliere, and has been engaged in ship-ljuilding and investing in vessel interests. 
Capt. Morley has been identified witli marine interests for one-third of a century. He has in his library a. 
fine model of a ship, constructed liy himself during his boyhood. He has a set of Scott Russel's Naval Archi- 
tecture, a rare work, there being besides only two other sets in the State. In his vessel interests, he has been 
connected with his brother, John J. Morley, of Rochester, N. Y.. C. T. Morlej', of Cleveland. Ohio, and M. H. 
Morley, of Sodus Point, during the past twenty-seven years. Ca])t. Morley has served as President of the 
village, and has held other town and school offices. He married Miss Alibie Payne, of Wayne County, N. Y., 
in January, 18.55. She died in 1873, leaving three sons — II. Throop, William II. and Lawrence M. In 1877. 
he married Miss Elizabeth Preston, of Sodns Point, Wayne Co., N. Y. They have two children — Florence 
M. and Mary P. 

L. B. PARKER, physician and surgeon, was born in Morse, Clinton Co.. N. Y., July 19, 1818. When 
six years of age, his parents removed to Fairfax, Vt., where he attended the common .schools until he was fif- 
teen years old; after which he engaged in teaching .school, realizing enough to defray his expenses while at- 
tending the academy at St. Albans. In 1839, he began the study of medicine with Drs. Hall & Ballon, of St. 
Albans, and graduated at Castletou College in June. 1843. After practicing two and one-half years at Cam- 
bridge, Vt., Dr. Parker came West and located at Newport, now Marine City, where he still resides. Besides 
attending to quite an extensive practice, he has given considerable attention to politics. During the rebell- 
ion. Dr. Parker was known as a War Democrat. He was elected to the State Senate in the fall of 1863, 
and served during the sessions of 1863-64. He has also been engaged in lumbering, and is now the owner of 
some valuable vessel property. Dr. Parker was married July 6, 1853, to Miss Jane Sparrow, a lady of Eng- 
lish parentage, from Percy. Ontario. They have six children living — DeLos L., graduated at Ann Arbor Mich- 
igan University in 1)^81, and is now a member of the senior class of the medical department of th'iit institu- 
tion; Frank S., now teaching s(-hool in California; Walter R., a cadet at Michigan Military Academy. Orchard 
Lake; Whitbeck G., attending High School at Marine City; Mary H., now Mrs. Gen. L. W. Heath, of Grand 
Rapids; Jennie C, at home; Sophia E., died at eleven years of age. October 5, 1864. 

.MICHAEL REITER. salesman for Robert Holland, is a native of Germany, and was born in Bavaria 
August 31, 1833. He emigrated to the LTnited States in 1857, and came to this county the same year. He 
worked in a saw-mill two years; then worked at Gallager's live years, and worked in ship yard four years. 
In 1870, he entered the store of Mr. Holland, and since then, for the past thirteen years, has remained with 
him, in practical charge of the business. In 1883, he opened a grocery and notion store on Water street. In 
1864, he married Mi.ss Hannah Daily, a native of Canada. They have five children — Jennie, Josephine, John, 
Andrew and Mary. 

BENJAJIIN BOBBINS, farmer. Private Claim 306. P. O. Marine City, is a native of England, and was 
born July 5, 1H37. He emigrated to this country in 18,55, and came to Detroit; lived there two years, and went 
to Huron County; lived there six years, and then came to this county. Worked in ship yard at Marine City, 
and engaged in the grocery trade there. In 1870, he bought the f;irm where he now lives, and since then has 
lived here and in Mcarine City. Owns 103 acres of land. "He was married in July, 1873, to Miss.Emma Lumby, 
a native of this town, and daughter of John and Helen Lumby. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have "two children — 
Sophia and Bessie. 

WILLIAM C. ROBERTS, of the firm of W. C. & W. S. Roberts, handle factory. Private Claim 318, 
Roberts' Landing, is a native of Connecticut, and was born October 8, 1840. His parents, Samuel Roberts 
and Mary A. Moore, removed to Cleveland. Ohio, in ^»i\, and the following year came to this county and 
settled in this town, at Roberts' Landing. He was clerk on Ward's boats, and sailed for six or eight years. He 
then engaged in tlic tug business, and was connected with that until 1868. when he and his sous established 
their present handle Imsiness. He died in 1883, and she died in 1880. William C. spent his early boyhood in 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR OOUNTY. 705 

the town. At the iitje of sixteen he began sailing "itli liis lather, and aflenvanl .sailed as master of different 
vessels until 18117. when thev established their manufaeturing business, and since then has niven his attention 
to the interests of the liusiness here. They also hav(' a store here. In 1878, they liought a llonrinj; mill at 
Marine City, and carried on the business there until 188J, when the mill was destroyed by tire. They own 
200 acres oi' land, lie has held school ollices. Mr. Roberts was united in ma,rriag-e Kcbruai'y 10, 1874. to Miss. 
Cassie Harrow, a native of Aljronae. and dau.ifhter of George Harrow and Lucretia Peer. Mr. and Mrs. Rob- 
erts have tive chililren— William M., Oeorse S., Annie A., Walter .1. and Harry 0. 

W. S. ROBERTS, of th(; fh-ni of W.'C. & W. S. Robio-ls, P. O. Roberts' Laiulin.n', Rol)erts Handle Fac- 
tory, is a native of St. ('lair County, and was born in the town of Cottrellville April ','4, 184(i. His parents. 
Saiiiuel Roberts and Mary Ann Moore, came to this county in 184A He attendi'd school here. Went on the 
lakes and sailed aliout six years; then with his brother estab.lished their present business, ami gave his atten- 
tion to it until 1878. when "they bought the flouring mill at .Marine City, and lu' ran the mill of Roberts Bros, 
until .lune. !88'2, when it was'destnived by fire. Has also been interested in vessel i)ropei-ty. He has held 
the olhce of Town Treasurer and Village Trustee. Jlr. Roberts was nnirried June 1. IS8:3. to Miss Laura A. 
liCster. a native of this place, and lUiunhter of David Lester, Ksij., one of the early settlers. 

CAPT. JOHN R0BI-:KTS()N is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in this town Januarys. IsiS. 
His |)arents were David and Madeline Robertson, his father being of Scotch descent, and his motlu'r was Ixu'n 
down the river at Grosse Point. He lii-lped build the Idock of houses at Detroit and at Port Huron. They 
were among the earliest settlers on the river. Capl. Robertson began sailing when fourteen years of age on 
the scliooner Freedom. He sailed before the mast and as unite until l.s.">2, and that year was master of the 
steamer Detroit and the London. In 1853, was master of the Pacitic; in 1854, the Cleveland; in is^.'iand lN."i6, 
the Forrester; in 18.57, the Clifton; in 18.58, the Forrester; in 185!»and 18(i0. the Forest (^ueen; in istil, the pro- 
peller Antelope; 18fi'3, the Detroit; 18(a and 18(34, the steamer Illinois; 18()5 and 18(i(i. the Forrester; 1807. the 
Alpena; 1808 to 1871, the Marine Citv; 1872. the Milton I). Ward; 1873. the Jleteor; 1874 and 1875. the City 
of Duluth; 1870, the Riverside; 1877,'the John Sherman; 1878, 187!l and 1880, the .steamer Dove; 1881, the 
.Hteanu'r .Metropolis, and in 1882, the Dove. Sailed for E. B. Ward twelve years. Capt. Robertson has been 
in the nuirine service forty years, anfl for thirtj' years has sailrd master, and is one of the oldest in active serv- 
ice on the lakes. Capt. lio'bcrlson was nuirried'NovembiT 28, 18.52, to Miss Susan Burnhara. a native of Mt. 
CJlemens. Mich. They have five children— George G., John I.,., Carrie, Susie and Nellie. 

CAPT. STEPHEN ROSE. Section 10, P, (). Marine City, is u son of Stephen Rose and Julia Laponeey, 
of Lower Canada They came to this (;ounty in 1820. He sailed and also worked at his trade, ship carpen 
ter. He was in the employ of Sam Ward over twent.v years, and is now livini;- in Marine City. They have hail 
twelve children, all living except one. Capt. Rose was born in the town of Ira, at Anchorville, April 18, 1840. 
He began sailing when fifteen years old on scow Annie, and three years later sailed Captain of her. Then 
sailed the St. Stephen, schooner Cortland, steam barge Scotia, steam barge .Mary, and was c:aptain of the 
steam barge Mills eight years, and last year was master of the .fohn M. Dickenson. During the war, Capt. 
Rose enlisted, August 22, 1802, in Company G, Twenty-seconil Michigan Inf.antry. He served three years. 
He was wounded at battle of Chiekamauga, and also at Chattalioocliie River. He owns the farm where he lives. 
He was married Jlay 27, 1880, to INIiss EUi^n Smith, a native of this county. 

(WPT. WILLIA.M ROUV'EL is a native of Germany, and was born in Prussia (Jctober 24, 1.S48. His 
parents immigrated to this country in 1.8.52. He began sailing when fourteen years of age on the Presipie 
Isle, and since then, for over twenty years, has been eonnectecl with the marine service. In 1875, he saile<l 
master of the Reindeer; then was master of the Roliert L. Fryer, and afterward master of the St. Clair, ami 
owned an interest in all of them. He owns on(^quarter interest in the large new steam barge .just being com- 
pleted, and which is conecihHl to be one of the stanchest steam vessels ever built here. In 1874, ('ajit. I{ou- 
vel married Miss Cei-elia Stiger. of Xew Baltimore. Tliej' have six children — George. Walter. Ilaltie and 
Ida (twins). Geraldine and Philip. 

V. A. SAPH. attorney at law. was born neai- Salisbury in the South of England June 21. 1830, and is the 
eldest of twelve children. His father is a cabinet-maker, learning his trade at Southampton. In the ye.ar 
1831. he came to this country with his ])arents. who located at Montreal, Canada, where the}' resided two 
years. From Montreal they moved to Prescolt. .and from there to Niagara. In the fall of 1837. he emigrated 
with his pan.'nts to Indiana, taking passage from Buffalo in the steamer ('onslitution. commanded by Capt. 
Applebee, landing at Mi'chigan City. His father bought eighty acres of prairie land twelve miles .south of 
La Porte, where they lived five years. Here Mr. Saph secured a part of his education in the log schoolhouse. 
In 1843, his father sold his farm and moved to St. .Joseph, Mich. In 1815, the family moved to Chatham, 
Ont.. where they lived until 1847. when they moved to Sarnia. opposite Port Huron, residing tlnu-c until 1849. 
During that year they moved across the St. Clair River to Port Huron. Mich., where they have resided ever 
since. The suliject of this sketch having decided to learn the ship building business, left home and went to 
Marine City (then called Newport) in July. 18W. where he has residc^d ever since. In 1851. he married Mary 
L. Drulliard. Politically, .Mr. Sajih was" a Whig and a decided Abolitionist, casting his first vote for Geii. 
Scott. He .joined the Repul)lican party^it its organization. In 1803, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
was re-elected in 1807, doing most of the justice business in this locality until he resi.iined in 1809. He w.asat 
the head of tlie labor movement, organizing tlie ship carpenters into uniims, which proved asuceess in raising 
and maintaining the price of wau:es. In .March. 180fi, he was elected President of the village on the working- 
man's tic-ket. and re-elected in b'^()7. In April, 1800, he was ideeted SuiicrvLsor on (he s.anie ticket. In the 
fall of 1800. Mr. Saph was electeil County Treasurer of St. Clair County on the Kepnblicaii ticket, and was 
re-elected in 1808. In 1809, lie was adinitteil to practice in the Circuit Ccnirt of St. Clair Count}- and .after- 
ward in the Superior Court and United States Courts. In 1872. he .joined the Liberal Republican party, and 
was a member of the Committee on Credentials at the State Convention that nominated Austin Blair for Gov- 
ernor. He ran for Judse of Probate in the fall of that year, but was defeated by Judue Thom.is. In 1872. he 

45 



706 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

lost his wife and was married again the following year to Marj' Zweng. In the spring of 1873, he was elected 
Supervisor without opposition." In 18Tfi, he joined the Greenback labor party, and in 1880 was placed on the 
ticket as one of the presidential electors and also ran for State Senator that fall. He stumped the district but 
was defeated with the rest of the ticket. He was also a member of the State Central Committee for two 
years. He also ran for Circuit Judge in the spring of 1881, but was defeated by H. W. Stevens. In 1882. he 
was again elected President of the Common Council of the village, under whose administration many im- 
provements were made. Politically, he seeks to be on the side of right without regard to success. On relig- 
ious subjects jMr. Saph is what might be termed a Free Thinker. He is the father of sixteen children, twelve 
of whom are living. He has a good practice. Is a man of integrity and enjoys the confidence of all who 
know him. 

■WILLIA3I F. SAUBER, marine engineer, is a native of Prussia, and was born July 16, 1848. His parents 
emiijrated to the United States in 18.52 ; lived in Detroit two years ; then went to New Baltimore, where he 
was~brouirht up. and in 1873 came to Marine City, learned marine engineering; was engineer on the Mary 
Pringle for seven years, and since then engineer on the W. H. Gratwick. He owns an interest in the new 
steam bar^e Edward Smith. Also owns one-twentieth interest in the Tonawanda Transportation Company, 
one-fourth interest in the barse Pindar, and Lots o and 6, block .51. Marine City. This spring will act as engi- 
neer of the Ed Smith. In lB70, Mr. Sauber married Mary Goldenbogen, a native of Germany ; they have 
four children— Ahina, Louise, Marv, Willaminna. 

ADAM SCOTT is a native of Canada : was born in the township of Smith July 12, 1854. Lived there 
until seventeen years old, then came to Marine City, Mich., and engaged in working at his trade of carpenter 
and joiner, and ship building and sailing ; he now sails the barge William Raynor, and owns an interest in 
her. On November 10, 1872^ he mari'ied Miss Sophia Russel, of this place ; she is a native of Germany. 

CAPT. M. P. SCOTT is a native of Canada, and was born February 21, 1850; he has lived in thisVounty 
from early childhood, and began sailing when .seventeen years old on the schooner Taylor, and since then for 
the past fifteen years has sailed on the lakes. He was in the employ of the T. & S. T. Co. seven years, and 
owned stock in the company ; sailed master of the barge Katie Brainard one year, and master of the barg'^; 
Gebhart five years, and the Troj" one year ; then sold his stock, and in 1882 sailed master of the Tim Baker, 
and owns in her three-quarters interest. 

CAPT. WILLIAM H. SCOTT is a native of Canada, and was born at Brockville, Ontario, February 7, 
1843, and came here with his parents in 18.50. He began sailing in 1861 on the brig Preble. The following 
year he enlisted in the navy, and served on the United States steamer St. Clair, and United States steamer 
Avenger, and was boatswain's mate, and served about three years. After the war, he returned here and 
sailed during the summer season, and in winter worked at the trade of ship carpenter. In 1^70, he sailed 
master of J."A. Smith, then sailed the Katie Brainard two seasons; also sailed the Troy and the Grace Hol- 
land, and for the past two seasons has sailed master of the Isabel Reed, and during winter is foreman of re- 
pairs in Lester's ship yard. Capt. Scott has sailed for the T. tt S. T. Co. since 1872, and is a stockholder in 
the company. In 1866', Capt. Scott married Miss Eleanor Williams, a native of this count3-. They have three 
children — James W., Arthur J. and Ilenrv M. 

HUMPHREY SMITH, farmer. Section 10, P. O. Marine City, is a native of Onondaga County, X. Y., 
and was born in the town of Lj'sander July 17, 1807. Upon reaching manhood, he was married February 24, 
18'28, to Miss Alvira Marriss, a native of ilassachusetts. They removed from Onondaga County to Cattaraugus 
County, and lived there a year and a half and then concluded to go West to the Territory of Michigan. 
They came from Buffalo to Detroit on the old steamer Heniy Clay. Gen. Winfield Scott was on the same 
steamer, on his way to the Black Hawk war. Mr. and Mrs. Smith arrived at Marine City June 18, 1832, and 
had only 12 shillings left. They came out near where they now live and took up some land from Govern- 
ment. It was all a wilderness. " He cut .some poles for a frame, and then cut the tall grass and thatched it so 
as to protect them from the weather as best he could, and Mrs. Smith lived there with two chililren, and 
could hear the wolves around them nights. The next year, they went to Abbottsford and kept a boarding 
house for .Judge Bunce, then came back and lived on the turnpike two years ; then, in 1836. came back on 
their land and built a log house. It was almost impossible to get any work, but they paid for their forty acres 
by working, and earned $18 a month. Mrs. Smith, though she had her little children to care for. worked 
side by side with her husband. There are very few pioneer mothers who went through what she has endured, 
and are living to-day. Mr. Smith has carried on his back two bushels of wheat to Belle River Mills and 
back the same day — a distance of ten miles. He cleared his land, made his farm during summers, and worked 
in the ship yard and lumbered winters, and for several years he was in the woods, hunting up and selecting 
pine lands. He owns a good farm of 100 acres of lancT. Has held school offices, and been Grain Commis- 
sioner. The}- have been married and lived together over fift^'-five years, and are the oldest settlers in this 
part of the town, and among the oldest in the count}'. They have eleven children — Andrew, Philinda, now 
Mrs. Smith ; Harriet, now Mrs. Wilson ; Charles, Oramatha, Violctta, now Mrs. Morris ; Louisa, now Mrs. 
Tappan ; Catharine, now Mrs. Clark ; Leonard, on the farm at home ; Laura, now Mrs. Barringer ; Jane, now 
Mrs. Fowler. They are also the grand-parents of seventy-nine grand-children, and the great-grandparents of 
twentv-eight children. 

SIMON P. SMITH, farmer. Section 10, P. O. Marine City, is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., and 
was born November 1, 1826 ; his parents. Gardner Smith and Anna Loomis Smith, came to this county in 
1831 ; they lived just above Marine City one year ; then settled on the place where they now live ; it was a 
wilderness at that time, no roads in any direction. Simon was brought up here, and since manhood has been 
engaged in farming, though he sailed a short time ; owns this farm. In 185.5, he married Mary Christie, a na- 
tive of this town ; she died in 1863 leaving three children — George. Martha, now Mrs. Bazney, and Hiram. 
In 1871, he married Angeline Gonlette, of this county; she died in 1872. In 1874, he married Tracy Latur- 
nian, a native of Chatham, Canada ; they have one son, Jeremiah. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 707 

V. L. SOUER, general merchant, is a native of this county, and was born in the to\m of China May 29, 
1846. and is a son of .lacob and Catharine Souer. When sixteen years of aire. Mr. Souer learned the biack- 
smitli's trade, and followed it as a busine.ss for three years, after which, he entered the store of H. Buttironi, 
and remained there four years ; he then severed his connection with that gentleman, and engaged with his 
father in business for four years, since which time, during the past ten years, he has carried on business alone. 
Our subject has alwa\s manifested a lively interest in the social and political advancement of his town, and 
is universally liked and respected. He has held the office of Township Clerk, and. though yet a youns man, 
has attained a social and business position which many older men nnght well view with feelings akin to 
envy. He owes his present prosperity entirely to his own industrj-, business al)ility and the sterling intesritv 
that characterize all his dealings, both public and private. In 1871. Mr. V. L. Souer married Miss Ellen .1. 
Wilkins. a native of this place, and daughter of Isaac WLIkins, an old settler; thev have one son — Ralph 
Wilkins. 

CHARLES SPADEMAN, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Germany, and was born in 1830. 
He learned his business there, and in If^il, emigrated to the Lnited States, and came to this county the same 
year and began butchering, and since then for over thirty years he has carried on the business, except several 
years he was on his farm. There is no one in the business now. that was engaged in it when he began. He 
owns a good farm near town. In 18o"3. he married Miss Katharine Schreiner. a native of Germany; she died 
in l>*fi4. They had six children, of whom Dolly, Lizzie and Charlie survive. Mr. Spademan married Mrs. 
Margaret Cox May 16, bSOT. she is a native of this county, and daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Arlinuton. 
who came to this county and settled on Belle River in 1.S33. Mr. and Mrs. Spademan have two children — 
Susie and Aggie. 

HERMAN SPRINGBORN, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of Germany, and was born 
October 8, 1849. His parents emigrated to this country when he was only four years of age. came to this 
county and settled in the town of China, and he grew up and lived there until 18f 7. and then came in town 
and established his present business, and has built up a good trade. In 1S8J. he built his brick store. In 1870, 
he married Miss Minnie Reabe, a native of fJermany. They have four children — Alvina, Robert, Emma and 
Norina. 

NOMER STALEY, with Marine City Stave Co., is a native of Erie County. N. Y.. and was bom October 
21. 183.5. When twelve years of age. his parents removed to Canada, lived there four years and then came to this 
county and settled at Marine City. He worked in the mills and in joiner shop until of age: then went in the 
store of Eber W;vrd, remained there two years, and was in Kelly's store short time; then was with Dwight & 
Wonsey. inspecting lumber and Superintendent at their mill; remained with this firm about four years; then 
bought lumber for two years, and selected the stock for second barge built bj- the T. & S. T. Co. After keep- 
ing store a short time, he entered the employ of C. McElroy, and upon the organization of the Marine Citv 
Stave Co., was foreman of the mill during the summer season, and bought stock in the winter, and has since 
then been in the employ of the 'company. Has held the office of Town Clerk. Town Treasurer. Village 
Treasurer and Village Trustee. In \x>ii. he married 5Ilss >[ary C. Lawzo, a native of Ohio. Thev have four 
children — William K., Emily B.. Benjamin S. and Mar>- C. 

JOHN SYKES. farmer." P. O. Marine City, son of Richard and Rachel .Sykes, born in parish of Halifax, 
County of York. England. February 1. 1822. He was baptized at the Church of Elland, Countv of York, 
England. March 31. 1^22. Was apprenticed for a term of sis years and eight months, from June 1. 1><37. to 
1844. to .lohn Hudson and James Taylor, machine smiths. He moved to Liverpool and engaged in smithin"- 
at docks of the Trustee's Company, at North End shop for two years. Left Livei-pool Octolier 20. l*4fi. foT 
the Fnited States, arriving in New Orleans. La., January o. 1>47. on the ship "Thomas Church." of New 
York, having been ten weeks and four days on the passage. Our subject has resided in New Orleans, in 
Illinois, at Alton, Godfrey. Jackson and Chicago; at .St. Louis. Mo.; Dayton, of Ohio; New Port. Kentuckv. 
in all. two ye.ars. He then came to Marine City, St. Clair Co.. Mich., and was in the emplov of Mr. Samuel 
Ward eight years. He then located in April 17, 18.58. on his present farm, which he had purchased several 
3"ears before. He has a fine farm all cleared: he also bought forty-six acres in the town of China, but sold it; 
he also purchased and sold Lots 13 and 14. in William street: at "present he owns a brewery in Marine City. 
He married Miss Jane Watt, a native of Scotland. 

CAPT. THOMAS WALKER, is a native of Ireland, and was born August 29, 1827. ^^■hen fifteen rears 
of age he was apprenticed, and .served his time on an Engli.sh ship four years, and the last nine months was 
chief mate of the ship. He sailed all over the world, China. South America and to the Indies. He eros.sed 
the Atlantic twentj- seven times, and only three times before the m;»st. He was sailing master of the clipper 
ship. •' Ellen Warr " of Baltimore. In V<Vk he came on the lakes as mate of the schooner " Yankee Blade."" 
He has .Sidled master of the Mariraret R. GotL and master of the liargeFlorencethreeyears. and also the Gebhan. 
Was master of the jiropeller " S. C. Baldwin," five years, and in 1878. bought half interest in the ••.lohn F. 
Warner, and since then has sailed m;ister of her: he has been in marine service fortv years. In 1861. he mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Smith, a native of this place. The}- have five children — Kittie, ^Nellie M., Sadie R.. Goldie 
31. and Zach E. 

CAPT. DAVID H. WESTCOTT. is a native of Livingston County, N. Y.. and was born April 24. 1823. 
His parents removed to Rochester during his early childhood, and he remained there until twelve years of a-re; 
while living there he remembers seeing ^am Patch jump over the falls, in iS^i't. In 1835. when'onlv twefve 
3-ears old. he was tlirown upon Ids own resources, he went to live with his uncle in Cuyahoga Countv. Ohio, 
and remained in that State seven years; then came to this Stale and spent three years at the South Manitou 
Islands, and from there came to Marine City. April '24. 1844. The following year he began sailing on the 
steamer Huron, the first steamer the Wards ever built, run on her that season and a part of 1846; and then went 
upon the Sue) River, and kept awoodyard for three seasons; then engaged in lookingup pinelands durinithe 
summers for the Messrs. Ward, andlunibered winters. In 18.52, he bought a farm on the river one mUe below town. 



708 HISTORY OF ST. CI>AIR COUNTY. 

and also liad a dock aud wood j'ard there, and remained there five years. In IS.JT, be rented the position of trader 
on the four lioats of Wards' line, and carried on the business for ten years, and during this time he built for the 
Wards four steamers, the " Saijinaw," the "Keweenaw," side wheel steamers, and the propellers "St. Paul " 
and the " R. G. Coburn," for the Ward line. After he had stopped sailing he built the propellers " Minneapo- 
lis '"and "Northerner." Afterward went on his farm and engaged in farming until October, 1879, when he 
came in town and opened the Worden Hou.sc. remained there two years; then opened the Westcott House, and 
owns both hotels. Mr. Westcott worked his own way from the time he was twelve years old. He has cleared 
and made three good farms on tlie St. Clair River; is a man of strict integrity of character, detests shams, is 
kind hearted and liberal to worthy and deserving objects, and his word is as good as his bond. He has held 
the office of Treasurer and served on the Village Board, and was elected member of the Board of Supervisors, 
and has served on the School Board many years. He married Miss Mary Jane Ward, a native of Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., April 33, 1814. They have six children — Charles H., in business at St. .Clair; John W., the 
well known vessel agent and marine reporter at Detroit; Susan S., now Mrs. A. Graves, Port Huron; David 
W., Captain on the lakes; Edward K., proprietor Westcott House; Mary J., at home; they lost one son, George 
.S., and a little daughter, Mary. 

ISAAC WILKIXS, farmer. Section 2, P. O. Marine City, is a native of Franklin County, "Vt., and was 
born January 20, 1822. His parents, Daniel and Susanna Brooks Wilkins, were natives of that State; she died 
in 1823, and he came to Michigan in the fall of 1833, and in January, 1834, came to St. Clair County, and set- 
tled at Newport, now Marine City; was a millwright and carpenter, worked at his trade and lived there until 
his death. Isaac came here with his father, and was brought up and attended school here; after reaching 
manhood engaged in farming, and was for a time engaged in wood business. He owns a good farm of 160 
acres, well improved, and has resided here since 18.J2. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He 
wa,s commissioned by Gov. Barry, First Lieutenant in the State Militia. Mr. Will^ins was married August 22, 
1846, to Miss Jane Hatch, a native of Vermont. They have four children — Emily J., Ellen, Mrs. Sauers, of 
Marine City, Lillie E. and Fred. 

J. A. WONSEY, farmer, P. O. Marine City, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Wash' 
tenavi- County March 9, 1830, and is a sou of Henry and Ruth Faircliild Wonscy. He was born in Massa- 
ichusetts. and she in Upper Canada. They came to" this State in 1825, and settled in Oakland County, and 
•engaged iu lumbering and farming; two years later, they removed to AVashteuaw County, where they lived 
until 184.5; then came to St. Clair CJounty, and lived until his death, Apiil 4, 1872; his widow and sis children 
.survive him. John came to this place with his parents in 184.5, he went to work in the saw mill of Kust & 
Co., and continued here unt:l the pine was all cut; then went to Saginaw. He was in the employ of this firm 
seventeen years, and lield the position of engineer and foreman in their mills many years until 1861, when he 
married Miss Melissa D. Wilson, native of Bay Cit3^ daughter of the well known "Capt. John Wilson, who 
settled in that place November 16, 1840. He took the tirst cargo in the Saginaw River on the schooner Mary 
Smith. After they were married, Mr. and Mrs. Wousey came to Marine'City, and he, with A. Dwight, of 
Detroit, Iniilt a saw mill and ran it si.x years. He bought Dwight's interest, and the mill property burned and 
lie suffered large loss. He also built a Sour mill, which was burned. 3Ir. Wonsey is now engaged in farming, 
and owns 200 acres adjoining the village; forty acres of this land he bought in 1855. They have five chil- 
dren — Arthur J., Chester D.. Mary A., Agnes" and Wilson. 

CAPT. NELSON WOODWORTH is a native of Genesee County, N. Y,, and was born January 11, 1815. 
When fifteen years of age, his parents came to Michigan in the fall of 1832, and settled in Wayne County, 
seven miles from Detroit; the following spring he began sailing on the old La Grange, and sailed before the 
mast, and was in the employ of Oliver Newberry for many years. In June, 1853, he sailed master of the 
steamer Empire State, and the ne.\t year sailed master of the "propeller Hercules, and was also master of the 
Princeton, and for three years master of the Falcon : in 18.'")7, sailed the Mary Stewart; then built the propel- 
ler Missouri, and sailed master of her seven years; then fitted out the propell'er St. Louis, and sailed master of 
her four years; then sailed master of the Mayflower three years, and then master of the Roanoke. He was 
in the marine service for thirty-seven years, and since theu"has lived on his farm adjoining the town, and has 
'held the office of Justice for the past three years. In 1842, he married Miss Eliza N;isgs, of the city of 
Detrojt. They have four children— Mary, now Mrs. John Young; Louise, now Jlrs. John E. Martin; Che'ster, 
Donaldson; lost one sou. Nelson J. 



I 




HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 709 



CLAY TUWNSHIL\ 



A MONG the first American settlers of Clay were John K. Smith, Aura P. Stewart, George 
i\ Harrow, Jacob Pier, Eben AVestbrook, Ira Mai-ks, S. Miller, H. Robertson and others named 
among the patentees of United States lands in the township. The town was organized 
under the name of Plainfield in 1822, which name it continued to obtain until 1S28, when it 
was reorganized as Clay, as related in the organic history of the county. It includes the 
Islands of Stromness and Harsens. 

Algouac is the principal village of the township. There a Catholic Mission was estab- 
lished at a very eai-ly date, and thei'e, also, the first Methodist Episcopal Church society was 
formed in 1821, under Mr. Grifiith, of the Canadian Methodist Mission. The village was 
founded by John K. Smith, who settled there iu'lSlO. In 1830, the Methodists erected a church 
building, the same which, in later years, was the residence of Mr. Russell. 

. FIR.-^T L.\ND BUYERS. 

Andrew Westbrook. Section 1: Jacob Pier. Section 2, September 17, 1822; James H. Cook, 
Sections, May 15. 1889; James H. Cook, Section 9, Mav 15, 1839; James Beauvais, Section 9, 
May 15. 1839: Charles Pa<iuette, Section 9, May 15, 1839; A. Ebaire, Section 9, May 15, 1839; 
Ira Davenport, Section 9, May 15, 1839; Luther Stoddard, Section 10. May 15, 1839: Lansing 
B. Mizner, Section 10, May 15, 1839; Constance Loisselle, Section 10, May 15, 1839; Henry 
Connor, Section 15, May 15, 1839; Timothy Boyer, Section 15, May 15, 1839; Stephen Chor- 
tier, Section 15, May 15, 1839; FA. R. Kearsley, Section 15, May 15, 1839; Augustine Fauche, 
Section 15. Mav 15, 1839: Louis Beaufait, Section 15, May 15, 1839: John Dalloz, Section 
1(5, May 15, 1839; Stephen Rose, Section 1(3, May 15, 1839; Francis Morass, P. C. 614, May 
15, 1839; Pierre Yax, P. C. Ct'll. May 15, 1839. The Chippewa Reservation was sui>se<|uently 
sold, Edmund Pm-celle, Section 2; Andrew Westbrook, Section 3, May, 23, 1828; Jacob Pier, 
Section-, May 23, 1832: Peter F. Brakeman, Section -, June 8, 1833; AN'illiam T. Marks, Section 

3, April 11, 1834; Lambert Canchois, Section 3, June 10, 1834; Henry Robinson, Section 3, 
October 13, 1835; Mark H. Sibley, Section 3, March 2, 183(3; Clark W, Newhall, Section 4, 
December 6, 1832; Robert and Leonard Smith, Section 4, 1835; Lewis Goddard, Section 

4, 1835; George A, O'Keefe, Section 4, 1835; Luce and Jones, Section 4, June 2, 183(3; 
Amos B. Henkley, Section 9; Augu.st McDonald, Section 10; John Maine, Section 10; 
Private Claims 203. 211, 198, 309, 202, 301, 19(;, 197 and 190, as described in chapter 
on French Pioneers, belong to this township. 

Albert Miller & Co., of Bay City, bought 1,400 acres of marsh land in the town of Clay, 
known as the Point Tremble Prairie, in November, 1882, and made a dyke around the whole 
tract, with a view of reclaiming the land for agricultiiral pui'poses. Mr. Clark, of Detroit, had 
the contract for building the dyke, for l?9,000. He commenced work with. one dredge about 
the first of September, and about the first of October put on another, operating in the opposite 
direction. They calculated, witli favorable weather, to meet about the 25th of November, hav- 
ing about a mile each to dredge. The whole distance, when completed, will be about twelve 
miles. The ditch is thirty-two feet wide and four and one-half fei>t deep. The clay is all 
thrown to the outside. They will put in steam engines and commence pumping out the water 
as soon as the dyke is finished. They calculate it will take at least a year to get the land dry 
enough for cultivation. This will be a death blow to stock-raising at the point, as this marsh 
was used for pastm-e from the beginning of settlement. If the work of reclaiming proves a 
success, the land will be valuable, as there is upon it an average of at least two feet of black 
loam. 



710 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

SUPERVISORS. 
Harvey Stewai-t. 1S2S-33: Charles Kimball. ISS-t; Jacob Kendall. 1S35: Charles Kim- 
ball. 1S36: -Jacob Kendall. 1S37; Commissioners Board. 1838-41: Harvey Slewart. 1842; Dan- 
iel Daniels. 1S43-44; J. Kline. 184-3: Chester Kimball. 1S4()-4S: George Jasperson. 1849: 
Chester Kimball. 1850-51: Isaac Kline. 1852-5-3; Daniel Daniels. 1S56: A. P. Stewart, 1857 
-5'J: .J. D. Butterlield. 1860-61: Samuel Russell. 1862: Isaac Kline. 1863: G. G. Stewart, 
1864-68; Samuel KusselL 1869; A. B.Smith. 1870j Samuel Russell. 1871: -J. B. Kendall. 
1872: G. G. Stewart. lS73-i4; Samuel Russell, 1875-76; J. M. Robertson, 1877-78; James 
P. Harrow. IS79: Daniel G. -Jones, 1880: John il. Robertson. 1881. 

JUSTICES OF THE PE.ACE. 

-John K. Smith, 1837: Jacob G. Street. 1838: Jacob Kendall. 1839: Joel Tucker, 1840; 
John K. Smith. 1841: Jacob G. Street. 1842; Jacob Kendall. 1843; Aura P. Stewart, 1844; 
-John K. Smith. 1845: Jacob G. Street, 1846; -Jacob Kendall, 1847; Aura P. Stewart, 1848: 
John K. Smith, 1849; -Jacob Ct. Sti-eet, 18-50; Joseph W. Gear, 1851: Austin Bostick, 1851; 
Jacob Kimball, 1852; John K. Smith. 1853: Isaac Klein, 1854; Joseph W. Gear, 1857; Mich- 
ael Jackson. iSoS: -Jacob Kendall. 1859: Larkin Hatch, 1859: Aura P. Stewart. 1860: Sam- 
uel Russell. 1861: James D. Butterfield, 1862: Jacob Kendall, 1863; Isaac Klein. 1864; J. 
W. Gear. 1865: Jacob Kendall. 1867; TTilliam Baird. I8(j8: D. G. Jones. 1869; Benjamin 
Swartout, 1870; Isa;ic Klein. 1870-74; E. A. Ruckington. 1871: William Baird. 1872 :_p. G. 
Jones. 1873: J. il. Robertson. 18(5; Ezra H. Buddington, 1876: Am-a P. Stewart. 18((; L.' 
M. Davis, 1878; -J. M. Robertson. 1879: Chester Kimball, 1880; William Woollnff, 1881. 

The equalized valuation of Clav is ^228,423. The population in 1845 was 569, in 1850, 
721; in 1864, 1,327; in 1870, 1,475'; and in 1880, 1,523. The area is 10.000 acres: number 
of school children, 506. 

RELIGIOUS. 

From the paper prepared a few years ago by the Rev. Mr. Parish, the following facts 
are taken: The firsl minister of the Gospel that visited this county came to the residence of 
Harvey Stewart, on Harsen's Island, in the winter of 1818. He was a Methodist preacher by 
the nam(» of Dixon. There were but three families on the Island at the time, all of whom as- 
sembled at Ml-. Stewart's house to hear Mr. Dickson's discourse, which was the first sermon 
preached by a Protestant minister in St. Clair County. But let us pause for a moment to in- 
quire how these few families happened to be living on this verdant isle. Jacob Harsen and 
his son-in-law. Isaac Graveraet, were the first settlers on Harsen's Island. Harsen was a gun- 
smith, and Mr. Graveraet a silversmith; they came from the city of Albany. X. Y., for the 
purpose of dealing with the Indians; they selected the Island, since called Harsen, as their 
place of business, and pui-chased it from the Indians under the sanction of the British Govern- 
ment. Soon after, however, ^Ir. Graveraet died, leaving his wife and children in the care of 
their grandfather, Mr. Harsen. The war soon broke out. and Mi-. Harsen with all his family 
was compelled to abandon his home and take refuge in Detroit. Here Mrs. Graveraet met, 
and in the winter of 1814, was married to. Harvey Stewart The war closed in February, 1815, 
and in April Mr. Stewart moved his family and goods up to Harsen's Island, and took posses- 
sion of the house and lands of his wife. 

In the autumn of this yeai-, his two boys. Aura P. and -John H. Stewart, who had been 
left in New York State in care of their grandmother, were brought to their father's Western 
home. After a journey of about a month, full of novel incidents to inexperienced lads, they 
arrived at their fathers house, at about S o'clock one evening in November of 1815. 

The early impressions of Aura P. Stewai-t of this new and wonderful country as recorded 
by him in a series of memoirs contributed to the ^farine City Gazette in 1876, are most 
natural and vivid, and almost transport one back to the scenes described. These memoirs 
can be found in the general history in this volume. We copy a paragraph here: "' Com- 
ing as I did from an inland and thickly settled district. I had seen no flowing water 
save brooks and rivulets. I had seen no forests but in the distance, and though but 
a boy of twelve. I could not but feel impressed with the beautj- of my new home. The 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIE COUXTT. 711 

dense and almost impenetrable forests, the ma^ificent River St. Clair, the cotmtl^s number 
of every variety of water fowls flying over my head or resting and sporting on the bosom of the 
beautiful waters, the howling of wolves at night, the con.=tantly passing and repassing canoes 
of the strange looting Indians, their stealthy tread through the woods, and their unintelligible 
shouts as they passed each other, and last but not least, the merry songs of the French voya- 
geurs toiling at the oar and propeLLing their boats swiftly over the blue waters — these were new 
scenes to me, and called forth my wonder and delight. Nearly sixty years of my life having 
been spent in Michigan, I have witnessed the improvements made in the county of St. Clair; 
flourishing towns have sprung up. and a largje portion of our older settlers have become 
wealthy: all have shared in the conveniences of modern improvements and comforts: but yet. 
for my own part. I could enjoy no greater pleasure than, for a short time, to see Michigan as 
I saw it in 1S15, wild and romantic as it then was. Fancy ofttimes leads me back to the dear 
old primitive days, and then I am a boy again. Alas, the vision lingers not: I am an old man 
with increasing intirmities. and nothing is left me but the memorj- of the past" 

I have given these items and this paragraph a place in my sketch for several reasons. 
First: Mr. Stewart being the oldest liviog knmigrant in St. Clair County, we may be justly 
proud of his residence here. 

Secondly: I am indebted to him for several valuable items of information, embodied 
herein. 

Thirdly: As we have seen, the iirst Methodist sermon preached in St. Clair County, was in 
his fathers house; who. though a Calvinistic Baptist, kindly opened his house for the early 
itinerants until they organized societies able to support their own ministers. 

After awhile they began to have preaching at the house of Widow Stafford, at Point Aux 
Tremble and in the old Harrow House, and subsequently in the office of J. K. Smith They 
continued to be visited by ministers, occasionally, from that time forward, both from Canada 
and the Ohio Conference, until it became a regular appointment in 1S23. Some of those who 
paid one or more visits to this section dtiring this interval, were Williams. Jones, Huston, 
Demorest, Slater. Parker and Adams. 

The earliest visitor of note that reached Algonac was the renowned William Case, who. 
tmder God. was the fotmder of Protestantism in Michigan, and who was familiarly called the 
" I'ather " of missionary work in the Northwest. Father Case wr.= - " '"ted P. E. of the Up- 
per Canada District, which then embraced all the territory lying _ is to the American 
shore, July 20. 1S20: and some time during his quadrennial of service, m the oversight of his 
district is said to have visited Algonac. then called Pointe Du Chesne. 

The Genesee Conference of 1S23. admitte'i William Griffes on trial, and he. with James 
Jackson as P. E. , were appointed to the Thames Circuit, which must have included Algonac. 
It is probable that Mr. Griffes was given the principal oversight of the western portion, since 
Mr. Jackson is only remembered as having paid a few visits to this section. By authority of 
the General Conference which met at Baltimore May 1. 1S25. the Canada Conference was 
created, and at its tirst session in the fall of that year, the western portion of what had been 
called the Thames Circuit was set oft* for a new circuit called St Clair, and Mr. Griffes was ap- 
pointed preacher. And it was he without doiibt who organized the first society here. For among 
the papers of John K. Smith may be found the original class paper dated Deeeml>er 23, 1S24. 
which has upon one side, "'Class paper for the 2nd Class ujxjn the St Clair Eiver. John EL 
Smith. Leader: William Griffes. Jr., Preacher." And upon the other side the names of the 
class as follows: 

■' John K. Smith, Leader: Catharine Smith. Charles Phillips. Derutia Phillij>s, Catharine 
Harrow, George Harrow. Mary Gruramond, -Jacob G. Streit. Sarah Robeson. Rachael Ward." 
and then, near the bottom, separated from the rest, included in brackets, is this: "Coiored, Harry 
Sanders.'" How long the society had existed prior to this date, is not exactly known: but it 
had existed: for on the paper it shows that a cl.iss-meetiog was held on the 19th of December, 
and the attendance of the members is marked. 

Mr. Griffes is described as being at the time a small, young, light-haired, rosy -cheeked, 
energetic man. and as having a very handsome wife, whatever extra advantage that may L^ to 



712 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

a preacher. He died in Wisconsin a few years ago. And here let us tui'n aside a little, while 
we consider the past history, present relation, and futui-e fortunes of so:ne of the members of 
this little company of frontier Methodists. John K. Smith was born in New York, and at the 
breaking-out of the war of 1812 was serving his county as Sheriff. Early in the war, he con- 
nected himself with a regiment, and remained with it until it disbanded at Detroit in 1816. 
Amnno- the discharged men of that regiment were two experienced potters, who being indebted 
to Mr. Smith, consented to remain in the Territory and enter his employ if he would establish 
a potteiy. Mi'. Smith, on ascertaining that no brown earthen ware had ever been manufactiu-ed 
in Michigan, and that the prospect for a ready sale was good, sought for a place to establish his 
pottery. He came up the River St. Clair, found an old vacant house on Stromness" Island 
leased it, and in May, 1S17, had his pottery in full operation, continuing the business until 
late in the fall of that year. In the winter of 1818, he was indued by Harvey Stewart to teach 
school on Harsen's Island. At this time there were only four families on Harsen's Island, 
viz.. William, Jacob and Francis Hai-sen and Harvey Stewart, but there were several scholars 
from Point Aux Tremble, where there were also foxu' families — Chortie (Shirkeyj, Miune, 
Basney and William Hill, residing, making in all a school of twenty-tive or thirty scholars. 
Here he met, and the next year mai'ried. Miss Catharine McDonald, whose parents had in 1805 
come over with Lord Selkirk's colony and settled at Beldoon, but at the close of the war re- 
moved to Stromness" Island. He established his residence on what was then considered I he 
most pleasant location in the neighborhood — on the exact site of young Cuthbertson's new 
house — this he designated "Point Ofifice." A few year's after he removed — house and all — to • 
the spot still occupied by the "Smith Mansion," being the Urst settler on the site of the present 
village. 

Shortly after, however, Ira Marks, Ebenezer Westbrook and Silas Miller, bought and set- 
tled upon the land in the order named, stretching southward from his to the point. Mr. Smith 
was commissioned by Gen. Cass as Justice of the Peace, the first on St. Clair River, March 
17. 1818, which office he held to the day of his death. 

When he settled at Point OiBce, and at Algonac, litigants from all parts of the country 
came before him to have their causes adjudicated, and his business exceeded that of the Coun- 
ty Com-t for many yeai's. But it may, and ought to be said in this connection, that he never 
encouraged, but rather diseom-aged litigation, and the peacemaker's blessing is truly his. His 
popularity was very great, as the single fact that np to the time of his demise he could show a 
oreater record of marriages than any, if not all the Justices in St. Clair County, would clearly 
show: and was gained through his judicious judgments and straightforward, conscientious 
attention to duty and business. August 26, I82(j. he was appointed first Postmaster at Algo- 
nac, and in the county, then called Plainfield, and afterward. Clay, until the village which was 
laid out in 1836, and called Manchester, but soon changed to Algonac, since which time the 
post office has been known by that name. He was appointed Special Commissioner for the coun- 
ty of St. Clair, by Ctov. Cass, April 20. 1827. He was also made the first Custom Inspector on 
this part of the American shore, commencing the discharge of this office May 1. 1832. In 
1836, he was elected the first Probate Judge of St. Clair County, over his opponent, George 
McDonald, an old Detroit lawyer. Dr. Pilcher says of him, " We found him to be a man of 
ability and piety, and a decided Methodist. He was a very worthy Christian gentleman." 

He united with the church under Elder Adams and was appointed the fir.st class leader by 
William Griffes, which position, together with that of Tnistee and Circuit Steward, he filled 
with great acceptability for many years. His home was always a refuge for the weary itiner- 
ant, who shared his hospitality and left his blessing. He died in great peace, April 14. 1855, 
aged sixty-nine years, ' His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. A. Jameison, in the Method- 
ist Church, from 2 Samuel, iii, 38, and his body was laid to rest in the cemetery, while his 
spirit returned to God who gave it: appropriately enough, a plain, siibstantial monument with 
his name, date of death, and age inscribed upon it, mai'ks his last resting place. No epitaph 
is there, for he needs none. His life speaks volumes in testimony of the good he did and is 
an unerring piophecy of the reward upon which he has entered. 

Of the eleven original members, only thi-ee survive the pale sheeted nations of the dead; 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 713 

these are Catharine Diuilap, George Harrow and Catharine Smith. Mrs. Diinlap was a prompt 
and faithful member of the society up to the time of her removal from Algonac, and now. in 
failing old age, resides at Mount Clemens. 

Mr. HaiTow. for reasons unknoiA-n to us. soon withdrew from the church. He still lives 
in his beautiful home, surrounded by an honored and happy family, about two miles above 
the village, in a verVjactive old age. and never fails to give us a most cordial welcome when we 
call. The " Mother of Algonac Methodism " still lives to tell the story of Jesus and his love, 
and to proclaim her devotion to the church she loves so well. She was converted at home, at 
the age of ten, and like John Weslej, knows the time and place when her " heart was so 
strangely warmed. " As the wife of Brother Smith, she ministered to the comfort of many a 
weary minister of Jesus. In her active life, she was fervent and devoted and always in her 
place. The last time she was at church was on the occasion of the first quarterly meeting, in 
November. 1879. She remembered the dying Lord in the simple emblems of the sacrament, 
and left, as usual, a bright, clear testimony that even yet lingers as a precious perfume. But. 
perhaps we can do no better than to insert here the letter addressed to the pastor and church 
on the occasion of our Semi-Centennial Jubilee, at the Jackson House, on J^ridav evening. Feb- 
ruai-v 27, 1880: 

Algonac, February 27. 1880. 

Beloved Brethren: I deem it a privilege to send my offering on tliis. to us, great and happi" occasion. 
Although ab-senl in body, I am present in spirit. The pains of earth nor the prospect of the joys of heaven 
can make me forget my beloved church. I have enjoyed her blessings for lifty-six years; and I pray for 
her prosperity and God's blessing on all her interests. Your sister in the Lord. 

Cath.^rlse SxnTH. 

Sister Smith, now quite feeble, is nearly eighty-four years of age. Her large liberality, 
her'deep, sweet, constant experience, and her unexampled devotion to the church of her choice, 
all prominent traits of hers, and well remembered by those who have known her, will be recog- 
nized in the above communication. She has lived to see her family grow up to maturity, use- 
fulness and honor, and now, in her pleasant home, overlooking the pure, placid waters of the 
St, Clair, beautiful emblems of her own life, in the care of two faithful daughters, waits 
in her ripe old age, like a full shock of corn, only for the Master to gather her ujj from the 
fields of earth into the garner of heaven. 

All of Grandma Smith's children who are members of any church are communicants of 
the Episcopal. Her son. Abram. though never yet having formally united with the Methodist 
Church, has always, together with his excellent family, given it his presence and sympathy, 
and been one of its most liberal supporters. 

In the minutes of the Canada Conference for the fall of 18".2-5. St. Clair was left to be sup- 
plied; whether a sui>ply was found and ordered to come, we know not, but if so. he never 
came; for no report was made from this work at the next Conference. And here we bid adieu 
to Canadian Methodism, and make our respectful salutation to Ohio, under whose jurisdiction 
we shall hereafter be found. 

St. Andrcir's Ejjiscopal Cliiircli. Algonac, was organized in 18G7, by Rev. -Joseph B. Prich- 
ard, who was pi-eacher at that point from IS'VJ. He was succeeded by Rev. Andrew Jamie- 
son, of Canada, who is the present pastor. Rev. Mr. Flower, of ilarine City, served the 
church in 1879-80. The value of the church property is aliout -SS.OOO: the number of com- 
municants, twenty-one; and the congregation, abotit tifty. The following report, tendered to 
the Convention of 1SS2, shows the condition of the parish: 

Baptised— Infants, 5. Communicants — Removed from the parish. 1: present number. 21. 
Marriages, 4. Bm-ials, 6. Public services— Sundays. 44: holy days, 2: other days, 6; total, 
52; Holy communion — Sundays, 3. Congregation — Families, 26; individuals not included 
in families. 1; total of souls. 88 Simday School — Teachers and officers, 7: seholai-s, 55; aver- 
age attendance, 40. Bible Class — Teacher, 1: scholars. 7. Rector's salary. §141; music. 
§20; other cuiTent expen.ses, S29.03; ehiu-ch building or improvement. $22.70. Total for 
parochial pm'poses, §218.73; diocesan missions, .§4. 12; foreign missions. §5; by the Sunday 
school, for its own pm-poses. §88.95: total of contributions and offerings, 231.80. Salary 
pledged to the rector, §15(5. Number of sittings in the church. 175 — free. 



714 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Eev. Mr. Jamieson completed his thirty-first year of labor among the Indians of Walpole 
Island in 187G. When Mr. Jamieson first came among the Indians, they were little better than 
savages, and it was with considerable diflSculty that he taught them the truths of the Bible, and 
prevailed upon them to renounce paganism and adopt the teachings of Christianity; but he 
has lived to see the fruit of his labors. Mr. J. speaks the Indian language fluently, and 
preaches to them in their own tongue every Sabbath morning. He has resided in Algonac for 
a number of years, and in addition to his Indian work, he has had charge of the Episcopal 
Church here, and is much esteemed by the congregation. His uniform kindness and Christain 
coui'tesy have won for him universal respect. 

The Catholic Church of Algonac is referred to in the histories of Marine City and Port 
Huron. The affairs of the i^arish are administered by Rev. Mr. Medor, of Marine City. 

Algonac. one of the oldest settlements in Michigan, is situated at the head of the St. 
Clair Flats, in Clay Township, about fifteen miles south of St. Clair City. Its location is 
pleasant, but with the exception of Smith's saw mills and factory, it must be considered to be 
sleeping out this century. The Episcopal. Methodist and Catholic Churches are well repre- 
sented. This village, as well as the entire district, is very fully treated in the Stewart Memoirs. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

COME ALLEN, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of Lower Canada, and was Ijorn in the 
Montreal District September 35, 1833. He attended school there. In May, 1849, he left home and went to 
tlie State of New York. He had never been accustomed to worlv, and could not talk English. He stopped at 
Albion to learn trade ; was tliere three mouths and gave it up. Went to Buffalo and worked there for awhile, 
then went to Detroit. Found very little to do, and had a hard time there. The following spring, he walked 
up the lake shore to Sanilac County ; had no money ; when he reached Lexington, he worked all day with- 
out breakfast or dinner in building scow and loading lumber ; was wrecked on the scow coming to Port Hu- 
ron. He came here in .July, 1850; worked on farm and in brickyard, and soon after went to work for Mr. Poole 
and remained with him about five .years; then traded his horse for a little old building and started a store. In 
1862, he bought the corner he now occupies, and since then has carried on the business here. He is building 
a barge and is interested in other vessel property ; also owns houses and land here. In 1857, he married Se- 
manthaTuthill, of this place. She died 1870. Seven children survive— George, Annie, Marth;\. James, Willie, 
Winnie, Ettie. In 1881, he married Mary Alore, of Marine City. They have one daughter— Carrie. 

SAMUEL BAILEY, farmer. Section 2, P. 0. Algonac, is a native of England and was born February 10, 
1834. His parents emigrated to the United States and settled in New .Jersey ; lived there three years, "then 
removed to Canada. Mr. Bailey lived there until 1863, and then came to this county and settled in the town 
of Clyde, and engaged in farming and working at his trade. He remained there eighteen years. In 1880, 
he came down on the river to his present location. He owns a good farm of 160 acres finely located. He has 
held town and school offices. In 1847, Mr. Bailey married Miss H. R. Chrysler, a native of Canada. Thev 
have four children— Mary .!., now Mrs. Hunter, of Chicago ; Alphreda, now Mrs. Clark, of this State ; Wes"- 
ley E. and Chapman R., merchants at Caseville, Mich. 

WILLIAM BAIRD, Section 3, P. O. Algonac, is a native of Scotland, and was born July 22, 1818. His 
parents, James and Janet Baird, emigrated to this country in 1830. Came to the county and settled in the 
townof China. William attended day school at Fort Gratiot; a soldier was the teacher, and he also attended 
Sunday school at the Fort. Mrs. Mayor Thompson was the teacher and Superintendent. He has a reward of 
merit card, dated September 19, 1830, rfven him by Mrs. Thompson for being the best scholar in the school 
for the quarter ending at that date. He engaged in sawing in the mill and followed that for twentv-flve years, 
and came to Algonac in 1842, and since then for over forty years has resided here. In 1867, he was appointed 
Deputy Collector of customs, and held that office thirteen years. He has held the offices of Justice of the 
Peace, Town Clerk, and School offices. He owns sixty-seven acres of land. In 1856, he married Miss Jane 
Poole, a native^ of England. She died in 1881. They had one son-Charles, who died in 1861. 

CHARLES J. DOWSWELL, of the firm of C. J. Dowswell & Company, general merchants, is a native 
of England and was born November 22, 1839; upon reaching manhood, he emigrated to the United States and 
came to Detroit the same year, and remained there four years. In 1865, he came to this county and estab- 
lished a general store, and since then for the past eighteen years has been successfully engaged in the mer- 
cantde business here, and the firm of C. J. Dowswell & Company have the leading trade, carrying a large 
stock, and have the inily drug store in the village. They also have the only hnnber yard here. Mr. Dows- 
well has been Actinj; Postmaster here for the past seventeen years. He has held school offices for some years, 
and IS now School Inspector. In 1865, he married Miss Val'ina Folkerts, a native of this place. They have 
three^childreu— Charles Clayton, Ldlian Theresa and Grace jSIarion, 

CHARLES ]\I. FOLKERTS, farmer. Section 39, P. O. Algonac, is a native of Germany, and was born in 
Hanover, .hily 22, 1836. Emigrated to this country in 18.52, and came to this county ; landed in Algonac on 
the 1 /th ol May. He bought the land where he now lives ; it was covered with timber. He cleared the land 
and made his farm and has lived here on this place thirty-one years, successfully engaged in farming. 
Owns 160 acres here and 150 acres elsewhere. He had nothing when he began and his success is owing to his 
own cllorts. He was married July 23, 1864, to Miss Elizalieth Cohrs. She was born in Hanover, Germany, 
rhey have three children— Robert C, Almina H., Charles F, They have lost one daughter— Mary H. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. . 715 

THo.MAS H. FOLKERTS, farmt-r, Section 29, P. O. Algonac, is a native of Germany, and was born in 
Hanover, February 20, 1828. He emigrated to Ameriea in 18,52, and came to this county the same year. He 
sailed for four or Ave vears and worked in saw mill for several 3'ears. Bought his land and came to this place 
in 1S02 -. improved his farm and since then has lieeu engaged in farming. Owns 101) acres of land. He has 
held school offices for the past twelve years. Mr. Folkerts was married December 30, 1862, to Miss Cecilia 
M. Fisher, a native of this county. Her parents. James and Hester Fisher, are natives of Canada, and are 
living at Wallaceburg. Mr. and Mrs. Folkerts have six children — James T., Herman II., Annie M., Clinton 
C. George G. and Arthur F. 

CAPT. W. G. HARROW, is a son of George Harrow and Lucretia Peer. His father is the oldest set- 
tler now living in St. Clair County. Capt. Harrow was born in the town of Cottrellville, on his father's farm 
Decenilier 28. 18.")0. Ilis early boyhood was spent tliere. At the age of thirteen he began sailing on the Old 
United. He and his brother "built the steamboat " Young America." and run on her forseventeen years, serv- 
ing as engineer three years, and mate six years, and sailed master of her eight years. He is now Captain of 
the steam vacht Spright. and is half owner, and also owns one-half interest in the barge William II. Pringle. 

ALBERT L. IIATCII, is a native of this county, and was born in Marine City, December 10, 1842. He 
is a son of Larkin and Rebecca Hatch, natives of Vermont, and came to this county in 1842, settled in the 
town of Cottrellville and engaged in farming, and lived thi're until his death in 1.S73 ; his wife and nine chil- 
dren survive him. Albert L. grew up on a tarm, and after the war l)roke out enlisted in the first Michigan 
Engineers, Company I ; served under Sherman in all of his campaigns, and was with him in his march to the 
sea^ and through the Carolinas ; served until the close of the war, then returned here. In 1870, he was ap- 
pointed Keeper of the lower light on the St. Clair Canal, and since then has held that position. He is also 
interested in vessel property. In 1871, he married Miss Addie Moore, a native of this county. They have 
three children — Maud. Mabel. Ralph. 

JOHN C. HICKEY is a native of Michigan, and was born in the town of Southlield. Oakland County, 
July 22, 1857. He was brought up and attended school there. Upon reaching manhood, he came to this 
county in 1877, and entered store and post ofHce at Algonac. and remained there >ix years. On account of his 
health he went on the lakes .-is irate of the schooner Star of Hope, and owns one-third interest. He was mar- 
ried, December 24, 187!), to Miss Clara C. Talbot, a native of Port Huron. Thev have one child. Harry 
Talbot. 

I). G. JONES, planing mill and lumber, is a native of New York State, and was born in Rensselaer 
County, August 11, 1823. "lie came to this county in 18.51, and settled at Marine City and remained there five 
years; then came to Algonac. Was engaged in teaching a number of years before coming West; was mostlj- 
engaged in book-keeping since. In 1873, he engaged in his present business, and since then has been con- 
nected with the lumber trade and planing mill here, lie was elected Supervisor in 1880, and re-elected in 1882 
and again in is,s:j. Has held the office of Township Clerk, Village Clerk and Township Superintendent of 
Schools, and also ]\laster of Masonic Lodge. In 1847, he married Miss ilaria Shearer, a native of Massachu- 
setts. They have three children — Fannie, married Mr. Phillips, Superintendent of Schools, La Porte, Ind. ; 
James, livintj in Lake Superior; Frank lives in Detroit. 

C.VPT. F. G. MARSDEX is a native of New York State, and was born in Oswego County, February 3, 
1.^4. His parents came to this county when he was eleven years of age. He began sailing in 1862, on the 
tug Lion, with Capt. William Dana, and has been on the lakes most of the time since then. Was Captain of 
the tug Ontario, and sailed the lug Home for the Government. He has the Range Lights on Clarke's Island, 
opposite Algonac. In 1871. lie married Miss Mary Smith, a native of this place. They have three children 
— Ida M., James. Fred. 

CAPT. W. H. MOTT. custodian of St. Clair Flats Canal, is a native of New York State, and was born 
in Orange County. December 25, 1821. His lioyhood was spent in that Slate, and he learned the trade of 
millwriglit. In 18.5.5, he went to Iowa, and engaged in building mills. Reniained there until the panic of 
18.57. and then came to Detroit, and went in withlhe Detroit Bridge and Iron W(uks, and engaged in build- 
ing bridges in the Western States, and was afterward for some years in harbor building on Lake Erie. In 
1866, he was appointed Superintendentof construction of the St. Clair Flats Canal, and upon the completion 
of the work was appointed Custodian, and since then has held that position. Capt. Mott married Miss Nancy 
J. Laymen, of Catskill. N. Y. She died August 17, 18,S0, leaving tive children— Henry, married and living in 
Detroit; Ella, married and living in Jackson: Josephine, married and living in Detroit; William. John. 

CAPT. GEORGE A. PHELPS, Private Claim 190, P. O. Algonac. is a son of A. P. Phelps and Mary 
Phelps. The}- came to this county in 1840. He died in 1848; his wife is still living. Capt. Phelps is a 
native cif this town, and was born November 13, 1846. He began sailing when fifteen years old, and since 
then, f(U- the past twenty-one years, has been on the lakes. In ls72, he sailed master of the jiropeller Alle- 
ghany; then sailed the Selina and the S. D. Caldwell; was master of these Ihree propellers for ten years, and 
the present year will sail master of new propeller at Bay City. He owns his farm of eight}' acres, and has 
lived here since 1875. In 1867, he married Miss Rena Alnsworth, a native of this town. Her parents, Henry 
E. Ainsworth and ^larietta Abel, were early settlers of this county. Captain and .Mrs. Phelps have two 
children — Wilbert and Jos<phine. 

CAPT. EUGENE KATHBUN, is a native of Oswego County, N. Y., and was born June 5, 1840. His 
parents, Grrin and Philinda R;ithbun, came to this county in 1849. He began sailing as wheelsman on the 
little side-wheel boat Canada, when eighteen years old. and has sailed on the lakes twent}--five years. In 1864. 
sailed master of the tug Zouave. Al.so sailed the lugs Castle and Burlington, and sailed the Superior three 
3'ears and a half, and i'or the past two years has been master of the steam barge Farew-ell. He has sailed for 
Robert Ilackel A- Co. fifteen years. He towed the first lumber barge out of Bay Cit}-. In 1862, he married 
Jliss Annie Smith, a native of Algonac. She died in 1882, leaving one son, Harvey D. He was married Jan 
nary 1. 1883, to Miss Ilairiel Cadott. of this place. 



716 HISTORY OF .ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

CAPT. .TOSEPII RAND.VLL, is u native of tlii.s State, and was born on Mackinac Island, Juni; .'5, 1836. 
His parents, Josi>ph and Margaret Darrali Randall, were early settlers of this State. Ilis father was in the 
employ of the Hudson Bay Coniiiany, and his mother was there duririf; the war. Capt. Randall's boyhood 
was spent on the island, and at the'aije of sixteen he began sailing on the steamboat General Scott. In IS.'JO, 
he was Captain of the schooner Miranda. He has also "sailed master of the Williams, the William Foster and 
the Pan Marble and others. He has been on the lakes over forty years, and is the oldest pilot on Lake Su- 
perior. Has been running there since 18-l(i. In 1.S6;!, he nuirricd Miss Rachel Cook, of this county. They 
have four children — John, Normal, Win.slow, Parnell. 

JOHN M. ROBERTSON, Deputy Collector of Customs, attorney at law and collecting agent, is a son of 
Henry and Elizabeth Jiobertson. His mother was a native of Wyoming County, New York State. His father 
was born in the town of Cottrellville, in 1.S(I4, and settled in this county about the year 1790. Henry Robertson 
was a Captain on the lakes for some years, and sailed the (.)ld Gratiot, one of the lirst steamers on the river, 
plying between Detroit and Port HuVon. He died in 1.^70. His wife died in l.S."i:i. Three children survive. 
John M. Robertson was born in Algonac May 'Jfi, \»i(l He attended school here. During the war, at the 
age of seventeen, he enlisted in Company I, of the First Michigan Engineers, and served^throughout the war, 
and was through all of the Sherman campaign, and with him in ids march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. 
.Vfter the war. he returned and folhnved sailing until 1870, and since then hiis been engaged in law practice, 
and has also held various oltiees. He held the otlice of Supervisor three terms, and is holding the office of 
Justice of the Peace during third term. In 1878, he was appointed principal light-house keeper, at Upper 
Light, on St. Clair Flats Ship Canal, in place of Capt. W. H. Moll (resigned), which position he resigned in 
May, 1880, to receive the appointment of Deputy Collector of United States Customs at Algonac, Mich., which 
position he now holds He was married December 1, 1872, to Miss p^lla Eliza Winters, of New Baltimore, 
this State. Has one daughter, aged si.x years. 

ABRA.M SMITH, eldest son 'of John K. and Clatharine McDonald Smith, is a native of St. Clair County, 
and was born in this town September 8, 1819. His boyhood was spent here. At the age of thirteen, he car- 
ried the mail between Algon.ac and St. Clair, on horse-back. At that time only three men between those 
points subscribed for papers. He attended school during the winter. He remained on his father's farm until 
he sold it, and then worked in a saw-mill for four years. He afterward sailed a boat for Tucker & Daniels, 
between here and Sandusky, and had charge of their lumber-yard tliere a short time. In 1844, he engaged in 
the mercantile Imsiness and carried it on for many years. In 185G, he engaged in lumbering, bought a mill, 
and for over a quarter of a century was identified with the business, and also engaged in ship-building during 
that time. After the pine had given out, he and hi? son engaged in manufacturing staves and hoops, and also 
sawing oak timber for ship-building. He owns a large farm of several hundred acres, and a large tract of 
timber land. Mr. Smith, in 1861, represented the district in the State Legislature and also during the e.\tra 
war session in 1862. He has held various town offices; was elected Supervisor and President of The Village 
Board, and school offices. He has served as Moderator of the School Board for the past twenty years. He 
has been actively identified with the interests of the county and State. Mr. Smith was married November 35, 
1844, to Miss Fidelia Burt, a native of Madison Countv, N. Y. They have five children— James B. (merchant 
at L'Anse, Lake Superior), Cornelia D. (now Jlrs. Seaman, of L'An'se), John A. (engaged in business here), 
Ella M. and Angus M., at home. 

JOHN K. SMITH (deceased), one of the earliest and most prominent settlers on the river, was born in 
\Vestchester County, N. Y., in 1786. His parents removed to Vermont when he was only three years of age, 
and he was raised there. He came to Detroit with the army of 1816, and he held the position of Quartermas- 
ter, and the following year came up on the river to Stroinney's Island and started a pottery there. A dis- 
charged soldier who had followed the trade in Philadelphia did the mechanical i)art of the work, and they 
took the goods down the river to Canada, in canoes and sold them. In 1818, Mr. Smith came up the river one 
mile above Algonac and started a store, and during the same vear he married Miss Catharine McDonald. She 
was a native of Scotland, and was born in 179.5. She came to "Canada with the Belldoon Colony, brought over 
by Selkirk. Mr. Smith continued trading for some time. He bought land, cleared it, and made his farm. 
He held various important offices of trust"^ he was appointed Justice of the Peace of Macomb County by Gov. 
Cass, in 1818 ; was appointed Justice of the Peace of St. Clair Countv by Gov. Cass, in 1821; was appointed 
Associate Justice of this county by Gov. Cass, in 1826: was appointed" Special Commissioner by Gov. Cass, in 
1827; was appointed Probate Judge of the county by Gov. Cass, in 1828; was appointed Chief Justice for the 
county by Gov. Cass, in 1829; was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs in 1832, and held that office and 
the office of Postmaster until his death. The various commissions for each office, signed by Gov. Cass, are 
preserved in the family in the possession of his daughter, :Miss Jane Smith. He was the first Postmaster, first 
Probate Judge and first Custom House officer in the county of Algonac. He did the writing for the whole 
country around. The Indians had great confidence in him, and called him the Big Captain, and would come 
from a long distance for him to settle their disputes, and his decisions were always accepted as final. Both 
he and his wife were active supporters and consistent members of the Methodist Church, which was the first 
church except a small Catholic Church organized in this county. Miss Jane Smith has in her possession the 
original subscription list with the names of every one capable of giving anything, and what they gave. There 
was little cash, but all gave in any way they co'uld. Mr. Smith^lived here until his death. April 14, 18.').5. 
His wife survived him. She died August 32, 1881. Ten children survive— Abram (living here), Sarah C. (now 
Mrs. Russell, living here), Angus (a prominent business man in Milwaukee), Jane (living here), Anna (living 
here), Lydia (now Mrs. Hinsdale, living in New York City), Catharine (now Mrs. Raney, Detroit), Francis Y: 
(living here), Samuel L. (at Lansing), and Mary (now Mrs. Johnson, of Detroit). 

JOHIS A. SJIITH, general merchant and manufacturer of hoops and staves, is a son of Abram and Fi- 
delia Burt Smith, and was born in Algonac, July 36, 18.51. He attended school here and entered the State 
University at Ann Arbor. He did not complete his course but preferred to go in his father's mill, where he 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 717 

remained some years. In 18T3, he went to New Baltimore and engaged in the himber trade. He carried on 
tlie business there live years, then returned here and established their present business of manufacturing 
staves and hoops. He also has a hoop and lumber interest in Canada. He is engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, and is interested in vessel property. He was married November 30. 1880, to Miss Alvena Schnoor, a 
native of New Baltimore, and a daughter of H. C. Schnoor. They have one daughter, Fidelia Burt. 

AURA p. STEWART was born May 20, 1804, at the town of Canandaigua, New York State. His father. 
Harvev Stewart, was a native of Massachusetts, but became a resident of Ontario County. He married Roda 
Putnam, by whom he luid two sons— Aura P. Stewart and John H. Stewart. Ilis wife dying iu 1810, he deter- 
mined to seek a home iu the Territory of Michigan, and accompanied by a brother, he reached Buffalo late in 
November of 1810. Finding no ves.sel l)ound to Detroit, he iletermined to travel through Canada. Reaching 
Moravian Town, on the River Thames, he contracted to till a bill of ship-timber, and delivered the same at 
Maiden, Ontario, in 1811. He leased a farm on the River Thames and put in a crop of wheat and rye. In 
1812. he, with six men, began to harvest the grain, when they were driven off by a ba?ul of Indians. He then 
went to Detroit, and was there when Gen. Brock took the town. After C'ommodore Perry's victory on Lake 
Erie, the British troops prepared to evacuate Detroit, and the citizens fearing trouble with the Indians after 
the British troops left, selected eight men to go and inform Commodore Perry of the situation of the town, 
who. arrivingat a late hour at night, was kept until morning. They were questioned by the Commodore, and 
finding that they were well .■ici|nainted with the country through which Gen. Harrison would have to march, 
sent tjiem with a letter from the Commodore, who engaged them as his giiides up the Thames. Harvey Stew- 
art witnessed the battle of the Thames and was the first to recognize Tecumseh dead on the field of battle. 
Harvey Stewart's children by his first wife were A. P. Stewart and .John H. Stewart, the former having held 
the office of Supervisor and also Justice of the Peace for thirty years, and has been .a, resident of St. Clair 
County since November, 1815. John H. Stewart becanie Master (Captain) of some of the best vessels and 
boats navigating the lakes, and died in l8(i.5. Harvey Stewart, during the war with England, married Mary 
Graveraet, a native of Albany, X. Y.. by whom he had three sons and three daughters, all living but two- 
Garret G. Stewart, Esq. (now" a resident'of Harsen's Island), Cajit. Alliert Stewart (now Master of the steamer 
Citv of Cleveland), Jane (wife of Capt. Daniel McQueen), Sarah (unmarried). 

"MARTIN SWARTOUT, farmer. Section 28, P. O. Algouac, is a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., 
and was born September 13, 1824. His parents, John and Catharine Winne Swartout, came to tliis county 
and arrived in Algonac September 28, 1830. He bought the land where his son Martin lives ; it was a wil- 
derness, and bears, wolves and ileer were plenty. He pwt up a log house and began clearing his land. The 
next sjiring they moved on the river and was there one season; then returned to this place and began in <'ar- 
nest cleai'ing his laud, making his farm, and during his life lived here, ^lartin came here with his parents 
during his early boyhooil and was familiar with the trials and hardslups incident to pioneer life, and took an 
active part in tliem. He has started with two yoke of oxen to take grist to the mill and it would take from 
two to three days. Since reaching manhood he has been engaged in farming, and lias lived on the old home- 
stead farm since- 183C. He owns 240 acres of land. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner and 
has held school offices for the past thirty years. Mr. Swartout was nnirried November T. 1849, to Miss Lydia 
Webster, a native of ti is count)-. Her parents. James and Jane Schreeve AVebster, came to this county in 
1838. Mr. and Mrs. Swartout" have four children — John M.. Alice (now Mrs. Chaml)erlin), Horace and 
Nettie. 

WILLIAM WARNER, farmer, Section 33, P. O. Algonac, is a native of New York State, and was 
born in Jefl'er.son County April 12, 1827. When only ten years of age he began sailing on the Henry Crevo- 
lin. and since then has sailed on the lakes every season, a period of forty-four years, until 1882. He was 
steward on the Manhattan beftu'e tlie canal was built in the Detour Passage at "Sault Ste. Marie. He was 
steward on the Vandalia, the tirst propeller l)uilt at Oswego, N. Y., also on the Canisteo, New York, Buffalo, 
Bradbury, and is one of the oldest stewards in continuous service on the lakes. He has lived on this place 
seventeen years and owns his farm. He was married, January 1, 1803. to Miss Emma Wood, of Cleveland, 
Ohio. They have four children— Charles, Eva (now Mrs. Jackson), Charles and Ernest. 



CHI^A TOWNSHIP. 



'T^'^HIS was among the iivst townships of St. Clair to be peopled by the whites. Previous to 
-L 1796, several squatters had possession of lands here, and when, in 1808-12, the United 
States Government sought to establish such sqttatters in their possessions, evidence was ten- 
dered to show that, for years previous to 179(5, improvements were effected by the original 
white settlers, as named in the chapter on French Pioneers, 

The uownship is rich in its agricultural wealth. Its proximity to railroad and river travel 
renders every acre valuable. The ecjualized valuation in 1S82 was .f44(.\670; the number of 
acres of land, '20,955; and the popiilation 1,628, being an increase of 758 since 1845. The St, 
Clair Railroad passes throttgh the northern sections. Belle River flows southeast through the 
township, enters East China in its course to the St. Clair. 



718 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

THE PIONEERS OF CHINA. 

At a meeting of the County Pioneer Society, held at St. Clair, November 25, a paper, 
written by Samuel Carleton, on the Pioneers of China was read. The following is Mr. Carle- 
ton's account of the settlement of this township: 

On the 21st day of October, 1830, I landed noar the mouth of Pine River, from the old 
schooner Forester, after a two days' trip from Detroit. I was one of a band of sixteen from 
old New England. Even in those early days the West offered great attractions for the rising 
veneration, and in February, 1828, at the age of twenty-nine years. I left my native town — 
Bath, New Hampshire — and started westward. After a stay of nearly three years in the town 
of Stillwater, N. Y., I pushed still further West, and. with the band before mentioned, arrived 
at St. Clair, when the prosperous city was yet in its infancy. 

What now constitutes the beautiful town of China, was at that time part of the town of 
St. Clair, and, to the best of my recollection, contained the following settlements: At Belle 
River Mills, William Gallagher had bailt a saw mill, grist mill and dwelling house; James R. 
Wolverton lived on the place known as the Rankin farm, and Michael Duchene on the Balfour 
farm. I know of no other settlement west from there this side of Romeo, then called the 
" Hocksie Settlement." Below the mills, John Robertfion was clearing a farm. On the south 
side of Belle River, Daniel McQueen and Mr. Fargo owned farms. 

In 1832. at man by the name of Amos Wheeler purchased a tract of land on Pine River, 
and built a house near the mouth of Cook Creek. The following year it was purchased by 
Henry Cook. The house is still standing, and I think I can safely say it is the oldest dwell- 
ing house in the town. It is now owned and occupied by a man who bears the same name, 
although not a relative of its oi-iginal owner. About the same time, John M. Oakes and his 
father Ijought the adjoining tract of land up the river, and erected a house. David K. Oakes, 
a son of John Oakes, owns and resides on the place at the present time. The same year, Peter 
Carleton, and his son Edmund, settled on the farm now occupied by Edmund Stewart, and a 
little later William H. f!arleton located on the place where William Parsons now resides. 
James Weeks settled on the farm now in the hands of Mr. Griffith, and Thomas Dart near Belle 
River, on what is now known as the Barger place. 

In 1833, I built a house on the farm where I now reside, and moved there the following 
year. A little later, Peter Chamberlain located on the place where he now lives, and Mr. Hex- 
tell, Henry Hammond, Mr. Latham. F. S. Douglass and Clark Worden in the vicinity of Belle 
River. Myron Williams lived in the Gallagher place several years in the early days, and 
owned a carding machine. 

The Hart brothers, David and Silas, located in the northwestern part of the town. David 
is living on his farm. At the decease of his brother, his farm passed into the hands of his 
sons. John Conwell settled on the place now owned by John McMichael, John St. Clair on 
the place where his widow now lives, and James Low where his sou Thomas lives. John 
Stewart lived several years in this vicinity, and Jacob McQueen located permanently in the 
same neighborhood. Richard Arlington settled further up the river. Near this period, Adol- 
phus Smith moved to the place where he still lives, and Squire Gillam on to the farm now 
owned by Mr. Hewitt. Later, Parker Webster went on to his farm, and Samuel Webster pur- 
chased his place of Mr. Morris. Francis Duchene and one of the Minnes had settled previous- 
ly near the center of the town. 

In 1836, or 1837, China became an organized township. The town meetings were held 
in different places, sometimes in one part of the town and sometimes in another, till the erec- 
tion of a red schoolhouse, near Belle River Mills, when the town furnished $50 building funds 
for the privilege of holding elections there. The meetings were held there till the erection of 
the town hall a few years ago. 

It would be impossible for me to give a personal sketch of each of these first settlers, there- 
fore I have given merely their names and where they located. I think a majority of them were 
from the Eastern and Middle States. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COl'NTV. 719 

KAKLV LAMI liI'VICKP. 

Among the patentees of United States lands in this township, previous to January, 1837, 
were James Fulton, Section 1; William G. Hathaway, L. J. C. Chatterton, Georo-o Siinth, T. 
D. Babcock, Sainuel Gardner. Richard Nelson, Thomas Palmer. D. F. Kimball, Lot Clark, S. 
Warren. J; M. Sovrhill, M. Hoaly, B. B. Korcheval, Stephen Cornwall. David Hart, Eichard 
Allington. ^Eary Hart, Silas S. Hart, Henry Baird. Andrew Westbrook, M. H. Siblev, J. W. 
Throop, Daniel Lockwood, James McClenan. Jacob Sims. Barzilla Wheeler, John Beach, Dan- 
iel McQueen. Jr., Joseph Pitcairn, Bowen Whiting, John Stewart, Chester Baxter, A\'illiam 
Steele, "William Sweat, Henry Hammond, Franklin Moore, Zachariah Chandler, T. L. Latham 
Asahel Northway, lleubeu Mooi-e, Samuel Carleton, Edward C. Carleton, W. H. Carletou 
Ebenezer Cole, Amos Wheeler, Clark Wordeu, P. Merrill, George Palmer, Matthias Rikert,' 
Moore R. Barron, William Kingsbery, Mary M. Wheeler, Squire Gillam, Richard Gordon 
Morris, Henry B. Tm-ner, Trnmbul Granger, John Clark, Henry Agens, Joseph Boynton, Sam- 
uel Leonard, Miles V. Rood, Almeria Tuttle, Charles Hawkins, Porter Chamberlain, Cornelius 
Sullivan. Thomas Green. David Robertson, William Gallagher. Samuel Ward, Edward Axtell, 
Michel Delhone, Charles Cauchois. James H. Woods, W. Willson, Thomas Far»o, William 
Gallagher, Abram Bush, James Rooney, Charles Bovert, John Franz, Joseph Engert. F. G. 
Frank, Alexander Cummings, Nathan Clark, J. L. Atkins, C. H. Atkins, Joseph Wakerman, 
W. Franz. (leorge Kraft, Godfrey Dien, Otto Dien, Joseph Noblet, B. W. Sharp, W. B. Wells, 
Perrine, Helm, John C. Wheeler, Jacob Warner, James Edwards, J. P. Delentash. Peter M. 
Dox, Adolph Coburn, Hugh Robinson, Josiah Snow. Benjamin Hager, L. Goddard, A. G. Peir 
Jonas C. Brigham, Marcus H. Miles, Valten Saner, Jonathan Kearsley. The private claims 
patented were Nos. ;5()2. 30:!, 304, 3(K), 310. 358, and '243. — Seegeneral'history for early sketch 
of these claims. 

What was there in this isolated region to justify such toil and sacrifice? Why have men 

come from pleasant homes in the States — from gay circles which they enlivened and" adorned 

to contribute, perhaps, like the coral insect to its jeweled reef, their very lives in the splendid 
new civilization slowly building here? Ah, there was incentive! The stories of the woods had 
reached the oars of the restless and ambitious. The souls tormented with the perplexino- prob- 
lem of daily bread, and anxious to get on faster in the world, had heard of the rich forests. 
Poor, selfish human nature bowed to the god that all worship, and came fo lind his throne. 
The love of venture and the hope of gain— the old debated problem among the schoolboys, 
enjoyment of possession and pursuit— started the tide of emigration. Following the vauo-uard 
of prospectors to the new paradise, where, after all, fortunes are to be made only by toil, there 
is found a Cobimbus in civilization, tracking the wilderness, as the great discoverer did the sea 
to discover a new world. He finds, and tells the iiublic; others come in and possess the land. 
They who bought the pineries and manipulated their ])roperties, have grown rich, and o-ained 
seats in the Senate chamber, while the discoverer died poor, alone and friendless. Yet, such 
lives have not been a failure, seeing their results, and reflecting that history is impartial. And 
who knows but in that land where every deed and thought is weighed, and all that each has 
stiven to do considered, a tardy recognition may not come to the patient prospector, and his br> 
rich dividends, without assessment, through an unending term? 

SUPERVISORS. 

Peter Carleton, 1835-86; Thomas Dart, 1837; CommisBioners' Board, 1838-41; David 
Hart, 1842: Samuel Carleton, 1S43; Alfred Weeks. 1844; Lemuel Palmerlee, 1845; John M. 
Cakes, lS4fi; John Clark, 1S47-48; David Hart. 1S4U-50; John (Mark. 1851; David Hart, 
1852; C. Lindsay, 1853: T. C. Owen, 1854: C. Lindsay, 1855; Richard Kirk, 185(5; William 
Butlin, 1857; C. Lindsay, 1858-()0; E. E. Carleton, 18(31; J. A. Hoffmire, 18(52; J. O. Robin- 
son, 1863-64; J. A. Hoflmire, 1865; Chester Rankin, 1806-67; Frederick Lindon, 1868; Ches- 
ter Rankin, 1S6U-71; M. F. Carleton, 1872; M. Haulpin, 1873; Chester Rankin. 1874: James 
Pourie. 1875-76; John Chamberlin, 1877; Frederick Lindow. 1878-82. 



720 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Jiimes B. Wolverton, 1838; Silas S. Hart, 1838; Samuel F. Hopkins, 1839; Edmund E. 
Carleton, 1840; Seldom Freeman, 1811; I. B. Wolverton, 1842; Lemuel Palmerlee, 1843; 
William Fenton, 1843; C. Lindsay, 1844; Moses R. Carleton, 1844; William Fenton, 1845; 
C. Lindsay, 1846; Samuel F. Hopkins, 1847; William Cook, 1849: John Baird, 1849; George 
Clarke, 1850; Lambert Record, 1850; James T. Clark, 1850; Dolphus Smith, 1851; James S. 
Clark, 1851-53; Tubal C. Owen, 1853; George Clarke, 1854; Cortland Lindsay, 185G-57; 
Jonathan Whitcomb, 1857; Silas S. Hart, 1858; James O. Roberson, 1859; Porter Chamberlin, 
18(50; C. Lindsay, 1861; Dolphus Smith, 1861; J. O. Eoberson, 1862; John Byrne, 1862; 
Peter \Vood, 1863; John Bvrne, 1864; Chester Rankin, 1865; J. O. Roberson, 1866; Thomas 
Trevis, 1867; David K. Oakes. 1868; Thomas Trevis, 1869; J. O. Roberson, 1870; A. W. 
Griffith, 1872-76; C. Chamberlin, 1873; J. M. Richards. 1874-77; Peter Wood, 1874; J. 
Riley Worden, 1874; N. Westrick, 1875; M. Schriner, 1875; L. R. Robbins, 1879; A. W. 
Griffith, 1880; F. Osborn, 1880; L. Chamberlin, 1881; Peter Wood, 1882; Jacob Westrick. 
1882. 

In China, two tickets were run in 1882. The following were elected: Supervisor, Fred 
erick Lindow; Clerk, Peter Wood; Ti'easurer, Willam Duchane; Justices, Peter Wood, Jacob 
Westrick; School Inspectors, Nicholas Westrick, George Schriner; Highway Commissioner, 
Fletcher Osborne; Drain Commissioner, Thomas Wood. 

China, in East China Township, was once a Post Office village. It is only three miles 
below St. Clair. 

The Farmers' Protection Society, of China, was organized in February, 1874. with W. A. 
Tripp, Dolphus Smith. John N. Kemp, J. McMichael, Calvin Chamberlin, Andrew Husel and 
Clement Duchane original stockholders. This society appears to have been re-organized May 
9, 1874, with fifty-one shareholders. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

AUSTIN ABBEY, farmer. SfCtion Ifi, P. O. St. Clair, is a n.ative of New York and was born in Rich- 
moiui, Ontario Countj, November 30, 1833. He lived in that. State until 18.58, and eame that year to this 
county and settled in the town of China. During the war. he enlisted and served in Battery H, First Mich- 
igan Iji^ht Artillery. After the war, returned to this town, and since then has been engaged in farming; has 
held school ofHecs. In 18."")8, he married Miss Elizabeth Gage, a iialive of New York State. They have two 
children — Sherwood and Lora. 

MRS. MARY ALLEMAX, general store, Section 1.5, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Michigan and was born 
in the city of Detroit. His parents, John Sadler and Annie (Gill) Sadler, eame to this State in 1833 and settled 
in Detroit, then a very small place. Mrs. Allemau was brought up there, and in 18.58 married Sebastian Alle- 
man. a native of Switzerland. He came to this county when eighteen years of age and settled on Belle 
River. He was a shoe-maker by trade and engaged in farming. After the war broke out, he enlisted in Com- 
pany E, Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded in the battle of Chickamauga five 
times and left on the field for dead, liut partially recovered and draws a pension. Mrs. Alleraan has been 
engaged in business here for the past four vears. They have two children — Emily and Edward. 

REV. WILLIAM ALLINC4T0N, farmer. Section 6, P. O. St. Clair, is a son of Richard and Elizabeth 
(Baird) AUinglon. He was a native of England and she was born in Scotland. They eame to this county in 
1830. He was a soldier at Ft. Gratiot and heljjed build the fort there and served out three terms of enlistment. 
He bought land in this town in 183.5, then a wilderness, cleared the land and made his farm and lived here 
until his death, Dccemlier 1.5, 1875. His wife died in .Tune, 1843. He was one of the earliest settlers here, and 
was always active in eliurrh work. William B. AUington. his son, was born in the lown of China, on the 
farm where he now lives February 21, 1837. He was brought up and attended school here and prepared for 
the ministry. He afterward engaged in preaching for ten j'ears in the conference, in regular work, but on 
account of his health had to give tip regular preaching and enmige in farming. Is still in the local work. He 
owns 180 acres of laud, and lives on the old homestead. \n 1861, he married Mary J. St. Clair, a native of 
this county. She died in 187-.' and left four children— Frederick, Richard, .Tohn aiid Cxeorge. In 1874, Mr. 
.VUington married -Mi.ss Lucy Atchison, a native of New Brunswick. They have two children— Mary G. and 
Roliert A. 

THADDKUS W. BACON, farmer, Section Vi. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New York State, and was 
born in the town of Waterloo, Seneca Countv. May 7, 1830. His father was .Toel W.. a native of Pittsfield, 
Mass,, who removed to New York State when nine years of age, his mother, Emma (Billings) Bacon, was a 
native of New England, and was liorn in Connecticut. Her mother was an Allen, a descendant of Ethan Allen, 
of Continental fame, Mr. Bacon's father practiced law in his native State until he was thirty, when he moved 
onto his farni. He was an intimate, personal friend of Hon. William II. Seward. He was actively interested 
in and identified with the interests and prosperity of his town and county. Mr. Bacon's boyhood was spent 



illSTOTlY OF ST. CLAIR COT'XTY. 721 

in Seneoa County, and he attenfleil the ODinmoii school ami oompU-lcd his cdufation at the Waterloo Acad- 
emy. He remained in his native State until l><-'><>, then came to Micliijian and settled in St. Clair County, in 
the town of China. <m the land where lie now lives, which was taken up hy his father. Mr. Racon cleared the 
land and in.ade his farm, and since then, for over a (|uarter of a cenlury. h.'is resided here an<l successfully 
eniran'i'd in farniin.u: an<l owns ,")( 10 acres of land. Fie is actively interested in the welfare of the town aiul 
county, but is not an oflice seeker, nor will lie permit his name to t)e used as a candidate for any otlice. Mr. 
Bacon was united in marriai^e in New York September :!0, ISo". to Miss Clara Miller, a ualive of Homulus, 
Seui'ca Co.. X. Y.. daughter of Ezra Miller, wlio was born in Pittslown, Rensselaer Co.. N. Y., and was a 
brother of .ludge >rillcr. of Aid)urn, N. Y. Her mother was a native of Elmore, X. Y., daughter of Dr. 
Parker, a prominent physician of that Slate. Mrs. Bacon is a cousin of Mr. William Jl. Seward. Mr. and 
.Mrs. I'.acon have four cliildren. two daughters and two sons — Frances Lazette, Clara Elnora, Thaddeus 
Waite anil Francis .Miller, all at home. 

CORXEI.IUS BEXSTEl), farmer, Section -', P. O. St. Clair, is a native of England, and was born Sep- 
tember 30, 18J3. He grew ui) to manhood there and came to the United Slates in lis,")0. and lived one year in 
Ohio and then came to this county and began working in a ship yard at St. Clair. After a few years, in IS.w 
he liought the land where he now lives. It was heavily timbered ; he cleared the land and made his farm, 
and since then, for the past twenty -eight years, has lived hen> and engaged in farming. He has held school 
oflii-es; he has been married three times. In 18-lS, he marriecl Mary Allen, a native of England; she died Sep- 
temiier O.'), ISiiO, leaving one daughter— Mary, now Jlr.s, Wood. In 1S()8. he married .^irs. .Mary llilbern. 
native of York State; she died A]iril 18, IS'TT, leaving one daughter— Susie. He married his ])resent wife, 
.Mrs. .lane (Campbell, of this county, December 9, 1881). They have one son — Cornelius. .She has tive children 
bv former liusban<i— .Tohn, Nellie, .lames, Robert and Albert. 

.lOIIX CHAMBERl.l.X, farmer. Section l.^i, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of this county, and was born in 
the town of China February 7, 18(1. His parents, Porter Chamberlin, :i native of Massachusclls, and Lovicy 
Wordeu. a native of Xew York State, were among the early settlers here. His father came here in l.S'.'ll anil 
engaged in lumbering. He and his wife moved where they now live in 18:!.">. Tliey have four children liv 
ing. John, the eldest son, was brought up and attended school here, and since manhood has been engaged in 
farming. Owns the farm w^liere he now lives; has also sailed on the lakes. Hi' superintended the building 
of the steam barge Porter Chamberlin, and was interested in her. In 186(i, he married Miss Blanche E. Kin- 
yon, a native of ihe town of China, and daughter of Myron Kinyon, one of the earlj' settlers here. They 
have two children — Kittie li. and Myron IC. Jlr. Chamberlin has held the office of Supervisor, Town Clerk. 
Town Treasurer and .luslice of llir Peace. 

WILLIAM H. COOK, farmer. Seclion II, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born 
in Ihe town of China in 184(). His parents, William and Cordidia Cook, were early settlers in this couniy. 
His father died Oelolier 13. 18.")8. and his mother died Feliruary '20. 1878. Henrj- grew up and allended school 
here, and since reaching manhood has been engaged in farming. He owns his farm of si.xty acres. In 1.'S7(), 
lie married Miss Clara Warren, a native of the City of Butfalo, N. Y. They have three children— George W., 
Xina B. and Warren S. 

.lONATHAX DEWHIRST, farmer. Sections, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Ohio, and was born near 
Cincinnati Octobi'r 18. 18'J4. His jiari'iits removed to Canada when he was seven j-ears old. and lived there 
until 1><41. then came to this State and lived on the Gov. Cass farm three ye.irs, ;ind in 1844, came to this 
count}- and seltled where he now lives. It was all heavily timbered then and there were no settlers west of him 
this side of Belle River. He engineered the cutting of north road. He cleared his land and made his farm. 
and since then has lived here and been engaged in farming. He owns 24lt acres of land. He had nothing 
when he began life. He was married .Inly 4. 184."), to Miss Maiy Biinn, a native of Canada. She died .March 
20, 1871 She left three children, only Iwo survive — Emma (now Mrs. King, living in Lapeer). Franklin div- 
ing here). He married Mrs. Susan Burns, of Bellville, Canada, April 3U, 1872. She has three children — 
Mary. Frank and .I.inies. 

CLEM DrCHAXE. farmer, Section L>'->. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of St. Clair County and was born ,it 
Xcwport, now Marine City. January 14, 1833; his parents were Francis Duchane, born in Wayne Couniy, 
^ficli., and Clara Duchane. a native of Canada. They were among the early settlers of this county; Clement 
was brought up in this count}' and has lived here fifty years; since reaching manhood he has been engaged 
in farming and working at trade of carpenter and joinCT. He owns 100 acres of land, and his farm is well 
improved; he has held the oUice of Commissioner of llighw-ays seven years, and Tax Collector five years. In 
18.")U, he married Mrs. Janelle Allen «-■« Baird. a native of this county. They have si.\ children— Clara, 
David, Sophia, Estella, Joseph and Mau:gie. 

ALPHEUS E.VRLE. farmer, SeelioVi 1'.', P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Vermnut and was born Jlay 20, 
181,"); he came to Michigan and settled in this county in 183(5, and was one of the early settlers here. A few 
years after coming here, he bought land in the tow"n of China, cleared and made his farm, and engaged in 
farming; has lived here on this place forty-two years; has held the otlice of Supervisor and Assessor; in 1842 
he marrierl Miss Jane Nichols, adopted daughter of Samuel Hopkins; she died February!!. 18(>."i, and left six 
children — llatlie, I'riina. Edwin. Mary, Clara and Sylvester. Mr. Earle was married to Margarel Fairchild. 
his present wife. July 4. 1800; she is from Illinois. Edwin Earle is the oldest son of .Mphcus Earle and Jane 
Nichols, and was born in the town of China January 9, 18.')2. He was brought up and atlendcd school here, 
and has been engaged in farming, and now owns the home place ; he married Miss Laura Burrows Feliruary 
34, 18,80. She is a native of this county, and was born in town of Cottrellville. 

HE.XRY ILVMMoXD. one of the pioneers of Michigan, is a native of New York, and was liorn in 
Washington Couniy; bis parents moved to the town of Bolton, Warren Couniy, with their son, Henry, who 
was a mere hoy; there tlicy lived until lu' grew to be a man. and at Ihe age of twenty-three he was married 
to Miss Esther" Roberson. a native of Bolton, Warren Co., \. Y.. in Ihe vear 1831; in" November, 18.32. llicir 

46 



X22 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

first son was born, which thi-y named Horace X. Hammond, and in May, 1833, the young couple with their son, 
then about sis months old, left tlieir native home and started for Michijjan, which was then an almost unbrol^ea 
wildnerness, an arduous undertalving in those days of no railroads, and their route was slow but sure, going 
bv way of canal to Buffalo, then to Detroit on the steamboat, Pennsylvania, and from Detroit to St. Clair on 
a" sail vessel, then l)cing anxious to cast his lot among the farmers of Michigan, he moved from St. Clair to 
Belle River (about four miles), where he rented a farm of one of the old French settlers, and commenced to 
till the soil; lie rented the farm for eight years, and wliile there two more children were born to them— .lames 
M. and Julia A., making two sons and one daughter, which were all they ever had; but liefore his time ex- 
pired on the rented farm he bought one of Uncle Sam containing eighty acres in Section 10 North, of Range 
16 East, and erected thereon a neat frame house, to which he moved in the spring of 1842, where they have 
lived ever since, about forty-one years, and fought the battles and endured the hardships of a pioneer life; 
in those early days the wolves would come around the house and make niglit hideous with their howls; in 
autumn the black bear was frequently seen in the corn-fields, and when the settlers retired to rest lie would 
venture still nearer and often take from the sty a fat pig to satisfy his ferocious appetite; yet undaunted, tliey 
toiled on and cleared tlieir farm and raised their children, and are now enrolled among the oldest settlers liv- 
ino- here; their oldest son, H. N. Hammond, at the age of nineteen, commenced teaching school, which pro- 
fession he followed for twenty years. In the fall of 18.58. he was married to Miss Laura A. Blanchard, of 
Wavne County, Mich., and settled in the township of East China, St. Clair County; they have. three children 
— Ida A., N. Frank and H. Willie Hammond. .Tames M., the second son, since reaching manhood has been 
eno-an-ed in farming, and now farms the home place. He was married March 15, 1860, to Miss Louisa Perry, 
a nat'ive of Macomb County, Mich., and they also have three children— .Tulia A., Burton R. and Henry; their 
youngest child and only daughter was married September 29, 18.59, to H. M. Carleton, a farmer, and lives 
about two miles from her parents in the same town and county, and have no children. 

JOHN HART, fai-mer and lumberman. Section 7, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New York State and was 
Ijorn in Tompkins County, July 23, 1835; his parents, Silas and Maria Ilart, were natives of the same State, 
and came to this county in 1836 and was among the early settlers here; he settled here where his sons now 
live; it was a wilderness; he was a millwright and joiner, and built mills at Flint, St. Clair, and other places. 
He died in 1870 and his wife died in 1876. They left four children. John, the oldest son, came herewith his 
parents and was brought up in this county, and since reaching manhood has been engaged in lumbering and 
farming; he owns a good farm of 140 acres. In 1876, he was elected Sheriff of St. Clair Count}', and after- 
ward held the office of Under Sheriff until 1883. In 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara Carleton. 
a native of this cotmty. They have two children— Edmund and Hugh. 

ANDREW HUSEL, farmer. Section 11. P. O. St. Clair, was l)orn at Hurnheim, in the western part of 
Bavaria, Germany, September 1, 1831; his father's name was Zacharias J. Husel, was a manufacturer and 
dealer in woolen and cotton goods, and served as Town Councilor for fifteen years prior to leaving his native 
place. Andrew received a liberal education in the public schools of his country up to his fourteenth year; 
after that he received some private tuition in the higher mathematics. In 1850, his father with his family 
emigrated to the United States and the same year came to St. Clair, and the following year bought the laud 
which is now owned and occupied by his son Andrew. After their settlement Andrew became a pupil in the 
High School at St. Clair, his object was to obtain a knowledge of the English language. In the winter of 
18ol, he entered the employ of John Nichols, woolen manufacturer, and the following year he with his two 
brothers began to clear the "land his fatlier purchased; his father died the same year, and Andrew assumed 
the management of affairs; he was married Decembers, 1852; his wife's maiden name was Miss >Iaria Ann 
lOinglers; she was born in Deggingen, Bavaria. Since then Mr. Husel has Ijecn successfullj' engaged in 
farming; during the war he enlisted and served in the Fourtli Regiment ^Michigan Infantry, in the Army of 
the Cumljerland, and was discharged in 1866: has served as President of the Fanner's Protective Association 
of Cliina Township, and is President of the German Mutual Farmer's Insurance Company; has .served as 
member of E.secutive Board of County Agricultural Society, and is actively identified with the interests of 
the town and county. Mr. and Mrs. Husel have seven children — Fred, lives in town of St. Clair; Charles, 
at home; Mary, in Dakota; .Tennie, now Mrs. Parsons; Helen, now Mrs. Bathey, in Dakota; Andrew, now 
in Dakota; Laura, at home. 

SILAS D. KING, farmer, Section 14, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Newport, R. I., and was l)orn M.ay 9, 
1811. His parents removed to New York on the Hudson River during his boyhood, and lived in that State 
until 18.52, and tlien came to St. Clair County and settled in the town of China, where he now lives; cleared 
the land and made his farm, and since then, for over thirty years, has lived here and engaged in farming. 
He has held school offices most of the time since he came here.' In 1832, Mr. King married Miss Nancj' Web- 
ster, a native of New York, and sister of Parker and Samuel Webster, who were among the earliest settlers now 
living in this town. Mr. and Mrs. Kini,' have four children— Charles II., Martha (now Mrs. Collins), Eleanora 
(now Mrs. Marks), Jessie (now Mrs. Fairfield). 

MHION KINYON, farmer. Section 13, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New York State, and was born in 
tlie town of ISolton, Warren County, April 20, 1824. When he was only ei.^'ht years old, his parents came 
West to this territory from Detroit." They came with three other families, thirty-six in all, in an ojicn boat, 
up the St. {'lair River, and reached this county in the middle of the night of December 15, 1832. They settled 
in this town and were among the earliest settlers here; bought land and began clearing it. After reaching 
manliood. .Miron licgan sailing and was on the lakes seven years. He then bought the land where he lives; 
there was only eight acres cleared. He cleared it of timber and made his farm and paid for it in cutting and 
hauling wood at |l per cord, delivered at the river. He earned the reputation of the greatest chopper in 
this part of the country, and he has cut a cord of wood in fifty-five minutes from the standing trees. He 
handled himself eighteen hundred cords of wood in one summer, and has piled fifty cords in one day. 
Mr. Kinyon has lived on this place since 1851. He owns a good farm of 140 acres; for five years has been Di- 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. T23 

rector of till' Fanners' Mutual Insurance Company. He lias been marritd llirte tinus. Ills first wife was 
Barbara Milchell. of Canada. She loft one daughter— Blanche. His second wife was Nora Milchell. of Can- 
ada. She left one dauiililer— Maria. His present wife was ('atliarine Stewart, of Xew York State. 'I'liey 
liave two children — Seneca and .Mary C. 

PF/rEK MINXIE. farmer. Section 2:!, P. O. St. Clair, is a son of Eambert Minnie and Sulie St. Barnard; 
he was born in tlic town of Clay in 18(11!, and she was born on Gro.sse Point the same year. They jrr<-w uji in 
the town of Clay. Mr. Minnie's urandfather came to this eounly in ITild; his mother and father came lo De- 
troit before it was lim'ned. His ]iarcnts settled in tlic town of Cnllrellville; lived llicre thirteen years, then 
moved on Swan CrecU. and afti'rward came on Belle Kivi-r and lived in tlic town of China until his death in 
l.s()9; his wife died in 187T. Peter Jlinnie was born in the town of Clay in IS'-JT and lived with his father 
until of age; then engaged in fanning a short time and moved to St. Clair and worked in a sawmill two 
years. Jfoved on .Swan Creek and livcnl there two years: bought eighty acres and Iniilt the first house on the 
Lindsey road, and from there moved to Marine City; in IN.")4, he bought the farm wliere be now is and has 
lived here twenty-nine years; owns Ids farm of sixty-three acres; has held the ofbcc of Highway Commis- 
sioner. In bH-lS). he married Sophia Duehane; she died December 'i'>. IS.-n!, leaving two cliili'lren— Frank and 
Josephine. In IS.'i-l, he m.-irried.Iulia .Martin, of .Montreal. They have one son — Henry — living in this Iowa. 
J. B, JIF.UHIJ.ITNKK, Section i. P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Germany, and was born hi Bavaria. No- 
vember 11, I8'2S. Hi- emigrated to America in IS.'i'J, and came to St. Clair the same year in .luly. ami 
worked for Mr. Douglas the two years following. In the fall of 18.')(i, he was married to Miss Mary Salter, 
and moved on the farm where he now lives, having but S;80 when he came to this countiy. He now owns 
270 acres of land. Tlieir success is owing to their industry and managenienl. He has a family of live boj's 
and livct girls and resides five miles west of St. Clair; is located in the midst of a fine agrieullural district. 

DAVID K. O.VKFS, fanner and fruit grower. Section 1, 1'. O. St. C'lair, is a native of St. (Mair County 
and was born in the town of China. February 18. 1837. Hi' is a son of John M. and .Minerva (Parker) Oakes. 
Subject's mother had two children by her former husband (Parker) — Fliza and Henry, lioth of whom reside 
in St. Clair Town. He was a native of Rockingham, Vt. and she was a native of New York State. He came to 
this county first in 1822, and two years later returned here and engaged in lumbering on Black River, and built 
.several mills on the river. In 18:!2. he came on this place with his father. It was then a wild forest of tim- 
ber. Tliey cleared tlic land and made the farm. He was married .May 19, 1^'34, to Mrs. Minerva Parker. 
She came to this county in I8;i2. ^riiey were among the earliest settlers here. lie held the office of Town 
Clerk, Town Treasurer, Supervisor and Justice of the Peace. He died February 2-1, 1854. His wife survived 
him many years and died in October. 187.5. Si.x children survive— Harriet (now Mrs. Henry Luck; 
resides in SI. Clair town), David Iv. (living here). Mar.y (now Mrs. Kingsbury, resides in Kinderhook, Mich.), 
Sarahdiow Mrs. Uandall). George (living in St. Paul, .Minn. ),Kmily (now Mrs. Northrop; living in St. Paul). 
All born on this farm. David was born on this farm and was brougbt up and attended school here, and since 
reaching miinhood he bought the interest of the heirs in the home place and has resided here and been suc- 
cessfully engaged in farming, gardening and raising small fruits. He owns a good farm of .scvent.y-two acres, 
finely located and well improved, and also owns other jn'operty. He has held the office of Justice of tlie Peace. 
Mr. Oakes was married February (i, I8.'i8, to Miss Charlotte K. T>uek. a native of New York Stale, and daugh- 
ter of William and Jemima Luck of that State. Mr. and .Mrs. Oakes have one son — John Vi. He was born 
here December 27, 18.")S; was broughl up here and married Miss Hannah A. McElhinney, a native of Nova 
Scotia. They have two children- Jlarv E. and David \V. 

W.VRREX J. PARSONS, farmer," Scciion 14, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of this county, and was born in 
the town of China, on the place where he now lives, .hine 17, 1854. His iiarents, 'William A. and Lovina 
(Weeks) Par.sons, were among the early sd tiers here. When they came there was only a bridle path from 
St. Clair to Belle River. He bought this land, cleared it and made this farm. >Irs. Par.sons died in 1n7i1 and 
he dieii in 1878. Warren grew up and attended school here and since reaching manhood has been enga.ged in 
farming; owns his farm of eighl.y acres. He was married June 20, ]87(>, lo jliss Jennie Husel. a native of 
this town and daughter of Andrew Husel, Esq. They have two sons— Charlie P. and Ralph A. 

J.V.Mi;s l\)WRIi;. farmer. Section 8. P. O. St. Clair, is a son of Peter F. Powric, a native of [Scotland. 
He married .Mrs. Jane jMcDonald, ;i native of Dundee. Si'Otland. They came to this country in 184(). and 
came to this connly the same year and settled in Marine City (then Newjuirti. and lived there seven years; 
then bought land in this town and cleared it, and madi' his farm and lived here until his, death in 1878. leav- 
ing seven children — Stewart M., James, Peter F., Margaret J., Agnes C, Emily and Mary. James Powrie, 
the second son, was born in this county at Marine Cil.y |(llieii Newport), March 2'.l, 1818. was brought uj) and 
attended school in this county. Since reaching manhood, with the exception of two years in Port Huron, 
has liecn engaged in farming on the home place. Mr. Powrie married Jli.ss M. J. Slewarl.'a native of the 
city of St. Clair, August 6, 1873. They have two children— .M. Alice and Agnes Jean. 

LEVI R. ROBBINS. fanner and stock-raiser. Section :(, P. (). St. Clair, is a native of Niagara Countv, 
N. Y.. and was liorn in February, 1824. He served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and .ioiner, 
in BulTalo and in New York Cil.y. He went to ButTalo in 1814. and began working at his trade, and after- 
ward engaged in building, and for many years was extensively engaged in contracting and building in the 
city of ButYalo. In I8.')8. he went to Orleans County, and lived there until 18fiit. when he came to this coun- 
ty and settled on the land where he now lives. He owns ;!20 acres, and is engaged in farming and slock- 
raisin.g. He feeds and handles a large amount of stock. In 184<i, Mr. Bobbins was married, in the city of 
New York, to Miss Lucinda A. Dodd, a native of New Jersey. Tliev have four children — Nelson 'W., lives in 
this county; Charles H , on the farm with his father; Ben D.. lives in AliiiMia; Willis J., at home, 

CASPAR SCHREPPEL, farmer. Section il, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Germany, and was liorn in 
Bavaria February 26, 181(1. He emigrated to this country in 1850, and came to this county and settled in the 
town of China on the place where he now lives. It was all woods then. He ch'arcd the land and made his 



724 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

farm, and .sinr-e thcMi. for tliirty-threo years, has lived here and engaged in farming. He owns a good farm 
of eighty acres. In 18.52, he married Miss Charlotte Schmidt. She was born in Witteuburg, Germany. 
They have three chihiren — Maggie, Henry and John. They liave lost three children — Jacob, Catharine and 
Caspar. 

JOHN SIMOXS. farmer. Section 2, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of England, and was born March 27, 1825. 
After reaching manhood, he emigrated to the United States in 1852, and came the same year to St. Clair 
Count}', and settled in the town of Cliina on the place where he now lives. It was all woods here then and 
no roacls. He cleared the land and made his farm, and since then, for over thirty years, he has resided here 
and engaged in farming. He owns 110 acres of land. Mr. Simons has been twice married. His first wife 
was Caroline Crane, a native of New York State. She died March 15, 1880. leaving three children — Alice C. 
William I), and Daniel J. She also left two children by a former husband — Harriet A. and Fred L. In Julj'. 
1881, Mr. Simons married Helen Wright, a native of this conntv. 

CAPT. L. L. SLYFIELD. of St. "Clair, is a native of Michigan, born in said county of St. Clair Decem- 
ber 25. 1832. His parents, William and Syrena Slytield, came to this county in the year 1831, then almost 
an unbroken wilderness. Capt. Slyfield began sailing in the year 1847, then fifteen years old. In 1853, he 
bought and sailed the small schooner Allen Sinot. Has sailed other vessels and steamers, including schoon- 
ers Palo Alto. Lyon, New Haven, tugs Bob Anderson. Kate Williams and others; also propeller Burlington. 
Barges. Eldorado and Fulton. He is at present owner and master of the freight propeller Cleveland. Has 
been constantly in the marine service during the period of thirty-six years. He married Weltha Rankin, a 
native of this count}'. Tliey have four children — Arthur, George, Mary and Weltha. He owns a good farm 
well improved, where he has lived since 1876. 

E. C. STEWART, farmer. Section 11, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in 
the city of St. Clair June 8, 1848. His parents, John Stewart and Agnes Baird Stewart, were among the ear- 
ly settlers of the county, having left Scotland in 1829, and settled in the vicinity of St. Clair. John Stewart 
was mate of one of the first boats that sailed on the lakes. The farm where E. C. Stewart now lives was 
bought from the United States Government in 1833 by his uncle, E. E. Carletou, who built his log-cabin when 
the liovv cultivated fields were pathless woods. Since reaching manhood. Mr. Stewart has been engaged in 
farming exclusively. He married Miss Helen Torrey, formerly of New Crleans, La., on the 13th of Novem- 
hcT. 1872. Their family consists of two children — Judith Agnes and Alice Jean. 

WILLIAM A. TRUMBLE, farmer, Section 2, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New York State, and was 
Ijorn in Jefferson County May 23, 1841. His parents came to this county in 1848, and settled in St. Clair. He 
began sailing when seventeen years old, and followed the lakes nine years. He enlisted in the navy during 
the war, and served on the gunl.ioats Vidette and Pioneer. After the war he sailed on the lakes. Has been 
engaged in farming since 1872, and owns a fariu of fifty acres. He has held school offices. In 1863, he mar- 
ried Miss Harriet A. Crane, a native of New York State. They have five children — Walter, Charles, Alice, 
Clinton and George. 

PARKER WEBSTER, farmer. Section 12, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Vermont, and w-as l)orn in Rut- 
land County April 4, 1813. His parents removed to Bufl:alo in 1816. and lived there until 1822, when he came 
West with his father to the Territory of Michigan, and came up the river to this county, and were among the 
earliest settlers here. Remained here five years, and then went liack to Buffalo anj learned the trade of 
baker. Two years later he returned to this county again. He was married, February 5. 1837. to Miss Anna 
Cook, of London, Canada, and tliey came on the place where he now lives the same year. It was covered 
with timber. He began clearing it and made his farm, and has lived here forty-seven years. He owns a 
good farm of ninety acres near town. There was not a school in the county when he first came here. He 
has held tlie office of Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, and school offices. His wife died in 1856, leaving 
three children — Orrin, living in this county, Wintield S., Principal of schools, Benton llarlior; Marion, now 
Mrs. A. Grout. In 18,58, Jlr. Webster married Mrs. Olive Covet, of New York State. She died in 1862, leav- 
ing one sou— Daniel P.. attorney at law in St. Clair. In 1863, Mr. Webster married his present wife, Mrs. 
Maria Cook, a native of Canada. 

SAMUEL WEBSTER, farmer. Section 12, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Vermont, and was born in Rut- 
land County, June 20, 1815. When only seven years of age, he came, with his father, to Detroit, in 1823, 
and in the fall of the same year, came up the river to Fort Gratiot. His father came as a trader. Inlying shingles 
and getting out lumber, and afterward bought land in the town of China, and made his farm and engaged in 
■farming until his death. After reaching manhood, Samuel bought land, cleareci it and made liis farm, and 
since then has been successfully engaged in farming. He owns 170 acres of land, and has lived on his farm 
forty years, and is one of the oldest living settlers in the county. In 1848, he married Miss Eliza Lockwood, 
of this State ; they have two children — Rosanna, now Mrs. Lorts, living here, and Martha, at home. They 
have lost five children. 

AMOS W. WHEELER, carpenter and builder and farmer. Section 1, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New 
York, and was born in Jefferson County June 1, 1833. He was brought u]) in that State and learned the trade 
of carpenter and joiner. He came to this county in 1866, and settled in the town of China, and since then 
most of the time has been engaged in building— also did .some farming. Has lived on the place he now 
occupies since; 1872 ; he has held the office of Highway Commissioner two terms. In 1861, he married Mrs. 
Martha Cook, a native of New York State : they have two children— Marv L. and Williatu J. 

PETER WOOD, farmer. Section 21, Township 4, Range 16, 80 acres,"P. O. St. Clair, is a native of En- 
gland, and was born in the city of Liverpool April 29, 1819. After reaching manhood, he engaged in business 
there for some years. He emigrated to the United States in 1818, and canu' to this county in August of the 
same year, to Marine City. After being here a few months, he went to CleveJaTul, Ohio, and remained eight 
months, then returned to this county and bought a farm in the town of Cottrellville; lived there six years, then 
bought the land where he now lives, made his farm and since then has been successfully engaged in farm- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 725 

iiig. Duriug the war, ho enlisted as private in Battery II, First Michijian Light Artillery ; was promoted to 
QuarterniMsler Sergeant, and held that position wlien mustered oul. Mr. Wood lias been actively identified 
with the interests of tlie town, has held Iheoffice nt'.SupiTvi-or. Highway Coniniissioiier. Drain Comniissifiner, 
school ollices, and is serving his foiulh term as Town Clerk. lie was elected .histice ot the Peace in If^.'i!), 
and since then, for the past twenty- four years, has held that oiliee. He was married. May I, 18;iS, to JIi.ss Ann 
Hopes, a native of Chester, England. They have six children — Ellen, now Mrs. Rohert.son ; Eli/alielh, now 
Mrs. Hawkins ; Ilenrv. living at Hichinond ; Thomas : Emme anil Joshua L., at home. 

P. Ct. WOHDEN', farmer. Sections 11 and 11, 1'. O. St. Clair, is a son of Clark Worden and Irene (Don- 
aldson) Wordeii, both natives of Massachusetts. They came to this State and settled in the county of St. 
Clair, oti the river, four miles below where now stands the city of St. Clair, and were among the earliest set 
tiers there. He bought a tract of land (over 'JOO acres), cleared it and niadi' a farm and lived there until ISS.'i; 
then sold it, and bought a larger tract, cleared and made it his home. He died in 1840 ; his wife died in 1871, 
They left si.\ children — .lohii W., Louisa. Clark, Erancis O., William H. and James P. ; John and Clark have 
since died. Francis G. was born September 22. ISi"), the same year his parents came to this county. He was 
brought up here, and has lived here minv than half a century, and is one of the oldest settlers now living; 
owns a good farm, well improved, and is a substantial citizen. He married Miss Rose A. Tripp, a native of 
Erie County, N. Y. Tbev liave brought up several children, haviny now two adopted boys. 

JOHN"R, WORDEN, fanner. Section 1-1, P. O. St. Clair, is a son of John I), and Esther (Walker) Wor- 
den, both natives of Ontario County, X. Y., and were among the early settlers of this county. John R. 
is a native of this coimty. and was born in the town of China, on the place where he now lives, October 14, 
1844 : he was brought uji and attended school here. In 1874. he went to ,Vu Sable and engaged in lumbering, 
and remained there until 1881. then returned here and engaged in farming ; owns a farm of sixty acres : has 
held ollice as Town Clerk two years, and is now Justice of the Peace. In December, 1872, he married Miss 
Libbie Huel, of Holly, this Stale. They have three children— Scott B., J(din R. and Frank. 



EAST OHI.N.X TOWNSHIP. 

EAST C'liiiia Townsliii> was orf;!inized in .lSr>'.t, with H, A. Bairtl. Stipoi-\-isor. It is a 
fractioiiiil township, einhracing a small area of levol land, bordering on the St. Clair. 
It is watered by Pine and Bollo Rivers. The population of China proper and East China in 
1845 was STO. lu 18l>4, the population of the little township was 20i; in 1870, 297, and in 
1880, 337. The area is 3.833 acres, and the ecjualized value $138,205. The number of chil- 
dren of school iige in this township is llf'i, and tho amount of Priniarv School fund allotted for 
1881-82. S122.0(l. 

Among the lirst permanent settlers were the Kccors, Bairds, l'hillij)s, Jeromes and 
Clarks. The land buyers, from 1824 to close of 1S3('). in this township, are named as follows: 
Samuel AVard, Joiuitluin Kearslov. Samttel W. Dexter, Daniel Stewart, in 1824; Edward H. 
Rose, Nancy A. Bissell, Horace R. Jerome, Benjamin Bissell, Reed ,Jerome, Edwin Jerome, 
Shilometh S. Hall. Mary Chirk, Andrew Wostbrook, Abram Edwards, jn-evious to 1834. Pri- 
vate claims within the township are known as numbers in Tp. 4. N. R. 10, E. 

SUPEUVISOR.-^. 
H. Baird, 1S5U; L. T. Remer, 18GO-72-, William D. Hart. 1873-80; Laurence T. Remer, 
1881-82. 

.USTICES OF THE PE.V'E. 

John C Parry, 1850; Ltmrence T, Remer. 1S50; Jam(>s S, Clark, 1850; Benjamin Bissell. 
1860; Benjamin A. Owen, 1800; James P, Hagerman, ISlil: Reed Jerome, 1802; James Moore, 
1S()3; Stephen Parlton. 1805; W. H. Bakewell. ISOti; H. X. Hammond, 1800; A. P. Phillips, 
1807; Peter A. Marshall, 1807; Lawrence T. Remer, 1S07; Charles N. Baker, 1809; Peter A. 
Marshall. 1872; A. P. Phillips. 1872; Henry Baird, 1873-74; L. T. Remer. 1873-74; Charles 
Recor, 1873; John S. Clark. 1874; B. S. Denis, 1874; Charles "W. Phillips, 1875; P. A. 
Marshall, 1875; A. T. Young, 1870-80; Joseph Brown, 1870; B. S. Denis, 1877; Ira Jerome, 
1877; L. T. Remer. 1870; Ira Jerome. ISSO; James Lamb. 1881; H. N. Hammond, 1N82; 
John C. Young, 1SS2. 

In East China. L. T. Remer was re-elected Supervisor by ii majority of one in 1882. 



726 HISTORY OF ST. Cl.AIP. COUNTY. 

The early history of East China is related in the general history, and in that of the older 
adjoining townships. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

WILLIAM F. ALLEN, farmer, Section 13, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New York State, and was born 
in Oneida County in 1822. His parents came to this county in 1S32, when he was only ten years of age. and 
settled ou Swan Creek — in a wilderness; there were no roads, and they had to carry their wheat aud supplies 
on tlieii- backs. Mr. Allen worked for $10 a month, and paid $14 a barrel for flour ; then divided it in three 
parts, put in baifS and carried it home, ten miles, on their backs- He worked six years for old Capt. Clarke; 
afterward bought land, cleared it of timber, cut 600 cords of wood to pay for his land — used to cut five cords 
of wood a day, and get 3.'") cents a cord for cutting it ; owns gooil farm ; has been engaged in farming thirty- 
five years. In 1864. he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Michigan Infantry, and served until a few months be- 
fore the close of the war ; was discharged at San Antonio, Texas, on account of .sickness. Mr. Allen's first 
wife was Miss Rebecca M. Rankin, a native of the Island of Jamaica ; she died 1880. He was married, Sep- 
tember 8, 1880, to JIary Jane Clark, a native of Vermont; lier parents came to this county in 1832, and settled 
in the town of St. Clair. She has four sons — John, Frederick W.. S. S. and Richard B. 

MAJ. CHARLES N. BAKER (deceased), was a native of New York, and was liorn in the town of Cats 
kill, Greene County, May 20, 1832 ; his parents were Charles and Phebe (Abbott) Baker ; he was born in 1790, 
and was a .soldier in the war of 1812 ; tliey came to this county in 1834. Maj. Baker was brought up here, 
and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Upon the lireaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted as private 
in Company K, Second Michigan Cavalry. He was promoted First Lieutenant ; then placed in command of 
his company, with commission of Captain, and was afterward commissioned Major. During the war, while 
at home on furlough, he was married May 8, 1864, to Miss Jlarj' E. Kin3'on, a native of this town, and 
daughter of Sidney and Alzena Kinyon. Maj. Baker remained in the service four years. After the war, he 
returned and lived here until his death, August 2.">, 1875. He died of disease contracted in the army ; his 
widow receives a pension ; he left four children — Burton S., Eleanor A., Fred A. and Ada L., all living with 
tlieir mother. 

GEORGE BEAL, farmer. Private Claim 243, P. O. Mju-ine City, is a native of England; was born in the 
city of London October 8, 1824. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1831. and settled in York 
State for one year ; then came to Detroit and lived there seven }'ears. until tlie death of his parents, when he 
came up the St. Clair River to this county, and entered the employ of Capt. Aaron Peer. Sailed with him 
during the sununer season, and made his home with him fourteen years. In 1849, he bought the land where 
he now lives ; cleared it and made his farm, and since then for the past thirty-four years has lived here. Has 
held the office of Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Highways. In 1849, he married Miss Maty Piper, 
born in Westmoreland County, Penn., April .5, 1831. Tliey have two children — Nellie, now Mrs. William 
Brake, and William. 

CAPT. W. T. BROWN, Section 19, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Canada, and was born September 26, 
1839. He began sailing when only thirteen years of age on the scow "Ketchum." He sailed before the mast 
and was mate a number of years. In 1871, sailed as master of the Stranger, then the Prindcrville ; after- 
ward sailed tlie Evening Star and City of Alpena. Was master of schooner John Rice; steam barge, 
Mary Mills; sailed the tug Kate Molfatl and the P. L. Johnson, and then the steamer Agnes; last j'ear was 
mate of the City of Rome, and afterward master propeller Olean. He sailed on the lakes for thirtj' years. 
He towed the first scliooner loaded with grain through the locks on the Sault River, and also towed the first 
vessel through the canal on the St. Clair tiats. Capt. Brown was married December 2.), 1862, to Miss Phebe 
Jane Reamer, native of New York State, and daughter of L. T. Reamer, of this town. They have one 
daughter — Orlena. 

1U)RACE N. HAMMOND, farmer, fractional Section 9, is a native of New York State, and was born in 
the town of Bolton, Warren Co., November 18, 1,8,32. His parents, Henry and Esther Hammond, came to 
this coimty in 1833, and were among the early settlers here. Horace grew up and attended school here, and 
engaged in teaching, and pursued that profession for twenty years; then entered store as l)Ook-keeper. but 
gave it up on accoiint of his health, and engaged in farmin"'. " In 1871, he bought the farm where he now 
lives, and since then has resided here. He has held the office of Town Clerk fifteen years and was again elected in 
the recent election. Has served as School Director twenty-three yciirs, and was Townshiji Superintendent of 
Scliools all the time the law was in force, and also holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Hammond was 
married Novemljcr 11, 18.57, to Miss Laura A. Blancliard. a native of Wayne Countv, Mich. They have three 
children— Ida A., now Mrs. E. K. Ilungerford; N. Frank, at home; H. AVillie, at home. 

W. I). HART, fanner. Section 18, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Ontario County, N. Y., and was born 
Jun(^24, 1IS20. His father. David Hart, was a native of New York, aud his mother, Olive Flint, was born in 
Connecticut. After reaching manhood, Mr. Hart came to this State and settled in St. Clair County, in the 
town of Casco; then the town of Cliina, now Casco, was all a wilderness; he cleared land and uuide a farm. 
He was clectiid the first Supervisor of that town; lived there fourteen years, then removed on the river where 
he now lives; owns 130 acres finely located and imjiroved. He has represented this town seven terms in the 
Board of Supervisors, and has also held the oHice of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer, and has held school 
offi<--es lor many years. He was married December 7, 1.8.")8. to Mrs. Emeline S. Woodbury. She is a native of 
Hallowell, M('. Her parents were Capt. John Clark an<l Mary Sherburn Clark. They came to Detniit in 
1830; then came to Port Huron in 1.S3I, and tlic following year came on the river to this town, and were old 
and honored settlers of the county. Thev left three daui;liters— Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Jenks, Miss Helen D. Clarke. 
Mrs. Hart was married August 23. 1844, to A. J. Woodi)ury. of Manchester, N. H. He died January 18. 1850, 
leaving two children— Helen E., now Mrs. C. B. Huse; John C. in business in Port Hiuoii. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 727 

UE?:D .IERO^IE. farmer. Section 18, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, anil was 
born 111! tlie Delaware River near Coshoeton. .lanuary 24, ISIO. Ilis parents, Horace .h'ronie and Nancy 
Reed .Icromc, were natives of Massachusetts. Tliey removed to New \ ork State dtiriiin' Ills early eliildhood 
and .settled in Tonijikins County, in the town of Ulysses, wlu're he attended scliool \mtil the aire of .seventeen. 
In 18'Jli. his lather came to the Territory and located on Pine River, between two and three miles west of St. 
Clair. The loUowiny vear Kee<l came here with his father and landed in St. Clair July 1-, lli'il. They went 
to work and built a mill. It beinn a water mill, they could not work in tlie winter season, so they went back 
to New York and remained until the fall of 182S, when the whole family removed to Detroit, and his father 
died in that city, Mar<'h ;!0, 1831, leaviu.n- six children— Reed, living on" St. (/'lair River; James II, and Tim- 
othy, now livinu; in Saijinaw City; George, living in Detroit; Nancy, now Mrs, Goodson; David 11., e.\-Gov- 
frnor of the State, also living in Saginaw City. A few months after his death, the family moved back to 
New York to Onondaga County. The subject of this sketch remained thcri: one year and then came here to 
attend to the interests of their business. They had sold the mill, b\it it came back in their hands again and' 
was operated by them until 1834. He was married December 7, 1834, to Miss Abigail Priscilla Carleton, a 
native of Ncnv Hamjishire, and daughter of 'Peter Carleton and Susanna Rcdditig Carleton. They came to 
this county in 1830, and were among the earliest settlers here. After their marriage Mr. and .Mrs. Jerome 
settled on the place where they now live. It was covered with timber; he cleared the land and, made his 
farm, and since then for a jieriod of forty-nine years, they have resided here. He owns a good farm, well 
improved ;uid finely located on the St. Clair River. Mr. .leromc has held the ofiice of Supervisor, Town 
Clerk, .lustice of the Peace, Highwa}' Commissioner and school ollices. Mr. and Mrs. Jerome have two chil- 
dren — one daughter, Laura, now Mrs. Parsons, and one son, Ira, living in this town. They have lost two 
sons, Charles and Wirt. 

Mr{S. ABZINA KINYON, Section 19, is a native of New York State. Her parents were both natives 
of that State. Her fatlier, Asher Tappan, was born in 178.5, and her mother, Polly ,Sim])son Tappan, was born 
in 17!t3. They came to Michigan in 1837. and settled in this county, on Belle River, in the town of China. 
Mrs, Tappan, belter known as (irandma Tappan. survives her husband and is ninety years of age. In 1837, 
Abzina. her second daughter, married Sidney Kinyon; he was a native of New York .State, and came to this 
county with his father's family in 183'3, and was a brother of| Cajit. Kinyon, and Miron Kinyim of this town. 
He died July 10. 187(), leaving two daughters — Mary E., now Mrs. Maj. Baker, .-ind Emma, at home with her 
mother. Mrs. Kinyon owns her farm and has lived here on the river fort3'-four years. Her mother. Mrs. 
Tappan. makes her homi; with her. 

l-". KINYON, Captain of the .Milton D. Ward, is a native of Warren County, N. Y., and was born on 
Lake George, (Jctober '.J, 1820. He came to St. (/'lair County in IS32, and began sailing on the lakes in 184."); 
went as cook on the Morning Star. Since then, for the p.ast thirty-seven years, he has been cm the lakes and 
has taken out his twenty-seventh steamboat license as commander. He sailed for Cajit. Ward seventeen 
years. He is one of the oldest captains in active service on the lakes, and is one of the oldest .settlers on the 
river. He has been a resident of St. Clair County for fifty years. In 1851. Capt. Kinyon was married to 
Miss Maria Mitchell, a native of (!auada. They have four children — John (sailing on the lakes), William 
(also on the lakes), Sherwood and .Minnie Grace. 

NEH. McNAlKiHTON, farmer. Section 19, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of Scotland, and was born in the 
year 1838. Upon reaching maidiood. he went to the Australian colonies, and spent nine vears in New Zea- 
land and two years in XHctoria. then returned to Kngland an<l Scotland. He came to the United States in the 
fall of 1873, and the following year came to this county and bought the farm of 100 acres where he now lives, 
and since then has been engaged in farming. He has held the ofiice of Commissioner of Highways for past 
four years. In 1870, he was married to Miss Margaret Bannytine, a native of Scotland. They liavc three 
children— Neil (Uiark-s, John R. and an infant son. 

HENRY RANKIX. P. O. St, (;lair, farmer and stock dealer. Private Claim 303, is a son of Otis and Mary 
Peckham Itaidiin. His father was born in Massaclutsetts. and his mother was a native of New Y''ork State. 
Thev came to this county in 183ti, and settled in the town of Cottrcllville. Bought land, cleared it and made 
his farm, and lived here until his death. May '22, 1879. Ileiuy Rankin is a native of this county and was born 
in the town of Cottrcllville March I.5. 1840. He was brought up and attended school here, and after reaching 
manhood engaged in farming. He has been largely and successfully en.sragcd in dealing in stock and buying 
lands; has one of the largest and b<'st improved farms of 3O0 acres, finely located on the river; also owns a 
good farm of 301) acres, in town of China. He has held the ofiice of Town Treasurer and was again recently 
elected to the same ollice. Mr. Hankin was married October 30, 18li."), to Miss Louise Recor. a native of this 
town. Her niothrr. Mrs. Elizabeth Hccor. was born in Cottrcllville April 21, 1821. She was married in 1841, 
to tloseph Recor, a native of this town. They had four chiUlren, only one survives — .Mrs. Henry Rankin. 
Mrs. Recor's mother, old Mrs. Cottrell, is still living in Marine City. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have three chil- 
dren — Mary E., Joseph H. and Otis Chester. 

CHARLES W. RECOR, farmer, P. O. Marine City, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in 
this town March 1, l.'<47. His father, Lambert Recor. was l)orn here on the river in this county, and his 
mother. Margaret (Baird) Recor, was a native of Scotland. Charles was brought up and attended school 
here and at Utica, this State, and after reaching nuinhood engaged in farming, and for some years was en- 
gaged in dealing in hay and grain with his brotiicr. Since isd."), has occupied the farm where he now lives. 
Owns 171 acres of land. He has held the office of Town Clerk, Commissioner of Highways and school offices. 
Was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors in April. l.S.'^3. In 187t), Mr. Recor married Miss Arabella 
Cook, of the eitv of Detroit. Thev have five children— Annie J., Nina G.. Charles O., Mabel, William 1). 

L.VMBEBT" RECOH. farmer. Private Claim :ill), P. O. St. Clair, is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born in the town of East China, in the house where he now lives November 30, 18.')2. His father, Lambert 
Recor, was born here on the river, and his mother, Margaret (Baird) Recor, was a native of Scotland. 'l''hey 



728 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

were among the earliest settlers here in this county. He died August 24, 18G7, and she died March 21, 1878. 
Thi'ee sons survive — Lambert, the youngest son, was brought up and attended school here. After reaching 
manhood, he engaged in boat business, dealing in hay and grain; shipping direct from his own dock on the 
river. He owns the old homestead farm of 125 acres, linely located on the river and well improved. He has 
held the office of Town Treasurer. Mr. Recor was married February 12, 1879, to Miss Florence Broadln-idge, 
a native of this county. 

L. T. REMER, farmer, P. O. St. Clair, Mich., was born in Ontario County (now Yates), N. Y. May 32, 1810. 
and is a son of the Hon. Aaron Remer, a native of Somerset Countj', N. J. Our subject came to St. Clair 
County in November, 184a, where he has since resided. 3[r. Remer represented this county in the Legisla- 
ture in 1872-73, and again in 1874-75. The latter term being made famous in political annals by reason of 
the celelirated contest between Cliandler and Christiancy for the Senatorship. Mr. R. was the devoted and 
ardent supporter of Senator Chandler on that occasion. He has filled the office of Supervisor of the town- 
ship for fifteen 3'ears, thirteen of which were consecutive, twenty-four times made chairman of the Board, 
represented by "thirty-three members. Through all the changes incident to a new State, he has alwa3's been 
sustained by warm and devoted friends. He was married in 1830, to Sarah Sears, by whom he had one child 
— Phebe Jane. JIr.s. Remer died 1837. In 1856, he again mari'ied; this time to Sarah J. Gage, by whom he 
has three children — Francis W. R., now Clarke, Annie and May S. Mr. Remer represents families of prom- 
inence on both sides of his ancestry. Ou the paternal side to George Remer, who belonged to a family of 
Lutherans, who crossed the Atlantic to escape religious persecution. George Remer had seven sons and three 
daughters; the sons were all .soldiers in our Revolutionary war, two of whom fell in battle. On the maternal 
side to the famil3' of Townsends, who were among the earliest English .settlers in New York, after that colony 
fell under British dominion. Their descendants are now very numeroiis in Albany and Troy, and other lo- 
calities upon the North River. Lawrence Townsend, the grandfather of Mr. Remer, came to Ontario County 
(now Yates) in 1792, being one among the early pioneers in that region. In 1804, his daughter, Phebe. was 
married to Aaron Remer, a man of great prominence in liis time, and whose death was regarded as a public 
calamity, which occurred in 1841, Mr. Remer was during his pulilic life an intimate friend of Thurlow 
Weed and Erastus Cornin.g, of New York. 

MRS. SUSAN (B.\IRD) WESTBROOK, Private Claim 310, P. O. Marine City, is a native of Scotland, 
and is a daughter of William I?aird and Margaret (Lockhead) Baird. Her mother died in Scotland and her 
father brought the family to tliis country in the fall of 1829, They landed on the lake shore at Perch, twelve 
miles above Sarnia, and the following April they came down the river to this county. He bought land on 
Belle River, in the town of China, two miles west of where Mrs, Westln-ook now lives, and was among the 
earliest settlers here. It was a wild place; he cleared his land and made his farm, and lived there until his 
death in 1855. He left seven children— Margaret, .Janet, Elizabeth, Henry, Agnes, William and Susan. 
Susan, the youngest child, was married in 1833, to William T, Westbrook. He was born in Detroit March 8, 
1810, and was a son of Audrew Westbrook and Nancy Thome. He was a native of New York State, and she 
was born on the St, Clair River, near Algonac. Tliey lived in Canada and came to Detroit in 1812, and he 
was in the war. They came up on the river in 1817 aiid settled in this county, and he bought a large tract of 
land in the town of China, and built a lar™ house near here. He was one of the most prominent men of that 
day, and was noted, as the Westbrooks all are, for his individuality. He bought a large tract of land from 
Government above Port Huron, and afterward sold it to Government,' and the fort was built there. lie also 
bou.ght ,several hundred acres on the river, just south of Port Huron. He supplied the fort with provisions 
for j'ears, when it was a very difficult undertaking. The Indians at one time captured his children and took 
them to Walpool Island, He went after them, drew his revolver and demanded them of the chief, and they 
were delivered up to him. He lived on the river until his death in 1835; left a large estate. After Mrs. West- 
brook was married, they lived in Port Huron on Military street for a short time. ' lie then bought 700 acres 
of land west of St. Clair from Government, and cleared and made a large farm. Afterward removed to Port 
Huron and lived there several years. He bought the farm where Mrs. Westbrook now lives, and removed 
here in 18<il), and lived here until his death in 1868. They had five children, only three survive— Elizabeth, 
now Mrs. .1. C Perry, married and living in Detroit; AVill'iam E,, living in Colorado; Frederick T,, at home. 
Fred T., the youngest son, is a native of this county, and was born in Port Huron December 29, 1845, He 
was brought up here, .Vfter reaching manhood, he engaged in dealing in hay and grain for some years, and 
also engaged in farming, where he and his mother now reside. 



IRA TOWNSHIP. 



IKA Townsiiip forms flio extreme southwest town of the county with the Lake St. Clair on the 
south, Cheslerfiekl Township west, Cottrollville and Casco on the east and north. Swan 
Creek runs throuij;h th(> town from north to south. The pioneers were the Chortiers, Stephen 
Eose, Christopher Miller, F, Beckman, Charles Chatoreaii, and others whose names appear in 
the list of early land buyers. The population of Ira in 1845 was 392; in 1854, 807; in ]S(i4, 
1,072; and in LSSO, 1,045, The equalized value is -1178,755, and the area. 11.173 acres. 
The population is principally made up of foreigners, who are very industrious. 



HISTORY OF ST. OLAlll COUNTY. 729 

Th(* original laml buyers were James Seymour, Bowen Whiting, James Edwards. Gardner 
Wells, Elisha Steeple, Benjamin Hazen. looated lands on Section!, in 1886; J. L. King, on 
Section 2; Hanford Keynoids, cm Section 5; James Edwards, on Section i'>; Heniy Connor, 
Barney MoCann, on Section 11; 11. H. Waller, on Section 12; J. \V. Throop, James Dunlap. 
Levi Beardsley and Smith Titus, on Section 13, in 183G; Julius Eldi'ed, F. and E. Moore, 
Alonzo Merrill, on Section 24, in 1834. 

INDIAN' RESKRVE. 

The Indian lands in Ira Township, or Township 3 north. Range 15 east, were disjjo.sed of 
betwt>een May IT), 18311. and October 30, 1848. The purchasers. May 15, 183'J, were James 
H. Cook. 480 acres, on Sections 4, '.). and 15; Henry Connor, KiO acres, on Sections 11 and 15; 
Medar St. James de Beauvais, 80 acres;' Charles Pa([uett('. 250 acres; Luther Stoddafd.SO acres; 
Lansing B. Mizuer, lUO acres, on Sections 10, 1 t and 17; Aatoin(^ Eabire, SO acres, Section 
9; Peter Rose, 80 acres, on Section 8; Ira Davenport, KiO acres, on Section 0; JohnDalloz, 50 
acres, on Section KJ; Stephen Rose, 37 acres on Section 16 ; Timothy Boyer, 158 acres, on 
Section 15; Stephen Chortier, SO acres, on Section 15; Antoine Laponse, (52 acres, on Section 
17; Augustus Faucho, 46 acres, on Section 15; Louis Beaufait, 170 acres, on Sections 14, 15 
and 22; Ed. R. Kearsley, 80 acres, on Section 15; and Jonathan Kearsley, 140 acres, on 
Section 14. 

The sales made in ^lay, Juno and August, 183U, were to the following named buyers: 
Jonathan Kearsley, 70 acres, on Section 23; Ed. N. Kearsley, 51 acres, on Section 23; L. B. 
Mizner, 1 15 acres. on Sections 8 and 22; Constant Lorselle, 80 acres, on Section 10; Charles S. John- 
son, 175 acres, on Section 3; Barney McCann. 284 acres, on Section 11; and Charles S. 
Johnson, 165 acres, on Section 35. 

Joseph Socier purchased 40 acres of Indian Reserve, October 1(5, 1844, on Section 4, Ira; 
Venson Pacjuette, bought 40 acres on Section 10, July 26, 1844; Joseph Merceraux, 40 acres, 
on Section 10, December 1), 1844; Henry R. Mizner, 40 acres, on Section 10 August 16, 1845; 
Abraiu Destriit. 80 acres, November I'.K 1845: Joseph Miller, 40 acres. Section 10, December 
27, 1845; Francis Palms ])urehased 887 acres on Sections 2 and 3, in December, 1847, also 787 
acres, on Sections 4 and 5, at the same time; Felix Yigneron. 80 acres, on Section 4, May 8, 
1847; Lansing B. Mizner, 61 acres, on Section 8, November 26; Francis Palms, 137 acres, 
on Section 8, December, 1847, also 268 acres on Sections 10, 11, and 14, in December, 1847; 
Toussaint Chortier, 40 acres, on Section 14, June 23, 1847; Antoine Legarand Joseph Mercer- 
aux. 40 acres each, on Section 10. in August and December, 1847; James Landry, SO acres, 
on Section 14, September 1, 1848; and Francis Palms, 104 acres, in March and October, 1848. 

The Supervisors of L-a since its organization, as'e named as follows: Charles Kiml)all, 
1837; Commissioners Board, 1838-41; Charles Kimball, 1842-14; Job P. Gorham, 1845-17, 
Antoino Bethuv. 1S4S: Jcjlui Dalloz, ISIU; George King. 1S5()-51; Larkin Hatch, 1852; Johu 
Dalloz, 1853-54; Ira Marks, 1855: John Dalloz. 1856: Abram Yule. 1S57; C. McElroy, 185S-5U ; 
E. G. Marks, I860; Godfrov Deroche. 1861: Louis A. AUor, 181)2; Stephen Rose, 1863; 
H. Nedermeyers, 1864-71; H. Meyer, 1872-71): Benjamin Latoiu-, 1880-82. 

.ir.STlCE.S OF THE PK.VCE. 

Chester Kimball, 1837: Chester Kimball, 1841; Charles Kimball, 1841; Ira Marks, 1842; 
John Dalloz, 1843; Stephen Rose, Jr.. 1843: Job T. Gorham. 1S45: Larkin Hatch, 1S46; 
James Dunlap, 1846; John Dalloz. 1847: Job T. Gorham, 1S49; John Dalloz. 1850: Samuel 
Irons. 1851; Godfrey Derocheo. 1853; William F. Chipman. 1853; John Dalloz. 1854; L.ar- 
kin Hatch, 1855; John Sadler. 1857; E. H. Butler, 1857: Larkin Hatch, 1S57; Crocket McEl- 
roy, 1858; George C. Walker, 185'J; E. G. Marks. 185'J; Louis A.. AUor, 1860; E. H. But- 
ler, 1860; Stephen Rose, 1861-62; W. Zantgreffer. 18(il-62; J. M. Lerov, 1 86 1 -62 ; H. Johr, 
1862; R. Martyn, 1862: H. Xeddermeyer, 1863: John Sadler, 1864; R. Mirtyn, 1865; H. Ned. 
dermeyer, 1867; John Sa<ller. 1868; Chai'les Fosbender, i860: Robert English. 1869; Charles 
Fosbender, 1S70-74; R. Martyn, 1870; H. Xeddermeyer, 1871: John Sadler, 1872; James Lan- 
dry, 1873; Stephen Rose, 1875; Chaides Rose, 1876; A. Merceraux. 1876: Alexander Lamiry, 



730 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



1877; C. Fosbender, 1878; A. Merceraux, 1879; Sebastin Habarth, 1880; Joseph T.' Landry, 
1881; Charles Fosbender. 1882. 

TREMBLE CREEK. 

A settlement was made as appears by a Captain Francois Marsae in about 1798, at Trem- 
ble Creek, the stream near New Baltimore, on the Eidge Road, aad also prior to 1796, at Swan 
Creek, some fovir miles west of New Baltimore. 

From the early settlement of that section a tradition has been handed down, and this 
tradition has many believers even now, that an English Captain or Lieutenant, who had been 
largely successful in gathering together a quantity of bullion, being compelled to flee from 
the Indians, buried his treasure in the earth, about a mile from the present isle of New Bal- 
timore: that he was either killed by the Indians, or died from exposure, and the secret of his 
treasure's hiding place died with him. Many searches have been made by infatuated individu- 
als after this treasure, and many believe that the ghostly shade of the deceased Captain guards 
the treasure-trove so jealously, and has such power of moving its location, that all search is in 
vain. 

Fair Haven, in Ira Township, thirty miles south of Port Huron, on Anchor Bay, is one 
of the early settlements of St. Clair. It has four churches, viz. : Catholic, Methodist, Luth- 
eran, and Reform. Its industries comprise saw and grist mills. The school is found there 
also. 

PERSONAL HISTORY. 

Following are the biographical sketches of many of the most prominent citizens of the 
township: 

PATRICK B. FLAHERTY, P. O. Fair Haven, born in Ireland October 12, 1841. His parents emigrated 
in 1842, first locating in Montreal, Province Lower Canada, where they remained until 1847, when they re- 
moved to Rochester, N. Y. At nine years of age, he began worlv in a stave mill in that cit3% earning his own 
living, thus learning the first lesson iu the battle of life. He acquired a fair education, improving his leisure 
time iu study and in night schools. Remaining in the mill, his industry and proficiency was acknowledged 
by his employers, paying him man's wages when only thirteen years of age. He remained in the mill until 
18G4, wheh he spent "two years traveling in the West, and in 18ti6 located in Fair Haven, in the employ of Mr. 
H. C. Schnoor, where he is now foreman of his immense business. Married September 39, 1866, to Miss 
Elizabeth Dolan, of Lachine, Lower Canada. They have six children — Elizabetli, .lohn H., Edward, Joseph, 
Patrick II. and Thomas. Elizabeth is now at school in Medina, N. Y. His steady habits are shown l)y the 
fact that all the labor of his life thus far has l)eeu for only two firms, and still farther by a comfortable home 
and cash balance in bank. Socially, he will never be forgotten, having organized the first benevolent and 
Christian society of St. Ignatius in Rochester, of which he was President and Secretary eight years. He has 
labored to establish another school in Fair Haven, which is becoming a necessity, and has here filled the of- 
fice of Superintendent of schools. A warm hearted, generous friend of education. 

HEXRY MEYER, P. O. Fair Haven, was born in the city of Hanover, Germany, .lanuary 1, 1828. Re- 
ceiving a common school education, he served an apprenticeship at carpenter's trade, which he followed until 
1864. Emigrated in 18.51, arriving in Detroit in August of that year, entering the employ of Mr. James Shear- 
ier, contractor and builder, in whose service he rerriained twelve" years, during which time he purchased alarm 
of eighty acres in Section 11, Town 3 north. Range 15 east. He was married Julv 27, 1856, to Miss Mary 
Beckman, of Detroit, also of German parentage. They have twelve children— Henry F., August "W., Theo- 
dore, Ernest C, Ida, Augusta, Louisa, Albert, Alwina, Mary, Emil and Frederick W., all at home. Moved 
on the farm in January, 1864, where he now resides, and in ISG.") was elected Town Treasurer, which office he 
held for eight successive years; also held the oftice of Supervisor eight years. Resigning the office of Super- 
visor, he was appointed Enumerator for Ira Township for taking the tenth census. The financial prosperity 
and genial natures of the family are evidence of kind home government and the wise ruling of so large a 
family has also contributed to the welfare of the neighborhood. To keep his boys at home and profitably 
employed, a flouring mill was built and is financially successful, and a great convenience to the town. His 
genial nature and puhlie spirit has made all who know him his friends. 

CHARLES R<_)SE, P. O. Fair Haven, was born in Montreal, Lower Canada. February 14, 1830; sou of 
Stephen Rose, who came to Fair Haven October, 1882, locating on Section 23, in Township 3 north. Range 15 
cast. Because of the disailvantages of pioneer life, he acquired no education whatever, f^arly in life, work- 
ing at boat-building, he learned the trade of ship carijenter, and for many years managed a yard of his own, 
during which time he built and launched many a finely constructed and "fully equipped craft. Failing health 
and advancing age caused him, in 1876, to quit the business; and the fine property he now owns attests to his 
industry and real worth. He was married by Rev. Peter Laferve. Bishop of Detroit, November '20, 1843, in 
Detroit, to Miss Eleanore Mueneer. They have five children— JIary, now Mrs. .lohn Tart; Eleanore, now Mrs. 
Charles Beavivias; Celina, now j\Irs. Samuel Smith; Ce|>hers and Genevieve, still at home. All the present 
surroundjnmof Mr. Rose's home give evidence of his innate wcn-th. 

IlEXRY C. SCHXOOR, merchant and manufacturer, P. O. Fair Haven, is a native of Germany, and 
was born February 7, 1835. He emigrated to this countrv in 18.53, and came to Detroit, where he worked at 



HISTORY or .ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 731 

the C'ooper'.s trade two years, then came to New Baltimore and was engaf;ed in husine-ss with his brother two 
.years, then came to Fair Haven and engaged in mercantile business, lie paid $1,000 for tlie property and 
$400 for the .stock of goods, and since then has .successfully carried on the business here. He carries a large 
stock of goods and has a large trade. In If^f'iT, he bought the saw mill of William .Jenny and converted it into 
a stave, lu'ading and lumber mill and est;iblished his present business, and since then for the past tiftcciu years 
has built up and carried on a large, successful and extensive business, em|iloying in liis mills, boats and busi- 
ness between 100 and "JdO hamls, Ilis logs come mostly from Canada, lie has his own steam vessels for 
freighting his goods, which lind markets in the East. West and South, lie also has a saw ami planing mill 
for sawing and dressing lumber, in connection with his manufactor}'. He is also engaged in the stave, hoop 
and heading business at Wallaceburg. Canada. Mr. Schnoor started in life without anj'thing. and has become 
by his energy, one of the most successful business men in the county. In 18.5S, lie married iMiss Louisa Kruse, 
a native of Gernumy. They have nine children — four sons and five daughters — William, Bernard, George, 
Henry. Alvina. Louisa. Clara. Hatti<' and Bessie. 



CASOO TOWNSHIP. 



C'^ASCO Township was ortjjanized in 1849, with William Harl, Supervisor, while yet its popula- 
^ tion did not exceed 134 souls. All sections of the township are within easy distance of the 
St. Clair, and of the Ciraud Trunk Railroads. The ecjualized valtiatiou for 1882 is S8Ur),68(); 
the number of acres, 2'2,7r)r); the poptilatiou, 2,212, includinif S()3 children of school age. 
Among the first permanent settlers were A. Tappan, H. A. Allen, Denis Bales and R. Freeman. 
In the following list of early land ptirchasers, the names of other old settlers are given. 

KARLY LAND BUYERS. 
Among the early land buyers in this township from 1828 to 183(3, wore Gardner Freeman 
and Andrew "Wtistbrook. 1832? William Teuton, 1834; William Cash, Lot Clark. Stephen War- 
ren, L. B. Mizner, Selden Freeman, Elisha B. Strong, Hiram Smith, W. B. Smith, John 
Thomas, Charles Cook, Edwin Jerome, Francis Dvvight, Dennis Bates, Charles B. Keeler, 
Henley Smith, Seth Beardsley, John Starkweather, Nathaniel Reed, Ira Porter, Abner Por- 
ter, James Seymotu', Levi Tiittill, George E. Hanna, Mary M. Gallagher, H. R. Mizner, Richard 
P. Httnt, H. A. Allen, Charles A. Cook, T. L. L. Brent, Benjamin Raney, Olive Hart, Phineas 
D. Kinyon, R. Knight, H. F. Daniels, Joseph Hall, Eli Stone, J. M Flagg, Christian Clem- 
ens, J. G. Street, H. Ageus, N Godell, John Webster, S. P. Gill. W. T. Westbrook, Dolorah 
Hill, T. O. Hill, Patrick Healey. James Seymour, .Joseph I. Seidmore, Bayard Clark, George F. 
Brown. James Edwards, Mark H. Sibley, W. P. Hallett, Wesley Truesdell, Anthony Chortier, 
Antoine Droniilard. Andrew Turck. Sylvester F. Atwood, Sylvester Armington, Reuljen Moore, 
John Tellmau. Portions of Sections 35 and 30 formed part of the Indian Reservation. 

SUI'KRVISORS. 

William Hart. 1849; Porter Chamberlin, 1850; H. S. Clark. 1851-52; Mr. Chapin, 
1853: Stephen Fenton, 1854-56; H S. Clark. 1857; S. A. Fenton, 1858-63: J. A. Hirt. 1864; 
Julius Granger, 1865; J. A. Hirt, 1866-67; Fred Bielman, 1868-71; William Miller, 1872- 
76; Edward :\rarch, 1877; William Miller, 1878-80; Jacob L. Kollar, 1881-82. 

,Il'STICES OF THE PE.ACE. 
Horan S. Clark, 1849; John P. Hart, 1849; Dennis Bates, 1849; William Fenton, 1849; A. 
Tappan, 1851; Henry Topping, 1851; Alexander Chase, 1852: Albert Topping, 1853; James 
Robinson, 1853; F. P. Chtipiu, 1854; Charles Bremer, 1857; Samuel Boeder, 1858-62; Dennis 
Bates. 1858; Hemy Jonas, 1859; Stephen A. Fenton, 1859-60; Charles Bremer. 1861: Martin 
Dringle, 1862; Samuel Sparr, 1864; Nathan B. Clark, 1865; William Miller, 1865; J. G. Myer, 
1866: Samuel Sparr, 1867: Fred Bidman, 1807; William Miller, 1868; Frank Maedel, 1870; 
Nathan B. Clark, 1870; Lochl Herman. 187]; William Miller, 1872; F. Maedel. 1873; M. 
Ruomenapp. 1874; George W. Pelton, 1875-79; William Miller. 1876; John Hubbert, 1877; 



732 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



Israel Walter, 1878; William Miller, 1880; C. Seurynck, 1880; O. Feuton. 1880; M. Reu- 
menapp, 1881; Isaac C. Bm-ch, 1881; G-eorge W. Pelton, 1882. 

The result of the election of April, 1882, was as follows: Supervisor — Jacob L. Keller, 
Dem.; Clerk — Martin Ruemenapp; Treasurer— Conrad Marth; Highway Commissioner — 
Charles Zentgrebe; Justice of the Peace — George W. Pelton; School Inspector — One year, 
Isaac C. Burch; two years, Henry Kammer; Drain Commissioner — George W. Pelton; Consta- 
bles — Fred Rochl, Henry Stahlbuck, Michael Shindler, C. Baumgarten. 

Casco, in the township of that name, is situated four miles north of Lake St. Clair, and 
twenty miles southwest of Port Huron. 



COLUMBUS TOWNSHIP. 



THFi first permanent settlers of Columlnts Township were Charles Hunt. Barney Curley, H. 
Hunt, G. S. Granger. John and James Graham, K. Kilroy, the Cross and Maybin famili-^s. 
The churches and schools of the township are well administered. The oak and ash forest of pio- 
neer days has given place to fertile fields and happy homes; improvements have been annu- 
ally effected, until now the equalized valuation of the town is estimated at $358,600. The pop- 
ulation at Columbus in 1845, was 315; in 1854, 659; in 1864, 1,028; in 1874, 999, and in 
1880, 1,327, including 470 children of school age. The number of acres in the town is 22,644. 

EARLY LAND BUYERS. 

The purchase of the United States lands situated in this township, was inaugurated in 
1833, when Walter G. Porter, entered 160 acres in Sections 32 and 33. In 1835-36-37, the 
entire land for sale may be said to have been in the hands of settlers or speculators. The land 
purchases here in 1836 were made by the persons named in the following list: Josiah Lind- 
say, S. P. Rolf. Silas Joslin. John Starkweather, O. C. Grosvenor, Section 1; Patrick Kelly, R. 
Love, T\'illiam Bliss, T.J. Dudley, Ed. Spring, Section 2; George Dwight, Samuel Swift, 
Section 8; Bowen Whiting. Joseph Pitcairn, Hem-y McLaughlin, John Kilroy, John Savage, 
Patrick Burke, Section 4; George Geary, David Phelps, Charles Mulloy. and Barney Curley, 
Section 5; Alfred Bailer, John Gilliland, Caleb Rice, and William B." Stewart, Section 6; L. 
Clark, S. ANarren. Luke Hemmingway, Samuel Swift, Section 7; William Noyes, Darwin 
Hall, Section 8; Eli Stone, M. H. Webster, H. B. Webster (1837), Section 9; F. Dwight, 
Samuel Swift, J. Eldridge, F. R. Morgan and Josiah A. Sterns, Sections 10; John Gilliland, 
Theodore Bathy, Christopher Bliss, Francis Dwight, Section 11; James Edwards, John Gilli- 
land, Eldredge and Morgan, and Bowen Whiting, Section 12; G. M. Williams. P. Desnovers, 
C. Baxter, W. Steele, W. Sweat, Lucretia Haskin, L. Clark, S. Warren, B. Mizner, B. Clark, 
Section 13; Newell Smith, S. Wood, A. Sevmour, Theodore Bathy, Henry Tolan, George 
Smith, G. B. Bull, William Cullen Bryant, Section 14; Caleb Rice, Josiah Snow, William E. 
Marvin, Richard Marvin, Section 15; John Stephenson, Lyman Granger, Aaron Bemis, B. B. 
Kercheval, H. Forbes. William Maxfield, Section 17; L. Clarke, S. Warren, Lyman Granger, 
H. N. Stafford, Section 18; F. Dwight, L. B. Mizner, L. Granger, J. M, Soverhill, John 
Thomas, Henry Dwight, Section 19; Dwight and Mizner, L. Granger, B. Whiting, R. Ram- 
sey, Mary A. Palmer, Section 20; Elias Palmer, W. Barber, Denis Harty, Section 21 (1837); 
David Phelps, William Robinson, John Myers, W. J. Pease, R. D. Miller, Section 25; John 
Starkweather, H. R. Jerome, Section 26; Zara Granger, T. McKeel, Rhoda McKeel, J. Thomas, 
L. B. Mizner, S. Clark, S. Warren and Joseph Pitcairn. Section 27; G. A. O'Keefe. Peter 
Flemming, T. McKeel, Isaac S. Bathy, C. S. Whiting, Section 22; George A. O'Keefe, New- 
ell Smith, John Tai)pan, Theodore Bathey, B. Whiting, Olive Hart, Reuel Smith, H. Forbes, 
Section 23; Edward Fay, William H. Savage, G. M. Williams, Peter Desnoyers, Erastus W. 
Savage, Section 24; John Drew, John Howard, Mizner and Dwight, George A. O'Keefe, J. S. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAll! COUNTY. 733 

Parker, F. Dwight, Section 28; John Drew. I. N. Norton, L. B. Miznor, L. Granger, Joseph 
Pitcairn, Maria L. Granger, Section 25); Z. H. Grey, John Dods, David McNiel, Morton 
Shearer, Eleazer Mighell. Jr.. Section 30; \V. T. Beer. J. Snook, S. Warren, L. Chirk, M. 
Shearer, David Weeks. Nehemiah Bishop, L. 15. Mizner, Section 31; W. G. Porter (KS33), T. 
J. Ewoll. John Drew. Esther JCittredge, Clark and Warron, Aliznor and Dwight, Benjamin 
Kittredge, Eliza A. Cook, Nathan Cook, Section 32; \V. G. Porter (1833), Zara Granger, Gard- 
ner Johnson, Oliver Westbrook, Eljonozor Westbrook, Section 33; Zara Granger, Clark and 
Warren, B. Whiting, O. Westbrook, Henry Dwight, Section 34; Robert Wihoii, Clark and A\"ar 
reu. D. J. Boyd, W. P. Hallett. Violetta Westbrook. H. R. Jerome, Section 35; Martha Harris, 
William T. Westbrook, George Hosmer and James Edwards, Section 3(). 

OFFICIAL KIKnUi. 

The names of Suporvisora and Justices elected in this township are as follows: 

Supervisors — Theodore Bathy. 1837 ; Commissioners' Board,1838-4:L; Daniel Weeks, 1842; 
John S. Parker, 1843; David Weeks, 1844; John S. Parker, 1845-46; Morton Shearer, 1847-48; 
Charles Baker, 1849; Lester Cross, 1850; David Weeks, 1851-52; Q. S. Granger, 1853-54; 
J. S. Parker, 1855; James S. Durfee. 1856; G. S. Granger. 1857; J S. Parker, 1858-59; C. 
R. Canfield. 1860; G. S. (Jran<vor. 1861-67; J. S. Parker, Jr., 1868-69; James Quick, 1870; G. 
S. Granger. 1871-73; H. W. Smith, 1874-75; J.S.Parker. 1877; George S. Granger. 1878-81. 

Justices of the Peace -Theodore Bathv, 1837; Alfred Bailey. 1839; Erastus Cross, 1839; 
Lyman Granger. 1840; Nathan Cook. 1841; Theodore Bathy, 1842; Elias Palmer, 1843; Eras- 
tus S. Cross, 1844; Julius Lovejoy, 1844; James Graham, 1845; Charles Baker, 1846; Edward 
Fav. 1847; David Weeks, 1848; George Bathey, 1848; David Weeks, 1849; Chauncey R. Can- 
field, 1850; Erastus S. Cross, 1850; Lester Cross, 1851; David Weeks, 1853; Patrick Mallov, 
1857; Erastus Cross, 1858; Darius Jones. 1858; C. R. Canfield, 1859; John S. Parker, 1860; 
James S. Durfee, 1862; Patrick :\Ialloy, 1862; C. R. Cantield, 1863; E. C. Cross, 1864; Alex- 
ander McCall, 1865; Josiah West, 1866; John Graham, 1S()7; E. S. Cross, 1868; Alexander 
McCall. 1869; Abram Maxson, 1871-75; John Graham. 1875-76; Ira P. Burke, 1872-76; 
George S. Granger. 1874; Ambrose West, 1874; Alexander McCall, 1875; Peter Gruunell, 
1877; Patrick Mallov, 1878; John WMttaker. 1878; Thomas Graham, 1879; W. A. Bonkor. 
1880; George S. Granger, 1880; Joshua Houghton, 1881. 

The entire Democratic ticket was elected in April, 1882, as follows: Supervisor — G. S. 
Granger; Clerk--E. Picn-ce; Treasurer — J. Dilworth; Highway Commissioner — P. Kelley; 
Drain Commisioner — D. Dayton; Justice of the Peace--F. Malioy; School Inspector — R. 
Sha]iahan, one year; J. Berney. two years; Constables — -G. Ellison, O. Sav;ige, C. Mallov, A. 
McPherson. 

Bathy Grnngc. Xo. ii>'J. P. of If., was organized September 29, 1876, with Maurice Shan- 
ahau. A. E. Waterloo, Theodore Bathv. William A. Bonkor, John Wagner, Ephriam Pearce. 
Gotfried Fritz, F. H. Bathy, Thomas \V. McCall, M. J. Waterloo, L. Voorheis, M. E. Bonker, 
and S. Shanahan, all of Columbus Township, charter members. The charter was granted by 
National Grange, July 21, 1874. 

Columbus, in the township of that name, twenty miles .southwest of Port Huron, is located 
on Belle River. It has its churches, schools, and a manufacturing industry in the shape of a 
good grist mill. 

BIOGKAPIIICAb SKETCHES. 

THEODORE B.VTIIY, farmer. Srolion 11, P. O. Smith's Creek, wu.s born in the city of New York in 181i. 
When twelve years of ajje, he went to Westehestor County, and remained there si.\ years, and lived two years 
in Oranire County. When twenty years old. he started West by eanal to BulTalo, and by steamboat to De- 
troit and reaehed there in Jlay, l.'^3l'. He went out to Pontiac and delivered a number of letters he had brought 
to settlers of tlie new Terriloi-y. He intended to Join a surveying party, but they having left before he got 
here he went to work at grading on tlie old Gratiot Turnpike, and that fall took a conlraet liimself for grad- 
ing from Pine Kiver to Port Huron, and was engaged on that work two years. After that was completed he 
went to work on the Grand Kiver road, and soon after went on the Jlicbii^an Central Railroad an<l was one 
of the earliest contraetors on that line in 1^35, and worked on the sixth mile out of Detroit, and took a con- 
tract for several sections. While engaged in contracting he hired a man to locale some land for him in a good 
location between Relle River and Pine River. He selected sixteen eighth and (juarter sections, but speculators 



734 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 



who had money and influence secured what he wanted, except four lots of eighty acres each, which he 
entered, and in the fall of 1836 he came up the river and settled on his land, where he now lives. From 
thirteen miles west of Detroit to Belle River, he was five days on the way by team, and had to cut a road 
through from the old turnpike road. It was then a wild wilderness. He built a log house, and in December, 
1836, was married to Miss Aley Waterloo, a native of England. She came to this country in Januarj' of that 
year. They went to work and began clearing their land and making their farm, and luniliered some in winter. 
They h.ave lived on this farm in the same house since 1836, and are the oldest settlers now living in the town. 
Mr. Bathy was elected the first Supervisor -of the town and drew up the petition to the Legislature to have 
the town set off from St. Clair. He has held the otfice of Justice of the Peace, and has served as member of 
the Town Board. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been connected with it over 
half a century, and for a long time he was Recording Steward of the church. The first religious services in 
the town was held in the little schoolhouse on the turnpike. Rev. Mr. Reynolds was the first stated Suppl_v. 
The first Circuit extended from Algonac to Lexington, and there were twenty-six preaching appointments 
during the month. Mr. and Mrs. Bathy have seven children — Charlotte, Alfred H., Nanc}', Theodore, George, 
Fred and Collins. 

CAPT. GREENLIEF BROWK, farmer, Section 13, P. O. Rattle Run, is a native of Herkimer County, 
N. Y., and was born December 4, 1833. His parents removed to Jefferson County in 1834. He remained 
there until fourteen years of age and then began sailing, and was on the lakes twenty-two years. He sailed 
as master of the schooner Falcon, the L. D. Coman, the brig Ocean, the Cortland, the brig Concord, and 
others. He came here to this county in 1856 and boarded with his brother, Capt. George Brown, in the town of 
St. Clair tvjo years, then came on the place where he now lives. It was all woods. He cleared the land and 
made his farm. He owns 160 acres here and 160 acres in Sanilac County. When he was married he had only 
$.5. His success is owing to his own industry and good management. He has held the office of Highway 
Commissioner. Capt. Brown was married Feljruary 8, tSUB, to Miss Susan R. Woolsey, a native of Jefferson 
County, N. Y.. and niece of old Commodore Woolsey, of the United States Navy, in the war of 1813. Capt. 
and ^Irs. Brown have six children — George, Frank, Ora, Lillian (now Mrs. Dr. Brown, Fort Gratiot), Byron 
and Myron. 

CHARLES WAGNER, farmer. Section 11, P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of Germany and wasborn 
February 37, 1840. He emigrated to this country in 18.57, and came to this State and lived at Saginaw five 
years, and worked in a saw mill and lumber woods. He then went to Lake Superior and lived there three 
years, and then went to California, and was on the Pacific coast nine j'ears engaged in mining. In 1871, he 
bought the farm where he now lives, and came here and engaged in farming in 1880. He also owns eighty 
acres elsewhere. In 1880, he married Miss Mary Husel. a native of this county. They have one son, Charles 
Wagner. 



J\. 



IMBALL TOWNSHIP. 



KIMBALL Township was first settled by Barzillai Wheeler, vhe Kimballs and the Bartletts. 
Its organization was effected in 1855, when W. B. Verity was elected Supervisor. The 
town embraces 23.040 acres. The population in 1864 was 715, increased to 1,429 in 1880, 
whose real and personal property is valued at |251,325. The number of children of school 
age in the township in 1881 was 426. Smith's Corners, Thornton and Clyde Mills are the 
villages of the town. These villages, like the township, have made rapid advances in recent 
years, and a promise is given that the full resources of the district will be drawn forth by its 
thrifty, enterprising settlers. 

EARLY LAND BUYERS. 

Lands in this township were purchased so early as 1825, by a company comprising Oel 
W. Mulloy, E. Smart. Thomas Scott, John Biddle. Robert Forsythe bought 240 acres, on 
Section 2, that year. The buyers previous to 1836 are named as follows: Alexander Atkins, 
Henry Crill. N. Dexter, F. H. Stephens, Abner Coburn, Charles Butler, Henry Howard, Joel 
Perkins, Lewis Benedict, Allen Atkins, A. G. Throop, Gilbert Liddle, Ralph Wadhams. F. & 
R, Moore, Cyrus Moore, Frederick Wright, N. Dickinson, Lorenzo Allen, J. J. Garrison, 
William L. Remington, Charles H. Carroll, Justin Rice, James Bttrt. J. L. Beebe, T. B. 
Clarke, Ira Porter, C. B. Newberry, James Hanmer, Warren Hill, Hosea P Cobb, Horace R. 
Jerome, Cumraings Sanborn, Samuel Hutchins, John Landon, H. F. Daniels, F. G. Wilcox, 
H, Ensign, N. Waltrous, W. Steele, Chester Baxter, Thomas Palmer, J. M. Wilson, William 
Sweatt, T. G. Macy, William Thornton, Benjamin Morse, John Starkweather, Alva Blodgett, 
R. Henderson. Barzillai Wheeler, Benjamin Bissell, Daniel Stewart, James Ogden, James 
Bangs, Newell Smith. 



HISTORY OF ST. C'LAIH COUNTY. 735 

.SUl'KRVrSOl'.S. 
William B. Verity, 1855; J. S. Kimball, IS.'.*!: ■\Villi;uu 15. Vority, 1857: J. S. Kimhall, 
1S58-5U; William B. Verity. 18f)0-()2; William .loukinson. lS():!-.()5; J. S. Kimball. 18(5()-()8; 
M. D. Frink, 1809-74; P. M. Brown, 1875-78; Sylvostor Casswoll, 187'J-80; Parker M. Brown, 
1881; George Fish, 1882. 

JUSTICE.S OF THE PEACE. 

Hiram Thornton, 1857; George McCormick, 1858-67; Ira B. Kendrick. 1858; W. B. 
Verity, 185'.l: Ste[)ben V. Thornton, I8fi0: Isaac L. Mudye, ISGO; Elijah llood, 18()1; .John 
Sweeney, 18(32; A\'illiam Wcmlen. 18(54:: William Jenkinson, 1805; E. H. Brewer, 1807; .John 
Cruikshank. 1808; .Marshall 1), Eriuk, 1808-72; William Bowie, 18(W; Ira B. Kendrick, 1870; 
Patrick O. Longhliu, 1S71; Horatio M. Maxwell, 1873; W. W.Allen, 1871; Stephen V. 
Thornton, 1875; Giles S. Gowles, 187(); Noah T. Farr, 1877; A\'. W. Allen, 1878; John 
Cruikshank, 1878-81; William Kuddock, 187'J; Giles S. Cooley, 1880; John Byi-ne, 1880; 
George Fish, 1881 ; John Terney, 1882. 

The entire "township ticket" was elected in April, 1882, as follows: Supervisor — George 
Fish; Clerk — William W. Allen; Treasurer — Sylvester Casswell: Commissioner of Highways — 
Daniel Pelett; Justice of the Peace — (to till vacancy) John Tnrney; Justice of the Peace — 
(full term) William W. Allen: Drain Commissioner — Everett Whitney; School Inspector — One 
year, Warren B. ]Mallory; two years, Avory Schenck; Constables — John Bean, Everett Whit- 
ney, Avory Schenck, (leorge E. Maliory. 

Thornton, Kimball Township, is situated on Pine River, ten miles west of Port Huron, and 
five miles south of the hamlet of Kuby. 

I'EH-SDN.VL .SKETCHES. 

On the following pages are given brief biographical notices of prominent citizens, and old 
settlers of the town. They will prove as instructive and interesting as the legitimate history 
of the district, since they form the history of those who raised it to its present condition. 

W. VV. AliLEX, ensiiiccT tank ('anada ^ Graiu! Trunk Railroad, Smith's Crccli, Section"31, P. O. vSmith's 
Creek, is a native of Knyland. and was born Deccnibor 31. 1.S41. lie remained there until seventeen years of 
ajie; then eame to the I'nited Slates and to this Stale. In the fall of the same year, he went to Canada and 
spent a few years there. In ISti"). he eame to Fort Huron and entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Rail- 
road, and the followini; year eame to this place, and sinee then for the past seventeen years has lield his 
present position. He also has charge of liuyinj;- the fuel for the railroad comjiany here, .^lr. Allen has been 
actively identified with the interests of his town and county. Ih> is serving his third term as J\isticc of the 
Peace, and is serving his sixth year as Town Clerk, and has served twelve years as School Director. lie was 
a delegate-at large of the State Convention in l.STd, which nominated Gov. Cro.sswell, and also a delegate to 
the State Convention which nominated (iov. Jerome. In 18(i3. Mr. Allen married Miss .\imie Bennett, a 
native of Canada. She died in l.'iT4. leavingone son, John B. In 1877. lie married .Miss Nan IlubbiJl, daugh- 
ter of Hiram Hubbell. of the town of St. Cl.iir. They have one daughter, Blanche, and lost one son, 
Willie H. 

G. M. ASHLEY, farmer. Section 13. 1'. (). Port Huron, is a native of Michigan, and was born in the city 
of Detroit February 17, lt<49. When five years of age his parents removed to Sanilac County and remained 
there eleven years. He then eame to Port Huron and lived there until 1877. and since then has lived on his 
farm in the town of Kimball. It contains ninety-two acres. In April, nS71. he married Miss Hannah E. 
Christian, a native of Canada. They have six children — Martha, Olive, Edith C. , Susie M., Robert A. and 
Clara Belle. 

\VIbMAM L. ATKINS, farmer. Section 1, P, O. Port Huron, is a son of Alexander and Eliza Lewis 
Atkins, who were among the earliest settlers on Black River. His father died in \X'i'i. and his mother is still 
living cm the home place. William was born in the town of Clyde, on Black Kivcr. June !). 1K34. After 
reaching manhood he worked at lumbering. He then bought the land where he now lives and made a farm. 
He owns ninety-seven .acres. He has been elected Constable and Overseej- of Highways. He married Miss 
Eliza Frank, of the town of Clyde, March 23, 1870. They have four children— (ieorge, Fred, James and 
John. 

JOHN BEAN, farmer, Section 3, P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Richard and Mary Bean: his father was 
born in Virginia, and his mother was born in Detroit: his father was a soldier in the war of IS12; he was dis- 
charged at Detroit and drew a pension until his death, which occurred July 7, \S~M: his widow still survives 
him, and is now in her eighty-iunth year. They were among the earliest settlers here. She was the tirst 
white woman in Port Huron. John Bean was born in the town of Clyde. November 18. 1833; he was raised 
in this county and has alwaj's lived here, and engaged in lumbering and farming, and sinee 18G7 has lived in 
his present loe:ition: owns farm of forty-four acres; he has been elected Justice of the Peace, but refused to 
qualify; he married .Miss Cordelia Patridge. July 1, 18.-)7. She is a native of Pennsylvania and came here 
with her parents, who were among the early settlers. 



736 JIISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

.JOSEPH BOSHAW, farmer. Section 27, P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of Canada and was born In 1819; 
his parents came to this State when he was onlj' ten years of age, and he grew up liere and was engaged in 
lumbering thirty years, and since tlien was engaged in fai'ming; he owns liis farm of eight}' acres which he 
cleared and made; he is one of the oldest settlers of this county now living, and has been here fift3--four 
3'ears; his first wife was Miss Phillis Buro, of Detroit. She died in 1864, leaving twelve children, only seven 
of whom survive; his present wife was .Jane Sawyer, a native of Canada. They have five children. 

MITCHELL BOSHAW. farmer. Section 21. 'P. 0. Kimball, is a native of Canada, and was born October 
12, 1817; he came to this county in 1839. when only twelve years of age. After reaching manhood he engaged 
in lumbering and bought timber land; he owned from three to five huudi-ed acres and cut off the timber, and 
manufactured lumber and shingles, and was engaged in lumbering until the past ten years; he owns a farm 
of sixty-five acres, and has lived here for the past thirty years, and is one of the oldest settlers now living in 
this county; he married Mrs. Harriet Barden. a native of New York State, December 2.i. 1869. She came to 
this county in 1834. In 1841, she married .Tames Barden, a native of Canada; he died in the army In 1864. 
They had twelve children, only eight survive. Mr. Boshaw had eleven children by a former wife. 

"PARKER M. BROWN, farmer and surve3-or. Section 28, P. O. Kimball, is a native of Bridgewater, N. 
II., and was born .Jul}' 6, 1816; he grew up and attended school there. July 3. 1837. three days before he at- 
tained his majority he started West to Michigan where he had two brothers in business; he remained until 
1839, then went back to New Voirk, and two years later married Miss Lucy M. Sackett. a native of Chenango 
County, that State. In the fall oT the following year, they removed to Ohio and settled in Ashtabula Count}', 
and lived there until 1849, and then in Conneautville. Penn., five years. While living in Ohio, they were well 
acquainted with .Joshua R. Giddings and Ben Wade, and lived neighbors to them. In October. 18.56, they 
came to this county and settled in the town of St. Clair and lived there ten years, and since then have lived 
on this farm. In 1868. Mr. Brown was elected Countjr Surveyor and held that office about fifteen years, and 
has been elected a member of the Board of Supervisors five years, and is serving his third term as Notary 
Public, he has also held several minor offices; he has had a large experience as a surveyor and civil engineer, 
and has earned an enviable reputation in his profession; he is a member of the Michigan Association of Sur- 
veyors and Engineers, and has met with that body at every meeting since its organization, except the first, 
wlien he was from home. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one daughter — Mary L., now Mrs. Frank E. C. Atkins; 
he is a native of this county. They were married March 28,1881. Jlrs. Atkins has two daughters— Minnie 
May and Cora D. 

HIRAM BULLOCK, farmer. Section 19. P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of Canada and was born October 
22, 1819. When twelve years of age his parents came to Detroit, lived there and near there a short time, and 
then went to Oakland County, living there until 1860; then came to the place on which he now lives, which 
he bought in 18.58. It was covered with timber. He cleared it and made his farm, and since then has resided 
liere. In 1874. he married Mrs. Mary Wedge, formerly Miss Mary Beach, a native of Connecticut; her par- 
ents came to this 'county during her early childhood; .she began teaching school when only fourteen years of 
age, and was engaged in teaching for many years. In 1838. Mr. Bullock, when only nineteen years of age, 
went to Lake Superior in the employ of the American Company, and was engaged in prospecting for copper, 
iron and silver, and found valualile veins of copper. 

PETER BURXS. farmer, Section 18, p. O. Thornton, is a native of Scotland and was born in 1820; he 
grew up and attended school there, and after reaching manhood was united in marriage to Miss .Jessie Mel- 
ville, a native of Edinburgh, May 28, 1846; four years later, in 1850, they came to the United States, and lived 
in Pennsylvania four years, then removed to New York and lived in Auburn fourteen years, and in 1868 came 
to St. Clair County and located in this town on the place where they now live, and since then have resided 
hcri!; he owns a good farm of 160 acres, well improved. Mr. and Sirs. Burns have seven children — John, 
.les.sie. William. Thomas. Annie, Mary and James. 

DAVID CARLISLE, farmer. Section 36. P. O. Marysville, was born in Walpole, N. H.. January 6, 1803; 
when seventeen years of agc^ he went to Vermont. After reaching manhood he started West anil came from 
Buffalo to Detroit on the steamer William Penn, and arrived there in the year 1828, and located in Oakland 
County, and lived there about twelve years; then came to this county andsettled in the town of Columbus, 
and lived there eight years, and then removed to where he now lives" and owns a farm of 130 acres; he used 
to carry tlic mail on an Indian pony between Mount (!lemens and Fort Gratiot, and was also in the Toledo 
war. Mr. Carlisle married Mrs. Mary Carlisle June 0, 1828; she was born in Groton, Mass., March 30, 1800. 
and they passed their golden wedding day five years ago. They have two children— Jane, now Mrs. Luck, 
and Plielie M. They have lost one daughter— Adeline M". 

V. E. CRANE, flection 2, P. O. Kimball, is a native of Miami County, Ohio, and was born February 17, 1840; 
he was raised in Ohio and attended school at Farmer's College, College Hill. Ohio. When the war "broke out 
he enlisted in the Home Guards of Tippecanoe City, Ohio, and was'called to the front May 1, 1864; was on 
detaclied service and served as pass clerk for Adjt. Gen. Thomas, and was quartered during the summer of 
1864 at the residence of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Was mustered out September 20, 1864, and came back to Ohio; 
he came to Michigan in 1873, and to this county in April, 1873. and since then has been engaged in farming. 
In 1874, he was married and moved on tlie farm where he now lives; lie owns over 200 acrc^ of land here. 
Mr. Crane married Miss Jean F. Mallory. a native of Jlentor. Ohio, January 17, 1877. Thev have two chil- 
dren — Van J. and (Jracie L. 

HENRY DUDD. farmer. Section 16, P. (), Kimball, is a native of Germany and was born February 2, 
1829; he emigrated to Canada in 1847, and the following year came to this Sta"te, and in 1819 came to this 
county and settled at Marine CMty; engiiged in luml)ering. In 1856, he came on tin' place where they now 
live; it was all covered with timber; he clcareil it and made his farm which contains two hundred acres, and 
he had nothing when he came. In 1857. he married Miss Louise Brnmmer. a native of Wiltenbura-. Germanv. 
They have eight children— William II., Charlie E., Tilda, Harmon, George, Fred, Frank and Allie Jane. 



UTSTORY OF ST. OLAIK CCJUXTY. 737 

R(JI',KRT FI.K^riNO. farmer. Section «>."i. P. O. Poi-t Iliinm. is a native of Franklin Count)-. X. Y.. and 
■was liiirn Diixiulicr lit. IS'ii). His parents, .fames and .lane Kletnina:, oanif to this county in 1S4'^, and settled 
near St. Clair, and remained there six years. His mother died in I8(i(), and his father died in ISTO. After 
rea<-liini; manhood he encased in luTnlierinj; for twenty years. In \SK'>. lie linnirhl the farm where he now 
lives, and since then has resided here. Owns 120 acres of land. H.'is held school ollices. In IJStil, he mar- 
ried .Miss JIary Kndicolt. a native of England. They have si.v children — Blanche. Edward, Martha, Clinton, 
Robert. I'^va. 

WIIjf.LVM FLEMIXO. farmer and lumberman. Section 'ii. P. O. Port Huron, is a native of New York 
State, and was l)()rn in Franklin County. .lulj- 19. 18:ifl. His parents. .James and Ann Fife Flemini^. came to 
this county in 184-. and .s<'ttled near St. Clair, where they lived about sj.\ years, and came to this town in 1849. 
His mother died in 18Gf>. and his father died in 18<:(!. After reaehinif matdiood. William besran to luml)er. and 
was enna.ijed in lumlierin;;' for a quarter of a century, until within the past few years, and has also l)een en- 
piiTed in farming. He owns a n'ood farm of iOb acres, well imjiroved. He has held school oflices. and also 
Hiilliw.iy Commissioner. \Vas elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, but would not qualify. In 1860. 
Mr. Flemini; married ^liss Sarah Ann Gurney, a native of Oneida Count}'. N. Y., daughter of Daniel and 
Adaline Leech, who came to this county in \SSo. and are now livin;-- in St. Clair. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have 
four children — Florence .1.. Flmer J.. William and .Vdaliue L. 

.MARSHALL 1). FRIXK. attorney at law. Section :!1. P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of New Vork State, 
and was born in Chenango County. .November 12. is:i7. He reccivcil his academic education at Norwich. N. 
Y.. and afterward rnirai^ed in teai'hin:;. and remained in that State until ISdl; then spent twoyearsin the oil 
rcition. and in INIKI came to this county and encased in the mercantile trade, and also in wood and contract- 
inff l)usiness for Grand Truid': Railroad. He carried on an extensive business, and did a larger retail tra<le, 
and sold more goods at that time than any merchant in St. Clair Counly, imtil 187(). Since then has been en- 
gaged in collecting bis accounts, and also engaged in doing a general law and collecting business. He held 
the ollice of .Justice of the l^eace eight years, and also was elected and held odice of Supervisor for seven years, 
and was chosen Chairman of the Board, and has held other tnwn and school ollices. He is Past Commander 
of Eagle Tent L^idge of Maccabees, of this town. In .July. I8(i(i. Mr. Frink m.irrieil Mi.ss .Vdclia TC. Chamber- 
lain, of Cattaraugus County. N. Y. They have two children — Marv 11 and Lila F. I^ost one daughter. Car- 
rie B. 

DAIilUS HARRIS, farmer. Section 27, P. O. Kimball, is a native of New York State, and was born in 
Chenango Counly. N. Y., Jlarch 16, ]8;!2. Upon reaching manhood became to this county, and was engaged 
in lumbering until 1870. and since tlien has been engaged in farnnng. He owns good farm of seventy acres, 
and KHi acres of tindier land. Mr. Harris married Miss Clara A. Mvers, a native of New York State, Novem- 
ber 12. 18G0. They have two children— ^\•illis E. and Herbert I). 

F. W. H. ('. ".J.VRVJS, farmer. Section 1, 1^. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, but his parents were 
born in Orleans C<ninty. State of New York. He was born December 1."), 1831. He grew up and attended 
school there. After reaching manhood he engaged in school teaching and farming, and continued in that 
business some time. Has been a railroad contractor, oil speculator, lime merchant and farmer, and continued 
in that business until .\pril. 187!), when he came to this county and purchased the farm where he now lives, 
known as thi' Rose Dale farm. This farm contains JiOO acres. He bought a farm near this place, in the 
towns of Cl3-dc and Kimliall for his son Leon, and also owns a good farm well improvc<l near London. Ontario. 
His success in life is owing to his own elTorts and good management. He has held town, school and county 
oflices. both here and in Canada. In lK>:i. Mr. .Jarvis married Jliss Catharine A. Hull, a native of Canada. 
Thev have three sons — Charles H.. Leon V. and Horatio A. 

"ANTOIXF LA FOIiEST, farmer. Section 22. P. O. ICimball. is a native of Canada, and was born on the 
River Thames, ten miles below Chatham. May 23. 1834. His parents came to this county and settled in this 
town in 1848. when be was oidy fourteen years of age. He grew up here, and was enifaged in lumbering, and 
was engaged in that business during the winter seasons for twenty-four years, and fanning during the sum- 
mer season. Since 1871. has lived on his present farm, which contains 189 acres, all of which he has made 
and paid for himself. He has held oflicc of Highway Commissioner and school ollices. He married .Miss 
Mary Drnpay, a native of this county. May 22, 18")9. They have five children— .Vlmira H.. Clara E., Mag- 
gie .1.. Catharine A., Charles II. They have lost four children. 

PASCHAL LA FOREST, deceased, was born in Canada. April 21, lS31,and lived there until 18.-,0. when 
he came to this county, and enga.;ed in lumbering for many years. He bought theland where they now live, 
and ileared it. .and made the farm ami improved it. He and his brother were early settlers here, and in 
August. 18.j2. be married Miss Mary Buslia. a native of J.,ower Canaila. He held the otiice of Highway Com- 
ndssioner and Moderator of Schools. Lived on this place until his death, which occurred November 9. 1881, 
and left a large estate of 300 acres here, and 240 acres at Lapeer. ;ind also left si.x children — George, married 
and living here; Alvira. now Mrs, Pappenean; Jjouie; Helen, now Mrs. Bardcr; Minnie, .John. 

C. JIAYICRS. deceased, was born in Germany, and immigrated to the United States in b846. He went 
to Wisconsin, and while living there, in 1849. married Miss Maria .\nn Hclsenbeck. a native of Germany. 
They lived here two years, and then went to Ohio, and lived in Cleveland aliout eight years, and then came 
to this county and lived in Port Huron four years. Then removed to the land where they now live, and 
cleared it and made their farm and lived there" until his death, which occurred .January 2(i, 187.5. He left u 
large estate of 420 acres of land, thercsidtof the industry and good management of himself and wife. He 
left nine children— Yan Kline. Robert. Dncabat. Peter. Hero, Mary, Ida, Rosa. Flora. 

D.VXlEIi O'H.VR.A. farmer. Section 13, P. O. I'ort Huron, is'a native of Ireland, and was born in 1843. 
He came to Canada with parents during childhood, and was there until Feliruary. 18(i.'). when he came to this 
State. The following month he enlisted in Comivuiy F, Twenty-fourth Regiment Jlichigan Infantry, and 
served until close of war. During his lime of service in the armv, he atten<led the funeral of the assassinated 

47 



738 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

President. Abraham Lincoln, and was three days on the march. After he returned from service he worked for 
Mr. Bachelor twelve seasons. He owns his farm of eighty acres, and has lived on it since 187.5. In 1865, lie 
married Mi.ss Catharine Crowley, a native of Ireland. They have had eleven children, only four survive — 
Marv, Alice, Joseph and Frances. 

"JAMES POUND, farmer. Section 14, P. O. Port Huron, was born in Gloucestershire, England, February 
27, 183.5, and from there came to Canada, and lived there until 18.53, when he came to Port Huron and lived 
there twenty-six years. He worked in a saw-mill eleven seasons; also engaged in sinking wells and draining, 
and was foreman for contractor in laying street pavement. He owns his farm of eighty acres, where he now 
lives, and also owns other property. " In"l857, he married Miss Mary Crimmens, a native of Ireland. They 
have seven children— Roliert, Lucinda, James, Juliette, Peter, Charles and William. 

WILLIAM SCHENK, farmer. Section 17, P. O. Kimball, was born in Rutland County, Vt., in 1808. His 
parents removed to New York State when he was only eight years of age, and he was brought up and lived 
there until 1847, when he came to this county and worked for John S. Kimball three 3fear.s and tlien worked 
for Rust Brothers si.x years; he also worked for Eugene Smith and Sir. Jenks, and afterward took contracts. 
He was engaged in lumbering thirty winters. He owns a farm of 200 acres; he cleared it and made his farm; 
he had nothing w'hen he came to this county. In 1848, he married Miss Matilda Thompson, of Detroit. They 
have two sons— Avery and William. They lost one daughter, Eliza, who died August 3, 1882, and one son, 
Samuel, who died November 18, 1883. 

MERRITT SPERRY, Deputy Sheriff, Section 31, P. O. Smith's Creek, is a native of New Y'ork State, and 
was born in Jefferson County September 14, 1837. He grew up and attended school there, and remained in 
his native State until 1873, when he came to Michigan and located in this county. He has held the ofHce of 
Deputy Sheriff for the last six years, and has held the office of Town Clerk. After the breaking-out of the 
rebellion, he enlisted in the Thirty-flfth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantr}-, and served three years. 
Was wounded during the siege of Vicksburg. In 1802, he married Miss Isadore J. Babbitt, a native of New 
York State. They have one^laughter, Delia M., and have lost one son, George B. McLellan. 

IVORY' H. WAKEFIELD, dealer in groceries and provisions. Section 2, P. O. Port Huron, is a nativ& 
of New Hampshire, and was born March 4, 182ti. After reachmg manhood, he went to Maine, and lived 
there until 1871, when he came to Port Huron, and lived there five years. He then bought a farm, and wa& 
engaged in farming about six years. He sold his farm, and in March, 1881, engaged in his present business, 
and is the only mercliant at this place. He has held school offices. In 18.50. he married Miss Elizabeth Cres- 
sey, of Cornwall, N. H. They have two children — .lacob M. and Emma S. 

ROBERT WILSON, deceased, was born in the State of New .lersey. He came to this county, and in 
1855 married Miss Sophia Bindewald. She is a native of Gerraan_y. They lived in the town of Columbus. 
In 1866, he came to this town, and was engaged in farming. He died in Februar}', 1867, leaving three chil- 
dren — Caroline, now Mrs. Lambert; Fred, farming the home place, and Mar}'. Mr. Wilson left three daugh- 
ters by a former wife — Marinda, now Mrs. Wheeler, Mt. Pleasant; Sarah, now Mrs. Tappan, New Jersey; 
Katie, now Mrs. Miner. Kalamazoo Count}'. Mrs. Wilson owns a farm of eighty acres. Her son Fred is a 
member of the School Board and is Moderator of the board. He is also a member of the Order of Macca- 
bees, Eagle Tent. 

WILLIAM A. WORDEN, Section 2, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of New York State, and was born in 
Whitesboro, January 26, 1824. He came here to St. Clair County when only six years of age with his moth- 
er, who settled at Wadhams. After reaching manhood. Mr. Worden engaged in lumbering. He entered the 
employ of Mr. Wadhams, and for a great many years held the position of superintendent of his extensive 
business. Mr. Worden. though not an old man, is one of the oldest settlers now living here. He has held 
the office of Town Clerk and Highway Commissioner, and has held .school offices for many'years. Mr. Wor- 
den married Miss Sarah Rice, a native of the city of Port Huron, and daughter of Mrs. Mary Ann Rice, Octo- 
ber 7, 18.56. They have one daughter, Carrie E., now Mrs. E. C. Boice, of Port Huron. 



CLYDE TOWNteHIP. 



CLYDE Township was organized in 1837, with Ralph Wadhams Supervisor. The Black 
Eiver nins through the township from northwest to southeast, while Mill Creek waters 
the southwestern section. The land may be called a sandy loam — generally fertile. DiU'ing 
the lumbering days Clyde was one of the centers of this industry; but for years past the pine 
forest has been gradually yielding its place to fields of grain, until now the township may b& 
considennl one of the best improved agricultural districts in the county. 

The population of Clyde in 1845 was 4S3; in 1854, 1,038; in 186-t, 1,123; in 1874, 
1,039, and in 1880, 1,252. The equalized valuatioQ is $386,493; the number of acres^ 
23,000, and the number of school children 423. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR C'OINTY. 730 

Tlir. l-IKST I.ANU BUYERS. 

Th(< land buyers in this towushi]), [ji-evious to 18;?7, are named as follows: Section 1, 
Charles Robinson. Royal H. Waller, David Sjwor, Giii'don Bradley, E. B. Lyon, lS;](j. Sec- 
tion 2, Frederick H. Stevens. Aimer Cobiirn, R. H. Waller. 1S;?(1. " Section 8, A. I. Beard. A. 
Cobiirn, IS3(); Alien Atkins, James Gardner. 1837. Section 4, H. Tin^ley, 1825; Ai Beard, 
F. H. Stevens, 1S;5('>: Clift Comstock. 183 1. Section .">. Shubal Conant, 1824: H. Tinjjlev, 
182"); William Atkins. ls:{li. Section (>. Charles Peltier. J. H. Westbrook, John Baird. 1834: 
L. Stearns. H. Whitcomb, Ai Beard. Frederick H. Stevens, 183"); John Miller, John ('live, 
183(). Section 7, Ai Beard. F. H. Stevens. 1835; Ebenezer Westbrook, Carlton B. Newbury, 
Charles S. Emerson and John M'right in 1830. Section 8, Jonathan Kearsley. Shubal Con- 
ant, 1824; H. Tingley, James Abbot, H. Whitcomb, J. W. Jaquith, Alonzo Crittenden, 183") -36. 
Section '.I, Henry Chapman, S. Conant, 1824; O. W. Miller, E. Smart. Thomas Scott, 
John Biddle, Ai Beard. Abner Cobiirn, \83,"); A. Coburn. all Sections 10-11. Section 12, 
Amolil Kinney, J. T. Townsend. A. B. Eaton. Henry Howard. Section 13. M. A, Bunnell, 
Zopliar Wright. John Beebe, Abram Martin, N. R. Smith. 183^); W. P. Barber, Samuel Hall, 
John R. Jones, A. B. Eaton. X. E. Smith, A. Kinney, 183(i. Russell Forsythe purchased all 
of Sections 14 and \'i in June, 183,"). Section 17, Ignace Moross, 1824; Henry Chipnian, 1824; 
R. A. Forsythe, lS2r); James Abbott, 1834; N. Smith and Arnold Kinney, 183(). Section 18, 
Ignace Moross. Andrew Westbrook, 1826; J. H. Westbrook, 1835; I'rederiek H. Stevens, 
James Abbott. 1836. Section I'.l, A. & J. H. Westbrook, Abbott, Stevens, 1832-36. Section 
2t), pm-ehased by R. Forsythe and James Abbott. Section 21, R. Smart, Thomas Scott. Henry 
Chi])nian, 1824; Henry Howard, Rali)h Wadhams, Elliot Gray, 1831; Hiram Mann, 1832; 
John Truax, Henry Howard, John Drew, 1833; R. Forsythe, 1835; E. C. Bancroft, 1837, 
Sectii)n 22, R. Sraai-t, O. ^\". Miller, Thomas Scott, H. Chipman. 1834; J. Kearsley. Henry 
Howard, Kalph A\'adhaiiis, Louis Benedict, 1835. Section 23, Abram Martin, Howard A: "Wad- 
hams, L. Benedict. R. Forsythe. 1835. Section 24. Edward Petit, 1835; Ira Porter. Mih^ 
Mason, 1836. Section 25. Jeremiah Harrington, H. Tingley, 1825; E. Bingham, 1832; R, 
Chambers, Henrv Martin, R. Forsvthe, T. J. Alleyn, Raljjh Wadhams, 1835. Section 26, 
Howard & Wadhams, H. Martin, Denis Kelly, L. Benedict, R. Forsythe, John Beebe, 1832-35. 
Section 27. J. Biddle. Smart. Miller. P. Scott. Benjamin Chipman. 182<); Aljram Mar- 
tin, 1832; Henry Howard, Raljih W'adhams. 1834. Section 28, Truax, Howard& Drew, John 
Whyte, 1833; L. Benedict, R. For-sythe and F. H. Stephens, 1835-36. Section 2'.), J. Abbott 
and F. H, Stephens purchased entire section in 1836, Section 30, John H. Westbrook, J. 
Abbott and F. H. Stephens. Abner Coburn purcha.';ed Section 31, January, 1836. Section 
32, Franklin Moore, Reuben Jloore, Abner Coburn. F. H. Stephens, 183r). Section 33, Nor- 
man R. Smith, 1833; F. H. Stephens, F. & R. Moore, Carleton B. Newberrv, Arnold Kinney, 
1836. Section 34, R. A. Forsythe, 1825: A. Kinney, F. H. Stephens, Chauncey Allen, N. R. 
Smith. 1835-36. Section 35, Ignace Moross, H. Tingley, 1825; A. Kinney, Levi Peters. L. 
Benedict and D. H. Allen. 1835-36. Section 36, Ebenezer Westbrook, Isaac Davis. H. Ting- 
ley, 1825; Phineas Davis. Jr., Joseph Coffin, 1833-37. 

The post otlice villages of Clyde are Ruby ami .\bbottsford (both forming one long ham- 
let), Atkins and Vincent. Among the first permanent residents were John Beard, Allen Atkins, 
W. R. Goodwin, E. Vincent, S. Kiiigsley, .\. Kinney and James Gardner. Others are named 
among the patentees of the United States lands of the township. 

Ahhotsford, in Clvde Township, is a small center of population, five miles north or 
Thornton, on the old C. & L. H. R. R., now the G. T. R. R. 

Atkins, a name given to a small post otKce village in Clyde Township. It is about ten miles 
northwest of Port Huron, and seventy miles distant from Detroit. 

Riibi/, in Clyde Township, is situated on Black River, fifteen miles west of Port Huron. It 
is one of the <iMcsl of the twir settlements of the county. 

The principal officei-s of the township since its organization fire uami>d in the following 
list: 

SUPERVlSOU.s. 

Ralph Wadhams, 1836-37; Commissioners' Board, 1838-41: Ralph ^V'adhams, 1842-52; 



740 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

J. S. Kimball, 1853; E. Vincent, 1854-56; O. Westbrook, 1857: E. Vincent, 1858; Michael 
Phint, 1851); E. Vincent, 18(30-62; Michael Plant, 1863; E. Vincent, 1864-76; Alexander 
McNaughtou, 1877-79; Frank Kenney, 1880-81. 

.JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

James J. Vincent, 1837; E. K.Greenfield, 1838; John H. Westbrook, 1839; William Perkins, 
1840; Amos G. Throop, 1841; Solomon Kingsley, 1841; Norman R. Smith, 1841; Newell Smith, 
1842; James J.Vincent, 1842; Michael Plant, 1843; Newel! Smith, 1843 ; Walter Chase, 1844; 
Michael Plant. 1845; James J. Vincent. 1846; William R. Goodwin. 184 ( ; Salmon Kingaley. 
1847: John L. Kimball, 1847; Michael Plant, 1848; Walter Chase, 1849; Horace E, Bunce, 1850, 
William E. Goodwin, 1S.50; Horace E. Bunce, 1851; John S. Kimball, 1851; W. R Goodwin, 
1853: Horace E. Bunce. 1854; Michael Plant, 1856; James \Y. Andrews, 1857; Nathan Gil- 
bert, 1857; W. E. Goodwin, 1858: Abel Stockwell, 1859; Michael Plant, 1860; E. N. 'Hewlett, 
1861: David Baird, 1862; John Cruikshauk, 1862; Oliver Westbrook. 1863; William Atkins, 
Jr., 1864; David Baird. 1865; Michael Plant, 1868; Henry Kingsley, 1869; W. E. Goodwin, 
1870; Oliver Westbrook, 1871; Michael Plant, 1872; David Baird, 1873; W. E. Goodwin, 
1874; Henrv Kingsley, 1874; David Baird, 1875; James Gardner, 1875; M. Plant, 1876: F. 
O. Eevnolds, 1876; Wesley Davidson, 1877-81; William E. Goodwin, 1878; F. O. Eeynolds, 
1879; "Michael Plant, 1880. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ALEXANDER W. ATKINS, farmer. Section :^6. P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Alexander and Eliza 
Lewis Atkins, who came to this county in 1830, and were among the earliest settlers on Black River. Alex- 
ander was born here March 9, 1837, and was also raised here. After reaching manhood he engaged in farm- 
ing, and since then has been succe.ssfully engaged in that business, and owns 2.57 acres of land well improved. 
He lias held school oflices. He married Miss Josephine Payfer. a native of Toronto, Canada, ^larch 27. 18.59. 
They began housekeeping in the bouse where Mr. Alexander was born. In 1880, their house was destroyed 
liy fire with all of its contents. It was replaced by their present large and attractive home. They have six 
children — Edward. Carrie, Allen, Ella, Bertha and Arthur. 

MRS. ELIZA. LEWIS ATK[N"3. S.'^jtio.i 3:3. P. O. P.irt Haroa. is a native of Rjnnselaerville. N. Y., and 
was born December 11, 1809. Her parents, Robert and Dolly Stoddard Lewis, came to Detroit in 1817, and 
were among the early settlers there. On tlie 39lh of May, 1831, Miss Eliza Lewis married Alexander Atkins, 
a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He came to this country in 1828, and came to this county in 1830, and en- 
g.aged in making shingles on Black River. He worked at that business some time, and afterward bought a 
farm in ^lacomi) County and lived there one year. Theu bought the farm where they now live and lived 
there until his death, which occurred July 10. 1852. Mrs. Atkins has seven children living — Dollj', now Mrs. 
Leech; William, Alexander, James, Eliza Jane, now Mrs. White: Maggie, now Mrs. Fuller; and Mortimer. 
Mortimer Atkins, her youngest son, was born here November 6, 1849. He grew up here and lives on the 
home place with his mother and manages the farm, which consists of 18,5 acres. 

WILLLVJI BAILEY, farmer, Section 11, P. O. Ruliy. is a native of England, and was born in 1821. His 
parents James and Sarah Bailey, came to the United Slates in 1830. His father was a Methodist minister ; 
they lived in New Jersey six years, then removed to Canada. William grew up to manhood and lived there 
until 1872, when he came to St. Clair County, and located at Abbotsford in the town of Clyde, and lived there 
eight j'ears; then removed on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Bailej' owns, besides the farm of 180 acres 
where he now lives, the mill at Abbotsford, eighty acres of land and other property. His success in life is 
owing to his own efforts. Mr. Bailey married Miss Sarah Dunkin, formerl}' of New York State, Mav 2fi, 
1845; she died March 2, 1804. and left four children — William A., Alice Jane, now Mrs. Moses McKay. Sarah 
II., now Mrs. Bidwell I>. Stewart, and George W., attending school at Urhana, Ohio. In 1805, Mr, Bailey 
married Jane Ann Gillam, of the State of Pennsylvania. 

RICHARD BE.VN, farmer, Section 23. P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Richard Bean, a native of Virginia, 
and Mary Bean, who Wiis born in this county; she was the first white female child born in Black River. Her 
husband was a soldier under Gen. Harrison, and was in the battle of Tippecanoe, and was disch.arged in 181.5, 
and drew a jiension as long as he lived. He came to this count)' in 1823, and was one of the earliest .settlers 
here. He settled two miles north of St. Clair, and the following j'car moved up the river near the place of 
Judge Bunce. In 1825, he moved up lui Black River, a short distance above Wadhams, and engaged in mak- 
ing shingles and tanning; he died in Jidy, 1S.53, leaving nine children. His widow still survives him, and has 
her eighty-eighth birthday. Her son, Richard Bean, was liorn in city of Detroit, November 9, 1810, and came 
with his parents to this county in 1823. During his boyhood, the Indian boys were his frequent companions; 
after re;iching manhood, he engaged in making shingles and lumbering, and since 1842 has also been engaged in 
farming. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner, and has held other town and school oflices. He 
is one of the oldest settlers now living. lie married Jliss Froz.ina Fenton, a native of New York State, 
January 10, 1837. They have seven children — Gilbert, James, George, Melissa, Hattie, Lydia and 
Mary. 

FRED A. BEARD, mill owner, farmer and stock-raiser. Section 8, P. O. Ruby, is a native of St. Clair 
County, and was horn in the town of Port Huron July 28. 1841. His parents, John Beard and Hannah Fick 



HISTOKY OF ST. CKAIK COUNTY. 741 

Beard, were among the earliest settlers of this count}'. His lather was a niaii of irreproaehaiile chai ii<-ter, and 
actively and iiroininently identilied with luniher interests for nearly half a cenliiry, and one of the mosl suc- 
cessfuT business men in this seeli<in of the State; his death oeeurred .June 1. 1879. His wife survives him, and 
is liviiii; in this town. Fre<l .V. attended school in tliis county, and afterward .s|ient two years at Albion 
College; then entered his father's olliee, and was aetivel}' identitied with the business until his father's death, 
and succeeded him in the management of the mill property. lie owns a stock farm of 1.5(K) acres, and is the 
most extensive stock rai.scr in St. Clair County. His herd of shorthorns are well known tliroughoul this 
county an<l this section of the State. Mr. Beard was united in marriage, August 5. l^iTt, to Miss Ann Conlau, 
a native of New York Stale. 

HORACE E. BE.VHI). f.irmcr. Section 17, P. O. Ruby, is a native of this county, and was born in the 
town of Clyde August Id, \>*'tl). He is a son of John Beard and Hannah Fick, who were early settlers liere. 
llis boyhood was spent on his father's farmer, and he attended school here, and has resided here, except one 
year spent in Kansas and Colorado; since manhood, has been engaged in farmingand stock-raising, buying and 
feeding slock. lU- holds the oHice of Township Trcasin-er. Jlr" Beard was married October Ifi, 1879, to Jliss 
Josie \. Hevnolds, a native of Maine; her parents came to this county in 18().5. Mr. and Mrs. Beard have one 
son — EdwaVd Guy. 

JOHN BEAUI), deceased, was a native of New York State, and was born in Chenango Cottnty 
in 1811. He eante West to tlie State (d' Michigan with his father, Ai Beard, who sellled in St. Clair 
County in 18^0, and located a large amount of timber land, and built saw nulls at Kuby. and nnin- 
ufactured lumber which was rafted down Black River. In 18;?9, John Beard ami liis brother James 
beMn business on their own account with a small capital, and two y<'ars later they bought llieir father's mill 
and lands around Clyde, and e.vtended their operations until they aeipiircd thousands of iicres of pine lands in 
this and other porlii>ns of the State. In 1837. Jlr. Beard was innlcd in marriage to Miss Hannah Fick, of 
I,ong Point. Ontario, Can. In 18.ili, the tirm of J. it J. Beard was dissolved, James taking the Port Huron 
properly, and John keeping the old place in Clyde, where lie continued to reside, and was engaged in the 
nuiuufaeture of lumber until his death, which occurred June 1, 1879. He left a large estate, and was one of 
the most successful business men in this section of the State. He earned and enjoyed an enviable reputation 
for integrity in all his dealings, and was noted for bis liberality and his readiness in aiding and assisting 
the worthy and deserving. He left a wife and four children — David, Fred Albert, Jennie and 
Horace. 

ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL, farmer. Section -'•^, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born 
June 9. 18'.;8. His |)arents were James Campbell and Ro.xana Noble. His father died when be wa> young, 
and his mother and the family came to this county during the early boyhood of Arehiliald, and lived in Port 
Huron two years; then moved up on Black River just below Wadhams ilills in the town of Clyde. lie 
worked in lumbering as soon as he w'as large enough, and worked in the lumber woods for many years. In 
185(i. he came on the place where he now lives, cleared the land and made his farm, and lumbered during the 
winters. He owns KiO acn-s here, and Hid acres in the town of Wales, all the result of bis own elTorls. ^Mr. 
Campbell was married November 3d. ls.-)(i, to Miss Louise Payfer, a native of Canada. They have si.\ 
sons and four daughters— Augustus W., James 1)., Archie B., Set'h E., Washington D., Howard W., Agnes, 
Annie, now Mrs. lialdwin, of Fort Oratiot; Jlinnie and Matilda. 

WALTER CHASE, contractor and builder. Section 7. P. O. Ruby, is a native of Canada, and was born at 
Port Stanley October (!, 1S:M. His parents. Walter and Ann Secord ('ha.se, were natives of Canada, and came 
to this county in 18?-^: lived in Port Huron three years; then came to this town and engaged in lumbering, 
built mills and carried on an extensive business until his death, which occurred February Ki, IS"."), and his 
wife died June 21. !87<i. They left I hree children— Mary, now Mrs. Evans, David and Walter. Waller was 
the youngest son, and came here with his parents, and grew uji and atten<led school here and at Port Huron, 
and was then connected with his father's business, and for some years has been engaged in contracting and 
building. He has held olliee of Highway Commissioner and minor olliees. and owns a farm of eighty acres. 
In 18.137 -Mr. Chase married Miss Emma Cook, a native of Canada; they have three children — James \V., W. 
Albert and Cvnthia E. 

EDW.VRD CL.VRKSON, blacksmith. Section 17. P. O. Kul)y. is a native of Canada, and was born 
October 29. 1829. He grew up there and learned his trade in the tity of Toronto. He came to this Slate in 
18G8; lived at Ridgewaj' three years; then came to this town and since then has been engaged in business here 
and has a good trade. He has Indd the olliee of Seho(d Director. In 18.")4, he married Miss Eliza Travis, a 
native of Canada. Thev have two children — Amanda and Emma. 

HENRY COOK, farmer. Section Id, P. O. Alkins, is a native of England, and was born October 3. 188G. 
He came to this county in I.8j,"), then went to Canada, w here he lived live years, and came to this county in 
18,-)9. and two years later bought the land where he now lives, cle.-ired it aiid made his farm, and since then 
has niiide all his improvements. Wlwn be beiran life, he had noihinir at all, and his success is owing to his 
own elforls. In I8.')9. he married Miss Eliza Hunter, a native of Ohio ; she died August U. 1873. Icavingfive 
children— George ; Anna, now Mrs. lluinphrevs ; Etta, now .Mrs. .Melnlyre : Emma, and William. Mr. 
Cook married Mrs. Francis Titus, formerly ^li.ss Francis W caver, of On"lario. Canada, January 29, 1874. 
They have two children — Mav and Maud. Mrs. Cook has one daughter. Anna M. 

G. W. DAVH)St)N. farmer and breeder of tine horses. Section 12. P. O. Port Huron, is a son of John 
N. and Margaret (Atkins) Davidson, and was born in the town of Clyde November '23, 1819. When si .v years 
of aire, his parents removed to Port Huron, and he grew up and allended school there. In I8G6. he came on 
the farm, and since then has resided here and engaged in farming ; for some years he has also been engageil 
in raising tine horses, and he has some of the best breil stock in the county. He owns 13.5 acres of land ; has 
held the olliee of Justice of the Peace for ciihl vears, and has served as l")epiHy Sheriff. Mr. Davidson mar- 
ried Miss .Mary Corbislily, of Port Huron, February II. 1872. They have five children— Ethel. James, Flor- 
ence, Emma and Helen. 



742 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

JOHX X. DAYIDSOX, farmer. Sectioa 1'-'. P. O. Port Ilurou, was bora in Lanarkshire, Sfotland. .Janu- 
ary 11. 1810. Ho came to the United States in .Januarv, 18;i9. and i-ame to St. Clair County in May, of the 
same year, settled on Black River and began clearing "laud and making a farm, and afterward engaged in 
lumbering, during the winter, for sixteen j'ears. In" 1856, he removed to Port Huron, and lived there for 
some years, and then came out on his farm, where he now resides. He has served as a member of the City 
Council and held sebool offices. In 1833, he married >Iiss Margaret Atkins, a native of Scotland* She died 
Januarv 11, 1871, and left five children, only four of wliom survive — .John, .James, Agnes and AVesley. 

.JAMES GARDNER, farmer, Section 3, P. O. Atkins, is a native of Scotland, and was born September 
1.5, 18U4 ; upon reaching manhood, he emigrated to Queliec, in 183.") ; remained there two years, and came to 
this count}- in 1837, and settled in the townof Clydeou tlie place where he now lives. When he reached here, 
he had one-half barrel of flour and eight pounds of pork : he entered tlic land from the Government and 
cleared and made his farm of eighty acres, and afterward liought 160 acres ; lie is one of the oldest settlers in 
this part of the county. He married Miss Baibara Young, a native of Scotland, .lauuary i. 183.5 ; they have 
five children — William; .John; Barbara, now ]Mrs. Vibliart; Camelia, now Mrs. Parker, and Margaret, now 
Mrs. Garner. 

MARTIN GLYSHAW, farmer, Section 8, P. O. Ruby, is a native of Germany, and was bora December 
C, 1847 ; his parents emigrated to this country in 18.50, anil lived in Cleveland. Ohio, three years, and came to 
this county in 18.55. After reaching manhood, Jfartin and his brother worked together in pulling stumps 
and farming. Martin owns 160 acres of good land— the result of his own earnings ; lie has held school offi- 
ces. He married Miss Frances E. Camptield March 17. 18(i8 ; slie is a native of this county, and daughter of 
Andrew J. and Pamelia (Allen) Camptield, who were among the early settlers here. 3Ir. and Mrs. Glyshaw 
have four cliildren — Alda L., John, Pearl E, and Grace. 

JOHX HAKEN, farmer, Section 24, P. O. Fort Gratiot, is a native of England, and was born in 1813; he 
came to Canada during his early manhood, and lived there until 1853, when he came to this county, and be- 
gan working at his trade of carpenter and joiner. He bought this farm the same year, and since then has 
been engaged in farming ; he owns 160 acres of laud. In 1^62, he married Miss Keziah Welch, a native of 
Canada" they have three children— George, Thomas and John R. 

JOHN HERON, farmer. Section 15, P. t). Atkins, is a native of Canada, and was born October 7, 1836. 
After reaching manhood, he came to this county, in 18-56, and went to work on a farm ; he afterward bought 
land and engaged in farming : he owns 185 acres of land, and has lived ou this place eleven years ; he has 
held school offices. He married Miss Jane Gibson, a native of Canada ; they have eight children — ^Margaret, 
Henry, Samuel, Martha, John, Charles, Janie and Adam. 

WILLIAM HUDSON, farmer. Section 25, P. <>. Port Huron, is a native of England, and was born in 
Sussex June 10. 1819 ; he came to New York in 1833, and when he got there (uily had one shilling. He learned 
his trade in the city of Auburn, in that Stale, and lived there some year^; was well acquainted with William 
II. Seward and his sons ; he came to Port Huron in 1864, and engaged in business with Mr. Mitts for one 
year ; then bought a liotel at Pine River, and was there three years ; he afterward bought the Six Mile House 
at Wadhams, and was there about four years ; then removed to Port Huron. In 1841, he married Miss Rhoda 
Chamberlain, of Pennsylvania ; she died 1874, leaving four children — William W., Ceorge H., Charles E. 
and Alliert A. In October. 1875, he married Mrs. Mary Caroline Foster, of Cumberland, England ; she 
came to this State in 18.54. In 1876, thev came on this farm, and since then have lived here. 

ALEXANDER JACOBS, farmer. Section 27, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born Ma}' 
1.5, 1808. After reacliing manhood, he came to this county, in 1831, and engaged in lumbering. He liought 
the land where he now lives, and has lived on this place forty years ; he carried his groceries on his back 
from Port Huron when he first settled here ; he owns his farm of eight}' acres, which he cleared himself. He 
married Miss Polly Parsons, a native of Canada ; she died December 21, 1880, and left eight children — Albert, 
Josephine. William. Chester, Agnes, Mary, Luciiida, Emma. 

ASAIIEL KINGSLEY, farmer. Section 10, P. O. Atkins, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born 
in the town of Clyde May 22. 1840. His parents, Salmon and Parnell Beard Kingsley, were among the earli- 
est .settlers of this county. He grew up and attended school here, and since reaching manhood has been en- 
gaged in farming ; owns a good farm of eighty acres, Mr. Kingsley married Miss Sarah Kinney January 1, 
1872 ; she is a native of New York State, and daughter of Edward and Mary Kinney. They have two chil- 
dren — Edward Salmon and Emma. 

HENRY KINGSLEY, farmer. Section 3, P. O. Atkins, is a native of the town of Clyde, St. Clair, and 
was born at Beard's Mills March 2, 1836. He is the oldest son of Salmon and Parnell Beard Kingsley; he 
grew up and attended school in Clyde and in Port Huron. Among his schoolmates W(ye Henry McMorran, 
Col. Atkinson and O'Brien Atkinson, of Port Huron, Watson Beech, of Lexington, and others. Upon reach- 
ing manhood, he enga,ged in farming and lumbering. During the war, he enlisted in Company K, Second 
Michigan Cavalry. VYas dischargeii on account of disability. Since then has been engaged in farming. 
Owns a fine farm, well improved, and other property. He has held the offices of Deputy Sheritf, Justice of 
the Peace, Drain Commissioner, and other town and school offices, and has always been actively identified 
with the interests of liis town and county. Mr. Kingsley was united in marriage October 11, 1864, to Jliss 
Mary A. Savill(\ a native of Portland, Me.; they have three children— Carrie, Hattie, JIabel. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kingsley have been actively iilentified with musical interests of the town and county for many years. Some 
tea years ago, he organized a singing class among the children of the neighborhood, as there was no Sunday 
school, ami tliey met one hour every Sunday afternoon. 'The class increased, and the children and the par- 
ents became greatly interested. A Sunday school was organized, and it has grown and flourished. Several 
concerts have lieen given to crowded houses. In this way, they rai.sed money and bought a fine organ for 
the School, and paid f(M- it with a part of the funds thus raised. 

SAL.MON KINGSLEY (dec<'ascd) was born in the town of Orwell, Addison Co., Yt., March 10, 1807. 
During liis boyhood he was bound out, and served his time in his native State until twenty-one years of age. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 743 

After rcafhinjr manhood, he eamr West to Detroit in ISMO. Ho started to go to Cliicaso, lint returned to De- 
troit, where lie met .Judi;e Bunee, who wa.s enicaged in liimlierinu: on Mill (;reek in this town, and he entered 
his employ, and remained with him about one year ; then went to work for Ai Beard. lie remained with 
him untiri83.S, when he located the land where his son now lives, and entered it from the Government. The 
deed now in possession of his son Henry was signed by Martin Van Buren, then I'resident, and is dated Au- 
gust 21, 1837. While in the employ of "Mr. Beard. Jlr. Kingsley married his daughter. Miss Parnel Beard, 
July 0, 18-33. lie buill a shanty on "his land and tliey moved into it. They were so poor they used an old 
red chest for a lable. lie cleared up and made his farm, and engaged in lumbering during tlu^ winter season, 
and carried on bis farm. He was a man of strict integrity and irreitronchable ehar.uter. and in his life and 
dealing with men followed the golden rule. IIi' held the offices of .Justice of the I'eace and Head Commis- 
sioner, and other town otflces. lie died March 2, 1880, leaving jiroperty valued at Siti.OOO. His wife's death 
occurred June 25, 1879. Of five children, four survive them— Henry. Asahel, .Mary and I'^meline, now Mrs. 
Jolin (Jardner : Caroline, the oldest daughter, dieil in ISllli. 

FRANK KINXEV, farmer. Section 3.j, P. (). Fort Huron, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born 
in the house where he now lives May 111, 1844. His parents, Arnold Kinney and 1-aura Babcock Kinney, 
were among the earliest settlers of this"county, Frank grew up and attended school liere, and since reaching 
manhood has been engaged in farming. He "owns over 300 acres of land. His father cleared the land and 
made the farm, and it is one of the oldest and best known farms in this section of the county. Mr. Kinney 
was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors two terras, and held the otiice of Town Treasurer three 
years. He married Miss Jessie Hamilton, a native of Canada May 23. 1«7{). They have two children, one 
claugliter — Maud, and oiu' son — Chester Frank. 

JOHX KINNEY, farmer, lumbering and real estate. Section 4, P. (). Atkins, is a native of St. Clair 
County, and was born in the town of Clyde October 14, 1837; liis parents, Arnold Kinney and Laura Babcock 
Kinney, were among llie early settlers here ; the boyhood of Mr. Kinney was .spent on his father's farm, and, 
after he was large eno\igh, went in the lumber woods during the winter season. After reaching manhood, he 
engaged in farnnng and lumbering, and since then has been successfully engaged in that business, and deal- 
ing in real estate. He owns 4W aVres in the town of Clyde, and owns over 1.200 acres elsewhere. He has 
held the office of Town Treasurer, and school offices. Sir. Kinney was married July 31, 18.')<), to Miss Marga- 
ret W. Atkins, a native of Scotland, and daughter of William Alkins, Sr.; they have live children — Arnold 
W., Nettie, Maggie L., Bertie L. iind Marion E. 

CHARLES Lewis, farmer. Section I, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born October 
28, 1845, and is a son of Edward and Barbara Lewis ; he grew up there until nineteen years of ap ; then 
went to ('alifornia and remained there five years ; then capie to Ibis State and liought a farm on the Wild Cat. 
near Le.vington. and lived there until IS77 :" then came in the town of Clyde and bought the farm where he 
now lives ; owns 180 acres with e.xccllenl improvements ; he lias been engaged in himberinir. and has had a 
mill up the lake for some years, lie had nothing when be liegan life. In 1807, he married Miss Sarah Bur- 
see, a native of Canada : they have four children— Marv, Alvira. AuriUa, Charles. 

GEORGE LOCKWOOI). farmer. Section 12, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of St. Clair County, and was 
born at Fort Gratiot November (i, 1828. His parents, David and Mary Ann Lockwood, were among the earli- 
est .settlers of this county, and were here when the military fort was built. George has always lived 
in this county, and is one of the oldest settlers now living here ; since reaching manhood, he has been 
engaged in farming, and has lived on' bis pn-sent farm for the past twenty-four years ; it contains 100 acres. 
He has held school offices. In June, lS,"iS, he marrie<l Miss JIaria Miller, "a native of New York State ; they 
have four children — Dwiirht E.. .Viiiia M.. Kosa I.. Ada. 

ALEXANDER McNALGHTl IN. fanner. Section 13. P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Scotland, and was 
born in Perthshire. After reaching manhood came to Canada in 1.8.52, and the following j'car came to St. 
Clair County and settled in the town of Clyde. In 18.54, he came on the farm where he now lives, and .since 
then has been engaged in farming. Since 1870, Mr. McNaughton has given attention to raising fine cattle, 
shorthorns. He'lias 2-10 acres, well improved. He has represented the town of Clyde in the Board of Super- 
visors and has .served as Road Commissioner. 

DANIEL C. MERKITT, farmer, Section 26, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of (Janada, and was born Jan- 
uary 28, 1831. He came to this c(Hinty in 18,50, and worked for Ricliard Bean, who is the oldest settler hero, 
and he afterward engaged in lumberiTig and farming. He owns a good farm of 100 acres; he has held office 
of Commissioner of Highways and was Constable for eleven years and held other town offices. He married 
Miss Lorinda McNutt.'a native of Whitby. Canada, December 10, 18-53. They have ten children— Hamilton, 
Zettella, Lois, Norman, James, Daniel ('..Charles, Elinor, Carrie and Svlve.stcr. 

GEORGE D. MORDEN, farmer. Section 2. P. (). Atkins, is a nativ"c of Canada, and was born January 
8, 18.53. His parents came to this county in IS'i'). and settled in this town. He grew up and attended school 
here and upon reaching manhood engaged in farming and also taught school. He owns a good farm of eighty 
acres well iniproved. Mr. Morden married Miss Zet'ella Mcrrilt, a native of this county. (October 4, 1877, and 
daughter of Daniel C.Jand F>oriiida (.McNutl) Merritt. of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Morden have three children 
— Bertha E., Leigh E. and George II. Mr. Mordens parents were Jonathan and Mary(Hall) Morden. They 
oame to this county in \^r>G. He liought the land where his son now lives and made the farm. They rcmoveii 
to Richmond in 18S0. They have four children— George D.. Walter C, Liana E. and Mary E. 

T. J. PECK, farmer. Section 30, P. (). Port Huron, is a native of Canada and was born at Toronto, Ont 
tario, June (i, 183fi. Upon reaching manhood he came to this State and engaged in lumbering, and followed 
that business until 1870, then bought land and engaged in farming; he owns a farm of tifty-two acres, well 
improved, and has a tine orcharilof well seleeled fruit. He married Miss Mary Ann Williams, a native of 
Wai-wick, Canada, December ,30, 1800. Thev have two children— Harriet A. and Thomas H. 



744 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

MICHAEL PL \NT is a native; of Canada, and was born at Fort Erie, near the Niagara Falls, Januarj- 
16, 1818. He is a son of Edward and Elizabeth Plant; his father was a native of New Jersey, liis mother of 
New York State. His father enlisted in the Ameriean Army in the war of 1813; was engaged in the battles 
of Chippewa. Little York (now Toronto). Fort Erie and Stony Creek, wiiere he was taken pri-soner, taken to 
Halifax, and kept in prison until the next spring, when he was exchanged. He again joined his regiment 
and served till the end of the war. Mr. Plant grew up and worked on his father's farm and attended school 
until he was nineteen years old. He being educated by his father in Democratic principles, and trained in 
the ranks of the Radical party, had said some imprudent things against the Tory party and was known 
to be a strong Radical. The McKinzie rebellion had already broken out. A friend notified him that he 
would be arrested the next daj'. Not liking the idea of being incarcerated in a Canada prison, that night he 
started for Micliigan. On the night of the 12th of December he was taken prisoner at a place called Warrick 
Village; next day talien back to Adelaide Village and had an examination before the civil and military au- 
thorities. Nothing being proved against him, be was released, and started again for Michigan. Considering 
it dangerous to travel the main road, he struck through the woods; slept in an old shanty the first night. The next 
da.y he struck the shore of Lake Huron altout ten miles above Port Sarnia; followed the shore down near 
Sarnia; saw a man with a small skiff; hired the nuin to lal^e him to Port Huron. He says when landed on 
the dock in Port Huron, December 14, 1837, he was the happiest boy in Jlichignn. He engaged in lumbering 
for a few years; then engaged in farming, and has lived on his present location for a third of a century; his 
home farm contains 34.5 acres. Mr. Plant has been actively identified with the interest of his town and 
county for forty-five years. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace since 1841, with the exception of 
four years; held the office of Supervisor two years, and also served as Commissioner of Highways ten years, 
and School Director nine years, and in other town offices. He has been a director of the Farmers' Mutual Fir^ 
Insurance Company of Macomb and St. Clair counties for the past sixteen years. In 1839, he married Miss 
Mary Ann JlcCallum, a daughter of the late Capt. Hugh McCallum of ^\^allaceburg, and a native of 
Argyleshire, Scotland. Her mother was Lydia Ward, of Whitehall, N. Y. Jlr. Plant was born in 1830, on 
the^River Thames, Lewisville, Ontario. They have three daughters — Jane, Emma and Ellen. 

DANIEL ROBINS, farmer. Section 2, P. O. Atkins, is a native of Canada, and grew up and lived there 
until 18.57, when he came to this county and located in the town of Clyde. When he bought the land where 
he now lives it was all woods. Pie cleared it off and made his farm, and since then has been engaged in farm- 
ing. During the war, he enlisted in Company H, Third Michigan Infantiy, and served one year and nine 
months. In Ma}', 18,54, he married Miss Angeline Letunno, a native of this county. They have nine children, 
seven daughters and two sons — Rachel, Martha, Sarah M., Abbie, Ellen, Grace A., Mary Jane, Alexander and 
Edward. 

WILLIAM ROSS, farmer. Section 10, P. O. Atkins, is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1830. He 
emigrated to the United States in 1840, and came to this county in 1850, and was here only a short time; 
then went to Sanilac County, and afterward removed to Canada, where he lived for some years. He returned 
to this county and bought the farm wheie he now lives, and since then has resided here. Wliile living in 
Canada lie held the office of Postmaster. In 1870, he married Miss Lizzie Powell, a native of London, Ont. 
Tlie}' have five children — Lizzie, Maggie, Mary, Ida and Willie. 

"a. J. SHOCKLEY, Abbotsford, Section i7, physician and surgeon, is a native of Ripley County, Ind., 
and was born June 22, 18.50. He received his literary education in that State, and pursued his medical studies 
in Cincinnati, and graduated at the Ohio Medical College in 1874. After graduating, he practiced medicine 
in Indiana until 1877, when he came to this town, and since then has practiced his profession here. He owns 
a fruit farm of eiglity acres; lie has served as Town Superintendent of Schools, and has been Health Officer for 
the past five years. "In 1878, he married Miss Ada Saville, a native of Prince Edward Island. They have two 
children — Grace and Nora. 

JACOB SHUFELT, farmer. Section 14, P. (). Atkins, is a native of New York State, and was born De- 
cember 2(i, 1803. He grew up to manhood in that State and removed to Canada, and lived there until 18.53, 
when he came to this county and l)Ought land and cleared it, and made his farm, and since then, for the past 
thirty years, has lived in this town. His farm contains eight}' acres. In 1831, he married Miss Polly Castor. 
She is a native of f!anada, near Toronto. She died October 19, 1873, and left nine children — Alice, Susan, 
Elmira. Hulli. Mcliuda. JIary, William, Peter, Uriah, Philip. 

DAVID SIMS, farmer. Section 10, P. O. Atkins, is a native of Canada, and was born April 7, 1832. Upon 
reaching manhood, he came to this county and engaged in lumbering, and was connected with that business 
for twenty years. He then engaged in farming; he owns a farm of eight}' acres. In 1866, he married Miss 
Amelia Ilitchinirs, a native of New Brunswick. They have two childreu-^Robert H. and Mary Agnes. 

WALTER J. SIJNGERLAND, farmer, Section 2.5, P. O. Port Huron, was born in Niagara. Canada, 
January 26, 181H. He grew up and lived there until 1850, and during that time cleared up and made 
two farms. Then came to this county and settled on the place where he now lives, and cleared up and made 
his farm, and since then, for the past thirty-three years, one-third of a century, has lived here. He has held 
school offices. His first wife was Mi.ss Fidelia Simmons, of Norwich, Canada. She died December 9, 1859, 
leaving three children— John, Alice and Wallace. In 1870, he married Mrs. A. J. Putnam, of Norwich, C'anada. 
She has one daughter — Olivia. 

BENJAMIX SMITH, farmer. Section 14. P. O. Atkins, is a native of W.arren County, N. Y., and was 
born l)eceml)er 22, 1814. He lived there until sixteen years of age, then removed to Canada, where he lived 
until 1852, when he came to St. Clair County and engaged in building railroad for John Baird and Elijah 
Haynes. lie afterward bought the land where he now lives, and cleai-ed it of timber and made his farm, and 
since then has resided here, and is one of the early settlers. During the war, he enlisted in Company C, 
Twenty-second Reifiment Volunteer Infantry, and served about three years. After the war, returned "and 
since then has resitled here. 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 745 

.JA>[KS SV:M()N(;T()N. owner anil proprietor Jlonlross Hotel. Section 'JH, P. (). Ruby, is a native ot' 
Scotland, and was born ,Iuly S, IWO, His parents eniigrated to the United States in 1S:{4, and he came to St. 
Clair Coimty the same year. The followinu' year lie went over in Canada and enjfaj^ed in luniberini; tliere 
and liere, but sold most of his hiniber on this side, and sinc(^ IMfiT has resided here permanently. He licdd 
the office of Deputy Sherill si.\ years, and has held several ireneral agencies, and has a i^ood general knowl- 
edge of law. and has done consideral)le practice in Justice courts. He is a ready writer and has been a con- 
tributor to newspapers over tliirly years. Has recently boiiji'ht the Monlross H'otel properly. In 1849, he 
married Miss Hannah MeXutt, a native of Canada. Tlic_v have six children — Thomas, Grace, Eliza, Chris- 
tina. Hannah. Isabel. 

EDWARD VINCKNT. fanner. Section 7, P. O. Port Hin-on, is a native of Lower Canada, and was born 
October 81. 1S2."). His parents came to Michifjan in lf<:iC), when he was eleven years of age, and were annuig 
the early .setllers. When he reached the age of twenty-one. his father died, and the care of the family- 
devolved upon him. After reaching manhood, he engaged in farming and lumbering and carried on the busi- 
ness largely for a great many years, and is still interested in it, though for the past ten years he has not given 
his active attention to it as he did previous to that time. He lives on the same farm cleared by his father, 
containing 4.'<0 acres, and also owns other lands, and propcM-ty in the city, and is on(^ of the owners of the 
fiouring mill in tlie city on Black Rivcu'. In May, b'^TT. Mr. Vincent was appointed Count)- Treasurer to (ill 
the uiu.'.Npircd term of .lohn .Tohnson. and at the following election was elected to the same oltice. He has 
held the ollice of Supervisor for twentv-twoyears, and is one of the oldest members of the board, and has held 
town and school ollices. In the fall of 1SS3, he was cle<'ted Representative to the State Legislature, and is 
now a member of that body. Jlr. Vincent married ^liss Agnes G. Atkins, a native of Canada, March 21, 
18.'):J. They have si.\ sons and three daughters— James I., Kdward L.. Charles S., Leonard M., Weslev R., 
Fred A.. .Marcia K.. Nellie 31. and Blanche E. 

OLIVEK WESTBROOK. farmer and attorney. Section 18. P. (). Ruby, is a son of Andrew and Sallio 
Hull Westbrook. His father was a native of New York, and his mother was born in New Jcr.sey. Some 
years previous to the war of 1H12, they im)ved to Canada, in which war Andrew Westbrook served. Being 
obliged to leave Canada, he lost 9,000 acres of land, on a portion of which the city of Toronto has since been 
built. In the year 1814, he came to Detroit, and the following year, up to the St. Clair River. In 181.'(, Mrs. 
Westbrook died, leaving her husband with si.\ children. Oliver was born in Delaware County, Canada, No- 
vember 2-', 1808. When a little over seven years old, he was carried oil" by the Indians and was held by them 
three years, being well eared for during that time. "When the Indians eaiue to Malilen for their annuities, 
his father saw liim and bought liim of th<' chief. His education w.-is limited to three months' atlcndance at a 
district school. He lived in the town of China until he was eighlcen years old, when he went to Cleveland. 
Ohio, and engaged in lumbering there ami in the vicinity. In .May, 1828. he went to Rochester. N. Y.. work- 
ing on a farm until fall, threshing in the mean time 100 bushels of wheat with a Hail, w-hen he went to Geue- 
seo and entered into the emplo}- of Gen. Wadsworth, with whom he remained .seven years. While with Gen. 
Wadsworth, he was married to Miss Eliza Crossett, of Oeneseo, May 14, XS'.H. During the day there was a 
severe snowstorm, the snow falling to the depth of one fool and the ice freezing to th<' thickness of on<' inch. 
During this year he ret\u'ned to Si Clair Countv and settled on land given him by his falher. adjoining Port 
Huron, on the river. His father died during the year, and Oliver sold this place and bought land on Belle 
River, where he lived three j-ears. when lie came to Clyde, near which town lie still resides. From the time 
of his arrival here, himself and lirother were engaged in farming and lumbering for a period of about thirtj- 
years, though for the most of this time (Oliver was engaged in lumbering and in hauling shingles an<i staves 
to Port Huron and .selling them for the manufacturers. In l.'^OT. lie was elected magistrate, holding the office 
twelve years. He also held the ollice of Supervisor of this town. Since then he ha.-- been engaged in the 
practice of law in this and adjoining counties, and has also held school offices. He was appointed by the 
Governor, Paymaster of the Slate Militia. He owns the farm upon which he now resides and upon which 
he has lived since 18."i3. He is probably the oldest resident of the county and has a vivid recollection of the 
early days of Michigan Territorv. At the time of his fathers removal there, the territory was literally full 
of almost all kinds of game, ifis brother and himself, with their dog, named Patto. caught tliirt.y raccoons 
in half of one night, and in one winter season they caught l.-iO fo.xes. Wolves, otter, mink, muskrats and sable 
abounded. The river was very full of white and other fish; it was no uncommon thing in the month of Xo- 
vember to catch four or five barrels of while lish at a single haul. Blackbirds and pigeons Hew over the 
country in innumerable myriads. Mr. Weslbrook's father shot at one time ninety-nine pigeons as they rose 
from the wheat stubble. At this early time, most ot the people living within the county were Frenchtneu 
and Chippew.i Indians. A few of their names are as follows: Charles Boumm. Peter Brandemore. Samuel 
Petit. Sambernor Duehane, Joseph Minney. Trombley Sharkey, Capt. William Thorn. Cottrell Harrow, Will- 
ianiBrown. Robinson llewson, Mr. Stewart and Mr, Little, the latter live living on llarsen's Island. In those 
days Gov. Lewis Cass was accustomed to pa.ss up the river each summer for a number of years, in a birch 
bark canoe, with about ten Frenchmen to paddle his canoe. Gov. Cass was usually ilressed when on these 
expeditions in full Indian chief costume, and had along old James Conner for interpreter. Jlr. Conner could 
speak seven languages tluently. Gov. Cass w-as in the habit of stopping at Mr. Weslbrook's father's house 
when on these expeditions. For three or four years after moving to this county, Mr. Weslbrook's family 
poundeii corn in an Indian mortar for bread and samp. The first wheat they raised they boiled. There were 
no roads, no mills, no stores, no schools. The lirst milling was done at a windmill lifty miles distant down 
the river, opposite Detroit, and reached with a canoe. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Westbrook have five children. 



746 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



BURTCHVILLE TOWNSHIP. 



BVRTCHVILLE was an important lumber township during the great timber-making era in 
this county. Among the early permanent settlers were Jonathan Burtch, Andrew Facer, 
J. Y. Pettis and others mentioned among the early land buyers. The Farrand Mills, at Lake- 
port, must be considered the pioneer manufacturing industry of the district In early days 
these mills attracted much attention, and through them attention was drawn to the reso urces of 
the township. The settlers, too, were pioneer workers, and hold an important place in the 
history of the county's progress. The number of acres of land within the limits of Barchville 
is 10,050, and the equalised valuation for 1S82 is §121,234. The population has increased, 
from 353 in 1845, to 752 in 1880. In 1854 there were l.OOU jsersons in the townshiji. and in 
1864 1,695 persons, the great number of whom were connected with the lumber industry. 
Since its decline, the population has fallen to 752. 

Geologically there is but little of interest connected with this township. It has not been 
made a tield of very extensive explorations by the State geological corjjs. At about the same 
level are found about the same deposits, which indicate that this section has not suffered from 
any sudden disturbances. The district has not been the seat of any unhealthy excitement over 
the discovery of minerals. Y'ears ago it was reported that lead was found, but the re^Jort was 
false. Occasionally a surveying party finds that their compasses are seriously disturbed in cer- 
tain places, but neither of these caused any system of mining to be inaugurated. A man once 
claimed he found a piece of mineral coal on one of the bluffs, which, being put in the fire, 
burned as readily as the coal oi commerce, but every geologist knows that this section is not 
the place to expect a coal-bed. At different places along the shores and the mouths of creeks 
are a few Indian mounds, but they have not pricked the ambition of curiosity-seekers, or, if 
they have, the fruits of the search have not been preserved. In the district, however, are a 
number of mounds, evidences of a prehistoric race, but no satisfactory account has ever been 
given concerning them. A mound on the lake shore was opened a few years ago, and was 
found to contain a skeleton of immense proportions. Further than this there is nothing of 
any public importance connected with these traces of former occupation, in this orneighboring 
townships. 

The original laud buyers of Burtchville were George McDougal, Oliver W. Miller (1826), 
Eurotas Hastings, James C. Bettner. Jonathan Burtch, Ethan Burtch, Elon & Jacob Bacheller, 
John Desnoyer, Nancy Lewis, A. De Groates, Smith Titus, George P. McBride, Charles But- 
ler, E. L. Hannah, F. P. Browning, Andrew Facer, Samuel Swift, A, D. Burdens, Abner Co- 
burn, B. Crosier, Thomas Murphy, John W. Edmunds. Jonathan Burtch purchased lands in 
the township subsequent to 1836. A few years later, Bethuel C. Farrand made extensive pur- 
chases of pine lands. 

Lalceport, Burtchville Township, ten miles north of Port Huron, was settled in 1848. The 
village was platted in 1852, by David Ward, surveyor for B. C. Farrand. The Urst residents 
comprised Andrew Facer, Eber Lewis, Abram Hogan. William Conger had a water saw-mill 
on Milwaukee Creek in 1847. 

The village of Lake])ort is on the plat of New Milwaukee, made in 1837 by Jonas H. 
Titus, and a number of lots sold. 

Among the e;irly mill owners and lumbermen were Jonathan Buiich, William Conger, Cas- 
par Conger. James K. Lockwood, who died in July, 1882, at Alpena, Joseph Y. Pettis (water 
mill). B. C. Farrand. 

The Comstock brothers had water mills on Black River, in what is now Grant Township, 
then a jiortion of Burchville. 

The early settlers between Fort Gratiot and Lakeport. in 1852, were Lyman Whitford, 
Andrew Facer, Robert Holland and Daniel Coggswell, the Brown family, the "Stevens family, 



IIISTOKY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 747 

and tlie Carrigan family. John Howard luiilt a saw mill on Black River in ISlW, in Fort 
Gratiot Townwhip. 

SlIl'EliVISOKS. 

Jonathan Biirch, 1S42; Abram Hogan. 1843-4 1: H. HoUister, 1845-47; Nelson Potter, 
1S4S-49; Nelson Potter. lsr)0-yl; James Parlin, 18r)-2-55; E Raymond. -185(5; (ieor<?e B. 
Whitman. 1857; James Parlin. 1858-61; Thomas Dawson, 1862-0'); John Cole, 186(; Nelson 
(ioule. 1868-70; J. Stevenson, 1871-72; Nelson Goule. 1873; J. B.C. Edwell, 1874; Whipple 
Wheeler. 1875-76; J. Stevenson, 1877; Whipple Wheeler, 1878; Samuel Dennison. 18('.»; 
Whipple Wheeler, 1880; James Stevenson, 1881-82. 

.lU.STlCKS OF THK I'KACK. 

bbadiah Gardner. 1842; Lewis Chadwiek. 1842: A. W Comstock, 1S42; Ahram Hoojan, 
1842; O. Gardner, 1843; P. H. Whiting, 1844; Ebenezer Ravmund, 1844; Hannibal HoUister, 
1845; Lpwis Chadwiek, 1845; Joseph Pettvs, 184(): C. Wise, 1847; Obadiah Gardner, 1848; 
Eber Lewis, 1S4U; Silas Conger, 1S50; Joseph Pettys. 1850; C. H. Wise, 1852; Nelson Por- 
ter, 1S53; Obed Gai-dner, 1854; Edward Potter, 1857-61; James Parlin, 1858; H. McCol- 
lum, 1S5S; John McGill, 185U-66; William McDonald, 1860; John Lermont, 1862-66; A. P. 
Sexton. 1862; Isaac W. Farewell, 1863; John Farr, 1864; Nelson Gould, 1866; John Holt, 
1867; W. Wheeler. 1867-72; Eber Lewis. 1867; Wilson Shaw, 1868; James Bingham, 186i); 
Joseph Y. Pettvs. 1870; J. B. Cadwell. 1871; Hugh Fuller, 1872-74; Henry J. Oluev. 1873; 
R. J. Tvrrell, "1875; W. Wheeler. 1S76; James Bingham, 1876-77; Levi S. Wing, 1878; R. 
J. Tyrrell, l.S7<.»; Alexander iMcKenzie, 1S80; Henry J. Olney, 1880; James Bingham, 1881: 
Lyman Windsor, 18,^2. 

The following ticket was elected in April, 1882:. 

Supen-isor — James Stevenson. 

Clerk, Byron M. Green. 

Treasiu'er — William Dunning. 

•lustice of the Peace (full term)- -Lyman Windsor. 

Highway Commissioner — Thomas Wai'wick. 

School Inspectors — Benjamin Davis, full term: Hugh Fuller, one year. 

Drain Commissioner — Isaac Cole. 

Constables — Crozier Rutledge, Levi Bigelow, Rol)ert Bell. Charles Wells 

The eai'liest authentic history of this region testifies that about the eighteenth century the 
Otchipwes occupied this territory. Passing to about the middle of the nineteenth century, 
without detailing the various inter-tribal contests that occurred during the intervening period, 
when white settlcnuents first advanced up the river, this was regarded as disjjuted territory by 
the tribes, the Wyandots claiming the land below, the Otchipwes the country north, and the 
British Indians occupying the opposite shore. This region was, therefore, the scene of many 
bloody battles between these three tribes. But they were all peaceably disposed toward the 
whites. The stimulus to early adventures up the river was the fur trade, some going to the 
head waters of Lake Huron, while others lauded at iutormediato j)oints. as opjiortunity would 
aflbrd or interest suggest. The special inducement oftored to tarry within the present limits of 
this township was the ti-ade of surrounding bands of Indians, and the knowledge that within 
the century the place would Ijeeome a WBll-kno>vn trading station. Dui'ing the Pine Age, the 
establishment of the Farrand !Mills, at Lakeport, led to the permanent settlement of the town- 
ship. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

ISAAC COLE, farmer, Section 12, P. O. Lakeport, !.■< a native of Canada, and was born in London No- 
vember 24, 183i). He came here to this county with hi.s parents. Adolplius and .\Iniira Cole, in 18-t9. They 
.settled at Lakeport. and he ■rrew up here andweni to work in tbi- hnnber woods. After reaehiuj; manhood 
he eni;aired in hiinlierinL?. and folh)wed that business until ISTf). and since llien has been enja"-ed in farming. 
He owns 4.'>0 acres in this town, and has owned the place wliere he lives for twenty years and has made e.\- 
cellent improvements. He has held the otiiee of Assessor since he came here. In 1872, Mr. Cole married 5Iiss 
Emma Duncan, a native of Nia,i;ara Countv, N Y. Thev have three children — Lester, Leon and Alta. 

•JOSEPH STEVENSON, farmer. Section 2.5, P. O. 4>akeport, is a native of the north of Ireland, and 
was born in County Down Ai)ril T, 1S;}4. Upon reaching early manhood, the famih- emigrated to this coun- 



748 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

try in 1854, and came to this county the same year. Lived in St. Clair one year; then came to Lakeport and 
opened a boot and shoe shop and continued two years. Then learned the sash, door and blind business. 
Worlied at the carpenter and joiner trade, and was afterward engaged in Iniilding for many 3'ears, until 1871. 
He then engaged in the mercantile business at Lakeport, the firm being McDonald, Caldwell & Stevenson. 
They also bought and shipjied hay and grain. Tliey carried on the business si.x years, and transacted a large 
and successful trade. In 1877, he sold his interest in the store and returned to his farm, and since then has 
been engaged in farming. He owns 460 acres of land. He has held the oftice of Supervisor three years, Town 
Treasurer, Town Clerk, and has held school offices. He held the office of Postmaster some years, and was 
manager of the office of the W. U. Telegraph. He was married September 10, 1861, to Miss Mary Lewis, of 
this county. They have eight children — John E., Nellie J., Isaac N., Maggie M., WilUe, Frank H., Joseph 
L. and Samuel J. 

WHIPPLE WHEELER, farmer, Section 36. P. O. Lakeport, is a native of Vermont, and was born 
August 1, 1831. His parents removed to the State of New York when he was three years old. He grew up 
and lived in that State until 1859, when he came to this comity and settled in the town of Burtchville, where 
he now lives. It was then all woods. He cleared the land and made his farm, and since then has been en- 
gaged in farming. Owns ninety acres of land. He has held town and school offices. In 1843, he married 
Miss Ruth Ilill, a native of New York. She died in 1871, and left three children— Daniel, Emma, now Mrs. 
Capt. Merriman, of Port Huron, and Carrie. In 1880, Mr. Wheeler married Mrs. Catharine Rutledge, of this 
county. 



GRANT TOWITSHIR 



G\ KANT Township was organized in IS67, with Thomas Dawson, Supervisor. Its area is 
r 19,074^ acres, watered by Black River, Silver and Plum Creeks. The ])opulation of the 
township in 1845, with Bnrchville, of which it formed a pari, was 353. In 1880, the popula- 
tion of the town, separately, was 1,357. The ecjualized vahie is $412,240. Among the first 
permanent settlers were John McGill, Cyrus and Nelson Potter, H. Cadwell and William Bice. 
Gratiot Centre and Jeddo are the only villages in the township. 

EARLY LAND BUYERS. 
Among the first land buyers in this district were' Jonathan Burteh, Jame.=5 E. Bettney, 
Charles H. Carroll, Silas Dean, Joseph Granger, J. M. Geel, Lemuel Palmerly, T. Jones, F. 
Stephens, \V. Truesdail, Hugh M, Moffat, C. M, Hay ward, ArdenH. BuUard, Lorenzo M. Mason, 
Eben Batcheller, Nelson Potter, Horace Cadwell, Hiram Birch, Asa O. Robinson, C. L. Gage, 
Nathan Ward, Samtiel Swift, Sheldon Thorp. Allen Fish, J. L. Kelsey. Hiram J. Witherell, 
Daniel B. Harrington, Cummings Sanborn, Timothy J. Wheaton, Alvah Sweetser, John Beard, 
Cyrus Moore, H. W. Delevan, William Steele, Elisha Dowd, L. A. Whitford, George Brown, 
Patrick Brady, Alonzo Crittenden, William J. Edson, John McDonald, James Smith, Allen 
R. Atkins, James Cooley, James Beard, Louis Thibault, B. White, Creorge N. Bower, the Gag- 
niou brothers, Charles Peltier, Ai Beard, Clift Comstook, William xitkins, Charles Farr, Abuer 
Cubiirn, W. P. Barber, Owen Ransom, A. A. Bradley, William Hofl'man, Htigh Robinson. 

SUPERVISORS. 
Thomas Dawson, 1807-69; John McGill, 1870-72; D. G. Finlayson, 1873-74; John 
McGill, 1875-80; Clark Strevel, 1881-82, 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

John Hiekey, 1874; Nelson Potter, 1875; John McGill. 1870; Michael Mvron. 1877-81; 
John Hiekey, 1878; D. F. Finlayson, 1879; John McGill, 1880; Thomas Myron, 1881; John 
D. McDougall, 1882. 

The officers elected in April, 1882, were: Supervisor — Clark Strevel; Clerk— Eugene 
Carey; Treasurer — Michael Myron; Highway Commissioner— Nathaniel Kerr; School Inspec- 
tors-Two years, AVilliam Myron, Jr.; one year, N. D Campbell; Jixstice of the Peace -J. D. 
McDugald; Constables— James O'Connor, William Burns, John Cure, William Elliott. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 749 

Jeddo, in Grant Town.ship, seventeen miles northwest of Port Huron, is in the midst of 
a good agricultural district. 

I'KKSON.u, sKErciii;.^;. 

The biojjraphieal skotches which follow deal with the por.sonal history of many of the pio- 
neers, together with that of old settlors and others, whoso history is closely identified with this 
township: 

Wir.LIAM AUSTIN, farmer. Section 3. P. (). .Icfldo, is a native of Carnula, and was horn October 24. 
181!l. llis pareiUs. William Austin, a native of Connecticut, and llannali lloaj;-, of New ^'ork State, came to 
iMicliigan Tcnitory in is-.;;, and settleil in Monroe (\)unly. Ilemained tliere two years, and in 18'J9 came up 
the river to this county, and settled on Ulack River, in the town of Desmond, now Port Huron, and euiraged 
in himhering. llis wife died in If^S.'). ami he died in lST:i. William's boyhood was spent with his parents on 
]51ack River; his jdaymates were mostly Indians, and he used his bow and arrows and [jaddled his canoe witli 
lliem. .\fter reaeliiii;: manhood, he came to this town, and settled where he now lives. Ii was then a wilder- 
ness, lie heijan clearin;^- his land. Enjraired in himberiuj? tifleen years durin;^ winter, and made his farm 
and cniia.ired in fannin,;;-. Owns his farin of eighty acres. In l>sr3. he married I,ydia Chailwick, of V'ermont. 
She died in 1819, and left three children— Annie, now Mrs. Stanzel, of l^rt Huron; William 1,. and James E. 
In 18.V2, he married Margaret Condon, a native of Scotland. They have three children— .J.imes E., Lydia and 
Marsiiret. 

N. R. AVERY, farmer. Section 22, P. O. Blaine, is a native of Canada, and was born February 17. 1817. 
His parents were from New Kn.iihind. His boyhood was spent in his native place, and he atlcaided school 
there. After reachiu';- nninhood he en,L,'aged in" fanning. In 18(12, he came to St. Clair (Jounty, and .settled in 
this town, and since llien has been enga.ged in farming here. Owns 120 acres. Has held the ollice of Com- 
missioner of Highways, and has held school offices m:iny years. In 18.")7, Mr. Avery married Miss Sarah Hil- 
born. a native of Caiiada. They have live sons and three daughters— Joshua, lives in the town of (jreenwood; 
Steplien. in Custom House, I'ort Huron: Alexander, attorney at law, Port Huron: Joseph, attorney and 
Judge of Probate: Lincoln, teaching; Hannah J., now Mrs. E. McLean; Sarah, now Jlrs. Rulerledgc; Mar- 
garet, now Mrs. Miles. 

WILLIAJI BICE, farmer and school teacher. Section 4, P. O. Jeddo. is a native of Ontario, Canada, and 
was born in tin; town of Darlington, county of Durham. April 3. 1837. He gvvw up and received his educa- 
tion in Canada, and then engaged in teaching. Taught school there eleven years. He came to this county 
in lyfiO, and settled in this town, and since then has been engaged in farming and teaching. Owns his farm 
of eighty acres. He has taught .scliotd for thirty-seven tc-rms and has held school offices here. In 18.")8, he 
married Miss Agnes McKibben. a native of the city of Armaugh. Ireland. Thev have eight children— Eliza- 
beth, is married, now Mrs. P. Pray, of this town: Emerson B., Georgianna. >linerva, Ida, Sophronia. Try- 
phena and Charlotte. 

MAHTIX BAKER, Section .5. P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born May 21, 180!) : he giew 
up there and h.irned the tanning business. In 18.V2, he came to this county and settled in this town on the 
place where he now lives, and bought •"ilH) acres of land. It was all covered with timber. He began clearing 
his land and madi' his farm and engaged in farming. In IStiO, he engaged in tanning, and carried on the 
business for twenty years. He owns l.")0 acres of laiul. Has held town and school offices. In 1828, hi- mar- 
ried Miss CatharincLemons, a native of Canada. They lived together fifly-two years; She died December 
31. 1880, leaving seven children — Elizabeth, now Mrs. .Macklim; Sarah Ann. now"Mrs. dine; Catharine, now 
Mrs. JIacklem; Benjamin, lives in this town: George, lives in Ibis town: Delilah, now Mrs. Martin: David, 
living West 

H. CADWELF.. farmer. Section 10, P. O. Jeddo. is a native of Oneida County, N. V., and was born De- 
cember 18, I81.">. His parents were natives of New England. In 181(>, they removed to the town of Batavia, 
Genesee Co., and he grew up to manhood there. Upon reaching the age of twenty-one. he left home for 
Michigan, with only ^3.r)() in his pocket, and drove a team until he got fifteen miles west of Detroit, then 
came up the river on foot an<l reached this county February 27, I83r>, and had not quite ^1 of his money left. 
He came here in the employ of Dr. Woodward, who bnilt the mills on the county line and went to work in 
the mills. He was married September 7. 1840. to Miss Margaret Burlch. Her parents, Ethan and Elizabeth 
Jones Unrtch. came to this county in 183."). and settled in the town of Burtchville. Two days after they were 
married they moved on the place where they now live. He located the land from (Jovcrnment: it was all a 
dense woods; be cut two trees and swung tliem around and made a log house, and began clearing his farm in 
summer, and lumbered during the winter. In the winter of 1840 and l.'<41, he was Collector for this town 
when it extended to Saginaw, he used to go to St. Clair to mill, and to Port Huron, which was the nearest 
post office; has carried iwo Imshcis of wheat on his back four and a half miles; he has lived on this farm for- 
ty-thr<'e years, since 1840; they are among the oldest settlers of this coiuity or this section of the State; he 
owns ISO acres of land. He held the office of Constable and Assessor in early days. The}' had nothing when 
they began life, and their success is owing to their own efforts. They have live children — Sarah, now Mrs. 
Loop; Isohi, now Mrs. Turrcll, living in Clare Clounty; Mary, now .Mrs. Davis, living in Clare County: Or|)ha, 
now Mrs. Bothwcll, of this town; Hannibal J., farms the home place. 

EDWARD CAMPHELE. wagon maker. Jeddo. is a native of Canada, and was born Jmie 2, I.8.W. He 
.5rew uy there ami learned his trade in (Jodcridgc. and afterwards worked al his trade there imtil 187<i. when 
he came lo this comity. He carried on his business at Emmet for a year .md a half, linn being Campbell A: 
Reeds. In 1881, he came to Jeddo. and since then has carried on the business here. He has a blacksmith 
shop and wagon shop and has a good trade. In 1878. he married Miss Emma Bell, a native of Canada. Thej- 
have one son — William Russell. 



750 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

NEIL D. CAMPBELL, physician, surgeon and accoucheur; village of Grant, Grant Center, Bl.iine, is a 
native of Canada; was born June 18. 1849, in the township of Southwold, county of Elgin, province of Onta- 
rio. He attended high school for four years in Wardsville, and graduated, after which time he taught school 
for four years, and read medicine at same time ; two years later obtained license to practice medicine 
there; attended lectures at Ann Arbor, during the session of 1873-74; al.so attended Rush Medical College, 
Chicago and County Cook Hospital, during the years 1874-7.5, from which college and hospital he holds a 
diploma and certificate of hospital practice. " Located in this place on July 28, 1875, and has practiced medi- 
cine successfully here ever since. He carries on drug business and owns a farm two and a half miles from 
his residence at Grant Center. He was married March 14, 1879, to Miss Alma Pernel Ernest, a native of the 
said town, who taught school from the age of sixteen till married. She was born April 1, 1859, in the same 
town in which she now resides. 

EUGENE CAREY, of the firm of Pray & Carey, general merchants, Section 21, P.O. Blaine, is a native 
of St. Clair, and was born in this town. May 4, 18,''w. His parents, James and Ann (Myron) Carey, came from 
Port Huron to Blaine with an o.\ team in 18.')2. Then- nearest postoflSee was at Sarnia, a distance of sixteen 
miles. Mr. Carey, Sr.. felled trees with which to erect his shanty, and himself and family endured nearly 
all the hardships incident to pioneer life. Mr. (!. often walked to Sarnia, without money for his dinner, or to 
procure the necessaries for his family. By perseverance and industry, and such .self-denial of comforts, nay, 
necessaries, as farmers of to-day, in a settled community can not realize, Mr. Carej- and wife accumulated 
enough to pay for their farm, when a piece of misfortune befell them which would have discouraged many a 
stouter heart — the title to his land was found defective and he was oliliged to paj- for it a second time. But, 
with a pluck and energy worthy of emidation, he hired the money, at 4 per cent per month, with which to 
again pay for the place that was rightfully his own, and then began tlie long, hard struggle to clear himself 
from debt. His noble wife came to his rescue, making and selling enough butter from two cows to buy the 
groceries for the house and clothe licrself and children, and so well were their efforts rewarded, that their 
place was soon free from debt. They continued the same industry, perseverance, frugality and energy; and, 
as each child left the parental roof, he liecame the recipient of $2,000. (Jur .suliject's lioyhood was spent on 
his father's farm ; he attended school here and completed his education at the State Normal School. He re- 
turned home and spent two years on the farm, teaching winters ; he then engaged in mercantile business, 
built the store, and got the post office established here. He afterward sold his interest in the store, and spent 
two years on the farm, then entered the Grange store at Jeddo ; in December, 1882. he associated with his 
present partner, firm of Pray ii Carey, and eug,aged in mercantile business here. He holds the office of Post- 
master, and has held the ofBce of Town Clerk" He was married, July 25, 1882, to Miss Selina McElhinney, 
of Port Huron. 

WILLIAM HENRY CAREY, farmer, Section 15, P. (), Blaine, is a native of Canada, and was born 
June 29, 18,50 ; his parents, James and Annie (Myron) Carey came to this county in 18,52. and settled in this 
town — cleared the land and made this farm — the}' are now living at Grant Centre. William grew up on his 
father's farm and attended school here ; since reaching manhood, has been engaged farming ; owns his farm 
of eighty acres. He was married, December 2.5, 1871, to Miss Caroline Farewell, a native of Canada ; her 
parents, Isaac and Alma Farewell, came to this county in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Carey have four children — 
George A., Cora B., Nora Gertrude and Lewis M. 

ABRAHAM CLINE, farmer. Section 5, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born February 1, 
182G. A few years after reaching manhood, he came to this State, in 1851; lived one year in the town of 
Worth ; then came over in this town and settled where now lives. It was all covered with timber ; he cleared 
the land and made his farm, and has lived here over thirty years, and has been engaged in farming, and has 
also been engaged in building some ; he is one of the early .settlers here. In lt549, he married !Miss Sarah Ann 
Baker, a native of Canada ; they have four sons and seven daughters — Adam F. ; George ; Adolphus ; Abra- 
ham ; Sarah C, now Mrs. Kilbourn ; Delilah A., now Mrs. Hill ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Kilbourn ; Trypheua, 
now Mrs. Benaway ; Jane; Mina, and Nanc}'. 

jUjFRED CO'MSTOCK. farmer and lumberman, Section 17, is a native of Oneida County, New York, 
and was born in the town of Western, February 14, 1806; his parents were William and Abagail (Waldo) Com- 
stoek ; he grew up on the farm, until eighteen years old, and then went in a store. After he became of age, 
he engaged in mercantile business in Jefferson County, N. Y., and continued until December. 1834; then 
started for the Territory of Michigan. He and his brother Clift and his brother-in-law, E. Batchelor. drove 
through by team, and were eleven days on the way, and came direct to Port Huron ; the following spring, he 
opened a store and hotel. On March ol. l.S3(), he married Miss Harriet Jane Westljrook; she w-as l)orn in the 
town of China ; her parents, Capt. Andrew Westbrook, of Pennsj'lvania, and Nancy Thorne, came up on the 
river to this county in 1815. During the war of 1812, he left Canada, abandoned a splendcd property there, 
and came to Detroit. He was a man of great prominence, and contracted and furnished provisions for the 
soldiers at the Fort. II(^ died July 26, 183.5 ; his wife died during the early childhood of Mrs. Comstock. 
After he was married, he carried on mercantile and hotel business until 1838 ; then built mills up on 
Black River, where he now lives, and engaged in lumbering with his brothers, and continued togethi'r thir- 
teen years. In 1.S58, he bought the interest of his brothers, and carried on the business himself until 1873; 
and since has given his attention to clearing and improving his land, and farming. He has sold considerable 
of his land, and yet owns 800 acres. They are among the oldest settlers in this part of the county. He has 
held school ofiiccs. They have had twelve children ; only six survive ; four sons — Andrew W. and William B. 
are extensively engaged in manufacturing lumber at Alpena, also engaged in mercantile business and bank- 
ing, they own large tracts of timlier lands' there, and also in the South ; Alfred M. lives at home ; Joseph B.. 
in Bank at Alpena; and two daughters— Helen, now Mrs. Combs, of Illinois, and Ada, now Mrs. Hunt, of 
Alpena. 

JAMES COON, farmer. Section 27, P. O. Blaine, is a native of Canada, and was born Mayri8, 1828. His 
parents, Amasa and Sarah Coon, were both born in New York State. He lived in Canada until nineteen 



lUSTUliV OF ST. C'J>A1K COUNTY. 751 

years old. tliL-ii ("line to this county and work<'(l at liinilieriiiir on Black I{ivcr for ciirlit years, then wint to 
(irand Rapids and rcinaiiK'd there three years, then relnrne<j lier,' ,ind worked at trade, earpenter and joiner. 
He came on the place where he now lives in 18t>.l; since then en;;;ai;ed iti f.irinini?. and worked some in build- 
ing. He owns a good farm, well improved, with «.\oelleut liuililings. Has held the ofliee of Ilighway Com- 
missioner. In 18.")."), he married Miss Sarah O'Lone, a native of Canada. They have five childreiY — Laiira E., 
Luella, Freilerick, Matilda. Andy. 

.JACOB DAWSON, farmer. "Section 4, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born July.?. 1847. 
His parents, Thomas and Mary Dawson, eame to this county during his early boyhood, and settled in this 
town (then Biutchvillel, He grew np an<l attended .school here, and since ri-aching manhood has i)een en- 
ga.ged in farnung. Owns a farm of ninety acres. In ISGtJ. he married Miss Charlotte Streeter. (laughter of 
Solomon Streeter. one of the early .settlers. She died in 1873, and left two children — William and Solomon. 
In 1874. he married Miss Sarah Bice, a native of Canada. They have three children— jMand, Klla and Mary. 

THOMAS DKZEI.L. farmer. Section 8, P. O. Jeddo. is a native of Canada, and was liorn March (\. 184^. 
When twelve years old, he removed to the county of Wellington, and grew tip and lived there until 1873; 
then for two years worked in St. Thomas at the trade of earpenter and joiner. In 1874. he came to this coun- 
ty, and settled in the town of Grant on the place where he now lives. The following year he bought the 
farm — owns lUO acres with good improvements— and since then lias been engaged in farming, lie was 
married July 34, 1873, to Mrs. Sarah Hodgins. a native of Canada. They have one daughter — Gertrude 
May. 

SMITH WAITER DOWNS, farmer. Section 00. P O. Blaine, is a native of New York State, and wa.s 
born in the city of .Vlliany August 22. l.'^32. His parents. Walter Smith Downs and Amanda Follett, went to 
Canada the following year, and he was brought up there, and is a mill wright by trade. He came to this 
county ill 18.")8, and worked at his trade at Broekway and Berlin three years. He lived at Marvsville three years, 
then removed to Port Huron, and remained there sixteeu years, and worked ,it bis trade ; also engaged in 
building. In March. 1878. he canu; on the farm where he now lives, and engaged in farming. Owns ;i good 
farm of eighty acres. He has held school offices. In November. 18.")8, he married Miss Martha Ballentine.a 
native of New Brunswick. They have two children — Fred W. and Elizabetli M. 

D. G. FINLAVSON, farnier"aiul teacher. Section 27, P. O. Blaine, is a native of Herkimer County, N. 
Y., and w.as born in the town of Warren Jul\- 28, l.s;ii(. His father. Dr. .\le\ander Finlayson, was a native of 
Scotland, and bis mother, Sarah Green, was born in the city of Loiuhpn, England. Tiu'v came to this State 
and settled in Sanilac County. During the boyhood of Mr. Finlayson. he attended school there and com- 
pleted his education at Mt. Carroll. 111.; then engaged in teaching.' He has taught for twenty winters, and 
also during four summers. For three years he was Principal of the Union School at Ft. Gratiot. He ha.s 
lived on his farm since 1807. Owns 12U acres of land finelj' improved. He has held the office of Supervisor 
three years; also served as Town Clerk, and has been School Inspector for twelve years. In 1861. Mr. Fin- 
layson was marriifd to Miss Maria Orscr, a native of Canada. They have two children — a son, Howard Jud- 
son, attending eoniniercial college in Detroit, and a daughter. Coni Ann. at home. 

WILLI.VM J. GARDXER. farmer. Section 20. P. O. Blaine, is a native of this county, and was born in 
the town of Burtebville, now Grant Feliruary 2."). 1844. His parents, John L. and Jane E. Gardner, eame to 
this county in 1832, and were among the early .settleis. His father and grandfather bought a large tract of 
land and engaged in farming and lumbering. His father died in 18.")6. his mother is living in this town. Will 
iam grew up in this town until the war. then enlisted at the age of nineteen in Company D, Twenty-second 
Michigan Infantry, and .served two years and eight months; and since the war has lieen engaged in farming. 
In 1.8(111, he married Miss Elsie N. Brown, of the town of Clyde. Thev have live children— Olive, Cliarl(>s. 
John, Blake, Bertha. 

JOSEPH GIBBONS, farmer. Section IG. P. O. Blaine, is a native of Ireland, and was born June 12, 1824. 
He emigrated to the L'nited States, and arrived in Jlobile, Ala., in 181!). The following year went to Nash- 
ville, lived there several years, and worked on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. Iii 18.53, came to Port 
Huron; bought the land where he now lives, and settled in this town. It was all woods; he cleared the laud 
and made his farm, and since then, for the past thirty year>. has lived here and been engaged in farming. 
When he arrived in this country, he only had IS pence, and now he owns 23.") acres of land. He has held the 
office of Highway Commissioner three years, and has held school ollices nine years. He was married May 
2, 185.5. to Miss Alice Casey, a native of Ireland, They have five children — Ann Eliza, Ellen, Edwartl. 
Michael. Alice. 

WlLLl.VM GR.MIAM. fanner. Section 11. P. O. Jeddo. is a native of England, and was born December 
31. 181!(. His jiarcnts emigrated to this country in ISiS. and he grew up in Canada and in York State. Upon 
reacliiiig manhood, came to this State in 1840. and worked for Amos A\'exoii two years; then went to Canada, 
and after being there a year and a half, came to Sanilac County, and settled on the Wild Cat. in the town of 
Worth; cleared the land and made his farm; lived there twenty live years, and then removed to the town of 
Grant, and settled where he now lives. Owns 240 acres of land. In" \>*'>'ii, he married .Miss Elizabeth W^exon. 
a native of Canada. They have .seven children — Ruth Ann (now Mrs. Elmer Spaiilding, of this town), 
Amos. Eva. Levi, William. Charles, L(H)nora. 

ROBERT H.VRRIS. foundry, wagon manufacturer. Section 21, P. O. Blaine, is a native of England, and 
w.as born May 4. 1>*."(1. He wa> brouirht up there, and served his time in foundry, and learned trade of mokler. 
He emigrated to this country in l.'^70. and came to this] couiiiy the same year. Worked at his trade in 
Port Huron eleven years. He came here in 1880, and established his present business; has a foundry, black- 
smith and wagon shop, and has already built up a good trade, and it is constantly increasing. He is a mem 
ber of the Golden Tent Lodge of Maccabees. He was married January 22, 18f4. to Miss Margaret E. Fitz- 
gerald, of Port Huron. They have three children— George W., .Toseph R. and Lila M. Lost one son— .John 
Avery. 



752 HISTOKY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

PASCHAL LAMB, farmer. Section 3, P. O. Jedclo, is a native of Lower Canada, and was born February 
25, 1837; his parents came to tliis county in 1846. when lie was onl.Y nine years of age, anil settled in this town; 
it was all a dense wood; they cleared their land and made a farm. Mr. Lamb's boyhood was spent here on 
the farm, and since then he has been engaged in farminif and lumbering; he owns a good farm; he is inter- 
ested in the grain business and is one of the organizers of the grange; he has held school offices. Mr. Lamb 
was married February 32, 1862, to Miss Sarah Locke, a native of Canada. Thej' have seven children — Will- 
iam, Eva, Edith, Ira, Caroline, Martha and Grace. 

MOSES LOCKE, farmer. Section i. P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada and was born August 5, 1823; his 
boj'hood was spent there. After reaching manhood he came to this county in IS^"), and he worked at lumber- 
ing on Black River until the spring of 1847, then bought land and settled opposite where he now lives. It 
was all a wilderness, nothing was opened; he built a log house and began clearing his land, making his farm 
during the summer and lumbering winters, and since then, over one third of a century, has resided here; he 
owns "his farm; is engaged in manufacturing molasses, and can also make sugar, and was the first to engage 
in the business here; he has held school offices many years; is now Justice of the Peace and member of the 
Town Board. In 1846, he married Miss D. Van Camp, a native of Canada. The}' have one son — George. 

WILLIAM H. LYNN, farmer, Section 23, P. O. Blaine, is a son of Robert Lynn and Mary Randall, they 
came to this State forty years ago. They settled in the town of Worth, and lived there ten years, then came 
to this town and since then have resided here; he owns his farm of 100 acres; his wife died January 7, 1869, 
leaving eight children — Albert, Laura, Priscilla, Lewis, William, John, Mar}' and Rosa. 

A. McDonald, farmer, Section 11, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Scotland, and was born April 29, 1835; 
his parents, James McDonald and Agnes Ferguson, natives of Scotland, were married December, 1829. They 
emigrated to Canada and lived there a few years, and came to this county in 1850, and settled in the town of 
Burtchville, now " Grant," on the place where thcynow live, then dense woods. They took 400 acres of land; 
they cleared the land and made a farm, and since then have resided here, and are now living with their son; 
the}' celebrated their golden wedding three years ago; they have si.x children; there never has been a death 
in the family among the children or grandchildren. Mr. McDonald, the subject of this sketch, came here 
with his parents in 1850; helped clear the farm and then engaged in lumbering; upon the breaking out of the 
rebellion he enlisted in Saginaw in the first call for troops in 1861, in the First Michigan Infantry, three months' 
service; went to Washington Army of the Potomac; he re-enlisted in the Si.xth Michigan Cavalry, Company 
C; was taken prisoner at Orange Court House, but escaped liy stratagem the same day; was taken prisoner 
at Winchester; he seiwed under Gens. McLellan, Burnside, Hooker, Meade and Grant; was in the seven 
days' fight and m the battles of the wilderness; he remained in the service until the surrender of Lee and 
close of tht war. After his return he built two mills, a grist mill and saw mill at Lakeport, and one in Sani- 
lac County. In 1813, he came on his farm and since then has been engaged in farming, owns farm of 100 
acres; he was married April 19, 1866, to Miss "Thalia Curren, of Jackson County, Mich. They have two chil- 
dren — Imogene and Donald Ross. 

GEORGE McNARY, farmer. Section 8, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of this county and was born in this 
town August 29, 1857; his parents, Joseph and Ruth McNary, came to this county in 1854, and settled on this 
place; took up land from the Government, cleared and made the farm, and lived here until his death in 1879; 
he left five children — Jackson, George, Betsey J., now Mrs. Bennett, of Jackson County; Julia Ann. now 
Mrs. Langrell, of Ridgeway; Arvilla, now Mrs. Smith, of Sand Beac-h; Phebe, now Mrs. Walker, of Almont; 
George grew up here and lives on the farm with his mother, and farms the home place, 

DONALD MATHERSON, farmer. Section 14, P. O. Blaine, is a native of Nova Scotia, and was born 
October 1, 1820; he grew up there, and upon reaching manhood went to Maine and lived there until 1852, 
and then came to this county and settled in the town of Burtchville, now Grant; bought the land where 
he now lives, all covered with heavy pine timber; he cleared it and made his farm, and since then has been 
engaged in farming; he owns his farm of eighty acres. In 1855, he married Miss Fanny Brown, a native of 
Canada; she died in 1876, leaving four children — Elmer, Lottie, Wallace and Willard. 

DENNIS D. MERCHANT.'farmer, Section 26, P. O. Blaine, is a native of the State of :Maine, and was 
born September 16, 1824; his parents, James S, and Olive Davis, Merchant, were natives of 3Iassachusetts; 
they came to this county in 1840, and settled in the town of Lexington now the town of Grant — then a wild- 
dernesa. Bought land, cleared and made a farm; his wife died in 18.55, and he died in 1866. Mr. Merchant 
came here with his jiarents; after reacliing manhood he engaged in farming, and since theu has carried on 
that l)usiness, he has lived on this place thirty-six years, and is one of the oldest settlers in this town, and has 
lived in tlie town of Lexington, Burtchville" and Grant during that time; he owns 240 acres of land; he has 
held school offices many years; he was married September 14, 1848, to Miss Martha A. Peckham, of Monroe 
County, N. V.; her parents, Stephen and Ruth Pecldiam, were natives of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Merchant 
have six children — Newton P., living in this county; Jud.son N., living in Ingham County; Frank D., living 
Van Hm-en C^ounty; Charles II., Ida Jl. and Fred W. 

MICHAEL IMYRON. farmer. Section 28. P. O. Blaine, is a native of Canada, and was born in the town 
of ILdlowell November 1, 1841 ; his jiarents, Michael Myron and Julia Doyle Myron, came to this county in 
18.52, and sellled in the town of Burtchville, now the town of Grant ; cleared the land and made his farm, 
and lived here until his death September 6, 1870; his wife s\irvives him and lives here, j\Ir. Jlyron's boyhood 
was spent on his father's farm ; during the war, he was two years in the South in Government service ; after 
his return, he engaged in farming, and since theu has rcsideil here, and owns a good farm of 160 acres finely 
located. He has held the office of Justici; of the Peace for the pa.st ten years, has been Town Treasurer for 
the past^three years, and has held school otflces ; is now Director in the schools. Mr. Myron was married 
March 17, 1867, to Miss Harriet Annes, a native of Whitby, Canada, and daughter of Charles Annes and 
Nancy Nichols ; they can\e to this county in ist9. Mrs. Myron was engaged in teaching for some years ; her 
mother was tcac-hcr of llie first school 'lauglU in the towii of Burtchville. Mr. and Mrs. Myron'have two 
children— Arthur and Charles; thev have lo<t five children— Clara, Carletou, Ermina, George and Elmer. 





Siu^ 



^/^. 



e^o^ 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAli: CO[-NTY. 753 

Wir.LIAM NEWBKKKY, farmer, Scctioti 8, P. <). Blaiiic is ii ikiUvi- of Kiiijlanil. and was I.orii \c>- 
vembcr o. 1812. He emigrated to Canada in 1S30, and livi'd there until 18.")0. when he eamo to this eouiity, 
and sellle<l in tliis town, where he now lives ; it was all woods; he be^an clearinif his land and made his farm. 
Lumbered some winters ; owned ^iOO aeres of land; oid_y has ei,i;ht,\' acres left. In 18'.;0. he married He.ster 
Bristol, a native of Kngland ; she died Oetober 20, 18.S'.;, leaving' seven cbililren— John. living; in VVis(»nsin ; 
Richard, in thiseounty; Sarah . I., now Mrs. Carl; Benjamin, in Greenwood; Roiiert. in this town; William, 
farms the home place; Frances, now Mrs. Bra,;;,!?: William, the younjjosi son. was born in Canada, came here 
witli his parents, and since manhood lias been enjjajjed in farnun^' the home place. In 1878, he married Miss 
Emma Sehnrrer, a native of Ohio ; they have two children — Lawrence ('. and Bertha \i. 

('II.\.RLLS POTTKR. mannfaclnrer of pine ,-ind hardwooil Iunil)er...Teddo. is a native of Franklin Coun- 
ty, N. v., and was born Janu.-iry 1 1, I8;^'J ; he f;'rcw up and attended .school there ; upon reaching manliocjil, 
he came to this county in 18.");J and en;j;aijcd m luinliering. and afterward engaged in farininj; for"^si.\ years ; 
then entailed in wagon making and carried on the business for twenty .years, and still owns the property. In 
1880, he engaged in manufacturing lumber, and cuts all kinds of pine and bard wootl ; he owns a farm of 
eighty acres, a part of the old .lontiihan Burtch farm. lie has held .school ollices. In IN.")!), he married j\Iiss 
Jane Burtch. a native of lliis county, ilaughler of Jonathan Burtch. one of the earliest settlers of this part of 
the Stall' ; Ibey have lliree c'bildren Kditb, lOlldand and Francis. 

NM:LS()N" POTTKIi. general merchant. Section HI, P. < ). Jeddo, is a native of Franklin Counly, 
N. Y.. and was born in the |own of Baitgor, February, 181'2. and is a son of Sylvester Potter, a native of New 
York, and Polly Stratton. a native of York State. Ills boyhood was .siicnt in his native State'. After reach- 
ing manhood, at the age of twenty-two, he left there .May 4, 1834, with only §lb in his pocket. lie came to 
Jliebigan and reached Desmond, now Port Ilunm, May 23. lie has L'l (!s in money left. He loaned the sov- 
ereign and it was never paid him. lie came up the shore to the town of Desmond, which then included San- 
ilac and Huron Counlics. and e\ten(li'd north lo Saginaw Bay. He went to work in thi' lumber woods for 
Ira Potter, and the same fall worked in the mill. lie continued working in the mill and in the woods until 
1837. He located the land where he now lives in 183'j. (Jot his title from the Governor, and the deed is 
signed by Martin Van Buren, then President. The following spring he came on his land, cliopped seven 
acres, and sowed two and a half acres of winter wheat among the stumps ; then thought he ought to get m.ar- 
ried ; so in November, 1^37, he married Miss Liwena Strecter, a native of Chatham Lowe, Canada. She 
came here in 183."), with her mother and brother. In March, lAiS, they moved in a little house on this place, 
and worked on his laml summers, and lumbered vinlers until lie had si.\ty acres cleared. He continued farm- 
ing until 1S,")7, and then had to give it up on account of his health. He built a blacksmith shop, put in a 
.stock of material and had it run; then built the store he now occupies, and the following year he put in a 
stock of goods. He went to Frecmout, and built a large store and dwelling, and put in a stock of goods and 
began buying staves. He bought staves for a Xevv York company. He was elected Supervisor and High way 
Commissioner. After living there for four j-ears, his store and stock was destroyed by lire, and he losl'heavi- 
Ij'. He remained there nine years ; then canie here, and since then has been engaged in business here. lie 
has been prominenlly idenlilied with the interests of the town and county ; h.-is held the offices of Supervisor, 
Commissioner of Highways, Justice of the Peace and .School luspei'tor for a number of years, and resigned 
them all the same day, and would not serve any longer. Has also held office of Town Clerk and Collector, 
and has held the office of Postmaster most of the time for the past thirty j'cars. He belonged to tjie State 
militia, was commissioned Captain by Gov. Barry. He has lived in the town of Desmond, the town of Clvdc, 
then Lexington, Burtcliville, and the town of Grant — ffve different towns and has n(-ver moved, Jlr. and 
Mrs. Potter have five children — George S., living in Huron Count}' ; Maria, now Mrs. Hramingan. Huron 
County ; William, living here ; Emma, now Mrs. Stephen Avery, P"ort Huron ; Caroline, now Mrs. Joseph 
Avery, Port Huron. 

D.VNIEL J. PR.VY, of the firm of Pray & Carey, general merchants. Section 21, Blaine, is a native of 
Canada, and wa.s born April ."i, 1840. His parents, Daniel and Margaret Pray, came to this county in 18.")0, 
and settled in the town of China; was there one year, then came to the town" of Burtcliville and bought land 
here, and began clearing it. Daniel had charge of clearing the land as liis father was ;i carpenter and joiner, 
and was away much of the time. He was engaged in farming until 18(i7. and since then has lieen eng.aged in 
busini-ss. Carried on merc:intile business .-ind hotel at (Jrant Center, and was burned out there. He associ- 
ated with Mr. Carey, and engaged in l)usiness here in 1882. He holds the office of Town Clerk. In l.stiti. ;Mr. 
Pray married Miss Melind.i Elliott, a native of Canada. 

"PATRICK Ql'l.N'N. farmer. Section 32, P. O. Atkins, is a native of Canada, and was born in 182(i. He 
grew up and lived there until 18.')2, and then came to this county and went to work at lumbering on Elk 
Creek for A. Iv. Ash. Two years later, in 18.")4. he came on this place; it was all woods; he cut two lar"-e 
maple trees to build house, and began clearing his land, .ind lumliercd winters for some years. Game of all 
kinds was very plentiful when they came here, and deer used to come around the house." He made his farm, 
and owns IGO acres of land with excellent improv<':;;eiits. When he began life be had nothing and has taken 
care of himself since he was thirteen years old; his success is owing to thi' efforts and industry of himself and 
wife. They have lived in this place thirty years. In 18.50, while living in Canada. In- married .^iiss .Vnnie 
Callaly. They have one son— Wilbcr Henry. .Mary Burns, their niece, has lived with them since childhood. 
They have lost one son. James. Mr. Quinii has liei'd the office of Highway Commissioner. Held the office of 
Town Treasurer three years; has held school offices many years; served a.s Moderator fourteen years. 

WILLI.V.M R.\T'l"'li.\Y. fanner. Seelimi 0, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Xew Brunswick, a'nd was born 
Novemlier it. is.");!. Ills iiarents, .lolin and JIargaret Rattray, went to Canada when be was very younu-; he 
grew up in Canada; lived in Oshawa twenty years with Hon. .\bram Farewell, M. P.; he attended school 
there, and studied two years with Prof. Coleman, who is now revising the books of natural history in the em- 
ploy of the Dominion Government. Jlr. Rattray came lo this county in isyi), ,ind bought the farm where he 
now lives, and since then has been engaged in farming. " 48 



754 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

JOHN A. ROSS, farmer, Section 37, P. O. Blaine, is a native of Lower Canada, and was born Novem- 
ber 23, 18*5 His parents, Robert and Marion Ross, came to this county in 1M.j9, and settled in this town. 
Bought land, cleared it and made a farm. He died in 1868; his wife survives him. John A. grew up on the 
farm, and worked in lumber woods during the winters; has lived on this farm since 1871; owns 100 acre.s. 
He has held office of School Treasurer for past five years. In 1873, he married Catharine Conlan, a native of 
New York State. They have two children— Charles and Cora Isabell. 

WILLIAM SAGE, farmer. Section 10. P. O. Jeddo. is a native of Canada. He grew up to manhood and 
lived there until 1873, when he came to this county. He was married April 8. 1876, to Mrs. Alice Comer. 
She is a native of the county of Norfolk, England. Her parents were William and Mary Tebbel. In 1889, 
she married James Comer, a native of England. They came to Canada in 184.5. and came to this county the 
same year and were among the early settlers here. They bought land where Mrs. Sage now lives. It was all 
dense woods. Tliey cleared the land and made a farm. He lumbered some during the winters, and lived 
here until his deatli April 6, 1859, leaving farm of eighty acres. Except Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell Mrs. Sage is 
the oldest settler on this road. 

ELMER SPALDING, farmer, Section 9, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Seneca Coun- 
ty, December 19, 1850, and is a son of Samuel D. and Mary A. Spalding. He attended school there until 
sixteen years of age, then came to Lexington in 1866; engaged in lumbering one winter; then was in the Cad- 
illac House three years. In 1870, he went in business with Cole Brothers, and remained there four years. In 
1874, he came to this town and engaged in farming. He owns 200 acres of good land well improved. He 
has held school offices. Mr. Graham" was married October 14, 1874, to Miss Ruth A. Graham, a native of San- 
ilac County. Her parents, William and Elizabeth Weson Graham, were early settlers there. Mr. and Mrs. 
Spalding have two children — Arthur D. and Amos F. 

NORMAN STREVEL, farmer. Section 15, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born November 
28. 1843. His parents, Matthias and Sarah Strevel, were natives of the State of New York. They 
moved to Canada in 1826, and to St. Clair County, Mich., in 1850, and settled in this town ; it was 
all woods ; they cleared the land and made a farm. Norman spent liis boyhood on the farm. After the 
war broke out, "before he was twenty years old, he enlisted in Company C, Sixth Regiment Michigan Cavalry, 
and served two years and eight months. After the war he returned here and engaged in farming. In 1870, 
he moved to Port Huron and engaged in the agi'icultural implement Imsiuess; established the firm of Strevel 
& Grieb, and was connected with the business for twelve years, and then gave it up on account of his health, 
and came on his farm; owns 160 acres. In 1867, he married Miss Evelina E. Mitchell, a native of this county. 
They have three children— Paul. Nellie, Mabel. 

WESLEY STREVEL, farmer. Section 16, P. O, Jeddo. is a native of Canada and was born March 7, 
1832. His parents, Matthias and Sarah Strevel. came to this county when he was eighteen years of age. and 
settled in the town of Grant, then the town of Burtchville. where thej' bought land, cleareci it and made a 
farm. Mr. Strevel since reaching manhood has been engaged in farming and has lived on this place twenty- 
eight years. He was engaged in agricultural implement business at Crosswell, two j'cars; he owns 320 acres of 
land. In 1855, he married Miss Sarah Ann Beal, a native of Maine. She died 1878. leaving four sons and five 
daughters — Simon, in Imlay City; Orrin, in Dakota; Charles W., Fred, Paulina, now Mrs. Shearer, of Ar- 
mada: Rose, now Mrs. Monroe, of this town; Ella, Mirandi, Ella. In 1880, Mr. Strevel married Miss Paulina 
Ellen Beal, a native of the State of Maine. 

DOUGALD THOMPSON, farmer and miller. Section 6, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of. Scotland, and was 
born August 8, 1804. His parents came to Canada when he was only one year old. When eight years old 
his mother died, and his father sent him to Scotland, where he remained four years, and came back to Can- 
ada during Napoleon's wars, and lie remembers the Convoy. He came to Kingston, where his fatlier was in 
the navy dock-yard, and was there many years; he then went to Perth, and was there at the time of the 
rebellion. From there he went to Woodstock, and was engaged in farming eight years. He came to this 
county in 1852, and went to work in Chase's Mills; had charge of the lumber and grist mills. Worked in 
these mills for Chase, for Sanborn & Sweetzer, and Sweetzer & Reynolds, and for Farewell until 1873, when 
the mills were burned; since then on his farm, where he has lived thirt}\years. Has served as School Director 
and Moderator. In 1842, he married Miss Jane Cousins, a native of England. They have ten children — Jes- 
sie G., now j\Irs. Moore; Enuna M., now Mrs. Young; Margaret, now Mrs. Newberry; Ella, now Mrs. Pres- 
ton; Lizzie, now Mrs. Macklim; Edith, now Mrs. Loup; Bertha, Effie, Nora, and one son, Arthur D. 

GEORGE TODD, ph)'sician and surgeon, Jeddo, is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born in Elgin 
County May 2.5, 1838. He attended school and received his literary education there; then engaged in teach- 
mg about ten years. Studied medicine and graduated at the University of Michigan in 1865. After gradu- 
ating he came to this county, and settled in the town of Grant, where he now lives, and engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine here, and since then, for the past eighteen years, has successfully practiced his profession 
here. He owns a large farm of 200 acres, and is extensively engaged in farming, and is also engaged in the 
mercantile business at Jeddo. He has held the office of Town C'lerk and school offices. In 1860, Dr. Todd 
married Mi.ss Sarah Haney. a native of Elgin County, Ontario. Canada. They have eight children— Francis 
J., attending lectures in the medical department of the State University, Mary Ida, Susan, Edith. Catharine,. 
Elizabeth. Isaac Milton and Nellie. 



HISTORY OF ST. CI>AIR COUNTY. 755 



BROCK WAY ^rowjsrsHip. 



THE tirtit permanent settlement of this district was made by Lewis Brockway, John Grin- 
nell and James Haines, who purchased lands there in 1S3(), twelve years before its orirani- 
zation as a township. 

The agricultural and manufaoturing wealth of the township in 1882 is estimated by the 
County Board of Equalization at $411,748. The popalafciou has increased, from 2T)i, in 1850, 
to 792 in 1864, to 1,;5:^0 in 1870, to 1,570 in 1874; and to 1,8;JU in 1880. The township con- 
tains 22,248 acres, many of which are still covered with rich forest trees, The villages and 
hamlets of Brockway, Brockway Center and Merrillsville. Mill Creek and other streams water 
the township. 

The first land buyers in Brockway Township are named as follows: T. (t, Macy. C, \V. 
Whipple, James Byrne, A. Coburu. C. C. Trowbridge, N. Dickenson, Sylvester Sibley, Elon 
Farnsworth, Geoi-ge Beach, David Mack, H. Inley, (J. Brown, Lyman Burgess, Josiah Allis, 
Lewis Brockway, W. Lumby, R. Roberts, Rodolphus Sanderson, Nathan H. White, Abail 
Wood, George Moore, in 18:^6-37 ; Aaron K. Farraud, M. S. Gillett, and others in 1844-45. 
Among the buyers previous to 1855, were the Sanborns, Howards, L. M. Mason, Chester Carl- 
ton and W. L. Bancrofts. 

SUPEHVKSORS. 

D. A. Brockway, 1848; John Grianell, 1849-57; C. Washburne, 1858; John Whitman, 
1859; Samuel Welsh, 1800-63; John Griunell, 1864; David D. Brown, 1865-70; J. D, Jones, 
1871-73; Jesse A, Morrell, 1874; J, D. Jones, 1875; R. Newkirk, 1876-77; John S. Duffie, 
1878-79; W. J. Morgan, 1880; John D. Jones, 1881-82. 

.lUSTirES OF TIIH PE.VCE. 

James Havnos, 1848; Waldron Ward, 1848; Samuel L. Boyor, 1851; John Grinn(41. 1851 
-54; Lincoln Small, 1854; A. D. Welsh, 1854; John D. Jones, 1857; Clark Washburne, J 857; 
Jesse A. Cole, 1857; John Grinnell, 1857; Jesse A. Cole, 1859; M. C. Benjamin, ."860; J. D, 
Jones, 1861; William D. Wear. 1862; John Grinnell, 1862; Jesse A. Cole, 1863; D, Brown, 
1864; J. D. Jones, 1865; Clark Wa.shburne, 1866; John Grinnell, 1867; John D. Jone.s. 1870; 
John S. Duffie, 1871; John Grinnell. 1871: Clark Washburne. 1872; Jo.seph ErtVick. 1873; 
John Saunders, 1873: William Beadle, 1874; James Harri.s, 1875; Benjamiu Evans, 1875; J. 
H. Moore, 1876; W. J. Morgan, 1876; Charles Lovelock, 1877; R. B. Currie, 1877; S. Lutz, 
1878; M. Mincary. 1878; J. W. Gustin, 1879; John Grinnell, 1880; John S. Duffie, 1881; 
John D. Jones, 1882; William Ballentine, 1882. 

The Republican ticket was elected in 1882 by majorities from 131 down, with the excep- 
tion of A. Gunsolus, for Treasurer, who was beaten by James Harris, also a Republican, but 
who was on the peo|)le"s ticket. .lohn D. Jones was elected Su]H'rvisor. 

Brockway, in the township of that name, is another village dating back to pioneer times. 
It is twenty miles distant from Port Huron, six north (.^f Euunett, and sixty luiles north of 
Detroit. 

Brockway Center was settled in 1N59. It was the center of the lunil)er trade of that district 
in times past, and was an important place during the lumbering era. Mill Creek, a tributary 
of Black River, afforded water power for its mills and other manufacturing industries. 

Canova was settled in 186(5. It is a village of Brockway Township, twenty-four miles 
northwest of Port Huron and sixty-nine miles north of D.'troit. Like Brockway, it was at one 
tim(> an imiiortaut center of the lumber trade. Merrillsvilhs or the Hay's Corners, is another 
old settled village of Brockway Township, two miles north of Brockway Center. 

Brockway District Agricultural Society was organized in May, i87(), with S. O. Welsh, 
President; W. H. York, Vice President; James H. Moon, Secretary; Daniel Foley, Treasurer; 



756 HISTORY or ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

J. M. Havilaiid, Director-at-Large; J. C. McKinney, James Cogley, William Gowan, Thomas 
Martin, William Grant. Charles Fletcher, J. H. Beckett, Frank Dnnsmore, Robert Bailey, 
Alexander Felger, Directors. 

The Brockway Center District Agricultural Society was organized in January, 1882, with 
William Block, John Mitchell, Joseph Gibbens, Charles Fletcher, John Beoket, James Ster- 
ling, David Bryee, and Duncan McKenzie, Directors. Among the original members were the 
following: George W. Bell, M. Minery, John Lavelle. J. D. McKeith, Samuel White, John D. 
Zavitz, Willis Parker, Ed. Young, Jeremiah Johnson, W. B. Johnson, A. Hoevy, William Moore, 
G. W. Bell, George Minery and Joseph Rose. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

HIRAM ALLEN, general merchant, is a native of Canada, and was born October 3, 1827. He came to 
Port Huron in 1843. when only fourteen years of age. Tlie following year lie came to this town and worked 
in the old Brockway mill. In IS.il. he came here, and bought pine lands and engaged in lumbering, and also 
cleared land and made a farm. He continued in the lumljer and stave business until 18(38, then engaged in 
farming for many years, and since 1877 has been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1848. he married 
Miss M. Polly Austin, of CJenesce County, Mich. They have seven children — Melissa, Sarah. Lanej', Almira, 
Eliza. .Joseph E, and George W. They have lost three children. Mr. Allen's ancestors were natives of Ver- 
mont, and Gen. Ethan Allen was his great-great-grandfather. Jonathan Allen, his ,grandfather, was a soldier 
under Gen. Winfield Scott, and was in the battle of Lundy Lane. 

WILLIAM H. BALLENTINE, general merchant, Brockway, is a native of St. Andrews, New Bruns- 
wick, and was born July 11. 1881. His early boyhood was spent there. When sixteen years of age, he went 
to Calais, Me., and remaineil there eight years, and removed to Canada in 18.5.5. Two years later, in 1857, he 
<-ame to this county, and settled in the town of Brockwa_y. Worked in saw-mill for several years and bought 
a farm. In 1804, he opened a store, and since then, for the past eighteen years, has been successfully en- 
gaged in the general mercantile business. He was elected to the State Legislature, and served in the regular 
session of 1881 and in the special session of 1882. Has held the otflce of Postmaster eight j'ears, and has 
served as Justice of the Peace. Has held school offices many years. In 18 ">2, Mr. Ballentine was married to 
Miss Jane F. BarcLay, of Calais, Me. They have seven children — Henry S., William P., Mary, now Mrs. 
Minnie; Alice, W.allace. Jennie and Glen. 

STEPHEN BALMER, farmer. Section 3.5, P. O. Brockway, is a native of Scotland, and was born Octo- 
ber 8, 1831. Upon reaching early manhood, he emigrated to this country in 18.50, and came to this county 
the same year and settled at Brockway. Began working at the blacksmith's trade, and continued at it for 
sixteen j'ears; then was in the mill with Charles Brockway about five years; then moved on his farm, and 
since then has been eng.aged in farming. Owns a good farm of 120 acres. Has held school offices, and is 
now serving as Moderator. Has been elected to town offices, but declined to serve. In 1856, he married Miss 
Elizabeth ^liddleton. of Canada. She is a native of England. They have two children — Elizabeth and Ida, 
both married. Ml'. Balmer's parents are natives of Scotland, and are both living in the.tojvn of Grant. 

ROGER BARRETT, farmer, Section 13, P. O. Brockway Center, is a native of Washington County, 
N. Y.. and was born June 11, 1839. He lived in that Stale until 1803, then came to this county, and settled 
in town of Brockway, and went to work in the lumber woods for seventeen winters, and worked on farm 
during summer. He came on his farm in 1877; bought llie land in 1873. In 1873, he married Miss Marion 
Depeel, a native of Canada; her parents came here during her early childhood. 

WILLIAM G. BROWN, foreman, in charge of Palmer's grist-mill, is a native of Canada, and was born 
February 12, 1857. His parents came to this county in ISOO, and settled in this town; he grew up here and 
learned the milling business. He has been in the mills here for the past seven years, and since 1881 has held 
the position of foreman, in charge of Palmer's mill. In 1881, he married Miss Ella Pitzpatrick, a native of 
Canada. The}' have one daughter — Isabella Russell. 

THOMAS I).\RCY, manufacturer of wagons, is a native of Canada, and was born December 23, 1842. 
When ten years of age he removed to the eoimty of Perth and lived there until he reached manhood. He 
came to this county and .settled at Brockway in Oeccmber, 1803, and began working at his trade of black- 
smith. Afterward learned wa.gon-making and was engaged in the Inisiness there ten years. The Messrs. 
Harris Brothers, extensive carria.ge manufacturers, learned their trade of him. In 1872, Mr. Darcy came to 
Brockwa}' Centre and since then has successfully carried on the business here. He built his shops and house 
and has a TOod trade; has held the office of School Treasurer. In 1873, he married Miss Mary J. Eraser, a 
native of New Brunswick. They have four children — Lizzie A., Maggie E., Leah and an infant son. 

J.S. DUFFIE, agent and dealer in real estate, is a native of Ireland, and was born February 8, 1840. He 
came in 1848 to Canada, and was brought up in Ontario Couuty and attended school there; completed his 
education at Oshawa Central School, and graduated in 1.858. After graduating, was engaged in teaching five 
years, having obtained first grade certificates; then went to Wisconsin and taught one year; and also taught 
one year in New York State, at Brockport; then came to this State in 1804, and located in this county, and 
engaged in teaching, and pursued that profession seven years. In 1871 he engaged in mercantile business and 
carried on the li\isiness nine years, and since then has been engaged in dealing in real estate. When ten 
years of age. Mr. Duffle was thrown upon his own resources; earned the money to give himself a good educa- 
tion, and bis success is owing to his own efforts. He has been actively identified with the interests of the 
town. He was twice elected member of the Board of Supervisors, twice elected Township Superintendent of 



HISTORY OF ST. CI-AIll COUNTY. 757 

Schools; four times elected .luslice of the Peace, and has served on the Seliool J'.oard almost continuously; is 
also Treasurer of Church Extension Society and Preachers Aid Soi'iety of the Methodist Protestant Church 
and identified with all tcmperaMcc- reforms. Mr. Dullie was married December i.'i, 1859, to Miss A. Z. Currie. 
a native of Canada. They have seven children— Edna (now Jlrs. G. II. Mustard, of this town), Aggie, Bert 
(now attending Adrian College). Oertie, Ada, Mertoii and Lulu. 

WILLIAM CtUWAN. physician and surgeon, is a native of Ireland, and was born January 22, 1832. He 
attended school there until si.xleen years of age and then came to this country and settled in tlie South, where, 
he completed his literary education and studied nie(licine, and graduated at Louisville Meilieal College in 18.51 ; 
two years later came to this county and located in Brockway and engaged In the jiraclice of medicine, and 
since then, for the past thirty years, has successfully practiced his , profession here. During the winter of 
1877-78, he matriculated at the Detroit Jledical College. He is one of the oldest medical practitioners in this 
section of the Slate, and recites many interesting incidents of his early practice here. In 18.")4, Dr. Gowan 
married Miss Hannah E. Leonard, a'native of Canada. They have four children— 'William II. (pliysician, 
practicing medicine here), Isabella (married, now Jlrs. Moore), Ella (nuu'ried, now .Mrs. llerbertl and Alice. 

WILLIAM II. CtOWAX. physician and surgeon, is a imtive of St. Clair County, ami was born .May 21, 
18.54, and is a son of Dr. William Gowan, an early settler, and one of the oldest physicians in active i)ra"ctice 
in this county. William II. grew up and attended school here and afterward studied medicine in the office 
of his father and graduated at the Detroit Medical CoUe.ge in March, 187."), and since then has practiced his 
profession here. In 187,"). he married Miss Marv L. .Vllen, a native of Xew York. Thev li.ive three children 
— Herbert W., Lulu :\I., Norman E. 

JOHN GRINNELL, retired farmer atid null owner, Brockway Centre, is a native of Connecticut, and 
was born August 2, 18b!l. When nine years old went to Xew York; was Inonght up and lived there imtil 
1837, when he came to Michigan and settled in this county, in the town of Kiley, and was one of the earliest 
settlers in the county. There was then only two families living in the town of Brockway. He beg.-in lum- 
bering and followed that business seven or eight years, then bought land and cleared it and en.gaged in farm- 
ing for many years. In 18,")6, in comiiany with others, he built a'saw and grist mill— the first niil'l built here. 
In 1871, he, in comjiany with others, built a woolen factory, and run it several years; still owns his farm of 
20(1 aca-es. He was elected Representative to the Stale Legislattu-e. and served during the war sessions of 1862 
-().'(. He was the tirst Postmaster appointed in this townshii); Justice of the Peace twenty' years; and was 
elected the Second,Supervisor from this town, and helil that office si.xteen years in all; has served as Town 
Clerk, Town Treasurer and Highway Commissioner, and was Superintendent of the Poor nine years. In 
1833, Mr. Grinnell married Miss Julia Ann Welch, a native of New York State. She died November 22, 1882. 
leaving three children— John (lives here), JIartha (now Sirs. Van Slvke). William lagent P. H. ^^ N w" 
R. R.). 

JOHN W. GUSTIN, born 1829 in Loudon, Canada, came to Port Huron; went fnnn there to Detroit ou 
the steamer SIcCorab and back to Port Huron ou the Red .budvct; from there removed back to KilUvorth, in 
Canada. At the age of twelve years, went to Loudon ami served four years in the jirinting business in the 
London Inqinrer office; left there for St. Thonnis and helped start the first newspaper printed in St. Thomas, 
Canada: worked there one year; was ordered by the doctor to (|uit thi; jirinting business on account of bad 
health; went from there to'Port Huron, Midi, .'where he learned tlie blacksmith trade; went back to Inger- 
soil, Canada, where he got married, and went back to Port Huron; worked thi-re for Tom Ilatton until July, 
18.'>4; moved from there to township of Eminett, as the township was then called, comprisin.g two townships; 
in IS.")."!, the townshiji was divided into two tonus, he being in the township named Kenockee; was elected 
the first Township Clerk of the township of Kenockee; held that position for four vears. working wliile in 
Kenockee at his trade and farming; in 18(11). moved back to Port Huron Township; w;is there cli'cted. in the 
spring of 1S(!I. to Township Clerk and .lustice of the Peace, and held said olHces until June, I8(i4, when he 
raised a company in the new Third Regiment Michigan Volunteers, and mustered in Pontiac as First Lieuten- 
ant of Company K, as (;ommaiider, and went to the front at Decatur, .Via., at the time Gen. Hood made his 
move on Nashville; was in battle at Decatur in command of Company; after Hood flanked them his regi- 
ment moved back to Murfrecsburo, Tenii., there they had an engagement with Gen. Forest on bis retreat from 
Nashville, taking about six) prisoners and capturing live, brass, tweiitv-four ]iound cannon, and all his bag- 
gage train. In June, 186."), was mustered cuit and caiue back to Port"Hurr)ii; in 18(i(i, removed back to Ken- 
ockee on his farm and store keeping. Was elected in 18(i8 Supervisor of Kenoi'kec; in 1870 moved to Brock- 
way, buying the Brockway Hotel and grist mill and saw mill; keeping the hotel four vears himself, then 
renting it; then sold the mills and hotel. In spring of 18711 was electe<rjusticc of the Pea'ce; in fall of 18s0, 
run on the Democratic Ticket for County Register of Deeds, got lieat; in politics, always a Demo(;rat; in relig- 
ion, a Free Thinker. 

JA.MES HARRIS, of the firm of W. A: J. Harris, manufacturers, lirockway, is a native of Canada, and 
was born in Brant County, Ontario. September 14. 1817. He lived there during boyhood, and came to 
this State in 1864. and learned his trade in this county. He came to Brockway in 1867. and worked 
at his trade for several years, and in 1870, he and his" brother established their present business. They 
began on a small scale, and the first year only built five wagons: the next year they built fifteen, and 
since then their business has increased every year. They have enlarged their capacity and the past 
year mauufailured 140 wagons; they now make mostly top carriages and covered work, and are the 
largest manufacturers of wagons and carriages and buggies in this part of the State. Mr. Harris holds the 
ottice of Township 'rreasurer, and has held scliool ollices. He was married, November 17, 187,"), to .Miss 
Sarah Plaisted. a native of this county. Her jjareuts. Porter and Eliza Plaisted, were early settlers in the 
town of Kenockee. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have one son— Porter Henry — and liave lost one son — Elmer J. 

WILLIAM II. H.VRRIS. senior member of the firm of W. & J. Harris, manufacturers of wagons and car- 
riages, is a. native of Ontario, Canada, and was born September 1, 184."). He .irrcvv up and learned his trade 



758 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

there. Upon reaching manhood he came to this county in 1867; located at Brockway and began working at 
his trade. In May, 1870, he and his brother establislicii their present business and from a small beginning, 
making only several wagons the tirst year, their business has increased from year to year, until now they 
turn out 150 wagons and carriages, mostly covered work. The}' give particular attention to the selection of 
material, which is second growth timber. They employ from ten to twenty men. The superiority of their 
work is clearly established, and they have a large trade in the counties of St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer and Tus- 
cola; they also ran a saw-mill in connection with their business. Mr. Harris was married in 1868, to Miss 
Elizabeth McArthur, a native of Canada. The}- have tive children — Minnie B., Blanche E., William H., Ida 
May and Alta. 

WILLIAM HODGINS. farmer and stock-raiser. Section 25, P. O. Brockway, is a native of Ontario, Can- 
ada, and was born March 10, 1846, and grew up to manhood there. He came to this county, and settled in 
the town of Brockway, in August, 1870. He owns an excellent farm of 340 acres, finely located and well 
improved, and is giving his attention to stock-raising. He has held school offices. Mr. Hodgins was married 
January 12, 1876, to Miss Kate Lewis, a native of Irehiud. They have four children — John S., Hugh, William, 
Isaac. 

JOHN D. JONES, retired, Brockway Centre, is a native of Canada, and was born in London Januar}' 
17, 1825. He came to Port Huron in 1837, when only twelve years of age, and afterward went to De Kail) 
(j'ounty. III., and remained there si.\ years, and returned to this county in 1843. and settled in this town and 
engaged in lumbering. He made the road from old Brockway to this place, through a wild countr}' all cov- 
ered with timber. He ran the first raft of pine logs from Port Huron to Toledo, and took about four million 
feet of logs before others engaged in it. He bought land, cleared it of timber, and made his farm, and was 
engaged in lumbering tor thirty years, and owned several farms. Has sold his land, except one farm of 133 
acres, which he still owns, and lived there until the past year, when he built a good house and came in town 
to live. He was in mercantile business six years, and is the oldest settler now living in this town. In 1876, 
he was elected representative to the State Legislature. Held the office of Postmaster twenty-three years; has 
held the office of Justice of the Peace twenty-nine years; holds the office of Supervisor, and has served nine 
terms. Has served as School Director thirty-one years. In 1846. Mr. Jones married Miss Martha Vanderburg, 
a native of New York State. She died November 30, 1875, and left four children — Mary Jane, now living in 
Illinois; George H., in Sanilac County; Sarah I., in Illinois; and Martha L., at home. He was married De- 
cember 31, 1876. to Hannah M. Stonehouse, a native of Toronto. Canada. 

H. F. LEONARD, dealer in hardware and house-furnishing goods, is a native of Plymouth County, 
Mass.. and was born May 26, 1848. Ho attended school there, aiid came to this State in 1867, and lived in 
Lapeer County, at New Baltimore six years. In 1873, he went back to his native State. After a few years, 
he returned to this State and lived in St. Clair and Alpena for a few years. In March, 1881, he came to 
Brockway Centre and engaged in hardware business, and is building up a good trade. Mr. Leonard was mar- 
ried June 7. 1870, to ]Miss Flora M. Gray, a native of New York State. They have one son— Fred Gray. 

JOHN McFARLANE. farmer. Section 13, P. O. Brockway. is a native of Scotland, and was born Febru- 
ary 2, 1814. He emigrated to this country in 18.50. and came to Detroit the same year and lived there several 
years, and came to this county in 18.56, and settled in the town of Brockway, on the place where he now lives- 
It was covered with timber; he cleared the land and made his farm, and since then has lived here engaged in 
farming. His first wife was Jane Paisley, a native of Scotland. She died in 1866, leaving one daughter — 
Margaret, now Mrs. Manning. She left "three children. In 1867, he married Mary Castor, a native of Ham- 
ilton, Canada. She has three children— Timothy. Mary, Sarah. 

O. N. MILLS, grain dealer, is a native of Canada, and was born August 28, 1850. His early boyhood 
was spent there until fourteen years of age, then came with his parents to this county. After reaching man- 
hood, he engaged in mercantile business at Brockway Centre, and was connected with the business here and 
elsewhere until 1880, and since then has been engaged in buying and shipping grain. He has held the office 
of Town Clerk. In 1875, he married Miss Leah Eraser, of this county. They have two children— Claude and 
Harry. 

A. MITCHELL, M. D., physician and surgeon, Brockway Centre, is a native of Montgomery County, N. 
Y., and was born May 14, 1842. His parents removed to Canada during his early childhood, where he re- 
ceived his literary education. He then studied medicine and graduated from the medical department of the 
State University, at Ann Arbor, in 1872. Practiced medicine for two years in Pennsylvania, then took course 
in Toronto School of Medicine, after which he practiced for one year in Palmerston, Canada, and in 1876 
came to Brockway Centre, and since then has succes.sfullv practiced his profession here. He is and has been 
Health Officer for several years, and is reporter for six townships to the State Board of Health, and is town- 
ship Suiierintendent of Schools. In 1876. Dr. Mitchell married IMiss Mary Jamison, of Palmerston, Canada. 
They hayc-two children— Lidu May and Elmer Herbert. 

JESSK A. MOURILL, farmer and lumberman, is a son of Levi and Huldah (Knapp) Morrill, and was born 
in Oakland County, Jlich., 'Shyy 22, 1845. He came to this county with his parents during his earlv childhood, 
and was brought up here and engaged in lumbering with his father. In 1869, he bought the Jonas Jones Mill 
property and 180 acres of land. The firm of L. & J. A. Morrill owned a largre tract of timber at the Sable, 
and have cut lumb(tr there for many years. They also own a large tract on Cheboygan waters, and are now 
operating that property. They are also interested with Hon. Henry Howard in timber lands. Mr. Morrill 
has represeiiteil this township in the Board of SupervLsors. He owns a good farm of 100 acres, with fine im- 
provements, adjoining the village. He was married September 7, 1868, to Miss Ella jM. Bettis, a native of 
(Canada. They have live children— Olive A.. Howard E., Ortney C, Euphemia N. and Herbert Eugene. 

LEVI MOIJKILL, retired, .Section II. P. O. Brockway Centre, is a native of Concord, N. H., and was 
born --^Pi'"' 1 '_. 181-1. .Vfter reaching manhood, he came West to Michigan, when itwas a territory, andsettled 
m Oakland County, and besran working by the month, and afterward engaged in farming. While living there, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 759 

in 1843, he married Miss Huldali Kn:ipp, a native of New Yorl<. Ilcr parents came to this State during her 
early childhood. In 1«4m, Mr. and Mrs. .Morrill eame to St. Clair County, and lived in Port Huron four years. 
In 1852, the}' came to the town of Urockway. and si'ttled on the land where they now live. It was all covered 
with heavy tiniher; he cleared his land and made a large farm, and also engaged in luiuhering, and carried on 
that business over one-third of a century. He has given up the I)usiness to his sons. He owned a mill here. He 
is one of the oldest settlers now living in this town; has held town ofliees. Mr. and .Mrs. Morrill have six 
children— .lesse A., engaged in luml)ering and farming here; .Mary, now Mrs. Kelly, living in this county; 
Charles K . living in tliis county; Estlier, now .Mrs. Oatnian. this county; Levi, married and living here; 
Hettie, at home. 

(t. S. NEY, M. I)., pliysieian an<l surgi.'on. is a a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born JIareh 14, 
1854. Attended school there, studied medicine; attended first course of lectures at Toronto, and graduated 
at Bellvue Hospital Medical College in 1882. After graduating, came to iliis place and associated with Dr. 
Mitchell, and since then has practiced his profession here. 

ANDKKW PAISLKY, farmer, Section 24. P. O. lirockway, is a native of Scotland, and was born Octo- 
ber 15, 1802. He grew up and lived there over tifty years. Emigrated to this country in 1854, and came the 
same year to this county and settled in the town of I5ro(;kway on the place where lie now lives; it was a veiy 
wild place, all woods; he liui't a log house, which is still slanding, cleared his land and made his farm, and 
since then for past thirty years has resided here. Owns his farm of eighty acres. Has held otlice of Koad 
Commissioner. Mr. Paisley was married October 4, 183T, to Miss Margaret Armstrong, a native of Scotland. 
They have had seven children, only one survives, a daughter, now .Mrs. (iilclirist. 

W. H. PALMER, general mctrchant and owner of Palmer's saw anil grist mill, is a native of England, 
arid was born February Hi. 184li. When ten years old, came with his mother to (Quebec, and the following 
year came to ^lichigan. and settled in this county at Ft. Oratiot, and he was brought up there. He entered 
the employ of the (ir.ind Trunk Railroad, and was witli the line three years, and at the end of that time a 
special engineer. .Vfterward opcMied a meat market in Port Huron. In 1868. he came to Hrockwa}' ('eiitre, 
and engaged in mercantile tiusiness, and since tlien has for the past lifteen years successfully carried on the 
business here, and is the oldest merchant without change, now in busineijs here. In 1870, with Mr. Grinuell, 
he built a woolen mill and ran the business thre(! years. In 1ST8, he put in machinery for saw, grist and plan- 
ing mill, and since then has operated saw, grist and planing mill, and engaged in manufacturing and dressing 
lumber. .Mr. Palmer has large business interests and does the leading trade. His success is owing to his own 
efforts. Has held the "(lice of Town Clerk and school olliees. lie was married .laniiary 27, 1S70. to .Miss 
Hannah L. Chamberlain, a native of Canada. They have seven children — Fred T., .lane K.. VVilliam H., 
Charles II., Hannah A., Earl E. ami Ina E. 

JOHN R.\TH, farmer. Section 14, P. O. Brockway Centre, is a native of Ireland.and was born in County 
Wexford, in 182!). His parents emigrated to Canada during his early childhood, and he grinv up and lived 
there until 1800; then came to this county and settled in this town, and engaged in farming for Lewis Brock- 
way; two years later he came on the place where he now lives, it was all woods; he cleared the land and 
made his farm, and since then has been engaged in farming. He married .Miss .Vgnes .Manhardt. a n,-itive of 
Can.ada. They have eight children — William. Henry, James, John, Elizabeth, Matilda. Ada and Annie. 

JAMES \V^ALLA(!K, inanufacttu-er and dealer in harness, trunks, etc., is a native of Scotland, and was 
born October 2(), IS,5;{; his parents came to Canada in 1856. and he was brought up and learned his trade 
there. In 1S71, he canu! to this State, and lived in the city of Detroit three yc^ars ; then went to New Balti- 
more, and remained there live years '; and. in May, 1882, came to Brockway Centre, and establish(^d his Inisi- 
ness here, and has built u|) a good trade. 

(iEDRtiE W. W.\RIN(t, merchant, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Oakhmd County, June 23, 
1828. lie grew up to manhood there, and engaged in running stage line ; he lived there until 1872, when he 
came to Brockway (!enlre, and since then has been engaged in mercantile business and staging. He was mar- 
ried. Oetolier 28, 1N5'J, to Miss Kzelda llovey, of Lapeer t'ounty. .Mr. Waring is a son of Wells and 
Philinda Waring, who were early settlers in this State. 

S. O. WELCH, farmer ami lumberman. Section 23, P. (). Brockway Centre, is a native of Washington 
•County, N. Y., and was born Xovember 12. 1820. He grew up to manhood there and engaged in farming and 
liuubering. He came to this State in ls.5(i, and engaged in lumbering, at Flat Rock, for two years, and then 
removed to Brockway, and engaged in hunbcriug on Black River. Elk Creek and Mill Creek and l^ass River, 
and has successfully carried on a large business for over a cpiarter of a century in this State, and now runs a 
saw mill and grist mill north of Brockway (Centre, at "Elk," his son Samuel having charge of the business 
there. Mr. Welch moved on the place where he now lives in 18li0. He bought a large tract of land, cleared 
it and made his farm; has divided a part of it with his children and still owns 240 acres. He, with others, 
built a mill at Brockway Centre. He was elected ;i member of the Board of Supervisors several terms, and 
lias held nther town and school olliees. In 1S40 he married Betsey Barrett, a native of New York Stale; she 
died in 1.8o!) and left six children — George. Samuel J., .lann-s, Knierson. Willard and Maria. In 1860, .Mr. 
Welch married .Vnnie Barrett, of New iTork. They have tlire<' children— William, Roger and David. 

DR. .1. WELLS, physician and surgeon, is a native of Vermont, and was born in Caledonia County. 
August 14, 1818 ; he was brought up and attended school there ; then studi('d medicine, and graduated in 
1841. The following year, came West to Michigan ; he engageil in teaching and practiced medicine ; and was 
engaged in mercantile business in Detroit for a short time. In 1858, he cami^ to Brockwaj-. and engaged in 
the iiractice of medicine until ISli.S ; then went to .Missouri, and remaineil there until 187'', when he returned, 
and since then has successfully practici'd his profession here. In 1842. he married 3Iiss Lithura Davis, a 
native of Wyoming t'ounty, >}. V. She died in 1851, leaving two children — (Jeorge and Lithura, both living 
in Wisconsin. In 1S52, lie married Eliza Bradshaw. a native of Wyoming C'ounty. N. Y. ; they have four 
children — Charles, in drug business here ; Louise, living in Mason County ; Walter, living here, and Ida, 
now Mrs. Mc.Vrlhur, living here. 



760 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 



EMMETT TOAVITSHIP. 



EMMETT Township was organized in 1852 with Patrick Kennedy, Supervisor. Among the 
pioneer settlers were Patrick Donegan, Patrick Kennedy, M. Harrington, Rev. Lawrence 
Kilroy and J. Dorhemy. The township is ]3eculiarly adapted to agriculture, the land being 
slightly undulating and very fertile. The name Emmett was coriferred on the district by its 
first organizers in honor ot Ireland's young patriot. The Catholic Church of Emmett is 
located within two miles of Kenockee. The schools are well attended and the administration 
of local government affairs watched jealously. 

In 1836, the United Sfates lands in this township were first entered. Among the early 
purchasers were Nathan Dickinson, Alexander Forbes, Polaski Jacks, H. Imley, George Beach, 
Elisha Jenkins, Nathan H.White, R. T.Leaoh, Ashbel Chandler, William Ramsdell, Jere AUis, 
Normon Peny, John S. Fox, Patrick Donegan, Michael Harrington. 

St. Patrick's Society of Emmett was organized in 1877, with Rev. Patrick A. Tierney, 
President; James Cogley, W. H. Butler, Ed. Gallagher, David Donohue, Thomas Bntler and 
William Power, members associating. 

SUPERVISORS. 

Patrick Kennedy, 1852-56; Patrick Fitzgerald, 1857-58; John Carelry, 1859; Patrick 
Fitzgerald, I860: Patrick Kennedy, 1861; Thomas Kennedy, 1862; D. Cai'ney, 1863; llaomas 
Kennedy, 1864-05; John Cavenaiigh, 1866-67 : D.Carney, 1868-72; W. H. Butler, 18/3-7-4; 
William Power, 1875-78; W. H. Butler, 1879-80; William Power, 1881-82. 

.JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
Patrick Fitzgerald, 1858; Bryan Kelly, 1858-60; Thomas Kennedy, 1859; Thomas Byrne, 
1862-66; C. S. Wison, 1862; Patrick Kennedy, 1863-70; Cor. L. Carroll, 1863; John Purtell, 
1864; David McCall. 1864; Malcolm McLaren, 1865; W.J. Parkinson, 1867; Patrick Fitz- 
gerald, 1868-72; Bryan Kelly, 1868^74; John Purtell, 1871; Patrick McGill, 1871; Duke 
McKenzie, 1873; Patrick Kennedy. 1874; P. K. McGill, 1875; W. E. O'Neil, 1876; B. Pop- 
plewell, 1877; Henry A. Cope, 1878; Thomas Byrne, 1879; P. Eiennedy, 1880; B. Popplewell, 
1881; James Coglty, 1882; Patrick McGill, 1882. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 
In the following pages are given the biographical sketches of the pioneer and prominent 
citizens of this township. This very important section of the work has been very fully treated; 
so that the history of this district may be said to be complete in every respect. 

FRANK BROGAN. dealer in dry goods and groceries, was born in Canada, 1843 ; was reared on a farm 
and received a business education. Came to Michigan in 18(i7, and located in Hay City, where he engaged 
with Moore, Smith it Co., as Foreman of camp, here he remained seven years, at the end of which time, he 
opened his present business, in 1874. Was appointed Postmaster in the spring of 1874, which position he 
still holds. Mr. Brogan was married to Miss Mary Carroll, of jNIichigan, in 1874 ; they have two children, 
living — Frankie and Nellie ; Jamie, deceased. Mr. Brogan owns a farm in the town of Riley, and also owns 
a residence and business house in the village of Emmet, carries $4,000 to $5,000 in stock, and does a businesa 
of about $]3.()(l() yearly. 

JOHN BUCKLEY, manufacturer of boots, shoes and brick, was born in Emmet, St. Clair Co., Mich., 
in 1M08; was reared in the hoot and shoe business, receiving a business education. Began the business 
of boot and shoe manufacturer at the age of si.\teen for himself, in the village of Emmet, which business he 
has since followed. In 1882, he formed a copartnership with his brother. Thomas, for the purpose of manu- 
facturing brick in the village of Emmet. Mr. Buckley has run a farm since 1879, in connection with the boot 
and shoe business. Owns fourteen acres of land and two houses in the village of Emmet. Belongs to the 
order of (lood Templars, and is School Inspector. :Mr. Buckley was married to Miss Ellen Conley, of Can- 
ada, in 18S() ; they have one child,' Lenora. born March 80, 1.S81." 

THOMAS BUTLEK, of the firm of Butler it Cary. general merchants, was born in Detroit, Mich., in 
184.") ; was reared on a farm. At the age of twenty, he began work for himself, as a day laborer, at which he 
contin\U'd for aliout seven years, in St. Clair County ; came to Emmet in 1871, bought two lots and built a 
residence ami blacksmith shop, which he .sold in about two years. In 1872. Mr. Butler assisted in .securing 
a depot at the village of Euuuet. Opened his present business in 1878, under the tirm name of E. Galliger 
&Co.; has continued in the same line of business since; now under the firm name of Butler & Carey. Mr. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COrNTY. 761 

BiitkT is a mcmhor of the St. Piitrick Society. He \v:is niurried to Miss Louisa Downey, of Prince Edwanl 
County. C.-mail:^. in 18TL tliej' have lliree cliililren — .Mary, Jlarsjaret and Ijouisa. 

\\'H.,IJAM H. BUTLKR. owner ami operator of the Emmet (JriiJl ami Saw Mills, was horn in Detroit. 
Jlich.. in 183i), and was reared in tlie airricultural profession, receivin,^' a bnsiness education. He remained 
at home. worUin;^ on his father's farm, till twenty four years of aiie (liavini; eometoSt. Clair County in 181!)). 
after wliieh time he set out for himself, by cummeneini;' farming in I lie township of Riley. St. Clair County, Mich. 
Here he remained, carrjing' on his farm, for si.x years, and then huilt a saw mill in the villajre of Kiumet, 
in 1S7(». In \X72. he extended liis business by adilini; a ijrist mill to his already tlom-ishin^ business, the 
capacity of which is about :!(((! bushels daily, and that of ilie sawmill about o.DbO feet daily. Was Supervisor 
of the Township for four vears, and School INloderator three years. Mr. Butler was a candidate on the 
Democratic ticket for the Legislature, for the Third Representative District of St. (;lair County, btil was 
defeated by a few votes. Was married to Miss Catharine Buckley, of Michigan, in IHTl); has live children 
— .MaiT, Ann, Certrude, Catharine and William. jMr. BiUler is a self-made num. havinir maiidy educated 
hintself. and what he has, has been aecutuidated liy his own energetic and well directed clTorts. He i.s a use- 
ful and influential citizen, and held in hisli esteem by his fellow-townsmen. 

.MAURICE CARV. of the linn of Butler iV ('arey. general merchants«was born in Canada in ISHO. 
Jlr. Carey was reared in the railroad business, and received a business education; he came to the United States, 
with his parents, in infancy, and bej;an railroad business at the age of twent}', and continued tluee years: 
came to Ennnet March :!ll. IS8'..', and o|>ened his present business; is a member of St. Patrick's Society, and 
was a meiulier of the order of Oood Templars. Jlr. Carey owns eighty acres of land in Emmet Townsldp. 

.I.VMICS C()C;LEV, owner and manager of the Einmel Farm Implement and Bugp- Manufacturing Es- 
tal)lishnieiit, was born in Ireland in 181(t; came to Canada in IMIT, where he remained eight 3'ears, at the end 
of which time he came to St. Clair Co.. Mich., and remained on a farm with his father until he arrived at the 
age of fifteen, when he-went to learn the blacksmith trade, wliere he served an apprenticeship of three years 
with S. S. Eaton; he was then on journey-work live years, Mr. Cogley then went into business with F. E. 
Spencer, in the manufacture of bug.gies and wagons in ISfi;!, and continui.'d foiu' j-ears, at the end of which 
time he liought the interest of .Mr. .Speiu-er, and continued busim-ss at the same place two years, when he 
sold out and went on to a farm in Kenockee. where he remained live years, and in connection with his farm 
he also carried on blacksmithing. In 1M7;.', he bought seven lots at Emmet Station, on which he built two 
liusiness properties and two residences. In 1878, he added to his other liusiness a foundry; he owns in the 
village of Emmet three residences and three business properties. In 188-, he was elected as a .lustice of the 
Peace, and was also School Director of District No. 1 for si.\ years. Mr. Cogley was married to Miss Ellen Fur- 
long, of Detroit. Mich., in 18(i4. They have seven children" living — Minnie A., Emily (i., Patrick .1.. (Jeorge 
F.. Charles \.. and Charles A. deceased Mark Leo, deceased. Mr. Cogley is in every essential particular a 
self made man, having started in life withcuii a cent, and has by honest industry and judicious economy 
amassed a handsome competencv, 

"WILLIAM ENRKJllT O'XEIEL. dealer in dry goods, groceries and drugs, was born m Shangolden, 
twenty miles west of the old historic city of the violated treaty in the county of Eimeriek, Ireland. December 
17, 183:i; spent fifteen years in lh(> village of Shangolden, where he completed his education as far as mathemat- 
ics; he emigrated from Ireland Mayl, 1847, and landed in New "^'ork .'\lay 17, 1847; heengaged asacanal driver 
on the Erie canal, which business he followed diu'ing the season of 1!^47; after this lie was coa<-hman for 
Elijah Fetch, of Aulmrn. N. Y., one year; after this, he went to Binghampton. where he acted as foreman of 
raih-oad repairs two years; he then spent .s(une vears in the Delaware. I,aek,-iwanna it Western Railroad as fore- 
man of tr;iek laying. In iy()l), he went to Chicago, where he was employed on the I. C, R. I. iV P. Railroad, 
as foreman of ti"ack laying. Then he returned to Binghamton, N. \ ,. and enjoyed a vacation of one year, 
after which time he came to Emmet, St, Clair Co,, Mich., and opened his present business; he owns four resi- 
dence properties in the village of Emmet; he carries about $:i,."illi) in stock, and sells about .§8,0(10 worth of 
goods anmially; was prominent in the Fenian movement in 18(i4. which had for its object the invasion of 
Canada, under William R, Robbins, of New York, and (!en. .1, O'Xeill; has also taken a large interest in the 
land movement under Parnell; he assisted in the organization of the St. Patrick's society of Emmet, and was 
:i .lustice of the Peace for a number of years; is also at this time a Notary Public; he assisted in securing a 
village school for District No. 7. of which he was the first chairman of its organization; he was married to 
Miss" Mary A. McUraw, of Ballingary, July 20, 1858; have five ehildnii living, three by a fornu-r ami two 
bv the latter marriage. 

W[Md.v:M LE\VlS, farmer. Section 1(1, P. O. Capac, was born in Canada in 1821: his early life was spent 
on his father's farm, receiving a liberal education. At the age of sixteen years, he removed to the State of 
New York, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he continued for two vears, at the end of which 
time he removed to Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade for three years. From Pennsylvania he re- 
ttirned to Canada, where he followed his trade for a period of twelve years, at the end of which time he came 
to St. Clair County. Mich., .and settled on his present farm of one hundred and tw('nty acres, nin('ty-five acres 
of which he has finely improved, and is imder a fine state of evdtivation. raising grain, etc.; he also has quite 
a fine orchard, embracing choice fruits, including cherrys, iieaches and a variety of snudl fruits. In connection 
with his agricultural pursuits, he did. till six years ago.'also carry on the blacksmithing business. At the time' 
he first setlleil on his farm, bis nraresl neighbor was three miles distant; he was Path Master two years and 
School Director one year; he w;is married to Miss Ann .Vrnold, of Canada; has six children — Washington B., 
John Q., Edway, Rac'hael, Maryetta. Chauncy. (Jaribaldi, Eugene; of the six children, all are living but Gar- 
ibalda. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes a lively interest in its ordi 
nances. Mr. Lewis has in his busy life so far, by what he has done and is still iloing, manifested true, noblo 
and manlj- characteristics; his mechanical turn of mind has proved of much value to him; be is now regarded 
as one of the first men of his town. 

FRED MILLER, Section 10, P. O. Capac, Fred Miller was born in Germany in 1847, and came to the 



7(32 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

United States, landing at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1856, where he remained eighteen months, after which he went 
to Canada, where he remained six years, at the end of which time he came to St. Clair Count}', Mich., and set- 
tled in Section 19 in the township of Emmet, with his parents, where he remained until he was eighteen years 
of age; he then acted as engineer in a saw mill during the summer for twelve seasons, working in the lumber 
woods during the winter season. At the end of this time he returned to his present farm, where he has since 
resided, raising grain and stock; he is Treasurer of School District No. 3; he is a member of the order of the 
Grange; he also assisted in organizing the Lutheran Church. In 187.3, he was married to Miss Rachael Wag- 
oner, of Germany. They have two children — Minnie and Charles. Mr. Miller is a noble specimen of our 
German friends, being a sol)cr, industrious, frugal and estimable citizen, and in every respect a self-made man. 
He is the third son of the late Charles Miller, who was born in Germany in 1821, and emigrated to the United 
States in 18,^6, and settled in Ohio for a short time and then went to Canada, where he remained si.x years, at 
the end of which time he came to St. Clair County, Mich., and entered and improved a farm on which he 
lived until his death, which occurred in 1880; he was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Charles Miller 
was married to Miss ilary Hontz, of Germany, b}' whom he had four children — Charles, Joseph, Fred and 
Christopher. His wife died in the passage to this country; he married for his .second wife Miss Sophia Good- 
erman, of Germany, by whom Jie also had four children— William, Mary, Annie and Herman. 

JOHN O'CONNOR, farmer. Section 31, P. O. Emmet, was born in "Ireland, in 1831. At the age of four- 
teen years, he emigrated with his parents to Canada, where he located in Strotliroy, and lived there till he 
was twenty-two years of age, at which time he came to the United States, locating on his present home of 
120 acres, which he has opened up; he has 100 acres under cultivation; is a grain and stock farmer. Mr. 
O'Connor has also been a contractor, having built a wagon road for the State, and also spent some portion of 
his time in the lumber business. 3Ir. (1'Connor is a gentleman of culture and fine feelings, and has aided 
largely in building up schools and other educational opportunities. He was married to Miss Catharine She- 
han, of Ireland,_ in 18.58, and has nine children— Mary A., James, Helena, Hannah, Louisa, Michael, John, 
Edward and William. Mr. O'Connor is a gentleman of tine attainments, business qualities and unswerving 
integTity, an ornament to any community and an honored citizen of his adopted country. He is also extreme- 
ly genial and kindly in disposition, and hi.s hospitality, like that of most self made men, is proverbial. 

JOHN F. RYAN, proprietor of Emmet House, and farmer, was born in Springfield, 111., in 1852; was 
raised on a farm and received a liberal education. At the age of twenty-one he began working on railroad as 
foreman on construction, at which he continued seven years in Ohio ; was then four years in same business 
in Michigan. Mr. Ryan took charge of the Emmet House January 9, 1883. Mr. Rvan was treasurer of the 
Temperance Society four years ; is a member of St. Patrick's Society. Owns an eighty -acre farm, which he 
improved. Was married to Mrs. Galliger, of Emmet, Mich., January 9, 1883 ; Mrs. Ryan is a graduate of the 
high school of Detroit. 

GEORfJE VAN ORMAN, lumberman and farmer. Section 1. P. O. Brockway, is a native of La Colle, 
Lower Canada, and was born April 29. 1847 ; his parents came to this county and settled in the town of Brock- 
way, when he was only eleven years old. When he was seventeen, he went to work in a saw-mill, and the 
following year enlisted in Company K, Second Michigan Cavalry, and .served fourteen months, and was dis- 
charged on account of sickness. After the war. worked in the liiill and on the river. Has been in this mill 
most of the time for the past twenty years, and has run the mill for several years past. Also owns the farm 
where he lives. In 1807, he married Miss Julia Burnham, a native of this State : they have four children- 
Herbert IL. Fred, Charlie and Rufus. 

NATHAN VAN ORMAN. farmer. Section 1, P. O. Brockway, is a native of New York State, and was 
born November 4, 1832. His parents, Jacob and Sarah Van Orman, removed to Canada during his early boy- 
hood, and he grew up in the upper and lower provinces. He came to this county in 1856. and settled at 
Brockway, and worked in a saw-mill several years. He afterward entered a store as clerk, and remained 
there several years. He then .settled on the place where he now lives. It was all covered with timber. He 
cleared th(^ land and made his farm, and since then has resided here and engaged in farming; owns 100 acres 
of land. Has held school offices many vears. lu 1861. he married Miss Mary Aim Shannon, a native of 
Watertown, N. Y. They have three children— Chester, Agnes and Arthur. They lost one daughter, Alice. 

.101 IN WALTZ, farmer. Section 19, P. O. Capac, was loom in Romeo, Mich., in 1857, and was reared as a 
^f f.?/?* ""^ ^^'^ °^ twenty-four vears, he started as a farmer on his own account, opening up a farm 

ot 120 acres, and has also eighty of timber. He was married to Miss Matilda Grant, of Canada. Mr. Waltz 
IS a 3'ouiiJ? man of great energy, a faithfid representative of those who l)uild up all sections of our country 
worth living in, and has bright and Mattering pro.specis before him. 



IIILY.Y TO Wis SHIP. 



I3ILEY Township was settled by the Otehipwes of the Kiley bcand of Indian.s originally. In 
Xt 1880, the American land buyers flocked thither to purchase the I'nited States lauds then 
Ijroiight under uotice. In 1835, the Wells. Mansfields and others located on the southern limits 
of the town and must be considered the i)ioneers of Riley. The equalized valuation of real 
and personal properly, in 1882, was 1477,280. The population in 1845 was 234; in 1850, 311; 
in ]8o4, 5'.)3; m 18(54, 1,075; and in June. 1880, 2,002. The area of the township is 23,800 
acres; number of school children, 59(i. 



HISTORY OF ST. f'LAIH COUNTY. 763 

EAl'.LV L.VNI) 15CYEHS. 
The land buyers of 183G were Stepbon H. Web, William Bl:iki<ly, Oliver Tattle. Supply 
Chase, Theo. Romeyn, Georj^e E. Hand. James Edgerly, Georj^e Whiting, Jacob Winter- 
steon, Moses N. Griswold, John Lown. Jeremiah Thorj), Nathan Thoi-p, Justin Corey, 
Charles Sherritt, Ira Rabeock, William Butler, R. Seaman, Edward Smith, J. C. Chittenden, 
Ruth and Elizabeth Hubl)ard, Alex. Henry, Ann M. Kendrick, William Dunu. J. C. Roberts, 
Daniel .Majj^innis, JOHza .\un Hart, Josiah Snow, Julius Day, John Let'lair, Andrew Youngs, 
A. D. Walsh, J. Eldrick. David Alausiield, William Wells. Israel Amsboy. Jeremiah Thorp, 
Jedediah Welder, R. McMuUan, Isaac Gartield, Delos Couklin, Charles Chartran<l, Otho Bell, 
W. W. Wilcox, Lyman Granger, Andrew Sutherland, Levi Parsons, Charl(>s Collins, A. G. 
Vanderbilt, W. H. Whipple, J. E. Lathrop,William Dake, Jacob AVinn, N. Tallmage, Henry 
and V. R. Hankius. Benjamin Thornton, Syl. DeLaud, Susan Thom()son, Sarah Francis, and 
Daniel Hewitt, E. Chamberlain, Ransom HuUier, Lucius Oakes. 

SIM'KRVI.^^OI!.'^. 

Oel Ris, 1842; Amasa S. Welch, IS 1:5; John Lown, 1844-45; Amasa S. Welch, IS lt)-47; John 
Lown, 1848; John P. Glee.son, 1S4'.); A. S. Welch, 1850; Henry Rix, 1851-53; Oel Ri.x, 1S54; 
Henrv Rix, 1855; Oel Rix,lS.-)r,; Ezra Hazen, 1857-5U; A. S. Welch. 1S(30; Ezra Hazen, 1801-(')4; 
HenrV Rix, 18(55-00; Ezra Hazen, 1807; William Eaton, 1808; Ezra Hazen, 18()9; William 
Eaton, 1870: Constant Simmonds, 1871-82. 

.IL'.STI('ES OF THE PE.^CH. 
Daniel Hewitt, 1S3U; Hugh Gregg, 1840; John Grinell, 1841; John Lown, 1842; Daniel 
Hewitt, 1843: Erastus W. Cro.ss, 1844; John Grinnell, 1845; John Lown, 1840; Daniel Hew- 
itt, 1847: Harry Rix, 1848; Nicholas Moyer.s, 184S; Henry Rix. 184'.); Robert Stewart, 
I85(^; Azel Day, 1S51; George W. Chilson, 1853; Henry Rix, 1853; Josiah G. Gooding, 
1854; George W. Chilson, 1855; Ezra Hazen, 1857-73; E. Ramsav, 1857; Henrv Rix, 1858; 
John House, 1859-00; Francis Hewitt, 1800; George W. Chilson,'l800-64; Sherman Bishop, 
1803: William Eaton. 1808; Joseph H. Dutton, 1808; Benjamin Filker, 1872; Henry C. 
Mansfield. 1874; Aaron Smoker, 1873-74; Peter Cantine, 1875: Ezra Hazen, 1877; Henry C. 
Mansfield, 1878; Peter Cantine, 187<.); Martin Ellenwood, 1880; Ezi a Hazen, 1881 ; Peter, 
Foley. 1881; Constant Simmons, 1882. 

MEM THIS. 

Memphis \vas settled in 1835, and incorporated as a village in 1805. In 1878, its population 
was stated to be 800, while at present it is only 000. This village is prettily located on Belle 
River.onthe line between Macomb and St. Clair Counties, twenty- seven miles northeast of Mount 
Clemens, twenty-two miles southwest of Port Huron, seven miles north of Richmond, and 
about the same distance northeast of Armada. There are three chiu'ches in the village, viz. : 
The Congregational. Methodist and Adventist, with a graded school. 

The first effort to reclaim the land now occupied by the village of Memphis was made by 
the Wells family, one member of which still lives just no''th of the village. .lames M'ells, the 
father, was born in Albany, in 1772, a descendant of one of two brothers who emigrated from 
England and settled in Now York shortly prior to the war of th(> Revolution. His family con- 
sisted of thi'ee sons and three daughters, of whom one son and one daughter ju'e living. Their 
house, a comfortable log one, covered with shingles, was the first structure of any kind to suc- 
ceed the wigwams of the Indians, and in good old pioneer style, for all pui-poses of hospitality 
or f(u- meetings, the " latch string was always out." The family ; had dealings to consid- 
erable extent and learned much of their ways and bear testimony that in nearly all instances 
they were honest in their dealings and faithful in their ]>roinises. Especial mention is made of 
the good (jualities of John Riley, the Chippewa chief. His family and that of Black Cloud 
with some others were leading s])irits among them. At this time (1S35), the former owned a 
tract of land granted by (iovernmeut. at what is now Port Hit; on, on the south of Black River. 
Only two houses, one log and one frame, were to be seen at that point. John Riley was born 
in the Mohawk Valley, of a German father and Indian mother, and possessed greater intelli- 



764 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

crence than the full Indian. He, with many of his tribe, made annual visits to the woods near 
the village, for the purpose of making maple sugar, coming in February or March and return- 
ing when the season was over. In the spring of 1836. he came early for this purpose, and one 
pleasant Sunday, as he would not allow any work to be done that day, he look a walk in the 
woods, accompanied by a boy. Coming upon a large hollow log which had the appear- 
ance of being the home of eome animal, he said to the boy, ^'■Abs-co-in, Hash-a-pun ! " (John! 
a raccoon) directing the boy to crawl in the log and investigate. The young Abs-co-in soon 
came out with great speed shouting "mo-q-wash! mo-q-wash! " (a bear! a bear!!). Riley 
drew his hatchet, and as the bear's head appeared, struck her a powerful blow with 
the edge of the weapon, burying it in her brains. She weighed over 400 pounds, and 
fiu'nished material for a continuous feast. The Indians gave names to the whites to cor- 
respond with some habit or to commemorate some gift. The elder Mr. Wells they called ino- 
quash (bear), because he was a hunter of that animal. Abram Wells, was caw-ke-chee (porcu- 
pine), he had given them a porcupine, the rtesh of which they relish. Anthony Wells was 
mish-a-wah (Elk); William Wells. M'a/i.-wa-Crt.s/i (deer); Mr. Welch, mus-co-danse (Indian hole 
or clearing), from the fact that he bought land on which there was an Indian Held, on which 
there were bearing apple trees when the whites arrived. Riley afterward retired to the Sag- 
inaw country, where he died in 1802. 

His first wife was buried on land since known as the" Fitz Pati'ick" place, and as the roads 
came to be straightened and worked, her body was exhumed and stolen away. One of the^chiofs 
of this tribe, Macompte, went to England previous to this time and performed the feat of shoot- 
ing an apple held in the fingers of one of the royal family, with his rifle. The bullet pierced the 
apple, and the hand was unhurt. Tip-se co, an Indian well known to the settlers of Macomb, 
also made a visit to the same country. He was a man of gi'eat speed and skill in wrestling, his 
principal feat being to run to a stake ten rods away and return before a horse and rider could 
make the like trip. This Indian is still living in Isabella County. 

The next family in the place was that of Potter, then Welch, Moore, Slater, etc. The first 
death was that of Bird, the first school teacher, who was buried in a lot a little south of the 
Congregational Chm-ch, which Mr. Wells had designed for a cemetery. The wife of Joshua 
Eaton was the next to be buried here. Her body was afterward removed, but that of Bii'd 
still lies where it was placed. 

In the winter of 1836-37, an Indian went out hunting and did not return. A heavy snow 
storm prevailing at the time, obliterated all trace of him, and although a thorough search was 
made, he could not be found. One day in spring, 1837, as Hartford Phillips was p)iloting a 
few lumbermen through the woods, a gun was discovered standing by a tree, and near by the 
body of the missing Indian, crushed beneath the fallen tree, which he had chopped down. The 
Indians identified the body and buried it. Three years later, the little settlement was called to 
mom-n its first fatal accident — the death of Anthony Wells. About this time Carleton Sabin 
pm-chased of Wells the 80-acre lot on which the southwest corner of the village is located, and 
lots were generally sold over the plat. It was discovered that an excellent water-power ex- 
isted here, which was developed in 1840 by Oel Rix and Dr. Sabin. The latter built a saw 
mill, while the former built a flouring mill. The nearest post office was six miles distant, at 
Phillip Cudworth's; but now the Memphians sought for an office of their own, which they did 
not succeed in ol)taining until eight years later. The naming of the village was then taken up. 
Belle River passes through the northern portion of the village, and so some of the inhabitants 
urged the adoption of the name " Belleview," others, who admired James G. Birney and his 
party, desired it .should be named "Birney," while others urged the name " Riley," in honor of 
the Indian chief who resided there. The name Memphis was suggested at length and adopted. 

The first physician was Dr. Sabin, who came in 1844, and remained there until 1854. He 
was succeeded in practice by Dr. Cole. 

The first religious services held in the " Wells settlement" was at the house of Mi-. Wells, 
and was conducted by Mrs. Chilson, whose son now lives in the village. This woman was a 
member of the Methodist E|)iscopal Church, and having the ability to address an audience in 
public, she thought herself called to iireachiog, which she did on many occasions. This was 



HISTORY OF ST. (LA lit COrXTY. 765 

in the year 1837. Soon after this. Elder Simons also preacboil in the ln)usi> lA .^[r. Wells. 
l7i 1M8U, aBiiptist C^hiircli was formed at the house of William Smith, \vh ) livtvl south of the 
villai,'e. The members of the organization were William Smith, William Wells, Groort^'e Will- 
iams and Deborah Simmons and their mother, ^Irs. William Smith, Johanna Eaton, and 
wife, Solomon Eaton and wife, J. Eaton, Jr., and wife, old Mrs. Wells and Durfoe Sim- 
mons, who was chosen Deacon. A house of worship was built for the church just formed, 
in the south part of the settlement, on the east side of the street. This was a small 
building, and was afterward removed south and tui'ned into a dwelling house. No other edi- 
fice of that denomination has since been erected. During the summ(>r of 1837, a Sabliath 
School was organized, which was not under the care of any denominatiim, but joined in by all. 
Sal)bath school exercises have been held almost continuously since that time. The Meth- 
odist class was the ne.xt to be formed, and in 1 HiO. the Congregational Church was formed. 
This was eflfected at the house of Deacon .4. (lilliert under the advice and direction of Rev. 
Seth Hardy, of Romeo. Seventeen members constituted the church at its organization, six of 
whom were from Romeo. Their house of worship was built in 1S42. The Methodist house 
was erected a few years later. The first pastor of the Congregational Church was Rev Charles 
Kollog, in 1841. He was succewded 1)V Rev. W. P. Russell, who labored with the church for 
the welfare of the community from -July. 184S, to the time of his death in LSSO. The first 
school was taught by !Mr. Bird, in a small k)g schoolhouso which stood on the west side of the 
village in the tovrw of Kiley. This man was a great l)eliever in the efficacy of the " birch " in 
sul)duiug the total depravity of average childhood, and persoveringly applied it on the slightest 
provocation. Tln> first female teacher was Harriet Stewart. Marriages were undoul)tedly cel- 
ebrated at an early date, but who was first doth not yet apjjoar. Miron Salisbury and Amelia 
S. Ellenwood were the first couple married by Rev. W. P. Russell, and he did his work in so 
satisfactory a manner that he was called upon afterward to unite the fates of 3U(j pairs. 

The first frame building was a liarn erected for Anthony Wells. The first house was a 
small frame one, by Mr. Rix, but the first sulistantial residence was that of Lewis Gilbert, in 
184(1, which is doing good service still. The first store was that of Oel Rix, who had a small 
stock of goods to meet the needs of his workmen. Among the tirst settlers of Memjihis still 
living among us may be mentioned Hartford Philli])s. who was born in Chenango Couuty,N. V., 
in 180',), and came to Memphis in 18:!i), having lived here coutinuuusly since that time. His 
wife, Polly Wade, of Rhode Island, a descendant of Roger Williams, of Puritan fame, died in 
1879, at the age of seventy-three years. There are others also who have given the helping 
hand to all the industries and improvements of our village, and to them all we say, peace to 
the closing days of life and joy in the bright hereafter. 

The village of Memphis was incorporated in the south schoolhouse on the 4th day of 
April, 18()5. The name was given some ten years previously. A portion of the citizens wished 
the young village to have the name Birney, after J. G. Birney; others wanted the name Belle- 
view, as the Belle River pas.sed through the place The name Mem])his, however, prevailed, 
which was given after the Egyptian city, and custom has made firm the name then suggested. 
An election was held on the date above given, at which the following were chosen: Sherman 
S. Eaton, President; Lewis Granger, Linus Gilbert, Oel Ris, Solon Spaiford, Joseph M. Beach, 
Hiram Burk. Trustees; L. G. Sperry, Clerk; Orrin Granger, Treasurer. 

The principal village officers from iSCfi to the present time ai-e as follows: 

IStit) — Sherman S. Eaton, President: Clark B. Hall, Clerk; Orrin Granger, Treasurer 

1867 — W. P. Russell, Pi-esid<>nt; Ezra Hazen, Clerk; G. L. Perkins, Treasurer. 

18(38 — R. B. King, President; Joseph H. Duttou. Clerk: Orrin Granger. Treasurer. 

18()9 — Lewis (Jranger, President: Josopli H. Dutton. Clerk; H. C. Mansfield. Treasurer. 

1870— Augustus M. Hodges, President: H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer: J. H. Dutton, Clerk. 

1871— A. M. Hodges, President; J. H. Dutton, Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 

1872 —Hiram Burk, President; J. M. DuttoQ, Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasuier. 

1873 — Sherman Eaton, President; J. H. Dutton. Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 

1874 — Sherman S. Eaton, President; J. H. Dutton. Clerk; H. C. Mansfield. Treasurer. 

1875 — George L. Perkins. President; H. C. Mansfield, Clerk; Chester S. Gilbert, Treas- 
urer. 



7<)6 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIE COUXTY. 

1876— G. L. Perkins, President; J. H. Diitton, Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 

1877 — Francis E. Spencer, President; J. H. Dutton, Clerk; H. C Mansfield, Treasurer. 

1878— Sherman S. Eaton. President; J. H. Dutton. Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 

1879 — Sherman S. Eaton, President; George W. Carman, Clerk; Chester S. Gilbert,, 
Treasurer. 

1880 — Joseph H. Dutton, President: George H. Carman, Clerk; C. S. Gilbert, Treasurer. 

ISSl—J. H. Dutton, President; G. W. Carman, Clerk; C. S. Gilbert, Treasurer. 

The Memphis Post Office was established in 1848, with Harry Rix as first Postmaster. His 
successors in otfice were: F. E. Gilbert, C. S. Gilbert, Thomas Robson, George Robson, S. P. 
Spafford, Joseph M. Beach, William Jenkinson, Orrin Granger, H. C. Mansfield, and George 
\V. Carman, the ja-esent Postmaster. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

In the following sketches of pioneers and leading men of the township may be found many 
instructive and entertaining incidents of settlement. The foregoing historic sketch embraces 
much subject of a valuable character; but to prevent, as far as possible, the repetition of facts, 
nothing that has been fully treated in the biogi'aphieal collection, is introduced into the 
historic sketch of the township. 

WILLIA:M BURT, farmer, Section 17, P. O. Riley Center, was born in the county of Kent, England, 
near the great metropolis, January 28, 1831 ; in June, 1827. he came with his parents to the United States ; 
landed in New i'ork City ; thence to Wayne County, N. Y., forty miles east of Rochester, where for sixteen 
years he worked on the farm, after which he rented and worked a farm for six years. By this time he had 
gained capital, and in 1853 he bought a farm of lift}' acres. In August, 1862, he enlisted, and served two years and 
eleven months in the war, and was wounded once at Cold Harbor and once at Cedar Creek. After he re- 
turned he sold his farm, and in 1806 he came West and bought eighty acres of wild land in the town of Riley, 
on Section 17, where he still resides ; since his first purchase, he has added fort}' acres, and improved from 
eighty-five to 100 acres of land. Is a member of the Baptist Church in Riley, and has been Deacon since its 
organization. Was married to Miss Mary McMillan, of Wayne County, N. Y.. on August 27, 1844, and is the 
father of six children — Elizabeth, John, Mary Jane, Jeanette. Margaret and Francis. Mrs. Burt and two of 
the daughters, Jeanette and Margaret, also belong to the Baptist Church of Riley, and are consistent and act- 
ive workers. Mr. Burt, bj' his honest industry and careful management, has placed himself as a useful mem- 
ber of society, and is held in high esteem by all who know him, 

MARTIN ELLIN WOOD, farmer. Section 18, P. O. Riley Center, was born in 1836, in Jefferson County, 
N. Y. Here he resided with his parents until nine years of age, attending the common school ; at the end of 
which time, his parents came West to Macomb County, Mich. In I860" he bought 120 acres of partly im- 
proved land in the town of Riley, Section 18, and has improved fifty acres and built a fine brick residence. 
At one time, he was ([uite extensively engaged in the dairy business, but is now confining his farming opera- 
tions to general farming. For sixteen years has been Postmaster, has been Town Clerk one 3'ear, Town 
Treasurer two years. Justice of the Peace eight years, and is at the present time Supervisor. Was married to 
Miss Beaman, of Shiawasse County, near Lansing. Mich., in May, 1805, and has two children— Amanda and 
Stella. Mrs. EUinwood and her eldest daughter are members of the M. P. Church, and both active workers. 
Miss Amanda is an accomplished nuisieian, and leads the choir on the organ. Mr. EUinwood is a successful 
business man, having accumulated a competent fortune by honest, industrious efforts, guided by keen, shrewd 
perceptive faculties, and fine business <|ualities. He is public spirited, and makes a liberal use of his wealth 
for the benefit of his community, he having contributed largely of his own means toward building both 
cliurehes of his town. Such men everywhere do honor to tbeniselves, and are an ornament to society. 

BEN,JAMIN FELKER, farmer. Section 17, P. O. Riley Center, was born in the town of Salt Fleet, On- 
tario, Canada, February 19, 1837. He lived with his parents until he was nineteen years of age attending the 
conunon school winters. In 18.56, he came to East Saginaw, Mich., where he worked two years learning the 
ship-carpenter's trade. From here he ret\u-ned to Canada, where he worked at farming three years, at the 
end of whieh time he returned to ^Michigan, working at his trade in Detroit and Marine City, in the shipyard 
tw(j years. From Marine ('ity he came to Riley, where he bought forty acres of wild land, which he has im- 
proved and to which added by subsequent purchases, until he now owns 30') acres of farm land, partly im- 
proved. He has himself improved about I'JO acres of land and is engaged in general farmim;-, and raises 
horses and sheep of good quality. He has lieen School Inspector, Road Commi.ssioner, and jiistice of the 
Peace for four years, and at one time Town Clerk. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Royal 
Arch Chapter and has been Senior and Junior Warden of his lodge. He was married to Mis"s Mariett Ray- 
mond, of tlic town of Riley, St. Clair County, January 34, 1804, aud has five children— Elnorah A., Amaret- 
tie C, Mary A., Sarah A. and Ruth. Eva (deceased). Mr. Felker is an honored and highly respected 
citizen. By his own efforts he has earned a handsome fortune, which will prove a solace in his declining 
years. 

MRS. ANNIE E. RIGG, Memphis, formerly Miss Annie E. Hubbard, is a native of Schenectady County, 
N. Y. She was brought up and attended sehool there, and in the fall of 1845 came to this State. There 
were three covered wagons, and sixteen in the company she came with. She went to her Uncle James Wells, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 767 

at Mcmpliis. lie was the first si'ttler there and took up a larjfo body of land. She taiij^ht sdiool. After lier 
sisters and brothers eanie tliey lived together. In 1809, she married James Rigg, a native of England. He 
came to this country in 18:^4. He was a carpenter and builder and died in February, \X7I). Mrs. Rigg lives 
in Memphis, and ovvns property there and here. Her sister. Mrs. Amy Stewart, formerly Miss Amy Hubbard, 
is a native of Schenectady ('ounly, N. Y., and came with her brothers to this countyin 1S47 and settled in 
the village of St. CUair and lived there live years, then moveil out on tlie farm. In 1.S70, she married Daniel 
Stewart, a native of Xew York State. He came here in 18+8, and died April. 187,'). Since then she has 
resided liere. She owns ten acres where she lives and other property. The two sisters are the only members 
of the family now livinu' hire. 



BERLIN TOWNSHIP. 



BERLIN Township forms the southwest corner of ujiper St. Clair. Like tho adjoining towns 
in Macoinl) and Lapeer connties, it possesses a fertile soil, and forms one of tho richest 
ayriciiltrral towns within St. Clair. Tho equalized valuation of Berlin in 1SS2, was !?3VI7,240. 
In 1845, it contained a population of 47') souls; in 1850, 538; in 18(31, U63; in 1870, 1,131; 
and in iSSO. 1,283. The township contains 22,1135 acres, watered by Belle River and a num- 
ber of minor streams. Among the first permanent settlers were: Elihu Granger, A. Doty, T. 
R. Halleck, A. Smith, Cyrus Stoddanl and Joseph Sweet. 

The first pttrchasers of the United States hinds in this townshij) were Theodore Romeyn, 
L. A. S]>alding. A. S. Richard, Delos Davis, F. Bruce, J. C. Vanchoonhoven, John Skinner. 
Cyrus Stoddard, Olive Northi\)|), Hosea Northro[), H. Porher, D. Alverson. Emmons Russell, 
A. McDiitV, Sylvester Warner. Jesse Norton, Boiijainin Durfee, Chloe Franklin. Joseph Du'-- 
fee, (Christian Lefevre, Benjamin Howard. Ephriam Chamberlain, Henry Frost, Aljih Finch, 
Ezra Finch. Asahel Bailey, S. Livermore. Calvin Bateman, Isaac A. Arnold, Henry Stone, H. 
Abiel, Chauncev Rice. 

.-^I'PKRVISOUS. 

Elihu Granger. 1S42; Svlves'er Warner, 1843; T. R. Hallock, 1844-45: F. Locke, ISW; 
H. Hoaley, 1847; Frederick Locke. 1848; Horton Healev, 184'.l-51; D. E. Frost, 1852; Mr. 
Hamilton, 1853-54; John Allen, 1855-50; D. E. Fros't, 1857-61: John Allen, 1862; Albert 
Doty, 1803-67; Charles Hebden, 1868; Albert Doty, 18(!'J-70; V. F. Granger. 1871; Albert 
DotV, 1872-75; A. C. Draper. 1870; Albert Dotv, "lS77; William O'Connor, 1878-80; Adam 
C. Draper, 1881: William O'Connor, 1882. 

.JUSTICES OF TIIK I'KACK. 

Hosea Northi-up, 183<J; Sylvester Warner, 1830; Rives Hallock, 1839; S. A. McGeorge, 
1839; Henry Stone. 1840; Sylvester Warner. 1841; Thomas R. Hallock, 1842: Rosellas E. 
Gould. 1843; Hort«n Healy, 1844; Elbert Doty, 1845; C. P. Stone, 1840; R. E. Gould. 1847; 
Horton Healy. 1848; Frederick Locke, 1849;" Albert Doty, 1849; Thomas M. Gould, !S50; 
Frederick Locke, 1851; George W. Pond. 1853; Amos N. Freeman, 1854; Moses Lamphire, 
1850; D. D. Kimball. 1857: M. J. Arnold, 1857; David McCrossan, 1858: Darwin. D. Kim- 
ball, 1859; William S. Ingraham, 18(>0: Daniel S. Frost, 1861; George Hall, 1861; Parker 
Bennett, 1802; Albert Sperry, 1802; Nathan Html, 1803; Oliver Dodge, 1803: Charles Heb- 
den, 1804; John B. Frost, 18(J5; Elihu (Granger, 1805: Nathan Hiird, 1800: F. F. Barber, 
1807; Charles Hebden. 1808: C. A. Snover, 1869; J. B. Frost. 1870: Nathan Hurd, 1870; F. 
F. Barber, 187j; Alvin D. McGregor, 18r2; Hiram Ingraham, 1873_; John B. Frost. 1874; F. 
W. Barber, lSi5; George A. Moirison. 1S7(): A. D. McGregor, 1877; Hiram Ingraham, 1878; 
0. D. Bryce, 1879; George S. Sharrard. ISSO: Albert P. Wbeeler, 1881: Garri.son E. Smith, 
1882. 

The township meeting, April. 1882. resulted in the election of the Republican ticket, 
excepting Supervisor. Highway Commissioner and one Constable, the first two being- Gre<>n- 
backers and the latter a Democrat, as follows: 

Supeiwisor — William O'Connor, G, B. 



768 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Clerk — Warren P. Wilson, Republican. 

Treasiu-er— Schuyler Jones, Republican. 

Justices of the Peace — Garrison E. Smith, Republican, tull term; John Tibbitts, Repub- 
lican, to till vacanc}'. 

School Inspector — Marshall F. Smith, Republican, one year; Robert Wilson, Republican, 
two years. 

Highway Commissioner — Amos N. Scott, G. B. 

Drain Commissioner, John L. Shepard, Republican. 

Constables — Jesse Trover. Democrat, Daniel O. Welch, George B. Berk, Alphius Dul- 
mage, Republicans. 

The IJerlin Grange, No. 463, P. of H., adopted articles of association July 14, 1875. The 
original members were A. D. McGeorge, William O'Connor, D. Granger, J. A Lown, C. T. 
Gillam, L. D. Hulbert, Amanda Gillam, Phoebe Granger. C. Edgerton, Levi Lockwood, Au- 
celine Granger, S. L. McGeorge and Ann R. Hugget. The association of P. of H. was incor- 
porated in January, 1873. The Berlin Grange was chartered July 21, 1874. 

Belle Rii-er Village, in Berlin Township, is about twenty miles west of Port Huron, fifty 
north c)f Detroit, and about four and a half miles south of Capac. 

Berville. known as Baker's Corners, is an old settlement in Berlin Township. It is dis- 
tant twentv-six miles from Port Huron, and ten miles south of Capac. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

CHARLES HEBDEN, farmer, P. O. Capac, was born iu Yorkshire, England, February 34, 1822. He 
lived in his native country Iwenty-one years and emigrated to the United States in 1843, and located in De- 
troit. Mich., and remained there one year. He then reiiioved to St. Clair County and located in Berlin Town- 
ship, where he has since lived. He opened and improved thfe farm on which he lived and died and where his 
family now reside. He was married in Mussey Town.ship, St. Clair County, Mich., in 185."). to Miss Malessa 
Burris, a native of New York, and they have five children living— Amanda, Elizabeth, Ella, Maria and-George. 
Mr. Hebden was a Master Mason, and was a member of the Church of England. He has held the office of 
Town Treasurer, Supervisor, and Justice of the Peace. He was a highly respected citizen of his town and 
county. He died in November, 1881, in the fifty-fifth vear of his age. 

WILLIAM C. HUGGETT, farmer and broom manufacturer, Section 16, P. O. Capac, was born Decem- 
ber 31, 1828, in England. At the age of seven years he came with his parents to America, when they located 
in Schenectady. N^ Y. In 1849, he came to Troy, Oakland Co.. Mich., where he engaged in the manufacture 
of brooms, and also in connection carried on a fiirm up to 18,'J4, when he came to the town of Berlin, where 
he settled cm 160 acres of land, which he opened up. raising grain and stock up to 1879. He made while here 
a specialty of graded stock and Esse.x hogs. Mr. Huggett's farm was the best cultivated in the county, and 
known as the "big fence farm." Mr. Huggett took "possession of hi.s present farm of eighty acres in 1879, 
which he carried oil till February, 1883, when he moved to Capac, where he engaged in the broom business in 
connection with his farming operations. Mr. Huggett was Scliool Director and Moderator, and Assessor of 
School District No. 6. Has also served as Constable several terms. In 1880, he took the United States census 
of Berlin ; was also one of the first builders of the M. P. Church of Berlin, in aid of which he donated $150 ; 
was Sabbath school Superintendent one year ; he was also an honored and active member of the M. P. 
Church. January 10, 1850, he was married to Miss Annie Green, of England ; have had one child, which 
died in infancy. Mr. Huggett has adopted, reared and educated three children, all of whom are now settled 
and have families of their own. Mr. Huggett has always been a stanch Repulilican ; a Delegate to the Coun- 
ty and State nominating conventions, and has been a Delegate to nearly all of the nominating conventions. 
In 1864, he joined tlie army, entering Company H of the Fourth Infantry of Michigan. Mr. Huggett is a 
gentleman of varied attainments and versatile talents, and possessed of principles of the strictest honor and 
scrupulous integrity, one whose every act has for its foundation tiie principle of rectitude and equity, as 
well as love for the welfare of his fellow-man. Indeed, such men— entirely self-made— give tone and digni- 
ty to any community in which they may live, and set a bright example for the rising generation. 

NELSON PRATT, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Capac, was born in Fr.inklin County, Vt., in 182G, and 
lived in Ids native State fifteen years ; then moved to the State of New York and remained there four years ; 
then removed to Canada, and remained there six years ; he tlien came to St. Clair County, Mich., and has 
lived in the county thirty-two years. He has a fine farm of 180 acres of land well improved. He was mar- 
ried in Port Huron, to Miss Martha J. Nailor, a native of New York City, and has five children— Herbert 
H., Henry V., Edwin F.. Emerson B. and Hattie A. 

SHERMAN SIIARR.VRD, farmer, Section 3. P. O. Capac, was born in Canada in 1846. where he was 
rai.sed on a farm and received a common .school education. In 1857, he came to St. ClairCounty, Mich. At the 
age of twcntv-two be commenced in the threshing business, which he carried on for a period of five years. At the 
end of this time, he went onto a farm in the township of Berlin, Section 4, for a short time. He then bought 
eighty acres in Section 3, which he has imprbved, anil has thirty acres under cultivation, raising "xain and 
stock. Is a member of the order of Odd Fellows and K. O. O. M. Was married to :Miss Annetta Reebe, of 
the State of New York, in 1871. Mr. Sharrard is a worthy gentleman, and a good and valued citizen, and 
highly respected by all who know him. 



IIISTOUY or ST. CLAIII COUNTY. 769 



MUSSEY TOWNSHIP. 

THE early pmehasers of I'nited States lands in Mnssey Township were Herman Humphrey, 
N. Dickinson, H. Imley, (Jeorge Beach, Lucius Lyon, E. L. Clarke. Jere Allis, Lyman Bur- 
gess, Ellis Smith, Emmons Russell, David Mack (Dewitt C. Walker, 1858), Daniel Alverson, 
John Tavlor, Ebenozer Youngman. Mark Faverlv, Artemus Walker, Theodore Komeyn, 188*5; 
Patrick Haggarty. 1854 

The first [)ermanent settlers were Daniel Alverson, W. Burk, R. Shutt, S. I. Faucher and W. 
B. Preston. 

The equalized value of the town is^ estimated at $290,785. The i)Oi)ulatiou has increased 
fi-om 800 in 1804 to 1,740 in 188(); its area of '22,180 acres, gives place to many lirst-class 
farms. The number of children of school age in the town in 1881 was 583. 

SUl'KKVISOI'.S. 

William B. Preston. 1855; O. J. Burge.ss, "1850; D. C. Walker, 1857; G. A. Funstan, 
1858; Richard Shutt. 1850; G. A. Funstan. 1800-04; William Chapman. 1S05: G. A. Fun- 
stan, INOO; M'. D. Churchill, 1807; G. A., Funstan, ISfW; Richard Shutt, lSGy-7':>; G. Alder. 
1871; (t. W. Curtiss, 1872; Richard Shutt, 1873-77; Sidney S. Brooker, 1878: ^\illiam Chap- 
man, 1S7V); Richard Shutt. 1880-82. 

.Il'snci;.-^ OF THK I'K.VCE. 

Daniel Alverson, 1857; Jellerson J. ^\■ilder, 1857; Mortimer C. Pomerov. 1858: Daniel P. 
Denton, 1850; Dewitt C. Walker, 1850; W. B. Preston, 1850-01; W. Y. Mead, 1800; Jefter- 
son J. Wilder. 1802; L. F. Partridge. 1862; John H. Downev, 1803-67; Perrin C. Goodell. 
1804; Reuben Banfill, 18()5; Nelson Churchill, 1867; M. C. Pomerov, 1.868-72; James Love, 
1808: Robert English. 1800; W. B. Preston, 1870-74; George H. Curtis, 1871-75: Reuben 
Bantill, 1871; John Herritt, 1878; Andrew Milspaugh. 1870: Graham Alder. 1877; W. B. 
Preston, 1878; H. J. Downev, 1870; Alonzo Wright, 1870; John Edmonds, 1880; Andi-ew Mil- 
spaugh, 1880; T. H. Bottomley. 1881; C. Wendt, 1882; Alonzo Wright. 1882. 

The following officers were elected to fill the township offices for the year 1882-83. all 
Republicans except Richard Shutt: Supervisor^Richard Shutt; Clerk — John Hewitt; Treas- 
luvr— Sidney S. Brooker; Justice of the Peace — (full term) Christian Wendt; (fill vacancy) 
Alonzo Wright; Highway Commissioner — Albert G. Tosch: Drain Commissioner — Nelson 
Churchill; School Inspector — two years. Duncan Patterson; one year, Uobert JIcGurk; Con- 
stables — William Roy, Benjamin Sidell. Hezekiiih .\.llen, Archibald J. McNaught. 

(•.\I'.\C .<\VAM1'S. 

Capac Swamps have b(>en objects of ridicuhs especially by residents of neighboring vil- 
lages, for years [)ast. Imt the time is coming when Capac caa laugh at its revilers. as the 
swamps are being rapidly developed from wet. disease-ln-eeding lands into some of the best 
garden lots in the whole country. One person who seems to have foresight to this efi'ect is 
Mr. Lester, who Las bought up over 1,500 acres of the great eastern swamp, and is now hav- 
ing the slashings cleared up and numei'ous ditches dug. in order to properly drain the land. 
The labor in this direction is l)eing performed by Germans, who came to this country last 
spring. Capac is not by any means entirely surrounded by swam])s. bnl has within its terri- 
toi'y some of the best farming lands in tlu> county. 

But few persons have any idea of the commercial importance of the cranberry to the State, 
though the berry is acknowledged and .appreciated by all as the last fruit of the season, in the 
year 1870, there were mere than 4.0nO acres of land used for the cultivation of this berry, and 
at present more than twice that area is under cultiv.ition. and fully twice as much used as wild 



770 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

marsh, where the berry grows to as high a state of perfection as in a cultivated marsh, although 
the yield cannot be as great on account of the inaccessibility. The cultivation of the berry 
consists simply in ditching, damming, draining and flooding the marshes at proper seasons of 
the year, the plants or vines being under water from November till May. To the cultivator, 
the berry is a paying investment, as it costs but little to raise, and yields in return about thirty 
per cent, net, annually, on the investment in lands, selling in market for from $2.5(.) to 14.50 
per bushel. Michigan is said to be almost entirely free from the blight common in the New 
Jersey marshes, and from the worm to be found in the marshes of Connecticut, and the atten- 
tion of Eastern capitalists, who are becoming interested in the cultiu'e of the berry, is being 
drawn to the marshes of this State. 

CAPAC VILLAGE. 

In 1857-58, a band of pioneers from llomeo, under the leadership of Judge "Walker and 
George A. Funstan, settled in the wilderness, which gave place to the village of Cajiac. Fun- 
stan chopped the first tree, where he built the National tHotel. This man conducted the estab- 
lishment until his removal to St. Clair, to take charge of the City Hotel there. 

The village contains three general stores, four grocery stores, two hardware stores, two 
millinery stores, three hotels, di'Ug store, jewelry store, post office and stationery store, agri- 
cultural implement depot, two furnitiure stores, brick yard, two meat markets, saw and flouring 
mills, foundry, planing mill, marble works, wagon shop, two elevators, shoe shops, harness 
shop, blacksmith shops, livery stable, besides four doctors, a barber, a tailor, two lawj^ers, a 
dentist, dress-makers and others in the business line. In religious and educational matters, the 
town stands well up, having Baptist and Methodist Episcopal Churches and a Methodist Protest- 
ant (brick) just building, within the village limits, and the German Methodist and Lutheran 
chru-ehes one. half mile north of the village, while one of the finest brick school buildings in 
the land graces the northwestern part of the village proper. This latter building was erected 
some three years ago, at a cost of nearly $8,000 —a beautiful building on the outside, and fur- 
nished on the inside to correspond with its outward appearance. The village pastors are Rev. 
E. J. Doyle, Rev. F. E. Pearce and Rev. H. D. Miller, of the Baptist, Methodist Episcopal 
and Protestant Methodist respectively. The Principal of the school is Prof. K. M. Fisher, who 
has been ably assisted during the past year by Miss Lottie Cooley, of Dryden, as First Assis- 
tant, and Miss Jennie Warren, of Capac, as Second Assistant. Mr. Fisher has been retained 
another year, at an increased salary. 

In the northern portion of the village is situated the Capac Agricultural Society's grounds, 
where the society holds its annual meetings. 

In the way of distinguished men, Capac has her cpiota, as here lives D. C. Walker, who has 
represented his county both in the Senate and the House, and for four years filled the office of 
Judge of Probate, besides having borne a prominent part in the early history of the State and 
county. The present honored Senator has his residence here. Thomas H. Bottomley, at one 
time a Representative from this district, and for some years presiding officer in the Grand 
Lodge of the I. O. G. T., has a pleasant home on Main street. 

The village has lodges of F. & A. M., L O. O. F., K. of P., I. O. G. T., and K. O. T. 
M. , although organized last of all, is undoubtedly the strongest of all. 

In manufactories the village has never made a great mark, but its future begins to look 
brighter. Mr. Gurley Lester has recently pm-chased the Cohoe planing mills, and will at once 
put in a force of men, who will turn out large quantities of sash, doors, blinds and moldings, 
and also wagons and smaller agricultural implements. Locke & Warn are turning out large 
quantities of work from their foundry this season, while James Banfill, the miller, has found 
his mill inadequate for the demands upon it, and is, therefore, now engaged in putting up an 
additional story, and will also put in considerable new machinery, which will be ready for fall 
business. Herbert Seigel has, within the past three or four years, tui-ned out a large number 
of nobby spring wagons, but his too close attention to business now necessitates a change, which 
he will soon make by accepting a position with Mr. Lester in his new industry. 

John Echnunds is the proprietor of the Capac Marble Works, and has long since accpiired 
a reputation for fii-st-class work. He has a pretty little shop on West Mill street, where he is 



HISTOHY OF ST. C'l.AIH COUNTY. T71 

turuiii^ out his <iuotii of work. ()u aceouiit of last wiutor boin^j; so unfavorable, very few log.9 
wore luiulod into tho niillyanl, rdsiiltiui^ in tho bi^ saw boini^ laid away to rest. The brick 
yard is owned and controlled by L). Walkiu'. He is now eni.jatj((d ii^ g<>tting out the brick for 
the n(>w Protestant Jlethodist Chnrch. 

C'apac is an incorjiorated village, being governed by a I'residont and six Councilnion. 
Tli(* village has nice streets and good sidewalks. 

It was named after Manco Capac, one of the first i'eruviiui Emperors, the title being given 
by Judge Dewitt C. Walker, the founder of the village. 

Tlio first Methodist Episcopal church building was erected in IST"). This was blown down 
a short time afterward. A new building was (ronmienced. and this was swept away by the 
tornado of June 11. ISTU. The present church was built and dedicated without further 
injury from the storm fiend. 

The Capac Agricultural Society was organizi^d October 21. ISTN. with D. (' Walker, Presi- 
dent; H. J. Downey, \'}ce I'resident; D. TattersoD. Secretary, and Dewitt Walker. Treasurer. 
The Directors were Kichard Shutt, William Chapman, John T3urt. William Bealey, A. Mils- 
paugh, H. Allen, A. C. Downey, William York. Charles Hebden, S. A. Calloy, Adol])h Cohoe 
and N. B. Eldredge. 

Its location on the G. T. A: C. R. 1!., as well as the enterprise of its ciMzens, has given 
to the place an air of importance sadly wanting in other old settlements of the coun y. It 
boasts of churches, schools, a newspaper, a local government, well-kept stores, a few industries, 
and is undoubtedly destined to take a leading place aim)ng the settlements of the interior. 

HIOGR.AI'IIK Al.. 
The following personal history of the township constitutes a very essential part of the his- 
tory of the coi^nty. It is tlie recoril of industry, of enterprise and of duty done. 

.lAMES H. BANFlbL, millci- aiul mill owner, was born in the Slate of New York in 1837. He came to 
Micliigau witli liis parents at Uie age of seven years. At the acre of twenty, went to work .it the carpenter's 
trade, and. eontuuied five years, at the end of wliieli time he ent<red a woolen mill, where he worked three 
years. Was then in the shinirle business eighteen months. In lS(i7. he eame to Capac and built a saw and 
grist mill in company with iMillspaugh. fn 18T7. he took full charge of the mill property, and has since run 
them on his own aeeount. Owns a residence and tweuly acres of land in the town of ('apae. Was elected 
Councilman of the village, and was School Moderator and Director for three years. Is an Odd Fellow. Good 
Templar and T. O. M. K.. and also a member of the >Iethodist Episcopal Chnrch. Was nnirried to Miss 
Mary Denton, of Jlicliigan, in IS.'iH. They have nine cidldren — Viola. Iteuben, .lames. Lizzie, Nellie, llaltie, 
Benjamin. Fraidclin and Daniel. His wife is a niendur of the Good Templars. 

ANI)I{E\\ .1. lUCKFOKD. dealer in hardware and mannfaclnrer of tin. sheet iron and copper ware, wji.s 
horn in the State of XewYork in !S:i(>, and reared in tlie agriculliiral profession. Received a Imsiness educa- 
tion, an<l at the age of twenty si.\, engaged in the tin business as salesman, al which he continued until 1S.58. 
He then went on a farm, where he stayed until IStjl, at which time he joined the army and served till 1%3. 
He then began the manufacture and selling of tin ware at Richmond. Jlich.. where he remained till 1870, 
when he came to Capac and opened his preseiU place of business. Is a member of the Methodist Epi.-^copal 
Church. Good Templars. Freemasons and Knighls of l^ythias. He is Treasurer of the Good Tenjplars. class 
leader and steward in the Methodist Fi)isco|ial Chnrch. Was married to Miss Hannah Clark, of Canada, in 
1857. Have two children living — Sarah .V., Howard A.. .\lia K.. deceased. 

CIIKISTOI'HEK BHAKER, farmer. Section '^s, 1^ O. t'apac. was born in Russia August !t, 18.S1. whore 
he lived with his parents until he was twelve years of age. In 18-1:5. hi.s i)areiUs emigrated to America, locat- 
ing; in the State of New York, where he remained with his parents until IS.")!. .\t this time, he came west to 
Michigan, slopping for awhile near Romeo. ?iIacomb Counly. In 18,"i-J. he bought 160 acres of wild land in 
Section JS, in the Township of Mnssey. Si. Clair Co., Mich., on which he lias since lived. Mr. Braker is a 
general farmer, raising a variety of grains, and slock sudicieiil for his nwn use. Is a member of the Free- 
masons, having advanced to the degree of Master Mason. In IS7VI. Mr. Braker Was married to Miss Mary 
Hollister. No children. Mrs. llollisler was at one time a memb<r of the order of Good Templars, and held 
the office of Right Hand Supporter. Jlr. Braker assisted in orgaiuzing a school that originally belonged to 
Capac, and one of the first in the township. Mr. Braker has. by his own manly efforts, won an honorable 
position amongst his fellow-meir. having converted his lands, onee a "' howling wilderness." into a veritable 
garden, where he can run the "down grade" of life in ease and comfort. 

HON. THOMAS 11. BOTTOMLEY. Among the represintalive men of St. Clair Counly, is the Hon. 
Thomas H. Bollimdey. He was born in the town of Soulhouram. Yorkshire. England, on the .">lh day of Oc- 
tober, 1837. where his early life was spent. Mr. Bollonilev was educated at the Sallraltble .Vcademy. York- 
shire, England, receiving a liberal e<hicalion. He came to the United States in the year 18."i4, and took up his 
residence in the city of Bulfalo, N. Y. Here he resided until bSolS, when he emigrated to New Baltimore, 
Macomb Coimty, where, by his great energy and business lacl, he placed himself in comfortable circumstances 



772 HISTORY OF ST. f'LAIR COUNTY. 

and gained the respect of his fellow-ritizens. From here lie removed to Romeo, where an extensive Irasi- 
ne.ss "was perfected in lioop-skirts, etc., in 1865, and remained until the sprinj;- of 1872, from which phiee he 
removed to tlie village of Capae, St. Clair County, where his good qualities were soon ascertained bj- the 
people, and rewarded by his nomination and election as representative of the Third District of that county 
in the State Legislature, in November, 1872. He served in that body during its session of 1873-74. Mr. Bof- 
toraley has held several offices of trust in the different places where he has resided, which invariably were 
administered with credit to himself and fellow-citizens. At present, he is one of the largest merchants in the 
village where he resides, and is doing a profitable business, not only in the mercantile line, but also as the 
contractor of the Lynn and Maple Valley State Ditch, In the spring of 1873, he was elected to the Village 
Council for the term of two years. In 1875, he was elected President of the village for one year. In 1874, 
was elected a member of the Scliool Board to fill a vacanc}' of one year, and elected to two terms of three 
years each to the same position. Was chairman of the Building Committee who erected the present magnifi- 
cent school building, which was one of the best business affairs financially, ever known throughout the entire 
State. In this connection it is but proper to state tbat Mr. Bottomley, as chairman of such commmittee, in 
the faithful discharge of the duties imposed upon him acquitted himself in a manner most creditable to him- 
self, as well as to the great satisfaction of his constituents, lie was also chairman of the Building Commit 
tee for building the Baptist Churcli inl873, and has been a Trustee of the same, and has been since its organiz- 
ation. Has built thirty miles of ditches and six miles of road in this county, and tweutv miles of ditches and 
twenty-tive miles of road in other counties, and has now on hand five miles of road to complete some time 
within the present year. Is a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars and K. P.'s. Has been 
at the head of the order of the Good Templars, and was Presiding Officer two 3'ears and Vice Chancellor of 
the K. P.'s, Has been a representative of the Right Grand Lodge to New York, Topeka, Kas,, and Charles- 
ton, S, C.. and is now elected to go to Chicago in 1883, at which time and place the Right Grand Lodge of the 
World will assemble, and has been on the Board of Council of the Good Templars for ten years; has met 
regularly once every three months Was elected to the office of .lustice of the Peace in 1880, for four years; 
and is also a memlier of the County Republican Committee. Was married to Jli.ss Elizabeth Jones, of New 
Baltinrore, in \S't\l They have three children — David E.. Henry T. and Ida May. Arthur, deceased. Is Presi- 
dent and Director of the Good Templars Mutual Life Association, of the State of Michigan. He owns 4,000 
acres of cedar and pine lands in the State, three farms in Macomb County, 200 .acres in the county seat of 
Sanilac County, Owns 4t)0 acres cranberry marsh in this county, also several stores and three residence 
properties in Capac, 

JOHN T, BRINK, dealer in horses, cattle, pumps and livery keeper, was born in the State of New York 
July 30, 1849, and reared as an agriculturist, receiving a business education. At the age of five years, his 
parents came West to Michigan, and settled in St. Clair County, where he remained three years in Lynn 
Townsliip, After this, he went to reside with his uncle in Waj'ne County, Mich., where he remained four 
years, after which he returned to Ij.ynn, and going to the lumber woods two years, then in the same business 
at Saginaw for one year. He next engaged in the hardware bvisiness in Cleveland for one year; then again 
to the lumlier woods for one year in Muskegan; then returning to Lynn, where he remained till the fall of 
1863, at which time he entered the volunteer force, enlisting in Company K, of the regiment of meclianics 
and engineers, it being the First Michigan, from which he was mustered out in the fall of 1864. On being 
mustered out, he returned to Lynn, St. Clair County, and after remaining a short time went to Saginaw, 
where he worked for six years in the lumber business. In 1871, he again returned to Lynn, where he worked 
on a farm till 1881, at which time he came to Capac and established his present liusiness. Has held the office 
of Deputy Sheriff two years and tbat of Constable several j'ears. Is a member of the order of K. O. O. M. 
He owns a residence in the village of Capac. In 1873, Mr. Brink was married to Miss Annie Allen, of Michi- 
gan, bv whom he has one child, Allen Andrew, He is a member of the Swedenborgian Church. 

WARREN D. CHURCHILL, farmer. Sections 8 and !•, P. O. Capac, was born in Canada, in the town of 
Zora, in 1831, and reared in the agricultural business. In 1840, he came to the town of Berlin, in St. Clair 
County, Mich. For a time he worked as a day laborer, and in 18.")7 he settled on his present place, which 
contains 160 acres, 140 of which are improved, which he cultivates, raising chiefiy grain and stock. His stock 
list comprises about 200 head of stock, including cattle, sheep and swine. During one winter he officiated as 
a landlord, having t.aken a hotel in the city of St. Clair for a short period, where he made hosts of friends. 
Has Ijeen School Director for sixteen years; was elected Townshi]i Treasurer three terms, and was Supervisor 
one term. Mr. Churchill was married to Miss Emma Palmer, of England, in bS.IO, by whom he has three 
children — .Vlfrcd B., Nettie B. and George W, Mr, Churchill is a gentleman of rare qualities, being firm and 
sincere in his convictions, unobtrusive in manner, as gentle and kindly disposed as a child; )'et possessed of 
that firm determination and progressive spirit which has built u\i our country and its institutions; in short 
and in fact, a self-made man, 

HENRY H. COLLINS, farmer, Section 12, P, O. Capac, was born in the State of New York in 1838, In 
1K40, his parents came to Detroit, Mich., where thej' remained six years, at the end of which time he lefl the 
paternal roof and went to Madison, Ind., where he was employed as teamster for one year. After this he 
joined Yankee Robinsons it Eldridge's show, traveling with if for one season. After Ibis, he worked on a 
farm in Dhio for a period of nine months, then returning to Madison, where he remained three years, work- 
ing on a faitn, and in the winter running on fiat-boats, coasting down the Mississippi, returning in the spring. 
He ran as mate one se;ison on the steamer Argo, from Vicksburg to Yazoo City, Miss. Here he engaged in 
building cotton gins for one year, after which he accepted the responsible position of over.seer on a plantation 
until the year 18o9. He tlicn returned to Detroit, where he remained until the spring of 1860, when he again 
engaged as a farm hand until Novemlier 23, 1862, At this time he entered the volunteer force, joining the 
Ninlii .Michigan Cavalry, Company C, serving three years. Was promoted to Orderly, and in tlie spring of 
186-1 he was promoted to Second L'ieutenant, Company A, On the !»th of August, !■'*(")."), was discharged, and 



lIlSTOUy OF ST. CLAIU COUNTY. 773 

was then prumotcd to llu' First LifUtcmincy. which wns honorary, for meritorious services. Was shot tlirough 
the right hand while on Sherman's march" to tlie sea, at Cyprus Swamp. Ga.. whik- in cliarfrc of the rear 
guarfi of K. Patrick's Cavah'y. At tlie end of his military career he returned again to Detroit, where he en- 
tered into tlie grocery business, in which he continued two years. Closing out his liusiness in Detroit, he 
next went to Thunder Bay, JFich.. where he found eni|)loyment as a hand in the lumber woods one winter. 
Returning to Detroit, he opened an intelligence odice. continuing si.\ months. .Vftcr this, he went to the 
lumber woods in .Mecosta County, wheic he ri'mained seven years, spending the winters in the lumber busi- 
ness and the balance of each season at the carpenter business, except six months, which were devoted to the 
grocery busiiu'ss. .\fter tliis tinu', he I'nibarked in the grocery business in Big Hapids. where he conliiuied 
four months, and then sold out to his partner. He then set out for the Golden State, but having gone as far 
as Ogden, Utah, he remained there four montlis in building a tloiuing mill, and while there had the lu)nor of 
acting as one of the Grand I>()d.!<<' oflicers, dedicating a new lod.ge for Masonic uses. His next stop was at 
Salt Lake City for a short time, and while there visited tlie great .Mormon Temi)lc. saw llieir great chief, 
Brigham Young, and heard Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt and olliers preach, and then on to .\lla, whiire lie 
worked ,'il the carpenler's trade in the Xnrth Star -Mine for two montlis; llieii back to O.uden and on to Vir- 
ginia City, Nevada, where' he pursued the carpenter business eight months. From here he proceeded to San 
Francisco, where he remained a short time. From here we find him retracing his sle|is back to Si. Clair 
Count.v, where he settled on his present home of l~*(i acres, forty acres of which he has improved, ami luns 
as a grain and stock farm. In lS7i). he rented his farm for three years, for the inujio.se of erectin.ir a large 
flouring mill in Capae, having previously made arrangements willi a gentleman of means, who was to fur- 
nish the capital, but for some reason h<' failed to <-omply with his part of tlie contract, and consei|Uenlh' llie 
mill was never completed. In issii, he regained iiossession of his farm, where lie has since remained. Was 
School Inspector, is now School Treasurer, and has liccn for three years. Jlr. Collins is a member of the 
order of Freemasons and also of the Knight Templars. On the 7lh day of December, 1SIJ4, he was wounded 
in the right hand by a Confederate otHcer, while in char.ge of the rearguard of Kilpatrick's Cavalry, by hav- 
ing the stock of a pistol driven through his hand. 5Ir. Collins has traveled extensively, and b eilig a close 
observer of men and things, has accumulaled a fund of practical knowledge such as few luen attain. .Starl- 
ing out in life without any means or resources. s;ive his own indomitable will, coupled with tact and great 
executive ability, he lias fought his way to an honorable position among his fcllow-nien, and .secured ami)le 
means, which will provide for all contingencies. 

G. W. CURTIS, farmer. Section l,'!, P. O. Capae, was born in the State of New "i'ork in 1SI9, and was 
raised in the agrieiiltural profession. At the age of ten he was thrown on his own resources. He then 
worked on a farm till fifteen years of age. From Ibis time till he arrived at the age of twenty, he worked 
on a farm during the summer and attended school in the winter. He then went to Pennsj-lvania, where he 
farmed it i hi ring the suininer and followed lumlKMingdurinL;' the winter till is.')",t, at which time became to Mich- 
igan and loc;it('(/ on his ]irescni home of '.'Stl acres, which h<' has improved and is now working as a slock farm. 
He has i;JO Hci-es under cultivation. Ksi|uirc Curtis donated .sy."!* I toward building the Baptist Church and 
$T,"> for the brick church. He also subscribed s;-J,"> to the railroad toward building a depot; also •?*! for the 
Fair Grounds. lie also assisted in organizing the first church in the town; also the School District No. 7, to 
which he donated §iUil. Is a member of the Protestant Methodist Cliurch. and also of the order f>f Free- 
nuisons, and was Highway Commissioner of the town of JIussey, .Justice of the I'eaee twelve years, ,iiid was 
elected Supervisor two terms; also ("lerk of the town of Otsego two years and Supervisor of the same four 
years; was chairman of the board two years. In IS41, he was married to Miss Angeline Williams, of Penn- 
sylvania, and has four children — David F,. Susan A., Robert JI, Francis A., and .lohn F., adopted. Mrs. 
Curtis is also a menilier nf the Protestant Cluiich. Jlr. Curtis is. in ever\' respect, a most estimable citizen, 
a Christian gentleman, and of the class that build up coniniunities, that are an honor to themselves, their 
couiilrv and their (Jod. 

RFV. EDWARD .I.DOYLE, pastor of the Free Will Baptist Cliureh of Capae. was born in Nova Scotia 
in 1831. At the age of three years his parents removeil to New Brunswick, where he remained until twenly- 
five years of age. He studie<l theolo.iry at the Theological Seminary of New Brunswick. In IS."i|. he came 
to Canada, where he remained six year^ion a farm and in the lumber business. In I8()ll. he came to Michigan 
and located in I.apecr County, where he entered the ministry. He also improved a farm of lC<t acres, and 
also built a saw mill and opened a store, all of which were burned <lown in 1871. In 1873. he came to St. 
Clair County, locating in the village of Capae, taking charge of the church here and also one at Riley Cen- 
ter. He has or.ixanized three churches in St. Clair County and three in Lapeer C(mnly. also, two in Tu.scola 
County; also assisted in organizing four lemper,in<-c societies and is now aiiling to organize one in Riley Cen- 
ter, He is a member of the State Home Mission Soiiety and has been for twelve years, and is agent of the 
Slate Board of Correction and Charities for St. Clair County, appointed by Gov. .lerome in I'^'si. He was 
married to Miss Mary J, .McMan, of Xew Brunswick, in lS.")l'. They have seven living children— Charlotte, 
.Vlice, Eliza. Lucintla, .Alexander F.. Charies L. and Xeltie. lie lost his wife in 1870. He was married to 
-Miss Henrietta MeNauirht. of Jliehigan. in 187-J. Thev have one child, named Eva. 

ELBERT M. FISHER. Principal of the high school, was born in the Stale of New York in Is-M. and 
was reared in the agricultural profession. He came with his parents to Michig.in in l^l">-"i, where he worked on 
a f;irm till IsiiO, then wi'iil into the mill business, wlure he worked till he was nineteen years of age, at 
which time he lost his hand by an accident, in the month of May. In the following -liih' he started a school 
in the town of Tuscola, which he continued till the last of .lannary. at which lime he begsm leaching in 
the district, when he laiighl there a four moiilhs' session, aflcr which hi' taught one term in Millinglon; from 
here he went to Freeland, Saginaw County, where he remained teaehin.!; in the graded schools. From here he 
went to Bridgeport, Saginaw County, where he taught school two years. In the mean lime he had taken 
one term at Ypsilanti, .Mich., and two terms at Vai|iaiaiso, Iiid. "In 18■'^ll, he was elected President of the 



774 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

Saginaw Couuty Teachers' Association for one year. He then came to Capac and took the position of Princi- 




order of Good Templars, and is Vice Temphir. 

HENRY GRANT, carpenter. Section 14, P. O. Capac, was born in Germany in 1852, and in 1856 he came 
to Canada with his parents, where he remained until 1859, at which time he came to the United States, locating 
in Capac, St. Clair Co., Mich. Mr. Grant was reared on a farm and received a business education. At the 
age of twenty-t%vo years he commenced carpenter work on his own account, wliich he follows during the 
simmier season and the balance of the year works at lumbering. He owns an eighty acre farm, whicli he has 
helped to open up. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a gentleman of influence 
ancl sterling integrity. 

JOHN HEWITT, cabinet-maker and furniture manufacturer, was born in St. Clair County, Mich , in 
1843, and was reared in the agricultural piofession, and received a collegiate education. He joined the army 
at eighteen, and remained in it three years and two months, at the end of which time he returned to Michi- 
gan and worked at the carpenter and "join(M- business up to 1878, when he engaged in the furniture business. 
He was a Justice of the Peace in Capac one year, and is now Town Clerk, which position he has held for 
four years. He is a member of the K. O. T. Sl.'s. He was married to Mi.ss Marion B. Weir, of Scotland, 
in 18li4. They have four children — Thomas, Angle, Nellie and Pearl. 

FRANCIS M. HtJUGH, farmer, on county line between St. Clair and Lapeer Counties, P. O. Capac, St. 
Clair County, was born In Ohio, in 1851, and was reared in the agricultural profession and received a business 
education. He was taken to New York State by his parents in infancy and came to Jlichigan at the age of 
eighteen and was engaged in farming and other business seven years. He then came to Capac and worked 
on a farm eighteen months, and was then engaged at other work about seven months. In iSTtj, he opened 
and improved a farm of forty acres, which he has since run as a grain and stock farm. Mr. Hough also loans 
money on short time. He was married to Miss Emma Crippm, of Michigan, in 1875. They have one child, 
Gladys Winn, born July 15, 1882, Mr. Francis M. Hough is the only child of his mother, Mrs. S. A. Hough, 
who was born in the State of Ohio in 183.5. ]Mrs. Hough was taken to the State of New York bj' her parents 
in infancy, where she lived until 1848, at the end of which time she returned to Ohio and remained until 18.53, 
then came to Grand Rapids, Mich., where she renutined one year. She then returned to the State of New- 
York in 1854 and remained until 1869; she then went to La Porte, Ind., where she remained a short time and 
came to Capac, St. Clair Co., Jlich,, in 1870, and 'opened her present business. Mrs. Hough built her resi- 
dence and business house, and lias been very successful in her business. She was married to Mr. John Hough, 
of New Jersey, in 1849, bj' whom she has one child, Francis M. She lost her hu.sband in 1852, in the State 
of Ohio, after a short illness. 

PETER KELLEY, farmer. Section 32, P. O. Capac, was born in Ireland, in 1824. While yet a child he 
came with his parents to Canada, where lie lived fourteen j-ears, after which time he came to Michigan, stop- 
ping in the city of St. Clair. Here for five years he followed sailing, and working at the cooper's trade. In 
1854, he settled on his present farm of 100 acres, 110 of which he has liim.self improved, raising grain and 
stock, as his principal business. Mr. Kelley was Hi,ghway Commissioner for five years. School Director and 
School Moderator for several yeais. Mr. Kelley is an honored member of the ancient order of Freemasons. 
Was married to Miss Elizabeth Hill, of Canada," by whom he has four children — Royal, William J., Eugene 
and Emergine. In 18()4, he joined the army, doing service in the engineers' and mechanics' regiments. Com- 
pany K, and mustered out in 1865, Mr. Kelley, like so many of his co-Ialiorers who came to this part of the 
State, when it was in its primeval state, has done his share toward building up the proud State of Michigan. 
and his children, as well as his children's children, will revert with pardonable pride to the part their noble 
sire took in surely laj'ing its foundation of greatness. 

I). C. LEWIS, clealer in cattle, hogs and sheep, was born in the State of New York, in 1832. Was reared 
in the village; received a business education. At the age of twenty-eight, came to St. Clair County, Mich., 
and opened a meat market in Memphis, where he continued three years. In 1866, he removed to Capac, where 
he opened a general store, which he continued until 1872. The ne.xt five years he clerked it, after which he 
established his present business. Was elected Township Treasurer sever.al times, and assisted in organizing 
the graded school in the village of Capac. Handles from 1,000 to 2,000 head of cattle per annum, and about 
1,000 head of sheep, and from 200 to 500 head of hogs. Was married to Miss Martha Bates, of Michigan, in 
186(1. Have two children — Halma and Julia M. 

GURLEY LESTER, dealer in dry goods, groceries, farm implements, lumlier, building material, doors, 
sash and blinds and real estate, was born in St. Clair County in 1841. and reared in the agricultural profession. 
At the age of nineteen he began life by opening a general store. In 1861, went East on a visit, where he re- 
mained four months, after which he returned to Michigan ami opened a store in the town of Berlin, where he 
(■ontinued until 1869, at which time he came to Capac and opened a general 'store. In 1876, he added a de- 
partment of hardware to his store, and in 1878, also engaged in the real estate business, buying at that time 
1,040 acres of swamp east of Capac. since which time he lias added by purchase .560 acres more. In 1882, he 
added to his already extensive business, that of sash, doors and blinds. In Sanilac and St. Clair Counties, owns 
about 2,000 acresof land: also owns ten residences and four business properties in the town of Capac. He is a 
memlier in good standing of the order of Odd Fellows. Was married to Miss Mary J. Seigel. of Germany, in 
1H74. They have two children —William and Lawrence. Mrs. Lester was a teacher at Jlount Clemens and 
taught school the last three years. Mr. Lester Is a splendid speciman of the genuine western man. whose 
large possessions speak volumes, and will serve as a bi-acon light to the rising generation, and show them 
what shrewd business tact, with indomitable will and perseverance, has accomplished for him and may do 
for them. 



HISTOKY or ST. CLAIR COINTY. 775 

JAMES LOVE, farmer, Section 14. P. (). Cupiic, was born in Seotland Mareli 8, 1S2<). At a tender age 
he came witli his parents to Canada, where Ik; remained nine months, after which he came willi his father's 
family to Michiiran, wliere he wa.s reared in the agricultural [irofession and re<:eived a liberal education. In 
1S.")(), he set out in life for hiniscir. hiring out at $l(t..">ll per monlli. for one y<'ar. In ihe fall and winter of 
IS.M, Ik; attended school six months. For si.\ years he si)cnl his winter S(;a.sons allendiiif^ .school and working 
oil. a farm in the summer; during lM.")(i-.JT wa.s at home out of health, when he remained on the fartii till 1><G7. 
At this time he sold out his farm and removed to the town of Mussej'. St. Clair Co., Mich., where he Ixiughl a 
farm of eighty acres, where he now resides. His home farm lie has finely improved; has a tine orchard and 
other fruit. He owns four shares in the cheese factory, of which he is also Treasurer and Director, the pro- 
ducts of which amount to about seven Ions annually. Is a member of the Congregational Church, Freema- 
sons; was School l)ircclnr two years, and a Justice of the Peace two years. Mr. Love was married to Miss 
Alic<- Parker, in Ciinada, Jaiuiarj- 1, ISTi, and has three children — Robert, Norman and Margiierette. Mr. Love 
started in life without a penny, commencing as a hand at !i!l().."iO per month, and has gradually come up from 
nothing to affluence and an enviable position in society; is an ardent temperance advocate, and a wisher of 
good to mankind generally. .Mr. Robert Love, (he father of James, was born in Scotland. While his eldest 
son James was of a tender age, he immigrated to America, landing at Quebec, when' he remained nine 
months, after which h(; removed to St. Clair Chy. and then to Bell River, in the town of China, where he re- 
maiiu'd eight years. After several changes, in l.'^.'iO, he bought an eight}' acre farm, which he operated till 
1867, when he emigrated to Missouri, Macon County, where he remained fourteen years on a farm, when he 
returned to St. Clair County, Mich., where he now makes his home with his son James. In ISIJO, while re- 
siding in St. Clair City, Mr. Love met with great loss by lire, losing all his personal effects, and barely es- 
caping with his life and that of his wife. He was married to Miss jean Berbour, of Scotland, in 1838, on the 
Isl day of June. Has been the father of seven children — James, Annie B., John B., Janet. Elizabeth. Mary 
M. and Hugh. Mr. L. is a member of the Congregational Church. Lost his wife, August 27, 1S,J4, and was 
then married to Mrs. Jeanetle Fra/er in l.'^OT. He was one of the organizers of the Congregational Church in 
Armada, and was a member of a vigilant committee in Missouri. Mr. Robert Love is a man of eighty-two 
years of age, well preserved and still manifesting a remarkable degree of vitality. 

JAMES R. MtliURK, JI. I)., was born in Belfast. Ireland, in lM4:j; came with his parents to Canada in 
184t<. and located in Hamilton, where he remained until 18.">7. In l.S")8, he removed to Sarnia, where he was 
educated at the Sarnia (Irainmar School; received his medical education in Canada. Detroit and Ann Arbor, 
Mich., graduating in Detroit in June, ISTd. Came to Capac. August 12. l.'<71), where he established himself 
in his profession. In 187!t, was elected to the Legislature to represent the Third District of St. Clair 
County for one term. In 18^1 was elected as a .State Senator to represent the Twenty-First .Senatorial 
Districrl; was Superintendent of Schools of Mussey Township si.\ years, and President of the village one year; 
■was councilman eight years; is a Knight Templar and belongs to the Odd Fellows, and also the Knights of 
Pythias, and is President of the St. Clair. Sanilac and Lapeer Counties Sledical Society; is a trustee of the 
Methodist Protestant Church. In 1870 he associated with himself his brother Robert in the practice of medi- 
cine, and owns an elegant residence and other properly. Hetwas married to Carrie, the youngest daughter 
■of the Hon. D. C. Walker, in 1.^71!. They have one adopted daughter. 

ROBERT >IcGURK. M. 1).. was born in Ontario, Canada, in 18.'i4. He was reared on a farm; received a 
business education, and at the age of twenty-two taught school one year, after which he commenced the study 
of medicine with his brother in Capac. Micii. He attended the Medical Department of the State University of 
Ann Arbor one year. After this he read medicine for one year and returned again to Ann Arbor, graduating 
in March, 1878. Immediately after receiving his degrees, he entered into copartnership with his brother in 
Capac for one year. At the expiration of the copartnership he removed to ICmmet Station for .a time, but at 
tile expiration of eight months he returned to C:ipac to assist his brother, whose health was failing, where he 
still remains; is a member of the order of K. 0. T. M. O. W. ; is a School Inspector and is also Director of 
his district. 

EDWARD MATTESOX, farmer. Section 23, P. O. Capac, was born in the State of >few York in 1844. 
lie was brought by his parents to Michigan, village of Almont, county of Lapeer, in infancy, where he 
■was raised. He began farming at the age of twenty for himself, in St. Clair County, on shares, where he 
continueil one year; he then removed to another farm where he remained one year, at the end of which time 
he bought a forty acre farm in the town of Almont, where he remained three years. In I86il, he liought his 
present home of eighty acres, which he imiiroved; and has since been engaged in raising grain and stock. Mr. 
Matteson is a menibor of the order of K. O. T. M. He was married to Miss jMary Dodge, of Michigan, ill ].8(i4, 
by whom he had (wo children — Iliighie S. ami Bertie H. He lost his wife in 1871, and was inarri<Ml to Miss 
Rlioda M. Conant, of St. Clair County, Mich., in 187"2, bj' whom he has two son.s — Edward C. and William 
Franklin. 

H. D. .MILLER. Pastor of (he Methodist Protestant Church; P O. Capac. The Rev. H. D. Miller was 
born in Lapeer County. .Mich., in 18H; reared a farmer. At the age of thirteen, he engaged as a farm hand, 
■where he continued till l.SliO. On the breaking-out of the rebellion in 18f!l. he entereil the army, joining 
the First Michigan Cavalry; Mav 1. I8li',', he was taken prisoner, and was compelled to undergo the horrors 
of Libliy prison and Belle Island, for tifleen months. In IXIH. he was exchanged, and re-entered the army in 
1864. At the liatlle of Wolf Run Shoals, he wius wounded, and discharged in April. 1864, and returned to La- 
peer County, where he tarried for a short lime, thence going to Saginaw City, where he en(ered the mercan- 
tile business, continuing at it till 1876. From liere he returned to Ihe farm, at which business he remained 
till IS.SII. In 187!», he joined lh(; Conference and entered the ininislr>' in Lapeer Ci(y, Ijaiieer County. In Ihe 
meantime, he took the natural theological course, and conquered Watson's Institutes, Kidder's Homilelics, 
Kewton on the Pro])hecies. Binney's theological works, Wayland on Moral Sciences, I'phams IMenlal .Science, 
Hart's Rhetoric, Trues Logic, Ridpath's History of the United States, and Ecclesiastical History. His first 



776 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

charge was the FairfiTove circuit. Tuscola County, where he remained two j'ears, and iniilt a nice church 
and "liorse-barn; thence in 1881 to Berlin and Capac, assuming charge of the churches in those places. In 
Capac he built a nice church and completed the parsonage. Duringtwo years of his labors in the vine3'ard here, 
he has added to the church, by conversion, over 10.5 members, preached seventy-three funeral sermons in three 
and ahalf years, and since his ordination, has married eighteen couples and performed thirtj'-five baptisms. In 
1863, he was married to Miss jMary L. Barnard, of Michigan, and has two childi'en living — Ada Adell and William 
Henry; Lazella, deceased. Is a a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Sons of Temperance. 
The Rev. Mr. Miller is in every respect a remarkable man. having commenced life penniless, and by his own 
manh' and heroic efforts has niade himself a place among men ; has done a noble service in fighting the bat- 
tles of his country in its struggles to maintain the right, and is now doing valiant work in the great army of 
the Lord, whose "duty is to save souls; to snatch brands, as it were, from the burning, and to purify the pools 
of vice and sin. In this great and noble work, he has so far been most eminently successful; and his future 
gives great promise of incalculable good. Such deeds, if ever, result from the labors of self-made men like 
the Rev. Mr. Miller. 

.JOHN C. JIILLER, farmer. Section ;3, P. 0. Capac, was born in Germanj' in 18.53 ; came to C^anada, 
witli his parents, in 1857, where they remained one year, when they removed to St. Clair County, Mich. Mr. 
Miller was raised in the agricultural profession, and received a liberal education. At the age of twenty-one, 
he began life for himself ; bought and improved a farm of forty acres, which he ran as a grain and stock 
farm. Mr. Miller was married to Miss Sophia Shroder, of Germany, in 1873 ; has two children — Willie and 
Louisa. 

DR. D. PATTERSON was born in West Williams, Canada, in 18.5'i, and was reared in the agricultural 
profession; attended college at Komoka, graduating in December, 1872; he then attended Strothroy High 
School, in Ontario, nine months, in 1875. "in the interval of 1873 and 1874. he taught school in tlie district 
and city schools of Canada ; in the meantime, was reading medicine. In 1875, commenced a regular 
course of medical studies in the State University, graduating in the year 1877 ; during the vacations of the 
university, he attended the London Hospital. In .June, 1877, he came to Capac, where he commenced the 
practice of his profession, in which he is still engaged. AVas elected School Inspector of the town of Mussey, 
in 1882, for the term of two j'ears ; in 1881. was elected Superintendent of Schools ; is physician and suriieou 
for the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad for the village of Capac ; is a member of the order of Odd Fellows 
and the K. O. T. JI.'s. Owns a farm of eight.y acres one mile west of the village, and residenceand other 
property in Capac. 

JAMES A. ROONEY, of the firm of Rooney ifc Huggett, manufacturers of brooms and brushes, was 
born in Wisconsin in 1.845 ; was reared in the lumber business. Mr. Roonej' received a collegiate education, 
graduating in 1872. He engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business in 1873, in Appleton, 
Wis., in which he continued until 1875; he was then on the road for Smith ct Chandler, of Milwaukee, in 
the wholesale grocery Ijusiness, three j-ears and seven months; was then Superintendent of the Breen Iron 
Mines, of Waucedah, from the spring" of 1878 to 1880, and at the end of that time he came to Capac and en- 
gaged in his present business, which was at first the manufacture of Giant Scrubbing Brushes, and has since 
added a broom department, and is successful!}' prosecuting lioth branches of the business. He is a memlicr 
of the K. (). T. M.'s. Was married to Miss .Jennie Edgar May 7, 1870 ; had one child, Maud, now deceased. 
He owns a farm of eighty acres in Menominee County, Mich., in the township of Breen. The capacity of his 
factory is about 2,4O0 each of brooms and Giant Scrubliing Brushes. 

RICHARD SHUTT, County Treasurer, Section 14. P. O. Capac. is a native of England, and was born 
March 37, 1828. Upon reaching" manhood, he came to the United States, in 1848, and came to this county the 
same year, and began working on a farm, and afterward l)Ought land in the town of Mussey, made a farm 
and engaged in faiTiiing. and since then, for over thirty j'ears, has resided there, except one year he spent in 
England." He owns a good farm of 1.80 acres, and also owns other property. In 1859, he was elected Super- 
visor, and has been elected and represented his town in the Board of Supervisors thirteen j'ears, and has held 
the office of Town Treastu'er and other minor offices. In the fall of 1882, he was elected "County Treasurer, 
and now holds that office. In 1854, he married Miss Ann I). Love, a native of this count}', and daughter of 
Robert Love, who came here in 1829, and was one of the early settlers. They have seven children— .Tan e L., 
Robert D.. Ella E., Annie M., Mary A., Eva J. and Walm.sley. 

HENRY C. SMITH, dealer in groceries, crockery, fiour, feed and provisions, was horn in St. Clair 
County, Mich., in tlie town of Berlin, in 1853 ; was reared on a farm and received a business education and, 
at the age of sixteen, began farming for himself, which he followed for two years ; after which he was in the 
mill bu.sTness for two seasons ; he then contracted to carry the United States mail. Was Sundaj' school teacher 
in Sanilac County, and is a member of the Good Templars, and also of the Ancient Order of United Work- 
men. . 

NICHOLAS SMITH, farmer, P. O. Capac, was born in the State of New York in 1823 ; he was raised 
in the agricultural profession. He came to ^Michigan, with liis parents, at the age of thirteen, and settled on 
a farm of l(iO acres in Oakland Conntj'. At the'age of twenty-one, he begair working by the month, at 
which he continued three years ; he then began farming in the town of Almont ; he was ne.xt in the town of 
Berlin two years ; then in the town of Mussej- one winter; he was next in the town of Diyden, Lapeer 
County, twelve years; he then removed to the township of Oregon, where he remained nineteen years, rais- 
ing grain and stock ; then went to Armada Townshiji. Macomb County, where he continued five j'ears. at 
the end of which time he came to his present home of seventy acres. He has about thirty-five acres opened 
and in a fine slate of cultivation. Mr. Smitli is a memliei- of the Free-Will Baptist Churcli. He was married 
to Miss Eliza Thurston, of the State of New York, in 18(12, by whom he iiad one child, Ilorton, born in 18fi4. 
Mr. Smith raised an adopted child from the age of four months ; lie also raised a boy from the age of six 
to twenty-one years. Mrs. Smith is also a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. 



Illsroin' OF ST. Cl.AIH corxTY. 777 

SAMUEL L. SMTTII. of tin- tiini of \V. Alder it Siiiilli, lUiilcrs in •rioccrics. Hour :in(l provisions, was 
born in 8t. Clair County, town of Hcrlin, in is4."i. Was reared in the airrieidtural [irofession, received a 
business education. At ilic a,i;e of Iwcuty-one. lie eii.i;n,ij:ed in the business of fanning- at wbirb be continued 
until ISS',.'; at this lime enil)arked in the ;iroeery l)usiness. and at the end of eiirlit months admilled his brother 
as a partner, and continued four months. In March. bSM3. he formed a copartnership with Mr. William Alder, 
with whom he is still as.sociated. Was married to Miss Miiry A. Ald<r. of Canada, and have live children — 
Melvin, Wilbur. .Marv. llarrv and Earl. 

M AK'I'IX S'POFFEK. farmer. Section 'S^, P. O. Capac. was born in Swilzeiland in 18i!l. Einisrrated to the 
United Sltitcs, and was in S'ew Jersey a short time; wasne.xt in BulTalo for a few weeks, from which place lie went 
to Hamilton, wIutc he lemaincd five years as day laborer. In 1800, Mr. Stotl'er came to St. Clair Coimly, 
Mich., and settled <in his present home of 31(1 acres, which he improved and which is now one of the best 
improved farms in St. Clair County. He has about 170 acres under cultivation, which is run as a irrain and stock 
farm, Mr. StolTcr owns three farms, and is a gentleman of line attainments atid business (jualities, and a man 
of ureat intejirily and moral worth in his communitv. Jlr. StolTer was Drain Commissioner four years; was 
School Moderator si.\ years. Was married to Miss Caroline Caiiis, of Prussia, in 1R")7. I lave. six cliildren — 
Ilenrv, Malain. Carolina. Marv, Annie and John. 

AEHEUT O. 'rOSCll. fariner. Section 9, I', <). Capac. was born in Hamilton, C.inada, November 12, IS.'m, 
where he lived until fcnir years of aijc. at which time he came with his parents to St. Clair County, where his 
father settled in the tow'n of .Mus'sey in the spring;- of 18(il). Here he liveil with his parents until 18711, at 
which lime he scttlecl on Section i». ill the township of .Mussey. where he lived and worked an eiijhty acre 
furni, loyether with his mother, until bS82, at whicli lime he was married, and has farmed alone since. He 
al.so owns forty acres in Section Hi, in the town of Mussey. Mr. Tosch's business is chielly grain and stock. 
He has opened up about thirty-five acres of land. He also owns a house and lot in Capac. He was Highway 
Conimissionc^r for one yciir and also School I\Ioderalor. He was married to Miss Ida I'roctor in February. 
1882. Mr. Tosch inherited some properly, but has made the most that he owns himself. The subject of this 
sketch was the third child of the late Wi'Hiani Tosch. who was born in Prussia in 1816, where he lived until 
about 18r)4, when he emigrateil to Canada, living in Hamilton until 18(10, in which year became to the United 
States and settled in the town of Mussey, St. Clair Co., Mich., in Section 2;!, where he lived one year. _after 
which he moved to Section 10, in the town of Mussey, where he resided until Ids death. Mr. William Tosch 
was Burgomaster in his native country, and also a Justice of the Peace in the town of Mussey; also. Highway 
Commissioner and Constable. He was a member of the Evangelical Association, and, al.so, at one time a 
member of the churcli in Mnssev Townshi)), Sundav school Superintendent, class leader and local preacher. 

BAKTON J. WADE, farmer. Section 28, P. ()." Capac. B.irton J. Wade was born in Bliode Island in 
ISIO; rc:u-ed in the agricultural profession. re."/iveil a lil)eral eihu'ation. .Vt the age of eighteen, he began 
funning on his own account in Khode Island, where he continued till 18(i8, at the end of which timehe came 
to >Iiciiigan and .settled on his present home of 200 acres, which he has improved and runs a.s a dairy farm, 
selling about one Ion of cheese and l,0')o pounds of biilter; he also owns two shares in a cheese factory. Was 
Drain Commissioner and School lnspe<'tor. and a member of the Knights of Pythias. Was married to Miss 
Ilenrielta Ycain, of Hhode Island, aiiH has one child— UusncII N. Lost his wife and was married a second 
time to Miss Cardinell. of Ciinada. in I87(i, by whom lie has two children — Ceylon and Jennie, Mr, Wade is 
another instance of what men may and lan do when indomitable energy and persistent application are directed 
bj- a high order of intellisrcnce. 

JIAKTIN WACONSHED, farmer. Section 12. P. O. Capac, was born in Prussia November 11. 18:!2. 
where he lived until thirty-four years of age. His life in his native country was spent mostly in service, and 
principally as conchman to some rich gentleman. On reaching his thirty-tifthyear. he came to .Vmerica. land 
ing in New York in isd.";. from whence he came at once to the town of Mussey. in the county of St. Clair, 
where he purchased I'ighty acres of wild land in Section 12, where be still resides. Mr. Wagonshed has with 
his own hands cleared up forty acres of his farm, which he cultivates, raising small grain and some slock. 
Was School Director two terms, and Pathmaster six or seven years. Is a member of the Protestant Methodist 
Church. In 184."), was married to Miss Veriiia Viezier, of Prussia, by whom he had five children — William. 
Rachel. Jlinnie, Charles and Frank. By his second wife, Mary Hood, with whom he is now living, he has 
three children— Henry. Mary and l,i/./.ie'; Freddie, decea.scd. Mrs. Wagonshed is a member of the same church 
that her husband belongs to" and an exemplary Christian lady. Mr. Wagonshed is another example of what 
sturdy and persistent ciTort will do for those who aredisposed to try and .aid lliemselves. He spent iinue than 
one-half of his life in his native country, where lands are immensely high and the laws so constructed that 
instead of hilping the poor m.m. they militate against his every elTort: in this country, in a few years, he 
has ac(|uired a comjietency, and become an honored and respccli'd citizen. 

JU1)(;E DEWITT C! WALKEU. attornev at law, was born in Vermont in the year 1812, He graduated 
at Middlebury College. He studied law at Yale Law School, under Dewitt Dagget" and Judge Da.giret. and 
graduated in'l.S^O. He then came to Komeo, Macomb Co., Mich., where he settled and bcg.m the practice of 
law. and coulinucd twenty years; and in the meantime was Proseculing Attorney two years. He was then 
elected a Hepresentalive one vear: and was elected fiu- two years to reiiresent JIacomb. St. Clair, Sanilac, 
Hunui, Saginaw, .M;ickinaw and all of the Upper Peninsula iii the Senate of the Slate; then in 1844 was re- 
elected 10 the House for one year; was Resent of the State University of Michigan in 18-t."); was a member of 
the House again in 184(i; wa.s" a member of the Constitutional Convention, in \Xii(). that framed the present 
Constitution of the Stale of Michigan; was elected Judge of the Probate Court in 1^02 for four years. He 
laid out and plaited tiie town of Capac in 18.">7. having settled herf in 18,51). He donated the grounds for three 
churches in C:ipac, and was President of the lirst Council of the village of Capac, and is also Presidi'nt at the 
present writing, and has been for a greater portion of the lime since the organization of the village. Judge 
Walker was. ill ISliI, mainly instrumental in securing the passage of a bill at the lime of the sale by the State 



77» HLSTdRY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

of its public railroad property, whereby the State is now annually Ijeneflted by the handsome sum of half a 
million of dollars, which will be augmcnlal from year to year as the resources of the State become developed. 
He was also Chairman of the Educational Committee of five in 1850, who introduced the bill by which the 
present admirable system of free .schools was secured to the State. Judge Walker being one of the representative 
men of the times, and possessed of those rare perceptive faculties, coupled with able executive abilities, has 
secured to himself in an honorable manner large possessions. Was at one time quite extensively engaged in 
milling and manufacturing in this county. In 1856, he built a saw and grist mill, which in 186(5, were com- 
pletely destroyed by fire, without any insurance. . In 1837, he was married to Mi.ss Adeline Ketchum, of 
Vermont, bj' whom he had seven children, live of whom are now living — Adelaide, Bernard, Dewitt, Lewis, 
Carrie and Bvron; Frank and James, deceased. He lost his wife in 1873. 

DEWITT WALKER, of the tirm of Walker & Co., merchants, was born in Romeo, Mich., in 1843, and 
was reared in the milling business. Received a high school education. Was the first man to join the army 
from Mussey Township in 1861, and served two years, at the end of which time he returned to Michigan, and 
was engaged in the lumber business a short time; was then in the hotel business in Capac one year. For a 
short time in Detroit he ran a meat market and then traveled on the road for one year. Returned to Capac 
and again ran a hotel for one year; then handled lumber a short time, after which he returned to the road 
again for two years, in the hardware line. Was then in the butcher liusiness in Capac for a short time, and 
opened his present business in 1872, and continued until 1883, at which time he entered into his present part- 
nership. He owns a brick yard, business and residence properties in Capac; also lots in Port Huron, and was 
City Treasurer two terms, also Town Treasurer two terms. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows and 
the Knights of Maccabee, and is Sir Knight Commander of the latter. Was married to Miss Meileson Caswell, 
of Canada, in 1862. Mr. Walker was at one time quite a famous hunter, sort of a Daniel Boone, having 
killed one coon and two bears in one day. He is also a terrible fellow among glass balls, having never lost 
but one match. 

ERI WATSON, farmer. Section 33, P. O. Capac, was born in tlie State of New York February 26, 1833, 
where he lived till twenty-one years of age, spending the most of his time on the farm. On arriving at his 
majority, Mr. Watson came to Michigan, and stopped in Almont, where he carried on farming for about 
thirteen years. In 1867, he removed to the town of Mussey, where he boiight eighty acres of wild land, ex- 
cepting four acres, which were improved. He has now about forty-six acres undercultivation, raising a vari- 
ety of |)ro(iucts and some stock. He was married to Miss Phoebe Wilcox, in May, 18.54, and has three chil- 
dren — William, Harvey D. and Milo C. Mr. Watson has just been elected Roadmaster for the ensuing year. 
He is a widower, having lost his wife sometime since. He is a gentleman of ennobling instincts, and such as 
materially aid in building up communities that offer desirable attractions in which to live. 

ALFRED J. WEST, dealer in real estate. State contractcr and mil! and lumlier dealer, was born in New 
Y'ork State in 1842, and came to St. Clair County in 1855. Was in the hotel business and on the farm two 
years with his father, after which he sailed for three years. He enlisted in the volunteer force in 1861, and 
served until the close of the war. lie then returned to Michigan, near St. Clair, and was engaged in con- 
tracting and farming until 1870. At this time, he settled at Capac, and was engaged for one 3'ear in filling 
a contract for the Quebec Company for timber, and also ran a livery stable. For two years he was out of bus- 
iness, at the end of which time he took a State contract for building roads, in payment for which he received 
7,000 acres of State lands, upon which he built a steam saw mill and carried on the lumber business until 
1881, when he sold his mill and lands. Has built about forty miles of road, sixty miles of ditches, and now 
has forty miles of road and ditches on hand. Is also in the" milling and lumber business on Thunder Baj' 
River, this State. Is a stockholder and President of the Michigan Canning & Preserving Company; is also 
President of the Atlanta Town & Manufactiu-ing Company; is a stockholder and Director in the James River 
Navigation Company, of Dakota. Runs a grain and stock farm, and has fine blooded sheep. Owns 30,000 
acres of land in Michigan; owns a farm; seven houses in Canac, and other town and village property in the 
State. Owns 330 acres of land in Dakota, one farm in Virginia, one in Alabama, and employs 135 men, and 
will run nine camps during 1883. Was Deputy Sheriff six year.s. President of Capac one year. Has been a 
member of every Republican State Conventi<jn, and lias also attended every Presidental convention since the 
war. Was married to Miss Elizabeth Conant, of Canada, in lf^66. They have five children — Sabrina M., 
Alfred J., Edward F., IMabel G. and Elbert P. In accumulating this vast property, Mr. West has displayed 
the rarest liusine.ss qiuilities, and it is a fitting tribute to his sagacity, tact, energy and skill in the management 
of large liusiness affairs. * 

JOHN C. WHEELER, farmer. Section 23, P. O. Capac, was born in Monroe County, State of New York, 
in 1825. He was reared in the agricultural profession. In 1847, he enlisted in the army and went to Mexico, 
where he served one year and twelve days, after which he returned to Michigan, and settled in Genesee 
County, where he rernained three 3'ears, at the end of which time he came to the town of Mussey, from there 
to the town of Lynn, where he carried on farming three years. At the end of this time he removed to Mus- 
sey. where he improved a farm of fortj' acres, removing to his present home in 1870, which he also improved. 
He runs his farm, growing grain and stock principally. !Mr. Wheeler served one year in the war of the 
rebellion, receiving his discharge in 1865. During Ihe period that he was making his farms, for eighteen 
seasons he spent his winters in the lumber woods, thus enabling him to earn readv money. He also assisted 
in clearing a fifty-acre farm on Mill Creek, in the town of Lynn. Was Highway Commissioner eight years 
in Ihe town of Mussey; Constable two years; has been a member of the order of Freemasons twenty-one 
years. In 1852. he was married to Miss Orphia Shurtlell, of the State of New York. They have seven 
children— Willis W.. Ida 1., Charles C, Lewis L., Alice .\.. Lizzie L., Delbert D. lie assisted in organizing 
a school in Mussey Township, and was also School Direc!or for a number of years. Mr. Wheeler is held in 
tlic highest esteem by his friends and ricighliors, being regarded by all who know him as a very exemplarj' 
man, a model well wortliy of imitation by tlie rising generation, and in many respects, bj' those of the ])res- 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 779 

■ent. It is in writing the biosi'aphit's of llic lives of such men, and spreiidin'^ them before the people, that 
produces some of the noblest of impulses, and stimulates others to overcome dillieullics and make for them- 
selves an honored place among their fellow-men. 

WILLIAM WILLS, farmer, Seelion 3."), I'. (). Capae, was born in Hamilton. Canada, in 1857, and was 
reared as an a,griculturist, and received a classical education ; in 18(!0, he emigrated with his parents to the 
town of Musscy, St. Clair Co.. Mich., and settled on Section 2~>, where he has since resided. At the age of 
twenty-five years, he commenced farming on his own account, growing grain and stock, such as short horn 
and Durham cattle, I'oland-Cliina hogs, and general-i)urpose horses. lie is a member of the K. O. T. M.; 
was Commissioner of Highways in IS^O, and in 1S8:5 he was re-elected : is an auclioueer; speaks both English 
and German. Was married to Miss Plena Scidel, of Mussey, Septeml)er i'i, 188,'. Mr. Wills is a J'oung 
mini of great i)opularit)' and influiMice in his township, and bids fair to hold a high and an honorable position 
in the future. 

CHESTER WILLIAMS, carpenter and .joiner, was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, and was reared in the 
agricultural profession. At the age of twenty-five year.s, he was married to Thankful M. Batterson, in the 
fall of l^TiO. In 1801. he joined the army, entering the Seventh Pcnnsj-lvania Cavahy, where he served until 
1862. Then returned to Pennsylvania and engagecl in the carpenter and joiner l)usine.ss. On Septeml)er 2L 
18G5, to them was born an only daugbler — Glenna M. In 18li!(, Mr. C. Williams became the patentee of a 
valuable jiatent ; he then engaged in tlie patent busiiu^^s for several years : during this time he, with his fami- 
ly, moved to Ithaca, Tompkins Co., X. \., and worked at boat-building, and then returned to Pennsylv ania. 
He then spent about one year in traveling through the United Slates and (Canada, .selling hi-s (latent. He then 
moved to Rochester, Monroe Co., \. Y., and engaged in the patent business ; from there he returned to Penn- 
S3'lvania. and engaged as carpenter and builder ; and in 1878 he moved to Capac, St. (,'lair Co., Mich., and en- 
gaged in the carpenter business until 1881 ; then he went to Colorado, and spent nearly one year in the mount- 
ains pro.specting, and as foreman carpenter on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad at Salida, ChatTee Co.. 
Colo.; from there, he returned to his family at Capac, St. Clair Co., Mich., and has taken up the .igricultural 
profession again- 



I.Y1^N TOWNSHIP. 



'^r^HIS town was organized in 1850, with A. A. Dwight, Supervisor. The lands of this town- 
JL ship woro piirchasod since ISSO. Among the first ptirchasors were Xathan Dickenson, 
David Mack, Elon Farnsworth, G. C Trowbridge, Sylvester Sibley, H. iuiley, (reorge Beach, 
Lyman Burgess. CttJleu Brown, S. P. Murphy (1851), John Lloyd, Dauiel Alvei-son, Jamea 
Leslie. Benjamin F. H. VVitherell, Kezia Hill. 

The settlement of this district may be said to have begun in 1850. In that year the pop- 
ulation was only 55; in 1!S54, it reached KjT; in 1864, 457, and in 1880, 788. The area of the 
town is 21,008 acres; the ecpialized value is .$104,470; the numberof children of school age, ;W2. 

Among the pioneer settlers of this township were Joel Bonney, Henry Morgan, A. Sevoy, 
L. B. Sprague and John Houghton. 

The post office village of Lynn is the only center of population in the district. 

.SUPERVISORS'. 
Alfred A. Dwight, 1850; Daniel Alverson, 1851-53; William Allison, 1854-5i1; W. B. 
Munson, 180(M)3; John Houghton, lS(')4-70; George Bidlock, 1871-72; R. Leach. 1873; 
George Bullock, 1871; John Houghton, 18(5-77; RobertLeach, 1878-80; Eugene E. Murphy, 
18S1-S-2. 

.lUSTICKS OF THK I'K.VCK. 

Alfred A. Dwight. 1S50; Henry Brown, 1850; Daniel Alverson, 1850; Samuel J. Fincher, 
1S.5(I; William B. Preston, 1853: Samuel Fincher, 1854; Henrv Morgan, 1857-72: W. G. 
Walker, 1858; William Houghton, 1858; Norman H. Sharp, 18(30-08; Simon P. Murphy, 
1801; CD. Bryce, 18G2; John D. Wait, 1803-70; M. T. Roberson, 1803; Robert Leach, 
1807; William Rogers, 1870-73; Hiram Mills, 1873; William Bullock, 1S74; RobertLeach, 
1875-71(; John D. Wait, 1875; Henry Morgan, IS7'): John L. Clink, 1870; John Drennon, 
1877; John .\llen, 1878: Simon P. !Murphv, 1S7'.)-^S0; George Locke, 1881; George Mussey, 
1882; Munson Hosner, 1882. 

The election of April, 1SS2, ])assed off with considerable interest, and some e.xcitement. 
There were no party tick(>ts. ;ind jiarty spirit seemed to have no inlluence on the result. There 



'''80 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

were two tickets. Uniou and Citizens. The Union ticket was elected, with the exception of 
Drain Commissioner. The following are the names, with their politics as far as known, and 
their majorities: Supervisor--Eugene E. Mm-phy, G. B., 29. Clerk — Elston Huffman, G. 
B.. 28. Treasurer, John Stevens, Republican, 27. Justice of the Peace— (Full term) George 
Murray, Republican, 12. Justice of the Peace— (Fill vacancy) Munson Hosner, G. B., 15. 
Highway Commissioner — William Weaver, Republican, 2(3. Drain Commissioner — John 
Shearsmith, Republican, 15. School Inspector — (Two years) Robert Willoughby. Republican, 
42. School Inspector— (One year) Richard Houghton, Republican, full vote. 120. Constables 
— Hugh Clink, John Dorhman, G. B., James Bryce, Andrew Curry, Republican, with an average 
majority of 28. 

The proposition to raise $500 for building a town hall ivas voted down, the vote standing, 
for, 17, against. 95. 

Lynn, in the townshijj of that name, is thirty miles northwest of Port Huron. It is a 
small country village. 

PER.'^ONAL HISTORY. 

We complete the history of this township with the biographies of many of its most public- 
spirited and best citizens. In the pages devoted to them, much that is historically valuable is 
given. 

JAMES CAMPBELL, farmer, Section 13, P. O. Lynn, was born in New Brunswick about 1827, where he 
lived until about tweiUy years of age, when he moved to the State of Maine, where he remained about two 
years. In IS.'il, he came to St. Clair County, Mich., stopping en route two weeks in Detroit ; he lived in Port 
Huron, Mill Creek, and other sections of the county until 1881, when he moved and settled on Section V-i. in 
the township of L_ynn, where he now resides, and owns uinetv-flve acres, which he runs as a grain and stock 
farm. Is a Freemason, a member of the K. T. O. M. Was married to Miss Catharine Brisle}-, and has seven 
children— Eliza J., Hugh, John A., William A., JIary, George S. and Annie (deceased). 

MARTIN LAVELL, farmer. Sections 31, 22 and 33, P. O. Lynn, was born in Canada in 1836, and raised 
a farmer. At the age of seventeen years, he came to St. Clair County, and remained there until the rebellion 
opened. In 1861, he joined the army, entering the Seventh Michigan Infautrv, Company A, to serve three 
years. lie participated in all the l)attles of the Army of the Potomac with great distinction. Was promot- 
ed for meritorious conrluet while in the battle of Antietam, and w-as wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, 
July 3, 1863, causing the amputation of one of his legs. In 1 861, he received an honorable discharge from 
the .service and returned to Lynn. Here he settled on his present farm of 340 acres of land, 160 of which he 
has under good cultivation, devoted principally to stock-raising. Mr. Lavell was married to his most amia- 
ble wife, formerly Miss Helen Bryee, of Broc'kway, and has live children— Ebor E., Emma H., James T., 
William M. and Charles C, His honest, industrious habits, fair dealing and business qualities have secured 
for himself and family a sufficient competency. 

JOHN SHEARSMITH. farmer, Section .31, P. O. Capac. was born in England in 1831. He was raised 
in the agricidtur.il Inisiness. In 1851, he came to the United States, stopping for eleven months in Connecti- 
cut, from wliieh place he went to ilichigan for one vear, and from there to Ohio for a short time, returning 
to Michigan, where he worked by the month in the township of Lynn four years. At the end of this time, 
he l)OUght 230 acres of wild lands in Section 34, most of which he has improved, and carries on as a general 
farmer. He owns two shares in the Lynn Chee.se Factory. Was one of the organizers of School District No, 
6, and is local Drain Commissioner for the State of Michigan; is also Town Drain Commissioner for Lynn at 
the present time. Was Township Treasurer several terms and School ^Moderator three vears. Was married 
to Miss Martha Brown, of Scotland, in 18.59. They have four children living— JIargaret E., Walter M., Annie 
E. and Carrie M., and Carrie, deceased. Mr. Shearsmith commenced life without means, and has, by hon- 
est industry and fair dealing, placed himself amongst the foremost and wealthiest farmers of St". Clair 
County. 

JAMES M. STERLING, farmer, Section 33, P. O. Lynn, was born in Scotland in 1847. At the age of 
four years, he was lirought by his parents to Canada, where they remained till 1S."')7, at the end of which time 
his parents came to St. Clair County and settled on a farm in the town of Broekway, where he remained with 
his parents four years. He then attended school in Port Huron two years. Returning to Lynn, he clerked 
in the hotel for his Ijrother two years. From the hotel be returned to Port Huron, and worked on the St. 
Clair River for two years, at the end of which time he returned to Lynn and bought his brother's farm and 
hotel, which he ran for si.v years. At the end of this time, he sold tlie hotel properly and a part of his farm, 
retaining for himself 120 acres, which he runs as a grain and stock farm. In the meantime, from 1877 to 1880, 
he followed the lumber business during the winter season and farmed during the summer. He owns eighty 
acres in Section 14, w bich he has himself improved; is one of the organizers of the Lynn Cheese Factory, in 
which he owns an interest, and was at one time its Secretary. Was Township Clerk six years, and is novy 
Dire etor of his school district, and has been for eight years. "Was niariieci to Miss Lydia Morgan, of Michi- 
gan, and they have three children— Grace F., Charles F. and James H. In 1873, Mi-. Sterling lost his first 
wife, and in October, 1882, was married a second lime, to Miss Mollie Johnson, of Michigan. Mr. Sterling 
was liberally educated in Port Huron, and taught school for four years. The meeting of such gentlemen as 
Mr. Sterling goes to make up one of the not too manv pleasant incidents of the biographical writer's life, he 
being finely educated, well posted on all topics of public interest, and a genial, intelligent gentleman. 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 781 

LEWIS PRESLEY, farmi-r. Seolidii 1."), P. O. Lynn, was born in Jt'lTerson ( iMiiiiv, Sliiie uf New York, 
in \S-i\. from wliidi iilacf his parents came to Canada, when lie «a.s eii,'lil years of aj:e, wlieie lie remained 
until he was twenty-two ; he then eame to St. Clair County, and houglit a farm of eiijhty aeres in the town- 
ship of Broekway.'whioh he opi'raled one year, and then sold it. lie then removed to the township of 
Keuockec, where he liought an eiglily-aere farm, where he remained till 18G4, at which time he settled on his 
present farm of eighty acres, in Lynii. which he has improved and runs a.s a stock farm, havins seventy acres 
under cultivation. In the meantime, he owned and ran the Lynn Hotel during the years 1881, '8'.i and '83. 
Was Constable and Pathmaster, Assessor on Pine River and assisted in orgaiiizing a school in Kenockee. Wa.s 
married to Miss I'alharine Furgusou, of Canada, iu 18,'il, bj- w lioni he ha.-^ ten children— Amy. Louis. 
Melvina, Ivy, Charles. Eddy. Ida. Lizzie. Lena, Prankie, Richard, .lohn, ,iiid Minnie, deceased. 



WALES TOWNSHIP. 



WALES Township was organized in 1841, with Clark S. Cusick, Supervisor. It forms one 
of the finest agricultural districts of the county; is well watered by Pine River and Perry 
Creek ; is girt by the f'hicago & (1. T. R, R, and the Detroit & G, T. R. R.. and within easy 
distance of the county seat. Aiuong the first pevniauent settlers were John Lamb. N. Bartlett. 
"William Chortier, Joshtta Toinpki-as, the Kings fiiul others named intheli.-^t of original entries. 

The United States lands in this townshiji were first purchased in 1830. The buyers of 
that year were Abner Coburn. Josejih Piteairn. S. Mosier, J. L. Barton, E. A, SeyinoiU'. Henry 
Mandel, Elias Eddy, Orus Field, Benjamin F. Tower, Edwin Jerome, Sorino Smith, N. Dick- 
inson. AVilliam Kellogg, AVilliam H. Haggerty, Ebenezer Williams, Linus S. Gilbert, Curtis C. 
Gates, Avery \V. Stowell. Bowen Whiting, Henry J. Avery. H. F. Stockbridge, Samuel B. 
Linscott. Luke Hemmingway, T. J. Dudley, A. Earl, Samuel Swift, Hiram Bellows, Julius Day, 
Hugh Gray, Hugh Moftatt, Nathaniel T. Luddon, Hiram Sherman (1S37). Anthony Wells 
(1837), Joseph Chortier, Isaac Hall. Samuel Ufford, Hamilton Morrison, John Beach. Phineas 
Davis. 

The population in 184-". was 114; in 18r)4, 441 ; in 1804, 1,010. and in ISSO. 1,820. The 
area is 23,520 acres, and the ocpialized valtiatiou $3<)l,73"i. In 1881. there wore OHG school 
children enrolled. 

• Grange Lodge, No. 450. of the Patrons of Husbandry of South Wales, was established in 
187(1. The installation of oflficers of the Patrons of Husbandry took place Jantiary 15, 1876, 
at the Wales Schoolhouse. The Acting Master. Joshua Tompkins, was the installing oflScer. 
His ojiening address, in explaining the duties of the thirteen officers composing the Grange, was 
lucid and eminently to the point. This old gentleman deserves more than a passing notice. 
He is the first man that ever entered the iirimoval wilderness of Wales, over forty years ago. 
and has lived on the same spot where he then pitched his tent, a good citizen, highly re.^pected 
by his neighbors and all who know him. There were none else i>f the old settlers of earlj- days 
present, but John Lamli. Sr.. now nearly eighty years of age, as fresh and agile as a man of 
forty years, and. like his neighlwr, Mr. Tompkins, highly respected. The following wore the 
officers installed: Master. John A. Lamb; Overseer. Thomas Dunning; Lecturer, David 
Hawkins; Steward. Jerome Harp; .Assistant Steward, Ch;u-los Reich; Chaplain. Eli Dutton; 
Secretary. Melvin Lamb; Tretisurer. .\.bram Yarger: Gate Keeper. James Hill; Ceres. Mrs. 
James Hill; Pomona. Julia Tompkins; Flora. Augtist Reich; Stewtirdess. Mrs. Nettie Jefl'ers. 
The ciincluding sentences of the installation were that, directly or indirectly, no partisanship 
should l>e erercised by one brother with another, in politics or religion, and only a word of 
honor vow being administered. 

sn'KRVi.-fDit.';. 

Clark S. Cusick. 1842; Joshua Tompkins, 1843; Joseph Dutton, 1844-45; Benson Bartlett. 
1840; Lewis Persel, 1847-48; Joseph H. Dutton. 184',J; J. H. Dutton, 1850; John Lamb, 
1851; Hiram King. 1852; Mr. Beach, 1853; W. D. Miller. 1854-57; Joshua Tompkins. 
1858; J. P. Tompkins, 185U-0O; W. W. Hartson. 1801-04; J. Tompkins, 1805; D. F. AVill- 



782 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

oughbY. 1866-67; Robert Bailie. 1868: W. W. Hartson, 1869-72; R. Bailie, 1873-78; Will- 
iam W. Hartson. 1879; Darwin Drake. 1880; George Clausen, 1881-82. 

JU8T[iE.« OF THE PEACE. 

Joseph H. Dutton, 1841; Maurice O'Donnell, 1841; Joshua Tompkins, 1841; John Fiu- 
kle, 184]- David Donaldson, 1842; Joseph Dutton, 1842; Ebenezer Cole, 1842; Denson Bart- 
lett. 1843; Joshua Tompkins, 1844; James M. Merritt, 1844; Joseph Dutton, 1845; 
H. S. Woodin, 1845; William Perry, 1846; Holy S. Worden, 1847; Addison Bartlett, 1848; 
Joshua Tompkins, 1848; John Lamb, 1849; Joseph M. Beach, 1849; Hiram King, 1849: Jo- 
seph M. Beach, 1850; Benson Bartlett, 1851; Alfred Godell, 1853; John Lamb, 1854: Sam- 
uel Gibbs, 1855; Drury F. Willoughby, 1857-65; John Lamb, 1858; James H. Dutton, 1859 
-63; W. D. Miller, 1860; D. D. Fish, 1862; William Eaton, 1862; Darwiu Drake, 1864; Jacob 
C. Franz, 1865; John Lamb. 1866; Moses Hart, 1867-72; John T. Smith, 1868; W. J. Cowles. 
1869-73; John Allen. 1870: Byron F. Park, 1871; Darwin Drake, 1875-79; William Griffith, 
1875; Moses Hart, 1876; Byron F. Park, 1877: W. H. Bailey. 1879; Moses Hart, 1880; Will- 
iam Smith, 1881; Nathan C. Green, 1882. 

The whole Republican ticket was elected in Wales Township, 1882. Supervisor — Charles 
Clausen. Clerk — A. B. Fitch. Treasm'er — William Smith. Highway Commissioner — Joseph 
Stevenson. Justice of the Peace — Nathan C. Green. Drain Commissioner — George Smith. 
School Inspectors — Robert Bailie, one year: Isaac Green, two years. Constables — Lewis Fitz, 
Benjamin Signora, George White and Jay King. 

Goodels, in Wales Township, is fifteen miles northwest of Port Huron. There is a Bap- 
ti st Chiuch, school, a saw and grist mill there. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The following personal sketches of old settlers and other citizens form an essential part 
of the history of this district. They contain the minutiae of its history: 

MRS. ANGELINA BARTLETT. proprietress of hotel and farm. Section 22, P. O. Wales, wis horn iu 
Canada, within six miles of London, June 8, 1818, where she lived until fifteen years of age. when her parents 
removed to Plympton, Canada, where she remained with her parents four years ; lier educational advantages 
were limited to the common schools. On October 7, 18:34, Miss Angelina was married to Mr. Benson Bartlett, 
of Madison County, State of New York. In 1837. she came, with her hu.sband. to Port Huron, where she 
lived for about live years, where her husband carried on a farm, at the end of which time they came to the 
town of Wales, and. for a time, settled on a farm until, finally, Mr. Bartlett bought forty acres of wild land 
in Section 22, which he improved. In IH.'jS, they put up a temporarj' building for a hotel, which was run as 
such until 18r)6. when thej' built the present hotel building, where she still resides, and carried on tlie hotel 
and farm, and has done so since the death of her husband, some nine years since. The Wales Post Office is 
located in the hotel, and has been for twenty years, excepting two or three years, Mr. Bartlett being the 
Postmaster until his death, since which time Mrs. Bartlett has been the Postmistress, her adopted daughter. 
Mrs. Grover, acting as Deputy. Mrs. Bartlett had one child. Oscar, Vlio enlisted in the Twenty-second Michi- 
gan ; was in several battles, and taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga. and confined iu Libby 
Prison two montlis, then to Bell Island, and finally to Danville, Va., where be died of smallpox. January 
23, 1864. in his thirtieth year, the disease of which lie died having been contracted in prison. Mrs. Bartlett 
adopted a young girl, whom she reared, and who is married and still lives with her. She also adopted a niece, 
at the tender age of four years, whom she reared until nineteen years of age. when slie married and left her. 
Mrs. Bartlett nursed her father-in-law in his last illness, he being nearly eighty-four j'ears of age at his death; 
she al.so took care of her husband during his last illness, which was of long duration, he being sixt}'-two j'ears 
of age at the time of his decease. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett. like so many others, commenced life without means, 
with nothing but their great affection for each other, strong hearts and willing hands, and secured a com- 
petence for their declining years. The late Mr. Bartlett was noted for his courteous bearing, his genial, kindl}' 
disposition, and a keen sense of the ludicrous. Mrs. Barlletl Jias liad a busy, active life, -seeing and enduring 
all the privations incident to pioneer life, and it is now gratifying to know "that she is ui comfortable circum- 
stances, in the evening of her useful life. Mrs. Bartlett is a healing medium of great power, and has been for 
some thirty years, during which time she has performed many remarkable cures. She has a noble, dignified 
and comnianding appearance ; has a genial, kindly and l)en(;volent disposition, is posse-s-sed of a great desire 
for the happiness of all mankind and is greatly beloved and respected by all who know her. 

DARWIN DRAKE, teacher and farmer. Section 3. P. O. Goodell's, was born in the town of Gmiverneur, 
St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., July 14. 18.3,"), and graduated from the normal department of the Gouverneur Wes- 
leyan Seminary, where he fitted liimself for the noble profession of teaching. Mr. Drake has taught school 
thirty years — ten years in the State of New York, four years in Iowa, and the balance, to the present time, 
in the State of Michigan. In 1870, he bought forty acres of partly improved land in Section 3, in tlie town 



HISTORY OF ST. (LAIR COUNTY. 783 

of Wales, where ho now resides, ami has improved the l)alan<e of his farm. He carries on his farm in con- 
nection with his occupation as school teacher. Was Postmaster of Goodeirs, Mich., ten years. Superintend- 
ent of Schools ei<;lil years, and is now, and has lieen for a number of years, Justice of the Peace ; lilr. Drake 
is also t'hairman of the School Hoard of K.xaminers for the county of St. (.'lair ; is a memi)er of the Baptist 
Church, leaclu'r in the Sabhalh school and Bilde class, and also holds the olHce of Deacon. Mr. Drake was 
married to Miss I,odcma Burch, of (to\iverneur. New York .State. November I!), l.H.'jS. by whom he has had two 
sons — Harvey E. and Charles B. Mrs. Drake is also a member of the Baptist (Church." teacher in the Sabbath 
school, and takes an active part in the church work, as well as works of benevolence. Both of the sons have 
received a liberal education, Harvey E. havinj^ just returned from the Law Department of the Stale University 
of Ann Arbor. Mich., where he was admitted to the bar ; has laii{;ht several terms, and is now about to enter a law 
olticein Port Huron. Charles B. is also a teacher. Mr. Drake is a gentleman of tine attainments, and possesses a 
knowledge of men which he has acquired by some travel, and large contact with I he people of various sections. Ik- 
is governed in his actions by what he considers the right, an<l desires to deal justly and equitably with all. His no- 
sition iis a member of the Sc hool Board of K.vaminers is one of great responsibility, the duties of which .'ire dis- 
chargi.'d with conscientious lidelitv and credit to himself, as well as universal aceeptancc by his conslituent.s. 
William W. HAKTSON, farmer, Section 3i, P. O. Memphis, was born on the 271 li day of February, 
183,5, in Madison County. N. Y. When he was two years of age, his parents moved to Oswego, N. Y., where 
he lived until irrown up, meantime receiving the ordinary common .school education, and al.so learning (he 
cooper's trade. In 18.50, Mr. Hartson came West and bought forty acres of wild land in the town of Walcs> 
in Section 3'2. which he has improved, and on which he now resides. To the original forty acres lu' has since 
added two more forty-acre farms, which are also improved. He also owns IsO acres of tiudier land in Section 
34, and in an adjoining township, a part of which is improved. His business is general farming: also deals 
some in stock. He has on his home farm a tine oiidiard. which, when the seasons are favorable, produces 
abundantly. Mr. Hartson has been Supervisor of his town, and also Register of Deeds for the County of St. 
Clair for six years. In ISUil and lUTil. Mr. Hartson represented his district in the Legislature. The term for 
which he was elected and serv<'d w.is one of universal (|uietude, and afforded none of its mcml>ers an oppor- 
tunity for thce.vhibition of legislalivir ability: yet what he did do was well done all through the term, proving 
that his services were creditable to himself, and eminently acceptable to his constituents. He is a Freemason, 
a member of the St. George's Society, and was a member of the (Jrange. Jlr. Hartson was married to Mis.s 
Lavinia Engle on the 2Sth day of March, 1S.5H. by whom he has four children — Gratia, William N., Charles 
Elmer and (Jeorge W. (iratia is married and living in Columbus : William N. is a teacher, but is at this writ- 
ing taking a normal course. Mr. Hartson enlisted in the Thirtieth Michigan, which was subscqiicnlly con- 
solidated into thv Fourth Michigan . he served for eight months in Company I. He saw but little lighting 
during his term of service. Besides the properly heretofore mentioned. Jlr. Hartson al.so ovns property in 
Port Huron and Fort (Gratiot. William W. Hartson served as teacher lor nine terms, and did well his siiare 
toward building up the county, Jlr. William W. Hartson is eminently a self-made man. having started in 
life without means, save his own strong will and determination to succeed ; he has, while yet in the meridian 
of life, accumulated wealth, as well as educated himself mostly, and lives in the enjoyment of the confidence 
and esteem of his friends and neighbors, and has enjoved also the tilling of offices of both honor and profit. 
CHARLES .S. KINCJ. farmer. Sections 11, 1',', 13 and If. P. (). Tlxirnton. was born in the town of Sterl- 
ing, Macomb (!o., .Mich., December T, 1831, where he resided with his parents until he was nineteen years of 
age, spending his time on his f ither's farm and attending school winters. In 18,53, hiicame to Wales, where 
he bought eighty acres of wild land in Section 11, to which he adtled until he now owns 340 acres of land, 
lliO acres of which he has improved and operates as a general farm. He also raises some good stock and 
buys and sells stock, deals in Poland-China hogs of pure blood. Mr. King is a memlier of the Methodist 
Protestant Church and lakes a deep and active interest in its prosperity, and has held several positions in il 
at various times. He has been Treasurer of his town four years, and lias always been a .school officer in his 
low 11. nearly, since settling in it. He was one of the original incorporators of the Macomb «.fc St. Clair Fire 
Insurance Company. He was for four years a member of its Board of Directors, and has been one of the com- 
pany's agents since its organization. He was married to Miss Eliz.alielh Wilco.\, of Shelby. Macomb Co., 
Mich., on the )2lh of November. \8W. by whom he has had four children— (J<^orge AY.. Minnie E., .Mary 11. 
and Enieline E. Mrs. Kimr was a native of Holly. N. Y'. Stale: from there .she tiioved with her parents to 
Waterporl. Orleans Co., Western N. Y'., where her lather was engaged in the woolen manufacturing business, 
ruiiniiig ten looms and other necessary machinery. In 18.50. her father bought a farm near Albion, N. Y.. 
where she attended the Pliipps' Ladies' Seminary, of -Mbion, N. Y.. for nejirly fotir years, with the intention 
of graduating, but before the course was completed her parents came West in 18.54 and settled in Shelby, 
Mabomb Co., Mich. In the spring and fall she attended the academy at Disco for a number of Icniis. leach 
ing in the mean time during the summer and winter seasons. After this she taught school up to 18()'>'. when 
she was nnirried to Mr. Charles S. King. Mrs. King has for many years been an active, sincere and faithful 
worker in the church service and was for many ye^irs a teacher in the Salibath school. She is a kind, con- 
sistent and sincere Christian laily, greatly respected b) all who know her. In early life Mr. King manifested 
great mcclianical genius, the development of which, at various occupations, has been of great valm- to him. 
Commencing life without fortune, he has amas,sed wealth, and earned and enjoys the esteem and contideuce 
of his fellow-citizens, thus proving that his executive abilities are of a high order. 

JOHN A. LAMB, insurance agent. Section '20. P. O. Wales, was horn in Rensselaer County. N. Y., the 
10th of August. l'^32. where he resided with his parents and attended the common schools until he was fifteen 
years of age, when he came West with his parents, who settled in the town of Wales, on Section 20, where 
he now resides. On arriving at the age of twenty-one. he started out in life on his own account, .and for ten 
years worked on wages for various parties, at tbi' end of which time he bought r20 acres of land in Section 
21, town of Wales, where he lived two years, at the end of which time he was elected Register of Deeds for 



784 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

St. Clair County tor tlie term of two vears. At the end of his official term he, iu compauj- with Mr. Frazer 
bought ovit the abstract business of Mr. Prank Whipple, iu which liusiness the firm continued for three years. 
In connection with the abstract business the firm also engaged in real estate transaction on its own account, 
and acted as agents for the Agricultural Insurance Company of Watertown. N. Y., also, the Watertown In- 
surance Compan_y. At the end of this time lie sold out his interest in the firm and returned to his farm, 
bringing with him his agencies of the insurance companies, which he still retains and is doing a large and 
lucrative business, requiring the .services of several clerks. In the latter part of 18S2, he added to his business 
by accepting the agenc\' of the Continental Fire Insurance Company, lie also, at one time, represented the 
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee. He was Town Clerk for a number of years, 
and is a member of the Masonic order, having passed through the Chapter. He is also a member of the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen and of the K. O. T. M.'s. Besides his farm propert3', which amounts to 36.> 
acres of valuable land, all rented for cash rent, he also owns property in the city of Port Huron, St. Clair 
County. In connection with his large and in'jreasinL'' insurance business, he also does more or less as a specu- 
lator. Mr. Lamb was married to Miss Helen A. Carpenter, of Port Hunm, on the 16th day of July, 186.")-- 
They have si.K children — Clara E., George, Statira, John, Blanch and Sarah; Pearl W., deceased. In 1868, 
Mr. Lamb, against his wishes, was nominated by the Democrats to represent the Third Representative Dis- 
trict of St. Clair County, but was defeated by a small majoritj'. Arain in 1870, without solicitation on his 
part, he received the nomination for Register of Deeds for St. Clair County, and was elected. In the nomi- 
nating conventions of 1872 and 1874, he was nominated for the same office by the same party, and was 
defeated by a small majority, and again in 187(i he was nominated by the Greenback party. He was in each 
convention nominated for the same office by the Democrats, but was defeated by small majorities. At the 
time of the first election the majority against his party was from 1,000 to 2,000, thus showing, in an emphatic 
manner, his popularity. All of Mr. Lamb's children, except the two 3-oungest, are preparirTg for the normal 
course. The late John Lamb, father of John A., was a native of Petei'sburg, X. Y. Coming West in 1847, 
he settled on wild land iu St. Clair County and cleared up about 100 acres. He was an ardent advocate 
of all measures calculated to benefit the public. He was Supervisor, and Justice of the Peace for several 
years. He was the first Postmaster of the town, and much respected by all who knew him. He lived to the 
advanced age of eight_v-three years and six mouths. Mr. John A. Lamb belongs to that class of men who by 
their great energ_v and force of character complete their educations while they are huiUling up their fortune. 
Compelled by foi"ce of circumstances to commence at the bottom round, he has, by continued persistent effort, 
aided by his great executive ability, accumulated large property, built up a flourishing and still growing 
business as an underwriter, and from what can be seen has tlie most tiattering prospects before him for the 
future. 

MELVIN LAMB, farmer. Section 20, P. O. Wales, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., December 31, 
1833, where he lived with his parents until about fourteen j'ears of age, during the greater part of which time 
he attended the common school. On the 3d day of November, 1847, his father started with his fanuly for the 
West, coming by way of Erie Canal to Buffalo, and then by the steamboat Cleveland to Detroit, Jfich., from 
which place they immediatel}' proceeded to Pontiac, Mich., where they remained until the following spring, 
when they came to Memphis, situated on the line of Macomb and St. Cllair Co\mties. The road from Pontiac 
lay through a wilderness, and of the worst possible kind. Many of the roads were what is known as corduroy 
roads, wlucli means that logs were cut of sufficient length, but without much reference as to uniformity of 
size, and laid lengthwise across the opening for the road. Let some of the young people of the rising gener- 
ation ride two or three miles on such a road now and they will be able to form some sort of an idea of the 
stjde of roads the early settlers had to build and enjo3^ At Memphis the family remained for one year on a 
rented farm. In 1849, the familj- came to Wales in a sleigh, arriving on the 3d day of Jlaj'. In these days 
wagons were scarce, there being only one in the town of VVales: of course it was was slow and tedious trav- 
eling by sleigh on bare ground, but then as a rule, the pioneers and early settlers ever^'where, of necessity, 
hadto forego many necessities and suffer many privations. In Wales the family settled on Section 20. where 
Mr. M. Lamb still resides with his family; his father bought 120 acres of wild laud, not but an acre cleared. 
In lHfi2, he bought another 80-acre lot adjoining, making 200 acres, 132 of which is now improved. In 1877, 
in connection with his brother, John A., they bought out his father's farm, but did not assume control of the 
properl}' until after the lime of his father's deatli, which occurred in 1882, at the ripe age of eighty-three 
years and seven months. In 1882, he bought of Mr. E. B. Cotter, forty acres in Section 20, most of which 
was improved and does a general farming business; has been School Assessor for the township for six or 
seven years, and School Inspector three years, and is a member of the Ancient Order of Freemasons, and was 
a Good 'lemplar. and has aided iu organizing .schools in the township. In 18o9. Mr. Lamb moved a family 
by wagon to Mifllinburg, Penn., sixty miles^ west from Harri.sburg, where he engaged in hauling iron ore 
to the mills in Mifflinburg. through one winter. In the following spring he engaged in the butcher 
business for four months, and in August took a contract to carry the United States mail from Mif- 
flinburg to Lewiston, a distance of forty-five miles for four years. At the end of twelve months he 
sold out his mail contract, August 31, 1861, and rode seventy-one miles and enlisted the same day in the 
Logan Guards of Lewistown, which, sulisequently, was absorbed by the Forty-sixth Penn.sylvania. in 
Coi'npany A. On the 26th of August they started for Ilarrisburg. where they went into Camp Curtain Sep- 
tember iO; the regiment left Ilarrisburg for Washington, m.arching through Baltimore at 10 o'clock A. M., 
arriving at Washington at P. M. While stopping at Ilarrisburg, he went to hear President Lincoln addix-ss 
a vast concourse of people, on the momentous question of the hour; was at the battles of Ball's BlutTs. Win- 
• Chester and ('edar Mountain. At the battle of Winchester they were defeated by Stonewall Jackson's forces, 
and comnelled to fall back as far as the Potomac; was also at the battles of Second Bull Run, South Mount- 
sun and Antietam. Mr. Lamb, who was in several battles, was never wounded but had his clothes hit several 
times. On the 9th of August he received a sunstroke which disabled him for further service. March 20, 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIK COUNTY. 785 

IHfiH. lie received bis discharge from Companj' Convalescent, Virginia. On the 28th day of September, 1807. 
Mr. Lamb was married to Mrs. Harriet 1'. Lamb, and has four children — Cynthia and Su»ie, twins, Augustine 
and Kittle. Besides his fine farm Mr. Lamb also owns business property at Lamb's Corners. It is such men 
as Jlr. M. Lamb constitutes our country's pride. Immediately prompt'in responding to llie requirements of 
his (Jovernment. and the demands of Inimanity; enterprising, yet careful, being guided successfully by his 
executive ability. A kind liusbanii and indulgent father, and in all respects a most c.\emi)lary citizen. "The 
late Mr. John Lamb, father of M. Lamb, was a gentleman of great energy, force of character, enter|)ri.se and 
public spirit. The late Mrs. Cynthia Lamb, mother of Mr. M. Lamb, was a woman of rare qualities of head 
and heart, possessed of great firmness, seemingly austere, yet tempered by a genuine kindness for her own. 
and a love for the welfare of all mankind. Such people are fairly represented, and honored by their sons, 
Mr. Melvin and .lohn A. Lamb. 

PANIKL LYONS, teacher, is a native of the state of Ohio, and was born December 3i), 185:1 He re- 
ceived his education in that State, and is a graduate of Mount St. .Mary's College at Cincinnati, He came to 
this State in the spring of IXHO. and located in St. Clair County, in the town of Wales, and since then has 
been engaged in mercantile business, teaching and farming, lie was married, April 19, 1880, to Mrs. Mar- 
garet Burns, a native of this State. Has four children — Phillip, Dennis, Klla and an infant. 

DANIEL RIKSH. blacksnuth and farmer. Section 23, P. O. Wales, was anativeof I'nion County, Penn.. 
having been born on the I'ilh of N'ovember. ISi'i. where he was raised and lived till he was twentj'-one years 
of age. He received a common school education, and learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1843. he moved to 
New York Slate, where he lived three years, at the end of winch time he came to the town of Wales, in St, 
Clair County, where he purchased forty acres of wilil land, in Section ~2, which he has improved and works, 
in connection with his blacksmithing business, which he has followed for forty years. Has been Constable 
for several years, and aided in organizing the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Which he is one of the 'l''rust- 
ees and has been for a number of years. Was married a second time, to Miss Augusta Engle, of Germany, iu 
1846. and has four children by her, and three children by his first wife — Sarah, Henry and Elizabeth: and by 
second wife — Augusta, David, Mary and Hattie. Mrs. lliesh is a member, also, of the Slcthodist Episcopal 
Church, and an active worker and teacher in the Sabbath School. Mr. Ueish's children are all well coucated. 
Auarusta and Mar^- are teachers, having graduated from the Normal School: .Vugusta and David are married. 
Mr. Heish is a self-made man, having started in life without means iind only a limiteil education; has for 
many years filled the honorable position of a Christian gentleman, a kind and imlulgcnt husband and father, 
a usefid citizen and an ornament to society. 

JAMES WEBB, farmer. Section 3, P. O. Goodell, was born in Caledonia, State of New York, in August, 
18:19. In 18:58, his parents moved to Canada, where he lived till nineteen years of age. Up to 1870 he 
followed farming, at which time he came to the town of Wales, St, Clair County, in April of that year. 
Here he bought 140 acres of wild land in Section ,5. 100 acres of which he has improved. In 1877, he bought 
100 hundred acres of partly improved land in Section 3, where he has resided up to the jjrcscnt time. He has 
rented his three farms to his sons, and is now about to move to Port Huron, where he intends to engage in the 
milk and garden truck business, on a place .iust outside the corporate limits, his post otlice being Port 
Huron. 3Ir. Webb was married to Miss Ann Craig, of Canada, on the '.^Sth of March, 1831, by whom he has 
had thirteen children — William, Robert. George, John, James II., .Samuel, Duncan, Margaret. Francis, 
Charles A. and Joseph H. Weslly and Thomas deceased in childhood. .Mr. Webb has been Road Commis- 
sioner in his town, and he and his wife are member^; of the Baptist Churcli, and consistent workers and 
observers of its requirements As may be seen, Mr. Webli has done well for his country, and deserves well to 
enjoy the conqjelence which his years oC toil have secured for him. 



KENOCKEE TOAVjSTSHIP. 



Kenockee Township was orgauized in 1855, with Abel Stockwell, Supervisor. The aroa 
of the town is 21,S28 acres, watered by Mill Creek and other streams. Tlie population of Ke- 
nockee in ISlU was 783. and in 18S(), 1,59L The number t)f sehool children is estimated at 
647. and the etjualized vahiati(>n at S3()l,170, Among the first settlers were Abel Stockwell, 
"Waldron Ward and Allen Bills. Kenockee Village is the only small center of population in 
the township. 

The land buyers of 18:30 in this township, were Martin S. Gillett, J. W. Edmunds, A. 
Beard. A. Cobiu'n, N. Dickenson. C. and J. Sevtuoiir, James Abbott, W. T. Westbrook. James 
Williams. H. W. Delevan. K. M. D. :Mill. John H. Westbrook. O. W. Turner, L. Kingsley. 
L. D, Cowles, F. G. Macy, Tliomas Muri)hy, George Whiting and S, W. Hollenshead, 
Ciimminga Sanborn, Harmon Chamberlain, and other well-known residents of the county pur- 
chased lands in this township subsequently. 

60 



786 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

SUPERVISORS. 

Abel Stockwell. 1855-50; Patrick Daheny. 1857-04; S. Coady, 1805; Daniel Smith, 1806- 
69; George Strevel, 1870; Sylvester Coady. " 1871-78; Martin Stapleton, 1879-80; Svlve.ster 
Coady, 1881; Martin Stapleton, 1882. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Waldron Ward. 1855: Greorge Strovell. 1857; Porter Plasted, 1857; Lawrence O'Loughlin, 
1858; Daniel Smith. 1859; Henrv- Buruham, 1860; Samuel Thomas, •!861-65; A. F. M. 
Sharp, 1802; Duke McKenzie, 1862; Daniel Smith, 1803-07; Luther H. Ward, 1804; George 
Strevell, 1865; Henry Burnham, 1800; ' Salathiel Butler, 1868-73: A. W. Telfer, 1860: Duke 
McKenzie, 1870-73; A. F. M. Sharp, 1870-78; Daniel Smith, 1871-75; Duke McKenzie. 1870: 
Henry Burnham, 1877; David Brvce, 1878; Thomas Ward, 1871); Frederick Brinkman, 1880; 
J. A.* Anderson, 1881; Samuel E." Martin, 1881; Arthur M. Sharpe, 1882. 

The following were elected officers of the township of Kenockee, April, 1882: Supervisor 
— Martin Stapleton. Clerk — Amos A. Haskill. Treasurer — -John A. Anderson. Justice- 
Arthur M. Sharpe. Highway Commissioner — Jackson Ward. School Inspectors — Samuel 
Bingham, one year : William Cogley, two years. Drain Commissioner — Ephriam Green. 
Constables — James McKinsie. Edward Gates, Fred Gooden, Edward Grams. 

Kenockee is a small village in the township of that name, eight miles north of Emmett, 

on the G. T. & C. R. R. 

lUOGRAI'HY. 

In the following pages are given sketches of many of those men who made the township 

their home, and raised it from its primitive condition to the rank of one of the tir.st divisions 

of this county: 

DELEMERE BROWN, farmer and himborman, P. (). Brockway, is a native of .Jefferson County. N. Y. , 
and was born May 1.5, 1825. His parents removed to Canada during liis early ehildliood. and he grew up near 
Brighton, near Sackett's Harbor. In 185G, be came to this county and engaged in lumbering on Black River ; 
carried on the business there ten years, and since then has carried on the business in Lapeer Count}-, at Xorth 
Branch, manufacturing shingles near Lapeer City, and also has shingle mill above Baj' City. Has been suc- 
cessfully engaged in lumber business over quarter of a century. He is also engaged in farming and owns 400 
acres of land in this town. When he began life he had nothing and his success is owing to his energ}' and 
bu.siness management. Mr. Brown was married February 17, 1863, to Miss Henrietta Westbrook, a native of 
this county. Her parents, now living at Abbotsford, are among the oldest settlers of St. Clair Count}'. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brown have one son — Guy Jefferson, born January 4, 1873. Mr. Brown is a son of Stephen and 
Mary Brown: his father died in 1880. at the age of eighty-three; his mother lives near him. In 181)7, he built 
a nice home for them near his own. ancTsince then has taken care of them. 

HENRY BURNHAM, farmer. Section 9, P. O. Brockway, is a nativ(> of Connecticut, and was born 
Auirust 31, 1815. His parents removed to New York during his early childhood, and he lived there until 
twenty years of age; then removed with his mother and sisters lo Canada, and lived there sixteen years. In 
1850, he came to this county, and the following year settled in this town on the section where he now lives, 
and was one of the earliest settlers here. Buiit a log house and began clearing his land and making his farm, 
and since then for the past thirty-two years has lived here. Upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he en- 
listed in Company K. Second Michigan Cavalry. In September. 1804, he re-enlisted in Company K. Third 
Michigan Infantry; was First Sergeant and promoted to Second Lieutenant, and held his conimissiim until the 
end of the war, and was also enrolling officer. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace several terms; 
held the office of Town Treasurer six years; and was Town Clerk six years, and held the office of Postmaster 
many years. In 1841, he married Miss Julia Freeman, a native of Canada. They have three children— Julia, 
now Mrs. Vanoring: Mary E.. now Mrs. Smith; Hannah, now Mrs. McKinzie. 

EZRA FREEMAN, farmer. Section 8, P. o. Brockway, is a native of Canada, and was born in Elgin 
County July 9, 1822. After reaching manhood he came to this couiily in 1H47. He went back to Canada and 
returned here two years later, and went tf) work in the hinilier woods: the following year he bought the land 
where he now lives, and in 1852. they settled upon it; it was all woods, and he began clearing it and making 
his farm, and worked at lumbering in the winter. During the war he enlisted and served in Company K. 
Third Michigan Infantry, until January, 186G, when he was discharged on account of sickness and disability. 
Since then has been engaged in farming and lumbering, owns his farm of eighty acres. In 1851, he married 
Miss Susan Edgecomb. She is a native of this county, and was born at Algonac; her parents, Asa Edgccomb 
and Susan Newhall. were among the earliest settlers on St. Clair River. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have four 
children — (;harles, Hannah, now Mrs. Andrew Smith; Vinella and JIaud. 

DAVID MIRACLE, farmer. Section 15, P. O. Kenockee. isanativeof Canada, and was born .Tanuarv 22, 
1834. After reaching manhood he came to this county, and began working in the lumber woods at ^10 a 
month; two years later he bought the land where he now lives; it was all woods: he built a slianty and began 
clearing his land; there were no roads: and he could scarcely get here with a yoke of oxen. He worked in the 



HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY 787 

lumber woods for many years; then engaged in lumbering for himself, and for the p;ist eiijht years lias been 
iissoclated with Dell Brown in the business. He owns 300 acres of land, his farm is well located and has cx- 
eellent iniprf)Vements. When he left Canada he only had f 100. and his su('eess is the resultof liisowu efTorls. 
In 18.jt>. he married Miss liachcl Henson, a native of Canada. They have four children— Morris, Reid. Jane 
and Charlotte 



GREENWOOD TOWNsHIP. 



(~^ KEEN WOOD Township was organized in 1855, with L. Small, Su|)orvisor. Greenwood 
IT Center and East Greenwood are post office villages and small centers of population. In 
1804 the population was 625, now 1,508. The ai*ea is 22,773 acres, watered by Plum and 
Silver Creeks. The equalized value is $312,705. and number of ohikh-on of school age, 58'.J. 
Aniong the pioneers were William Shannon, James McKinney, James Middleton and John Mc- 
Callen. 

The lauds of this township, with the exception of a few sectinus, were purchased from 
the General Government since 1847. Among the principal buyers of 1847-53, were James W. 
Sanborn. C. Carleton. Lorenzo M. Mason, Aloney Itust, Henry Fish, James Haynes, Lewis Brock- 
way. Allen Fish, C. F. Davis. George Fitzgerald, Alvah Swoetser, W. Truesdail, Edwai'd Ross, 
Timothy J. Wheatou, H. C. Eenson, Elisha Jenkins, Cummings Sanborn, Joseph P. Campeati, 
H. W. Dolavan, Buckminster ^Vllito, John Beard, James Beard, George Thorn, W, Parker, 
Patrick Eagan, C. Brown, Sarah B. Adams, James Haynes, Matthew Furlong, Levi Gardner. 

SUI'ERVISOU.s. 
Lincoln Small, 1855-58; Samuel Jamieson, 1859-00; Patrick Fox, 18G1-7U; Jotham A. 
Vincent, 1880; Patrick Fox. 1881-82. 

.lUSTI('i;S i)F TIIK TKACi;. 

Roswell Ottinan, 1857-04; Lincoln Small, 1858-01; Ebenezer Blake, 1858; William 
Gow.in, 1859; William Black. 1802; William Watson. 1802; Patrick Fox, 1805-71; Hezekiah 
Corns, 1806; Henry Wells, 1808; Harvey G. Wilcox, 1868; Charles P. Fan-, 1870; John His 
lop. 1870; Joseph Bricker, 1871; Thomas Black, 1873; Hiram Poaslev. 1874; Patrick Fox, 
1875-79; J. M. Haviland, 1875-78; Joseph Bricker, 1876; William Bonser, 1877; Nicholas 
Yogilie. 1879. William Hill, 1880; Joseph Bricker. 1881; John H. Bricker. 1882. 

The election of April, 1882, resulted as follows, the candidates being on a "people's 
ticket.'" Patrick Fox, Supervisor, 96 majority; J. F. Benson. Clerk; Thomas Guillott, High- 
way Commissioner. 07 majority; N. E. Brochmer, School Inspector, 04 majority. 

Greenwood Center in Greenwood Township, is compm'atively a new settlement, sixteen 
miles northwe.st of Port Hurt)n. The religious societies iu-e i-eprosented by Methodist and 
German Lutheran congregations. A school and post office are found in the village. 

East Greenwood, in Greenwood Township, is located on Silver C'reek. within three miles 
of Black River, near the boundary of Sanilac County. It is twenty miles northwest of Port 
Huron. 

BKtGRAPHKAI.. 

The history of this township is contained in the following personal sketches of the most 
prominent citizens: 

V. E. BOEHJIER. farmer and teacher. Section 1, East Greenwood, is a nativeof New York, and was born 
at Toniiwanda. December 8, 18.'i3. His parents. Edward and Catharine Boehmer. went to Canada in 1854. 
He .grew up and attended school there, and coiupleted his education at the Normal School at Toronto; after- 
ward engaged in teacliing there for several years. lie lame to this county in 1S72 and bought eighty acresof 
land and engaged in farming and teaching, and has taught every winter since coming here; has held the 
office of Supervisor, School Superintendent and School Inspector. In'l^lTS, he marrried Miss >Iary Raw. of 
this county. Her parents. Rev. .1. L. Raw and Jlaria Raw, of Ma.ssachusetls, came to this county, and he 
erected the first German Church in the town of Greenwood. Mr. and Mrs. Boehmer have two sons — Charles 
and Alfred. 



788 HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

HENRY BURGER, of the firm of Hill & Bvirger, general merchants, Fargo, is a native of Macomb 
County, and was born at Mount Clemens, March 3, 1862. His parents, Henry and Mary Burger, came to 
Fort Graliot during his early boyhood. He attended .school there, and entered the store of P. M. Edison, and 
remained with him seven years. In March, 1883, he engaged in business here Tvith his (present partner. 
Tliey earrv a large stock of goods and are building up a good trade. 

CHARLES EGGERT, farmer. Section 28, P.O. Haftsufl, is a native of Germany, and was born June 
13, 18-18. His parents, .John Eggerts and Mary Peters, emigrated tO' this country in 1834, and came to Detroit. 
In 1856, the}' came to this county and settled where his mother now lives. They were among the earliest 
settlers here. He grew up on his father's farm, and went in the lumber woods in winters; since manhood, 
has been engaged in farming; owns a good farm of eiglity acres. In 1874, he married Mrs. Mary Ann Rob- 
erts, a native of Canada. They have had three chihiren— only one daughter, Corintha — survives. 

CHARLES FARR, P, O. Fargo, is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and was born June 14, 1826. 
His father died wheu Charles was only seven years old. He lived there until the age of .seventeen, then came 
to Port Huron in 1844. Two years later he went to Clyde Mills, and while there learned the blacksmith's 
trade. Remained there four years, and then went back to his native State to take care of his mother. After 
remaining there three years, he returned to this county and settled at Lakeport and worked at his trade four 
years. In 1856, he came to this town, bought 160 acres of land and settled where he now lives; it was all 
covered with timl)er. and there were no roads in this part of the town. He engaged in lumbering and cleared 
his land and made his farm. In 1S5T, he and Henry Hull established the school district; the two f.amilies 
had nine children, just the number required by law. They built a schoolhouse between their land, hired a 
teacher, and maintained a school two years. He held the office of Justice of the Peace and has held school 
offices many j'ears. In April, 1881, was appointed Postmaster, and holds that office. He aided the building 
of the P. II. & N. W. R. R., giving his time aitd money to secure its completion. He built the depot at this 
place at his o%vn expense. The village of Fargo, which was named after him, was laid out one year ago, and 
since then he has been engaged in building to advance the interests of the place. During the war, Mr. Farr 
enlisted and served in Company K, Third Regiment Michigan Infantry. In 1849,. Mr. Farr married Miss 
Mary Conlan, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. She died in 1875. They had five .sons and five daughters 
— Charles E., James R., Frank, Sherman, Fred, Mary, Ellen, Sarah, Emma and Ada. In 1878, he married 
Ellen N. Moore, of Broekway. 

ANDREW LOHR, farmer. Section 34, P, O. Brockw.ay, is a native of Germany, and was born Januarj' 
28, 1832. After reaching manhood, he emigrated to the United States in 1856, lived two years in Canada and 
came to this county in 1858. He lived in Port Huron three years, .and then engaged in farming in the town 
of Kenockee; afterward bought a place in the town of Greenwood, and since then has lived there. He moved 
on the farm where he now lives in 1878, and owns 120 acres well-improved land, with excellent buildings. 
He had nothing when he came to this country, and his success is owing to his industry and good management. 
In 18.56, he married Miss Paulina Bierstauffcr, a native of Germany. They have six sons and five daughters 
— Gotleib, Fr<'d, Albert, Willie, Andrew, Eddie, Aumsta, Loui.se, Rosetta^ Paulina and Martha. 

CH.\RLES W. POHLEY, farmer, Section 27, P. O. Hartsuff, is a native of Germany, and was born in 
Bavaria October 25, 1825. He emigrated to this country in 1847. He lived in Montreal three years; then, 
came to Detroit in 18.50, and lived there ten years. He worked at the the trade of cabinet-maker and joiner. 
In 1860, he came to Port Huron, and lived there and in Marine City five years. In 1865, he came on the place 
where he now lives, built a small house and began clearing the land and made his farm. He owns a good 
farm of eighty acres with good buildings, all the result of "his own industry. In 18.50, married Miss Elizabeth 
Schmidt. She was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, They have five children— Fred W., Annie M., 
Charles T., Philip II. and Christian. 

PAUL WILLEY, farmer and lumberman. Section 12, P. O. East Greenwood, is a native of Canada, and 
was born September 10, 1846. His parents came to this county during his boyhood and settled in this town. 
He grew up here, and since reaching manhood has been engaged in farming and lumbering. He owns 140 
acres of land here, and owns eight}' acres up at Fremont, and also owns other property. He is still interested 
in lumbering. In 1878, Mr. Willey married Miss Julia Betts, a native of Canada. They have one daughter, 
Blanche, 




HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COINTY. T89 



ADDENDA. 



Through oversight, or because received too late, tho following biographies wexe not 
insortod in their proper connection. 

CAPT. L. R. BOYNTON is a native of St. Clair Counly, and was horn in Porl Huron' December 9, IH3S. 
lie began sailini; when only thirteen years old. on the scow Broadhorn. and when sixteen years old was sec- 
ond mate iif the propellor Princeton, and tlien was mate of steamer Huron. He sailed master of the propel- 
ler David Stoutman. before he was twenty-one years old. Fie has also sailed master of tlie steamer "Tom 
Whitney." tugs "May Flower" and ">lills;""propellors "Iron Cily." "Galena," "Winona" and 'St. 
Paul." In 1881, he liecame part owner and sailed master of the steam barpe Rhotln Steward. Capt. Boyn- 
lon has been in the marine .service, thirtv-seven years. He was married Septemljer 15, 18.'j3, to Mi.ss Sarah E. 
Kendall, a native of Algonac. They have eight .son.s— Lewis, Arthur, tJranvllle, Wither, Albert. Raymond, 
Oliver. Walter, and Ihree daufihters— Fannie, now Mrs. Chrisholm. Oscoda; Addie. now Mrs. Dudgeon; 
Sarah. 

CHESTER CARLETON, P. O. St. Clair, is a native of New Hampshire, and was born in Bath. Grafton 
Co., Febniary -'2, 1811. He grew up there until nineteen years of age, and then went to Woodstock, Conn. 
After living there about one year, he determined to go to ihc Territory of Michigan. Went by stage to Al- 
bany, and troni there to Schc'nccliKly, from there by canal to Buffalo, then came on the old steamer Sheldon 
Thompson lo Detroit, and came up (he St. Clair River on the "Litth^ Argo " !o this county, and arrived heie 
September L'tj. IKil. Began chopping in the woods and the following year worked at getting out shingle bolls. 
For a few years was engaged in making shingles. He. with others, built a current mill at .Moore's Point; this 
did not prove a success, and he engaged in farming and lumbering for some years, and afterward went in the 
woods and located and entered pine lands, and bought and .sold timber land, and was engaged in this busi- 
ness for many years, and has lieen interested in Pine lands until within the past few years. When be came 
to this county, "he only had eighty dollars. Has lived here over fifty years and is one of the oldest .settlers on 
the river; has held town oflices. " He was married March 17, 1840, to Miss Juliu A. Webb, of I.unenberg, Vt. 
They have six children— .Iiilia H., H. Clinton, Lillie A.. Laura W., Clara P.. Bertha M. They have lost one 
daughter— Teranua, who died June 1, 1882. Mr. Carlcton has one son Wellington, by former wife. He Is a 
physician at Rochelle, III. 

CAPT, H. W. DAVIS, is a native of Lake County, Ohio, and was born August 21, 1H41. He began sail- 
ing on the schooner T. O. Ilolt when only twelve years old; a few years later was second mate of the Matt 
Root, and afterward mate. In lHt)6. sailed master" of the Daniel Owens.'also sailed master of (he ' Caledo- 
nia " and the ' Smith;" for the past six years has sailed master of the Thonas S. Skinner. In ISfili. Capt. 
Davis nuirried Miss Mary Pine, of Lake County, Ohio. They have three children— Aimee. Hattii- Belle. Cal- 
vin Henry. 

CAPT. PHIL ELLERY, is a native of New York State, and was born May 1. 1844. His parents came 
lo this county during his early childhood. He began sailing onlthe schooner Emma when tifteen years old; 
was on her foiir years. In 1803, sailed captain of (lie schooner Emma; also sailed Ihe Preble and (he Han- 
nah. Sailed as master of banjue T. B. Rice, and the propellor Norlhcrner; (hen bouirhi the .schooner Louisa 
and sailed her three years; then bought the Clara and sailed her. In |.'^fi4, be married Miss Delphina Blair, 
of Quebec, Canada. "Thev have live children— Lorena, Nellie, Ilatlie, William, Charles H. 

E. S. PETIT, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a son of Simon and .Sophia Gerard Pelil, and was born in 
Port Huron November 4, 1847. He attended school here during his boyhood. During Ihc rebellion he en- 
listed in Ihe new Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of Ihe war After his relurn 
was connected wiih grocery trade and hardware and agricultural implement business. Was afterward ap- 
pointed Deputy Sheriff anA Deimtv Inited Slates Mar.'^hal. In April. 1S7H, was appointed Deputy Collector 
of Customs, and since then has held that position. He is ;»tively identified with (he State troops and holds 
commission of Licudnant Colonel of the Third IJegiment. In 1H71, he married Mi.ss Louise M. Nnlile. of this 
city, daughter of L. L. Nol)le. Thev have four children— Maud. Millie, Mary. Noble. 

THOMAS SlIOULTERS, contractor, is a naliv.' of Chemung Counly, N. V., and>as born .lune 2, 1843. 
Grew up in that Slate. After reaching manhood, he eaine lo Michigan; settled at Ann .\rbor; lived there ten 
years. In \8^), he came to Port Huron; hits for .some years be<n enga.i.red in contriu ling and building tele- 
graph lines, and fencing railroad track. The past year built over 2IHI miles of fence and lllO miles telegraph 
hne, and has contracts to build over .5(Kl miles tlie present year. He wa.s married November 1"), lS(i7. to Miss 
Elizabeth Howard, a native of Chemung County, N. Y. They have four children— Seymour, Cora, .Maud, 
.Vnnie. 

CllHIS H. W.VLTI;H, wood (baler, located corner Erie and Butler streets, is a native of Saxony and 
Was born February 11. 1848. His parents emigrated to America and came lo Port Huron during his early 
childhood; he grew up here; sailed on the lakes several years. In 1871, engaged in the wood and grocery 
trade, and since then for the pik-il eleven years has carrieil on the business here and owns Ihe jiroperty on the 
corner of Butler and Erie streets. In |S72, he married Miss Eliza Fish, daughter of George Fish, one of Ihe 
early selllers of this county. She diid November tC>, 1S7'.>. leaving three children— Mary, Nellie, Thomas. 
Christie. 



7M HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

H. N. WRIGHT. Rontrautor aiitl builder, is a native of Orange County, N. Y., iiud w:is Ijoru Augiisl !», 
l!S13. When si.vteen years of age, he went to Dutchess County, where he learned the trade of carpenter and 
joiner. Worked at his trade there and was afterward engaged in building jn that State many years. He 
eame to Port Huron in March, 18.56, and engaged in building. He built Merchants Exchange Block, Stew 
arl'.s Block, Dowliug Block, Howard's Block and Miller's Block and many others. He has been engaged in con 
trailing and buildirTg over a quarter of a century. In 1861, he engaged In manufacturing sash, doors and 
blinds, and carried on the Ijusiness for twenty years. He has been twice elected member of the City Council, 
In 18415, he married Miss Millie Corbin, a native of Dutchess 'County, N. Y. They have two children— Theo- 
dore R., now in the First National Bank; MMlie, now Mrs. South, of Windsor. They have lost one daughter 
— Matlie. 

MRS. CHARLOTTE MOXTROSS, P. O. Fort Gratiot, is a native of this county. Her father 
Jacob Miller, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Michigan soon after the war of 1813. In 
1833, he married Miss Henriette Co.x, a native of New Y'ork State, t^he came here with her brothers and 
sisters in 1830. After they were married, her liusband engaged in lumbering and farming. He was one of 
the earliest settlers and was prominently identified with business interests until hi.s death which occurred 
August 10. 18(50. He left four children; "only two survive; one sou, Benjamin, and one daughter, Charlotte. 
She was married in 1853, to James Monlross; he was a native of St. Thomas, Canada, and came to this coun- 
ty in 18'")1. and was engaged in business in Port Huron many yi'ars; then bought this farm and engaged in 
farming. He held the office of Supervisor. His death occurred June 21, 1874, leaving three children— Ben 
A., Jacob and Ella". Mrs. Mont^ss owns a goal farm of 1 J3 aires. Her mother, Mrs. Miller, is living with 
her. 

T. BARRON, farmer and dairyman, is a native of Grafton County, N. H., and was horn December 31, 
1818. Upon reacliing early manhood, he determined to come West to Michigan, and reached this county 
November 13, 1838. Entered his brother's store at St. Clair. The day after he reached his majority, was ap- 
pointed Under Sheriff of the county under Dr. Heath; remained in his brother's store t%Vo years; run on the 
old steamer Red Jacket one season; after a feW years started in the grocery trade, and engaged in that Imsi- 
ness some years. About the year 18.12, he bouglit the place where he now lives, and since then has been en- 
gaged in farming and dairviug. He owns 160 acres of land; his farm is finely located on the St. Clair River 
adjoining tlie town of that' name. Mr. Barron held the office of Sheriff and Constable mnny years, and was 
Deputy United Stales Marshal two years under Warner Wing; was also Town Clerk. Justice of Uie Peace 
and Director of Union School. In 1848. hi- married Miss Sophia P. Carleton, a native of Grafton, N. II. Hei' 
parents. Israel Carleton and Nancy Deming, were early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Carleton have 
two sous— Timothy D., George C. They lost one daughter — Lila E. 

R. S. HOLLAND, Deputy Collector Customs, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in the town 
of Fort Gratiot February 18, 1841, his parents being early settlers there ; he began sailing when only eleven 
years of age on the schooner B. G. Alk-n ; hesailedtintil the war broke out, then enlisted in the three months 
service. Afterward re-enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second Regiment Michigan Infantry ; was wounded at 
Le.vington, Ky. After the war, he returned and sailed master of schooner Emma Leighton, and the J. K. 
Lo( kwood. the Alpena and the Maggie. In 1873, he was appointed Deputy Collector, and since then for the 
past eleven vears has held that position. In 1878. Capt. Holland married Miss Mary Markle ; she is a native of 
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